June 3rd 2024.
Mexico City has made history as Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the first female president in the country. This is a significant milestone for a nation that has been predominantly governed by men for over two centuries. While other Latin American countries have had female leaders in the past, Mexico has been slower to break the glass ceiling. Women were granted the right to vote in 1953, but they have still faced challenges due to deeply ingrained sexism and macho culture.
In the current presidential race, Sheinbaum maintained a comfortable lead over her opponent, Xóchitl Gálvez, and only two other women have officially run for the presidency in Mexico's history, both unsuccessfully. However, Sheinbaum's campaign was not without its challenges as she struggled to establish her own identity and move out of the shadow of her mentor. Despite this, women currently hold prominent positions in Mexican institutions such as the Senate, Supreme Court, and National Electoral Institute. Mexico also ranks third among Latin American countries for the most women in the national Cabinet and has ten female governors in its 32 states. However, there is still progress to be made as men continue to hold power in some Indigenous villages.
One of the critical issues facing Mexican women is femicide, or the killing of women because of their gender. On International Women's Day, there are often protests and demonstrations to bring attention to the alarming number of women who are killed or disappear daily in Mexico. The statistics are staggering, with up to 10 women falling victim to femicide each day, and in 2023, the number totaled 3,000. Many mothers of missing or murdered women have taken it upon themselves to search for their loved ones, feeling let down by the government's lack of action. Unfortunately, most femicides go unpunished due to Mexico's inefficient justice system.
Gender-based violence is also a widespread issue in Mexico, with over 40% of women aged 15 and older reporting that they have been victims of some form of violence in their lives. In her campaign, Sheinbaum promised to implement measures to address this issue, such as creating an anti-femicide prosecutor's office and introducing legislation that would force offenders to leave their homes. She has been praised for her efforts, but some feminists and activists have criticized her for not having enough gender-related policies. The excessive use of force against women during demonstrations has also been a point of concern.
Teenage pregnancy is another concern for Mexican women and girls, with over 147,000 births among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in 2021 and over 3,000 among girls under 15. While the Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that laws prohibiting abortion are unconstitutional and violate women's rights, there is still work to be done at the state level to remove all penalties. Currently, 12 of Mexico's 32 states have decriminalized abortion, but there are still challenges in making it safe, accessible, and government-funded. Sheinbaum did not address this topic during her campaign.
The gender employment gap is also a significant issue for Mexican women, with only 47% of women employed compared to 76% of men. Many women hold informal jobs and spend an average of 43 hours per week on household chores, limiting their time and opportunities in the labor market. Factors such as education and access to public transportation also play a role, and women typically earn less than men, with a 6% gap in Mexico City and up to 25% in other states.
As Claudia Sheinbaum prepares to take office on October 1, she will need to address these pressing issues facing Mexican women. While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in achieving gender equality in the country. Follow the AP's coverage of global elections at: https://apnews.com/hub/global-elections/.
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