Women in Mexico’s Government Struggle to Advance to Senior Roles

Women in Mexico's Federal Public Administration (APF) face significant barriers to career advancement, despite an increase in representation from 34% in 2006 to 43% in 2023, according to a IMCO-Incubadora Míticas study. 

The study, based on interviews and focus groups with over 50 female officials across seven federal secretariats, identifies the primary obstacles impeding women’s advancement to higher-ranking positions as political interests, lack of inclusive workplace conditions, and gender-based violence.

One major barrier is the influence of political interests in hiring practices. Mexico’s federal hiring system, which relies heavily on trusted appointments, disproportionately benefits men, who hold 60% of senior positions, according to the study. Many of these appointments depend on the current political administration, making it difficult for women to achieve stable, long-term career growth.

Additionally, workplace conditions often lack inclusivity. The absence of flexible work arrangements, coupled with long hours, complicates efforts for women to balance personal and professional responsibilities. This challenge is particularly significant given that women bear a larger share of unpaid domestic labor, which limits their ability to pursue career advancement without sacrificing personal milestones, such as marriage or motherhood.

Gender-based violence further exacerbates the issue. Although reporting mechanisms exist within government institutions, women are often reluctant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation and or because reporting mechanisms and tools are inadequate. This reluctance perpetuates a culture where abuses go unaddressed, further discouraging women from seeking higher positions.

To tackle these challenges, the IMCO and Incubadora Míticas study recommends several measures, including the establishment of a centralized effort, ideally led by the Ministry of Women, to track and publish data on gender gaps within the APF. This would ensure that gender inclusion policies are effectively monitored across all federal agencies. Furthermore, the study advocates for the gradual implementation of flexible work policies, which would allow both women and men to balance professional and domestic responsibilities more effectively.

The study also calls for reforms to the Professional Career Service Law, ensuring that gender-inclusive policies are standardized and applied consistently across all secretariats. Finally, strengthening reporting mechanisms for gender-based violence, including guaranteeing anonymity for complainants and establishing parity committees, is crucial for fostering safer, more equitable workplaces for women in the public sector.