In a historic move for Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum has taken a bold step to tackle gender discrimination head-on just days into her presidency. As the first woman to hold the highest office in the nation, Sheinbaum unveiled a comprehensive package of reforms designed to uplift women’s rights in a country plagued by some of the highest levels of gender violence in the world.
Why It Matters
On her second full day in office, Sheinbaum made it crystal clear that her administration is committed to creating a more equitable society. Among the proposed changes is a constitutional guarantee for equal pay, a crucial step considering that women currently earn only 65 pesos for every 100 pesos earned by their male counterparts, as highlighted by the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness.
But the reforms don’t stop there. Sheinbaum’s ambitious agenda aims to ensure freedom from violence against women and mandates gender parity in government cabinets at both state and federal levels. To bring these changes to fruition, the plan seeks to modify six articles of the Constitution and seven secondary laws, a move that seems likely to sail through Congress, where her party, Morena, and its allies hold significant sway.
What They Are saying
“It’s time for women,” Sheinbaum declared, echoing a sentiment that resonates deeply in a society where gender discrimination has persisted for far too long. The president emphasized the importance of educating women about their rights and ensuring they can identify and combat gender-based discrimination. As part of this effort, her government plans to create a “women’s bill of rights” to empower female citizens.
“The wage gap and violence against women stem from deep-seated discrimination,” she stated, acknowledging the urgent need for systemic change. Sheinbaum’s cabinet reflects this commitment to women, featuring the nation’s first female minister who has taken a leading role in outlining these proposals.
While Mexico has made significant strides in increasing women’s representation in government, including the appointment of the first female president of the Supreme Court and achieving gender parity in Congress, the fight against gender-based violence continues to be a pressing issue. A staggering survey conducted in 2022 revealed that over 70% of women and girls aged 15 and older reported experiencing some form of violence, marking a troubling increase from previous years.
Bottom Line
The sad reality is further highlighted by the fact that, on average, between 9 and 10 women are killed every single day in Mexico. Such alarming statistics have fueled protests and demands for accountability, revealing the urgent need for real change.
