A milestone in the gender agenda: inauguration of the XVI Regional Conference
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo inaugurated from the National Palace the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, an event that brings together international leaders to promote equity policies. In her speech, she emphasized that the current moment represents a historical watershed: “It is not only a time for women in Mexico, but in the entire world,” she declared, underlining the importance of including all voices, especially those historically marginalized.
Context and legislative progress
Sheinbaum linked his administration to the so-called Fourth Transformation, a movement that since 2018 has sought to vindicate the rights of vulnerable groups. He highlighted key reforms such as:
- The substantive equality enshrined in the Constitution.
- The Women’s Rights Booklet, an educational tool for legal empowerment.
- The National Care System, which redistributes unpaid domestic work.
- The National Network of Weavers of the Homeland, focused on female economic development.
These measures, according to the president, seek to guarantee universal access to health, education and housing, in addition to eradicating gender violence. Data from ECLAC support its urgency: Latin America registers 4,050 femicides annually (2022), and 30% of women lack economic autonomy.
Global alliances and recognitions
The presence of figures such as Michelle Bachelet (former President of Chile) and Sima Bahous (UN Women) evidenced the multilateral scope of the event. Bahous described Sheinbaum’s election as “a symbol for regional democracy”, while José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs (ECLAC) highlighted that this conference—active since 1977—is the only intergovernmental forum that has shaped gender policies for five decades.
Clara Brugada, Head of Government of CDMX, recalled the historical role of women in national construction, while Secretary Citlalli Hernández emphasized Sheinbaum’s double achievement: being the first president of Mexico and North America.
Impact and future projection
The event, held at the Tlatelolco University Cultural Center (August 12-15), lays the foundations for the Regional Gender Agenda 2025-2030. Analysts agree that its success will depend on:
- The local implementation of international agreements.
- The allocation of specific budgets for equity programs.
- The active participation of private sectors and civil society.
Sheinbaum closed his speech with a call for collective action: “Recognizing those who were silenced is everyone’s task.” A message that resonates in a context where, according to the World Bank, only 25% of Latin American parliaments have female representation.
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