Silent Protest in Valletta: Maltese Women Demand Reproductive Rights

Valletta Silent Protest: Maltese Women Demand Abortion Rights A powerful silent protest unfolded in the streets of Valletta, Malta yesterday, marking International Day of Action for Women’s Health. Dozens of women, dressed in traditional black għonnella, participated in a moving demonstration against Malta's restrictive abortion laws. The women, organized by the Voice for Choice coalition, walked silently, carrying a large banner featuring powerful imagery and the Maltese phrase, "noħlom b’ġisem li hu biss tiegħi" (I dream of a body that is mine alone). The banner, designed by artist Lana Spiteri, incorporated symbols representing feminism, justice, fertility, and the Maltese landscape. One participant stated, "There is no other healthcare issue that is so heavily restricted. Our lives do not belong to us, but are governed by laws rooted in the 19th century." The silent nature of the march highlighted the silencing effect of Malta's abortion laws and the stigma surrounding the issue. The activists hope to bring attention to the injustice faced by women and non-binary individuals in Malta and advocate for the decriminalization and destigmatization of abortion. The protest concluded with the women gathering near St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, a powerful symbol of their continued fight for reproductive rights.