Significance of Equal Gender Rights in Mexico
In the heart of Latin America, Mexico has been making strides towards gender equality, a fundamental human right prioritised by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
A significant milestone was reached in 2005 when sexual violence within a marriage was finally made illegal. However, the UN has reported cases of child marriage and high rates of domestic violence, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
The song 'El violador en tu camino', composed by Chilean women in 2019, has gained significant popularity in Mexico, sparking conversations about sexual violence. Its lyrics, 'And the fault wasn't mine, not where I was, not how I dressed,' indicate a shift in public sentiment away from blaming victims of sexual violence.
Women in Mexico face a wage gap, earning 14% less than men on average. This disparity is not exclusive to urban areas; girls in rural regions also have less access to education compared to boys.
Efforts to address these inequalities have resulted in concrete advances. The Congress of the Union in Mexico approved a law that makes sending other people's intimate photos and videos punishable with jail time.
Organizations dedicated to eliminating gender disparities and improving women's living conditions in Mexico include civil society groups like the Movimiento por Nuestros Desaparecidos, which also addresses women’s rights issues, and international cooperation programs supported by organisations such as Brot für die Welt.
Moreover, opportunities to contribute to gender equality initiatives are available through GVI's volunteer programs in countries like Cambodia, Nepal, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Ghana. GVI has been involved in women's empowerment for over twenty years, focusing on educational enhancement, healthcare education, and income-generating initiatives.
A testament to the growing importance of gender equality in Mexico is the establishment of women's suffrage 63 years ago. Today, 73.3% of women over fifteen are mothers, a clear demonstration of women's active role in society.
As Mexico continues to strive for gender equality, the conversations sparked by songs like 'El violador en tu camino' and the actions of organisations dedicated to gender equality will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable future.
