Introduction
Despite significant normative advances in Mexico, the representation of women in local cabinets and municipal positions has seen a decline, according to the Gender Equality Observatory of Latin America and the Caribbean (Cepal).
Federal Executive Power
In the federal executive power, the proportion of women in the cabinet decreased from 38.1% in 2024 to 37.5% in 2025, indicating a slight decline amidst an official discourse promoting gender parity.
- Key countries with more balanced gender representation in cabinets: Chile (50%), Colombia (47.4%), Ecuador (42.1%), Granada (42.1%), and Panama (45%).
- Mexico’s current cabinet, under Claudia Sheinbaum, has 11 secretariats led by women out of 22.
The secretariats led by women are: Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Ariadna Montiel, Alicia Bárcena, Luz Elena González, Raquel Buenrostro, Edna Vega, Claudia Curiel, Josefina Rodríguez, Rosaura Ruiz, Citlalli Hernández, and Ernestina Godoy.
Municipal Level
Cepal’s estimates also revealed a decline in the percentage of female mayors: from 23.6% in 2021 to 22.9% in 2024.
Addressing the Issue: Expert Opinions
Experts consulted by El Economista suggest that adjustments to laws, along with cultural changes and the promotion of female leadership at all levels of executive and local administration, are necessary to reverse this trend.
- Paulina Suárez, coordinator of Education at Unión Mujer, emphasizes the importance of incorporating women’s perspectives and experiences that address their daily needs, rather than merely fulfilling quotas.
- Martha Tagle from Mujeres Ideal Desarrollo e Investigación explains that while normative advances have been made, they haven’t been consolidated at the local level where traditional power dynamics persist.
Tagle adds that without translating the official discourse on gender equality into institutional integration criteria, decisions tend to reproduce biases and traditional power logics. Men continue to dominate decision-making processes regarding appointments.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current state of female representation in Mexican cabinets?
- Q: How do other Latin American countries compare in terms of gender balance in cabinets?
- Q: What are the suggested solutions to improve female representation in Mexican cabinets and municipalities?
- Q: Why is it crucial to have women in strategic cabinet positions?
A: Although there have been significant normative advances, Mexico has experienced a slight decline in female representation in cabinets, dropping from 38.1% in 2024 to 37.5% in 2025.
A: Countries like Chile (50%), Colombia (47.4%), Ecuador (42.1%), Granada (42.1%), and Panama (45%) have more balanced gender representation in their cabinets compared to Mexico.
A: Experts recommend legal adjustments, cultural changes, and the promotion of female leadership at all levels of executive and local administration.
A: Having women in key positions, such as the Secretary of Economy, is essential for guiding resource distribution with a gender perspective and breaking traditional power patterns.
