Long road to gender parity

Pierre J.Mejlak argues against the Nationalist party's pro-women amendments approved by the PN general council. He claims that competent women do not need such rules to make it to the top of the party structures. From Books and Beans:

Any woman interested in politics can penetrate the party's grassroots and if she's good enough she can very easily end up in the party's general council. Then, if she happens to be a good politician, she can fight for a seat in the executive. That would be a woman who has what it takes. She has struggled to achieve her place and so rightly deserves it. Is there any urgent need to make the road any easier?! One of the amendments facilitating the way for women to climb up the party's ladder was approved by 56 votes in favour and 40 against. That's not what I call a strong vote in favour..

Dean in British Columbia, Canada links Malta's STV electoral system with the lack of female representation in public life