STRASBOURG, 1 October 2025 – As part of her official visit to the Council of Europe, President Myriam Spiteri Debono joined members of the Women@PACE group for an in-depth discussion on women’s empowerment and leadership. Reflecting on Europe’s ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality, the President highlighted both the progress made and the barriers that continue to impede women’s full participation in public life.
In her remarks, President Spiteri Debono reflected on the unfinished journey towards gender equality, acknowledging the visible progress made in recent decades while warning that “persistent hurdles are preventing women from breaking the glass ceiling once and for all.”
She highlighted the bias, stereotypes, and structural barriers that continue to limit women’s advancement, noting that navigating leadership as a woman too often requires “continually proving oneself while balancing professional responsibilities with broader social expectations.”
The President called for a cultural shift beyond policy reforms, stressing the importance of mutual empowerment: “When women support women, and experience is shared freely, the invisible walls that limit progress begin to crumble.”
She also underscored the need for cross-generational solidarity, emphasising the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of instilling confidence in young women and girls from an early age. President Spiteri Debono also stressed that men play a vital role as allies in dismantling inequality and ensuring that leadership becomes truly accessible to all. She urged a renewed spirit of ‘sisterhood in politics’ that transcends borders and generations, reminding participants that resilience is sustained by knowing that today’s efforts open doors for those who follow.
Also addressing the session, Hon. Naomi Cachia, Head of the Maltese Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly and the youngest woman currently leading a national delegation, called for a society in which women are not forced to “work harder to realise their ambitions solely because of their gender.”
Ms Despina Chatzivassiliou, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly, reflected on the power of mentorship, noting that she would not have become the first woman to hold the post without the encouragement and support of women members of the Assembly.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which participants shared personal experiences and discussed the challenges and opportunities facing women in politics and leadership today.