In a historic moment for Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum has emerged as the country’s first-ever female president. The election results, announced on June 2, 2024, have shattered gender barriers and set a precedent for women in Mexican politics.
Breaking Stereotypes
Being a woman in Mexico is no easy feat. The challenges are immense: women earn 16% less than men, and the gender gap in labor force participation remains one of the highest in Latin America. Shockingly, every hour, at least one woman disappears, and 11 women die violently each day. Against this backdrop, the election of Claudia Sheinbaum is a remarkable achievement
The Rise of Sheinbaum
Claudia Sheinbaum, a former mayor of Mexico City, is a loyal successor to the left-wing incumbent, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). Her victory in the June 2 vote reflects a significant shift in public perception. In a country where 90% of Mexicans harbor negative biases against women, and 58% hold specific biases against female politicians, millions of voters chose to defy these stereotypes.
Gender Parity in Mexican Politics
The empowerment of women in Mexican politics did not happen by chance. It resulted from a deliberate, gradual construction of a legal framework promoting gender parity. Notably, mandatory gender quotas played a pivotal role. Here’s how it unfolded:
- 1996: A law recommended that at least 30% of candidates should be female.
- 2002: The congress, which was 84% male, made gender quotas mandatory. However, voters could still elect men in primaries.
- 2011: Mexican women took their case to court, demanding the elimination of the exception. The court ruled in their favor, leading to rapid progress.
- 2015: Mexico had 42% congresswomen.
- 2024: Just before the recent election, women constituted 48% of the congress
A Global Milestone
Mexico’s achievement extends beyond its borders. It becomes the first North American nation to elect a female leader. Additionally, the country is expected to have the fourth-largest contingent of congresswomen globally, with women governing nearly half of its 32 states
Conclusion
Claudia Sheinbaum’s victory represents hope and progress. As she takes office, she carries the aspirations of millions of Mexican women who continue to fight for equality and justice. Her presidency marks a turning point, challenging stereotypes and inspiring future generations of female leaders. Mexico has spoken, and its message is clear: women belong in the highest echelons of power
