Women as Builders of Parity Democracy in Mexico

Women as Builders of Parity Democracy in Mexico provides an in-depth analysis of how Mexico has achieved gender parity in both its upper and lower houses, with women also governing one third of all states. The authors combine interviews with key actors, archival research and a deep understanding of Mexican politics to produce a much-needed analysis of both the enabling factors and the limits faced by women legislators, jurists and activists working in concert to bring gender equality into political life. The 11 chapters analyse the political processes involved, and the favourable judicial and democratic contexts that helped to bring positive results. While formidable obstacles remain in the path of achieving full and diversified equality for women, this excellent collection casts essential light on Mexico’s advances towards it. Maxine Molyneux, Professor of Sociology, Institute of the Americas, University College London Women as Builders of Parity Democracy in Mexico could not land at a more fitting moment. In a world where democracy itself is severely threatened, to say nothing of the gains made by organized gender equality movements over the past 50 years, the 2024 election of Claudia Sheinbaum to lead Mexico is, as the book’s editors write, “an unprecedented milestone for democracies across the Americas.” However, the overall tone of this well researched collection is far from celebratory. Through a complex comparative and historical lens, its authors/editors reveal not only Mexico’s and the region’s accomplishments (e.g. 17 female presidents in Latin America since 1974) but also the serious obstacles and challenges that persist—for Sheinbaum specifically and for feminist and all social justice movements more broadly. Anyone interested in gender studies and in Latin American politics and constitutional history will want to read this book. Rosaline P. Petchesky, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Hunter College, City University of New York Women in Mexico have been pioneers at the forefront of developing ‘gender parity’ laws and mechanisms as a means of bringing more women into political positions at the local, regional and national level. They have changed the political discourse and demonstrated that such special measures work in advancing democracy and do make a difference in society. Women as Builders of Parity Democracy explains how this was done and analyses both the successes and the limitations of such measures in a traditionally patriarchal culture, which just elected its first woman president in 2024. This book is a must read for women and men in any country who are interested in advancing the representation of women in politics and thinking seriously about what difference it can make. Charlotte Bunch, Founder of the Center for Women’s Global Leadership and Distinguished Professor of Women and Gender Studies Emerita, Rutgers University, New Jersey