Explained: Mexico’s Long Journey to Its First Female President

Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday was elected as Mexico’s first female president, marking a milestone in the history of the Central American country. Her election is particularly significant given Mexico’s notorious reputation for gender bias. According to Time Magazine, every hour at least one woman disappears, and every day 11 women are killed due to violence.

Who is Sheinbaum?

Sheinbaum, the former mayor of Mexico City, follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, left-wing leader Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO). The 61-year-old is a climate scientist, who secured the presidency with 58.3% to 60.7% of the vote, according to a rapid sample count by Mexico’s electoral authority.

Her election is notable in a country where 90% of people harbour negative biases against women, particularly female politicians. Despite this, millions cast their votes for female candidates, including those supported by the opposition.

A Gradual Shift Towards Gender Parity

The rise of blatant feminism in Mexico is not a sudden phenomenon but a gradual evolution, supported by the deliberate construction of a legal framework to foster gender parity. In 1996, the Mexican parliament took a significant step towards gender equality by passing a law recommending that 30% of candidates should be female. This initiative laid the groundwork for further advancements in gender parity over the following decades.

Sheinbaum’s election is a testament to the progress made in gender equality in Mexico, despite the significant challenges that remain. As she steps into her new role, the nation will be watching to see how she addresses the critical issues of violence against women and continues the fight for gender parity.