Women's Rights Advocate Sheinbaum Kicks Off the XVI Regional Conference on Women - "It's high time for women globally," she declares

In a significant move towards gender equality and women's rights, the Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum, is taking bold steps to create a more inclusive society.

At the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, held at the National Palace, President Sheinbaum emphasised the importance of women's rights not just in Mexico, but globally. She stated, "It's not just women's time in Mexico, but in the world at large."

The conference, which brings together various governments in the region, is focusing on promoting gender equality and women's rights. Mexico is being highlighted for its contributions to the recognition of women's rights, with Citlalli Hernández, Secretary of Women in Mexico, stating that the Latin America and the Caribbean region has a lot to contribute to the world in this regard.

One of the key initiatives by the Sheinbaum administration is the constitutional reform for gender parity. Mexico has adopted one of the most ambitious gender equality efforts, committing to "parity in everything." This has led to significant representation of women in political leadership, with 13 women governors out of 23 states.

The administration also strongly emphasises women's leadership and participation as a central goal, encapsulated in campaign themes like "This is the time for women."

To tackle practical barriers faced by women, the government is encouraging the implementation of policies that make period products universally free for adolescent girls. Such initiatives would improve health, education, and well-being by reducing school absences and challenging societal taboos.

Moreover, President Sheinbaum inaugurated the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, where countries adopted the Tlatelolco Commitment. This commitment establishes a decade of action (2025-2035) focused on accelerating substantive gender equality and advancing a care society.

In addition, the Women's Secretariat, headed by Citlalli Hernández, will create more than 2,500 Free Centers, one for each municipality in the country. These Centers for Education and Child Care (CECI) will care for the children of working mothers.

The Women's Secretariat will also implement welfare programs focused on supporting women in multiple stages of life and will distribute a Women's Rights Chart to each household.

The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), José Manuel Salazar, stated that the gender agenda promoted by the region's governments is a "powerful political signal" that places it at the forefront of the world.

Recognising all people, regardless of their roles, is fundamental, and recognising those who have been historically denigrated and abandoned is a task for all, according to President Sheinbaum. She emphasised that the fourth transformation of Mexico would not have been complete without women's participation in public life.

While direct government-led programs on education or women's employment from Sheinbaum's administration may not be immediately visible, private sector initiatives complement broader efforts to empower women. For instance, ABB’s Women Leadership Programs in Mexico are a testament to this.

In summary, the Mexican government under President Claudia Sheinbaum prioritises constitutional gender parity reforms, representation in political leadership, improved access to menstrual health products, and regional gender equality commitments as its core strategies to address gender inequality and promote women's rights.

Women's Rights Advocate Sheinbaum Kicks Off the XVI Regional Conference on Women - "It's high time for women globally," she declares