Introduction to Gender Equality Budget and Allocation
Mexico’s proposed budget for 2026, known as the Presupuesto de Egresos de la Federación (PEF), has allocated a 13.8% increase to the Anexo 13, which focuses on gender equality. However, nearly half of these resources will be directed towards the Pension for the Well-being of Older Adults, a prominent social program since the previous administration.
Key Figures and Allocation
- Total budget for Anexo 13: 599,145 million pesos
- Percentage of resources for gender equality programs: 13.8%
- Amount allocated to Pension for the Well-being of Older Adults: 261,776 million pesos (43.7% of Anexo 13)
Analysis and Criticism
The Centro de Investigación Económica y Presupuestaria (CIEP) acknowledges the growth in gender equality funding but points out that most resources are concentrated in the Secretaría de Bienestar, specifically for the Pension for the Well-being of Older Adults. CIEP also notes that social program spending often lacks an intersectional or gender perspective, limiting its effectiveness in addressing the challenges faced by women in poverty, indigenous communities, or those with disabilities.
New Anexo: Cuidados (Care)
In addition to the existing Anexo 13, Mexico has introduced a new transversal anexo, Anexo 31, Consolidación de una Sociedad de Cuidados. This anexo aims to establish the foundations for a National Care System and reduce gender disparities.
Resource Distribution in the Cuidados Anexo
México Evalúa, a civil organization, explains that Anexo 31 is essentially a reclassification of existing resources across transfer programs. These resources, now grouped under the new transversal anexo, come from various sectors such as health, education, social development, and infrastructure. The common goal is to recognize care as a shared right and responsibility.
Understanding Transversal Anexos
Transversal anexos are budgetary tools that help identify, group, and monitor resources dedicated to priority themes or specific populations. These resources span across multiple federal government departments and programs, rather than being confined to a single secretariat.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the main focus of Mexico’s 2026 budget increase?
A: The primary focus is the Anexo 13, which aims to promote substantive gender equality by integrating a gender perspective into public policies.
- Q: How much of the Anexo 13 budget is allocated to gender equality programs?
A: Approximately 13.8% of the total Anexo 13 budget is designated for gender equality programs.
- Q: Which program receives the majority of resources from Anexo 13?
A: The Pension for the Well-being of Older Adults, managed by the Secretaría de Bienestar, receives 43.7% of Anexo 13’s resources.
- Q: What is the purpose of the newly introduced Anexo 31 (Cuidados)?
A: Anexo 31 aims to establish a National Care System and reduce gender disparities by recognizing care as a shared right and responsibility.
- Q: How are transversal anexos different from regular budget allocations?
A: Transversal anexos identify, group, and monitor resources dedicated to priority themes or specific populations that span across multiple federal government departments and programs.
