Commentary on Female Participation in Mexican Politics

Mexico Institute, 5/17/2012
by Diana Murray Watts and Eric L. Olson

Despite the small strides toward inclusion of women in Mexican politics, there remains much ground to be gained. The election of Josefina Vázquez Mota as the first female presidential candidate to run for a major political party (the PAN) marks a big step toward gender equality in politics. Mexican society as a whole, however, is still hierarchical – the male figure dominates family life, business, and politics. Many are still hesitant to grant women positions of power. For instance, the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) had to go as far as issuing a warning to political parties for failing to comply legal requirements that 40% of each party’s candidate lists for Congressional seats be reserved for women. While political parties originally responded negatively to the IFE’s warnings, ultimately the parties complied with the legal requirement. However, the mere fact that a legal framework is needed to ensure female participation in politics speaks volumes about the apparent lack of gender equality in Mexico’s democracy.