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By: Ellie Burgueno, Publisher, Writer and Journalist.
Mexico has made remarkable strides toward gender equity in the public sphere. With Claudia Sheinbaum as the nation’s first elected female president and a historic representation of women in Congress and the Judiciary, the country seems to be leveling the playing field. Yet, in the private sector—particularly in business chambers—the story is starkly different. Women face an uphill battle in a male-dominated environment riddled with outdated practices that perpetuate exclusion.
The numbers speak volumes. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), only 5% of business chambers in Mexico are led by women. This figure is particularly disheartening given that women make up 37% of the formal workforce and 34% of entrepreneurs in the country. Despite their growing economic presence, their access to leadership roles remains severely limited.
A World Bank study highlights that women in Mexico encounter greater challenges in securing financing and establishing vital business networks—key factors for climbing the competitive corporate ladder. Moreover, crucial business deals are often sealed in informal settings such as bars and private clubs, where male camaraderie reigns supreme.
Historically, success in Mexican business has heavily relied on personal relationships. Research by the Center for Economic Research and Teaching (CIDE) indicates that approximately 65% of significant business deals are finalized in social settings outside the office, reinforcing a culture that sidelines women.
Beyond mere exclusion, some sectors still adhere to an archaic “old school” mentality, where women are expected to offer personal or even sexual favors to advance professionally. According to the National Institute of Women (INMUJERES), 23% of women in senior business roles have experienced harassment or inappropriate proposals in professional contexts. These practices echo a bygone era when women had to compromise their dignity to secure contracts or career advancement.
While the public sector has enforced mandatory gender quotas, the private sector remains largely unregulated. As of 2023, the Business Coordinating Council (CCE) did not have a single female president, and only 10% of its committees included women in key positions.
This lack of inclusivity not only perpetuates inequality but also stifles economic growth. A report by McKinsey & Company reveals that companies with higher gender diversity in executive roles are 21% more likely to outperform their competitors in profitability.
Mexico must adopt more robust measures to ensure fair competition in the business world. This includes implementing gender quotas within business chambers and fostering policies that promote safe, inclusive work environments. Without legislative action, progress will remain slow and inadequate.
However, legislation alone is not enough. A cultural shift is essential. The private sector must recognize that female inclusion is not merely an ethical imperative but a strategic advantage for growth and sustainability. As long as outdated practices persist, Mexico will fail to harness the full potential of half its population.
Earlier this year, Esperanza Ortega Azar, president of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (Canacintra), highlighted these challenges. Speaking at the launch of Manufacturing with Female Leadership, Ortega Azar condemned the persistent “Old Boys’ Club,” a closed circle of male leaders dominating executive roles.
“Today, we must prove that the positions we occupy are not gifts; we’ve earned them through talent, dedication, and leadership. No one gives us anything!” declared Ortega Azar, the second woman in Canacintra’s history to hold the presidency. She expressed confidence that with a woman leading the nation, the path toward gender parity across all sectors would become clearer and more actionable.
Ortega Azar urged women to remain steadfast in their pursuit of equality. “These are women’s times, and we must show we are more than ready to lead,” she concluded.
Mexico’s business sector faces a pivotal moment. Embracing gender inclusivity is not just about fairness; it’s a catalyst for innovation and competitiveness. The nation has already set a precedent for gender equity in the public sphere. It’s time for the corporate world to follow suit.
Ignoring the talent and capabilities of women is a costly mistake. Gender equity is not just an aspiration—it’s the cornerstone of a prosperous and sustainable economic future.
