Introduction to Mónica Soto Fregoso and Her Role
Mónica Soto Fregoso, the presiding magistrate of the Superior Chamber of the Federal Electoral Power Judicial Tribunal (TEPJF), recently addressed the Committee for the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) at the United Nations. She acknowledged that despite progress, significant structural challenges remain, including the fact that only 28% of Mexico’s municipal presidencies are led by women.
Challenges in Addressing Violations of Women’s Rights
Soto Fregoso highlighted that one of the main obstacles in addressing violations of women’s rights is the limited scope of reparations for damages. She also recognized that gender-based political violence against women is a reality in Mexico, although she noted that the TEPJF annulled an election in Iliatenco, Guerrero, in 2021 due to gender-based political violence against an indigenous woman.
TEPJF’s Efforts in Promoting Gender Parity and Combating Violence
Since 2016, the TEPJF has issued 871 rulings related to gender parity and over 3,000 resolutions against gender-based political violence. Soto Fregoso emphasized that a TEPJF ruling led to the establishment of Mexico’s first federal parliamentary body in 2024, after more than a century of republican history.
Persistent Structural Barriers for Women’s Equity
During the second day of her testimony, Soto Fregoso acknowledged that, despite various gender-focused reforms and programs by the Mexican state, significant structural barriers still hinder full equity for women, particularly those in vulnerable situations.
Key Issues Facing Women in Mexico
Mexico faces important challenges, including the low labor force participation rate for women at 55.6% compared to 76% for men. Many women hold precarious jobs in the informal sector without access to social security. Caregiving responsibilities remain a significant barrier to their full labor inclusion, while issues like sexual harassment, economic violence, and the so-called “glass ceilings” limit their professional development.
In the health sector, Mexico acknowledged that nine states have yet to reform their abortion laws.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the role of Mónica Soto Fregoso? Mónica Soto Fregoso is the presiding magistrate of the Superior Chamber of the Federal Electoral Power Judicial Tribunal (TEPJF) in Mexico.
- What percentage of municipal presidencies are led by women in Mexico? Only 28% of municipal presidencies in Mexico are led by women.
- What challenges does Soto Fregoso highlight in addressing violations of women’s rights? Soto Fregoso points out that limited scope of reparations for damages is a significant obstacle in addressing violations of women’s rights.
- How has the TEPJF contributed to gender parity and combating violence? The TEPJF has issued numerous rulings related to gender parity and violence against women, leading to the establishment of Mexico’s first federal parliamentary body focused on gender equality.
- What structural barriers do women in Mexico continue to face? Women in Mexico face challenges such as low labor force participation, precarious employment, caregiving responsibilities, and limited professional development due to issues like sexual harassment and economic violence.
- What progress has been made in reforming abortion laws in Mexico? Nine out of Mexico’s 32 states have yet to reform their abortion laws.
