Mexico beats US in women's political power race: Here's the shocking truth
Mexicoʼs first female president wins big while US lags in womenʼs political representation. A 30-year journey of reforms made Mexico a top-4 country for women in politics‚ leaving America far behind
In a ground-breaking win earlier this year Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexicos first woman president; her victory marked by a 32-point lead over another female candidate. Meanwhile across the border‚ Kamala Harris campaign took a different path – avoiding any focus on gender-related milestones
The numbers tell an eye-opening story: Mexico reached full gender-parity in its Congress about 5 years ago (ranking 4th globally)‚ while the US sits at spot 75 with less than one-third women in the House. This gap exists despite Mexicoʼs late start – women there couldnʼt even vote until the mid-1900s
Its time for women
The path to this success started in the 90s with smart law-making. Mexico built step-by-step:
- 30% women candidates recommendation in ʼ96
- Mandatory quotas in early 2000s
- 40% requirement by late 2000s
- Full gender parity by mid-2010s
Yet challenges remain in day-to-day life. While Mexican women hold half the legislative seats‚ they occupy just 12% of corporate board positions – compared to Americas 28%. The country still faces high rates of gender-based violence‚ with enforcement being a key issue
The US stands as one of few nations without gender quotas‚ showing no signs of following Mexicos lead. Recent political discourse even saw Harris labeled as a “DEI hire“ – highlighting the different approaches these neighboring nations take to women in politics
Sheinbaum faces her own tests: questions about independence from her predecessor and managing relations with the US. But sheʼs already pushing forward‚ introducing reforms for wage equality and violence prevention just days after taking office
