As women in Mexico gear up for International Women’s Day on Saturday, activists are sounding the alarm over ongoing challenges and fragile progress during the first few months of Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency as the nation’s first female leader.
Since taking office in October, Sheinbaum has passed significant reforms to address the gender pay gap, enhance political representation, and strengthen the criminal justice system. Despite these strides, concerns loom as the United States threatens economic repercussions with fluctuating tariffs, while Sheinbaum faces criticism from her northern neighbor.
Wendy Figueroa, director of the National Shelter Network (RNR), which supports domestic abuse victims across Mexico, highlighted the impact of budget cuts on women’s safety and well-being. Despite a rise in individuals seeking assistance, state funding for 2025 saw a 4% reduction, jeopardizing critical support services.
With over 500 women already killed in Mexico in the first month of 2025, including cases of femicide, advocacy groups emphasize the need for sustained efforts to combat gender-based violence. Claudia Morales from Impunidad Cero raised concerns about a pending judicial reform that could undermine progress in femicide investigations, urging continued vigilance to uphold crucial principles.
Moreover, disruptions in foreign aid, such as the pause in the Con Justicia program due to the dismantling of USAID, further complicate efforts to address gender-based crimes and support victims in Mexico.
Despite these challenges, the upcoming women’s march in Mexico City, a significant event that draws large crowds, offers a platform to advocate for women’s rights and demand action. The march will culminate in the capital’s main square, coinciding with Sheinbaum’s rally to address U.S. tariff policies.
(Reporting by Sarah Morland and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
