Speaker Anġlu Farrugia Inaugurates “Her Voice” Exhibition Honouring Women In Malta’s Democracy

Parliament this week hosted the inauguration of Her Voice, an exhibition celebrating the women whose voices have shaped Malta’s democratic and social progress. The event was opened by Speaker of the House of Representatives Anġlu Farrugia, who delivered an address reflecting on the past and present role of women in public life.

The Speaker recalled that in 1947 universal suffrage granted Maltese women the right to vote and to stand for election, a turning point that gave rise to political pioneers such as Agatha Barbara. Elected as Malta’s first woman MP in 1947, Barbara went on to serve as Minister, later becoming the country’s first woman President. Her journey, marked by both leadership and sacrifice, paved the way for generations of women leaders.

From Barbara’s legacy rose other trailblazers, including current President Myriam Spiteri Debono the first woman to preside over Parliament — and President Emeritus Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, whose work centred on social inclusion and children’s rights. The Speaker also highlighted figures such as Giovanna Debono, Helena Dalli, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, each of whom has carried Malta’s voice nationally and internationally.

Farrugia noted that across three legislatures during his tenure as Speaker, women in Parliament have contributed as Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, MPs and Opposition leaders. He emphasised that they were not there to “fill numbers” but to legislate, challenge, and serve.

While the gender corrective mechanism opened the door, he said, it is their voices that have given strength to Malta’s democracy.

Concluding with a personal reflection, the Speaker invoked Mother Teresa, whose visits to Malta left a mark of compassion and service. “Mother Teresa’s voice is my voice. The women legislators I have mentioned — their voice is my voice. Their voice is our collective voice,” he said, before formally opening the exhibition.

The event was also addressed by Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms Rebecca Buttigieg, Opposition Spokesperson for Equality, Human and Civil Rights, and Children’s Rights Graziella Attard Previ, and Mrs Maria Ellul from the Human Rights Directorate.

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