Mexican State Progressing in Care System Construction, but Challenges Remain
Lourdes Jiménez Brito, representing the Inter-American Conference of Social Security (CISS) and organizer of the “Third National Meeting: The Future of Care in Mexico,” acknowledged that while there have been advances at both federal and state levels, including in the Mexico City, State of Mexico, Aguascalientes, and Jalisco where constitutions have recognized the existence of this right and are developing local care systems, there is still a long way to go.
Alexandra Haas, Executive Director of Oxfam Mexico, emphasized that progress is not only being made by the state but also by regional governments and municipalities. She highlighted that society civil is eager to participate in shaping public policy.
Importance of Care Clauses in Labor Contracts
During the second day of the national meeting, Natalia Juárez, President of the Observatory for Substantive Equality in Unions, stressed that including care clauses in collective labor contracts is essential for progress. She explained that feminist unionism demands real shared responsibility from employers and the state, not mere philanthropy.
BID’s Role in Care Development
Fernando Pavón, an expert from the BID’s protection social and labor markets division, pointed out that investing in care is investing in economic development, social inclusion, and gender equity.
The BID has been supporting the care agenda for several years, collaborating with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) to develop innovative care models for the elderly and early childhood.
Call for Constitutional Reform
Jiménez Brito and Haas urged the Senate to approve the constitutional reform minority report, unanimously passed by the Chamber of Deputies since 2020.
They emphasized that without legislation, the conceptual approach with a feminist and human rights perspective remains in Annex 31 but does not obligate federal entities or municipalities. A clear legal framework from the Mexican government is needed, especially for territorial action guidance.
Political Commitment to Care
Jiménez Brito recognized the strong political positioning of care in President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s agenda, who included the creation of a Progressive National Care System in her campaign and national development plan.
She has established federal care programs, such as Pensión Mujeres Bienestar, which compensates women who dedicated their lives to unpaid care work within the home.
Since January, the federal government created the Intersectoral Coordination Table for Care, bringing together over 22 federal agencies. Their efforts have led to the creation of a reference framework for understanding Mexico’s care approach, Annex 31, which outlines the government’s investment in federal care programs and policies.
Next Steps for Care System Consolidation
Haas stressed that the care system needs consolidation through public policy actions at municipal, state, and federal levels. Increasing budgets and expanding programs with broader coverage and diverse services are crucial to reduce women’s care time, redistribute responsibility, and ensure quality care for those receiving it.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current status of care systems in Mexico? There have been advances at federal and state levels, with some constitutions recognizing care as a right. However, significant challenges remain in creating comprehensive local care systems.
- Why are care clauses in labor contracts important? Including care clauses in collective labor contracts ensures shared responsibility from employers and the state, moving beyond mere philanthropy.
- What role does the BID play in care development? The BID supports care initiatives by collaborating with institutions like the IMSS to develop innovative care models for the elderly and early childhood.
- Why is constitutional reform necessary for care systems? Without legislation, the conceptual approach with a feminist and human rights perspective remains non-binding for federal entities and municipalities, necessitating a clear legal framework from the Mexican government.
- What progress has been made in care under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s administration? The administration has established federal care programs, such as Pensión Mujeres Bienestar, and created the Intersectoral Coordination Table for Care to develop a comprehensive care understanding and investment framework.
- What are the next steps for consolidating care systems in Mexico? Consolidation requires public policy actions at municipal, state, and federal levels, increased budgets, and expanded programs offering broader coverage and diverse services to ensure quality care for all.
