Introduction
In today’s political climate, words can be twisted and manipulated to serve various agendas. In Mexico, terms like “Pueblo,” “enemies of the Pueblo,” “Transformation,” and “Well-being” have been stretched to exclude the needs, pains, and demands of ordinary people. Similarly, the words “Women” and “Feminism” under President Sheinbaum’s administration have raised questions about their true meaning and impact.
The Rhetoric of “This Time for Women”
President Sheinbaum and her government’s insistence on calling this era “This Time for Women” reflects a penchant for deception among those in power and the inability of self-proclaimed “feminists” within the government to genuinely address gender issues. The persistence of such rhetoric, despite evidence of its hollowness, suggests either a skillful manipulation by the government or a lack of social resistance to challenge these misleading claims.
Case Study: The “Joven de Amajac” Statue
For instance, Sheinbaum’s efforts to install a statue of the “Joven de Amajac” near the existing Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan (Gloriette of Women Who Fight) demonstrate a disconnect from the concerns of civil society. The statue, placed aside the original gloriette to avoid further confrontations, fails to address the genuine interest her government should show towards missing persons and their families. Moreover, it raises questions about the manipulation of official crime statistics in Mexico City and the country to downplay the severity of violence against women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Policy Inconsistencies
The inconsistency between rhetoric and action is evident in several policy areas:
- Does a long list of female heroes on International Women’s Day compensate for insufficient funding to prevent and punish gender-based violence, including resources for safe houses?
- Is expanding pensions for women aged 60-65 enough to address the lack of funding for sexual and reproductive health services?
- How do projects like the predatory train and the interoceanic project serve the interests of “the People” when they have been linked to increased violence and displacement in the Isthmus region?
The Ethics of Feminism
True feminism requires coherence and ethical conduct. Prioritizing a functionary’s value to the movement over their detrimental impact on state publishing, culture, and editorial activities is not feminist. Reacting to criticism of male chauvinism with a “canon of female writers” instead of addressing the issue ethically is also not feminist.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Does President Sheinbaum’s administration genuinely prioritize women’s issues, such as preventing gender-based violence and ensuring access to sexual and reproductive health services?
Answer: There is concern that the administration’s focus on symbolic gestures, like International Women’s Day celebrations and canons of female writers, does not translate into substantive action addressing these critical issues. - Question: Are the government’s projects, such as the predatory train and interoceanic project, aligned with the interests of “the People”?
Answer: Critics argue that these projects have contributed to increased violence and displacement, raising questions about their true benefits for the Mexican population.
Conclusion
The inconsistency between President Sheinbaum’s feminist rhetoric and her administration’s policies has led to skepticism about the genuine commitment to women’s issues in Mexico. As society becomes more critical, it is essential to distinguish between genuine feminist action and mere political manipulation.
