Election fever is underway and we spoke to two mums who are contesting a local election for the first time this coming 3rd of June.
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight LL.D., LLM, has been practising law for the past 15 years. In 2006, she moved to the UK where she set up a boutique law firm, specialising in employment law. She served as a Gender Equality Expert reporting directly to the EU Commission for three years and in 2011 she set up Twenty-one Law in Malta to provide employment law advice to both employers and employees. Dr Borg Knight also develops and delivers employment training programmes locally.
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
Julia Farrugia Portelli worked at HSBC and in 1997 joined One News. She anchored and produced a number of current affairs and investigative programmes before moving on to Mediatoday and eventually taking the role of Illum editor. Her work won several awards including the European Award: For Diversity. Against Discrimination. For several years she served as Deputy Chairperson of The Institute of Maltese Journalists. Since 2014 she’s been Stakeholder and Communications Manager at Projects Malta, which falls under portfolio of the Office of The Prime Minister.
When did you decide to get into politics and why?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
It was around 3 years ago. I got to a point when I was complaining a lot so I thought to myself it would be better to do something about it than just sit and complain. So when the opportunity arose to get into politics I embraced it. I want to give my little share to hopefully make our country a better place.
When I joined, the Nationalist party had just lost an election with a colossal amount, and many thought I was crazy to take the leap. I knew a lot of people who felt disillusioned or disappointed but I strongly believed that the party needed new blood, new ideas and fresh energy. I wanted to be part of the change and regeneration that the party needed. I am loving the journey even though it is really hard work.
When did you decide to get into politics and why?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
I have been a journalist for the past 20 years. A few years ago, I was asked whether I preferred working on political stories than social stories. You can never single out one from the other. There’s no social achievement without the political platform and vice versa. As a student, I was elected to represent students at the Sixth Form and I never shied away from voicing my concerns.
Contesting the general election was not on my radar until a month ago. The Prime Minister had originally popped this question for the first time when Eliza our daughter was just 4 months old. Though I love politics, back then I could not picture myself going home late at night without seeing my baby. A month ago, this was still my major fear. But after discussing the matter with my husband, I said yes. I am using this short election campaign to drive the message that despite the struggles that we face when raising young children, we still can make it work. I am seeing this as the right moment to make my voice heard on important issues which I believe in.
What causes do you stand for? if any?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I stand for various causes and values, but the ones closest to my heart are equality for all, employment rights and obligations for both employer and employee, the environment, and education.
What causes do you stand for? if any?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
Throughout my career, I penned stories voicing people’s pleas to bring in change and social justice. I strongly believe in equal rights and to eradicate discrimination. When I look into people’s eyes I am always honest. I don’t like the approach of winning a vote through a blanche carte of electoral promises.
Are you a feminist? Why?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I don’t like labels and when it comes to feminism, different people understand different things by it. One thing’s for sure however I believe in equal opportunities. I believe that everyone, regardless of gender should have the same exact opportunity to achieve and succeed.
Are you a feminist? Why?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
I believe and stand for equal rights and equality – irrespective on whether the person is a man, woman or transgender. I find the word feminism a bit daunting. I, for one I am against quotas favouring women. But I do strongly push forward the idea of instilling change in our approach to politics. If we are seriously considering addressing female participation, be it in workforce, politics or otherwise, we have to introduce new measures to foster the right environment.
What inspires you?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
The younger generation inspires me more than anything.
Youths are the future of our country and because I feel that growing up I had opportunities to flourish, I want our youths today to have the same opportunities as I did, and more.
What inspires you?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
For the past years, I have worked closely with Prime Minister Joseph Muscat through Projects Malta, the Government’s arm working on Public Private Initiatives.
I know what he stands for. I love his quest to deliver and stick to targets. It is the first time in local politics that we’re heading to an election with 85% of the electoral pledges honoured. A breath of fresh air in local politics. And I am truly honoured of being part of this team.
As a mother, what do you think should change locally to make mums’ lives better?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I think that the family friendly measures that are being proposed by the PN will go a long way in making mothers’ and fathers’ lives better in Malta.
From free childcare, even for those who choose not to work outside the home, to free transport for children who attend Church or private schools, all this will make a big difference in parents’ lives.
As a mother, what do you think should change locally to make mums’ lives better?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
Mums and Dads should be equal. In an ideal scenario, the mother is not the one always cooking healthy meals and doing the laundry.
The introduction of free childcare to working parents was indeed a major feat for all. I believe that we must now work towards achieving new milestones as a country and to create sound structures to achieve work life balance.
Any tips to other mums for balancing career and motherhood?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
It is not easy. I do not feel I am in a position to preach about what it takes to be a good mother. I am doing the very best I can and possibly one thing I have learnt is that we all make mistakes and the most important thing is that we learn from them.
Another thing I have learnt is that, as mums we need each other’s support. Career or no career, balancing motherhood with everything else is challenging; whether it is with our career, relationships, friendships, house chores or personal hobbies. Understanding and supporting each other is a big step in helping us give the best we possibly can to our children.
As a working mum, a good support system from my partner and other family members is essential, as is good time management and the ability to set priorities and say no to things that are not so important.
Any tips to other mums for balancing career and motherhood?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
I remember serving on a 3 hour board meeting with my 5-month-old – breastfeeding and changing a nappy without anyone noticing. My tip is to never give up and challenge the idea of giving up one’s career to motherhood. An old friend of mine gave me another very valuable tip: after a long day at work switch off from any mobile or work duties, and give your child 100% attention.
There will be bad days when kids are unwell for 7 days in a row and consequently miss out on very important meetings. My honest tip is to never fear to express yourself at work. In a work environment dominated by males, I did challenge impromptu 9pm meetings. I did not fear to challenge meetings called on that single day when I was not available. My daughter’s first day at school was more important than my career – if you know what I mean.
A few weeks ago, during my daughter’s 2 week long Easter holidays I was asked to do a Cabinet presentation. And bingo – it was on the only day I was supposed to take care of her and had vacation leave booked. I juggled my way to the Office of the Prime Minister with my work bag, documents, a loadful of crafts and a wooden doll’s house with Eliza along. I told her that today she was going to see another side of my work. My statement on the day was that we need to address the issue that working parents face when it comes to long school holidays.
What has been the biggest challenge of being in politics?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
Finding the right balance between work, politics and family – juggling it all can get overwhelming at times.
What has been the biggest challenge of being in politics?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
Returning home close to midnight and seeing my 4-year-old fast asleep. I just tuck myself in bed with her, smell her skin and play with her tiny fingers. I do make up for these moments with loads of cuddles in the morning. On the eve of the first day I told her that together as a family we were going to embark on an exciting adventure. The secret to: always be kind to people and to help others…Her eyes twinkled.
What has been the biggest reward of being in politics?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I love listening to people and learning from them. The man in the street holds so much information and wisdom. I enjoy tapping into that source and find it very very rewarding.
What has been the biggest reward of being in politics?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
To be able to share the pain and happiness of others and to bring a smile on their face when you solve their case.
Do you worry about exposing yourself and your family to media scrutiny if you had to be elected?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I’m personally quite an open book and there isn’t much about me that isn’t public. What worries me most is having my son and family exposed to the limelight.
Do you worry about exposing yourself and your family to the media scrutiny if you had to be elected?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
I have no issue with legitimate media scrutiny. But I absolutely do not agree with anyone attacking or dragging along innocent kids, simply because their parents are serving in Parliament.
Whom do you admire the most in the whole world?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I don’t have a particular idol but I very strongly admire people who are driven and who go the extra mile to achieve their aspirations despite the challenges they might be facing.
Whom do you admire the most in the whole world?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
There’s a phrase which really inspires me: When you believe. I admire those people who believe in their dreams and work hard to achieve them – be it the 80-year-old lady whom I met last week and took an IT course. The lady at Hal Farrug who took her O Level exams with her daughter. I admire the young 27-year-old entrepreneur who believed in his dreams and now runs a successful business on the island. And I admire the lady I met in the 5th District who ended up with a 70% disability after an operation went wrong. This lady had to give up a successful career, and is now dedicating her energy to voluntary work with a local NGO.
Which district will you be contesting?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
I will be contesting on the 9th and 10th District – Gharghur, Msida, Swatar, San Ġwann, Kappara, Swieqi, Madliena, Ta’ Xbiex, Gżira, part of Naxxar, Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, Pembroke, San Ġiljan, Paceville, Sliema
Which district will you be contesting?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
5th District: I was born, raised and lived in Qrendi for the past 40 years and the 7th District, which in February adopted me when we moved to our new house in Rabat.
What is your message to all mums this mother’s day?
Dr. Roselyn Borg Knight:
With so many people advising and suggesting different things on how to bring up our children, always remember that mum knows best. So go with your gut, trust your instincts, there’s no right or wrong, and whether you choose to work outside the home is entirely up to you. Also, remember that on the 3rd of June, you have the power to choose capable women to represent you in parliament.
What is your message to all mums this Mother’s Day?
Ms. Julia Farrugia Portelli
I would like to address my message to the carers and guardian angels of all our children. The people working in orphanages, grandparents and fathers who have to fill in when the mothers are not at home. Mother’s Day is not about this Sunday – it is about appreciating the sacrifice each one of us takes up during each and every minute of being carers.
