The Context Women in Politics Worldwide, Women in Mexican Politics
The papers in this session addressed the issue of women in politics worldwide. Three themes ran throughout the session women's role in politics has been in areas related to the family (health, education, welfare, etc..); women have entered into political life during periods of crisis; and there is a need for a critical mass of women in politics to make a difference.
According to the speakers, the role of women in politics evolve around their roles in the home, for women traditionally have worked on issues dealing with health, education, and other welfare issues. Chaney pointed out that some women tried to break out of this mold, but that they have been unsuccessful. These roles were not only given to women by men, but some women have chosen these roles for themselves. Many of the presenters stated that women were more involved in local government and that this allowed them to be close to and care for their families. It was noted that many women believed that they could affect change the most at a level closest to where they live, and did not see a need to go the federal level.
There was agreement that women have become involved in public life in response to crisis, for example during the Mexican Revolution, World Wars, the earthquake of 1985, and during economic crises. During these times, more women were involved in public than before. However, when the emergency was over, both women and men expected them to "go home," so many women returned to the home to care for their family. Many presenters commented that a crisis is a way for accelerating democratic reform, and that once this reform begins it is hard to return to the status quo. Another important step to increasing the participation of women in the Mexican political system was that women gained the right to vote in 1953. Galeana stated that access to higher education has led to greater participation in public life.
Many of the speakers commented on the need for a critical mass of women in politics before there can be any real change in the political dialogue. The U.N. goal for female participation in all levels of government worldwide is at least 30%. However, there was disagreement over whether a critical mass had been reached in Mexico and a change had begun. Galeana mentioned that women in public life in Mexico is no longer the exception, but the norm, and pointed out that there are 15% women in the Mexican Legislature as compared to only 10% in the United States Legislature. However, Staudt stated that Mexico had the fewest number of women involved in public life of any Latin American country, although Mexican women had reached a "critical mass" level. Nonetheless, there was agreement that there is more
room for women to enter into politics. In summary, the discussion of this session provided the starting point for a recurring theme of the rest of the conference, that is, the possibility of establishing a quota of at least 30% women in each political party.