Mexico has taken a significant step towards gender parity in leadership, marking a historic milestone with the inauguration of its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum. As she assumes office, the country stands out as a leader in gender representation, surpassing the United States in this regard. Sheinbaum's administration features a cabinet comprised of 50% women and a Congress that is evenly split between men and women.
Claudia Sheinbaum, 62, elected on June 2 with nearly 60% of the vote, is not only the first female president but also Mexico's first Jewish president. She grew up in a politically engaged family, with her mother, Annie Pardo, being a prominent biologist. After earning a PhD in energy engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Sheinbaum became active in politics, serving as head of the environment department under then-Mayor Andrés Manuel López Obrador. She later won the mayorship of Mexico City in 2018.
In a recent statement, Sheinbaum asserted, "Never again should we hear the statement, 'You're prettier when you stay silent.' Those days are over in our country."
The Washington Post published a list of the women currently in political leadership positions in Mexico. Supporting Sheinbaum is Norma Piña, 64, the Chief Justice of Mexico, who became the first woman to become president of the Supreme Court of Justice in January 2023. Piña's journey began in an all-female household after the tragic loss of her father, the attorney general of Hidalgo state, at a young age. She emphasized the importance of gender equality, stating that her marriage included a division of household duties. After three decades in the judicial system, she advocates for its independence amid pressure from the executive branch.
Another key figure is Luisa María Alcalde, 37, who is the government minister. Born to politically active parents, Alcalde became involved in politics as a teenager and has steadily risen through the ranks. She served as labor minister and is now recognized as a prominent young leader in a political landscape historically dominated by older men. She is a prominent figure of a new generation of leftists making their mark in Mexican politics. When she secured the presidency of Morena at an assembly on September 22, she was dressed in jeans.
Victoria Rodríguez Ceja, 46, the governor of the Bank of Mexico, also exemplifies this new wave of leadership. Appointed in 2022, she is the first woman to head the central bank. Despite facing skepticism regarding her experience, she has been recognized as Latin America's Central Banker of the Year for her policies combating inflation. According to the London-based Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum, women lead only 16 percent of the 185 central banks worldwide.
Clara Brugada, 61, has taken on the role of mayor of Mexico City, a position viewed as a crucial stepping stone to higher office. Brugada's commitment to community service began in her youth and has shaped her political career, where she emphasizes a feminist perspective in governance. Her cabinet consists of 10 men and 11 women.
Lastly, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, 65, serves as the government minister, coordinating political affairs between the executive branch and the legislature. Her experience spans journalism and several key positions in government, and she has been a significant figure in security matters. In 2020, Rodríguez made history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of security minister in a presidential cabinet.
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