As part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, all women members of the federal cabinet, along with several senior officials, attended President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference on Tuesday. Governors from across the country also joined remotely to sign a pledge outlining ten actions in support of women.
Citlalli Hernández, Mexico’s Secretary of Women, opened the event by emphasizing that women are not alone and that the country is working toward true equality.
Policies Supporting Women in Mexico
President Sheinbaum dedicated her morning briefing to the nationwide fight against gender-based violence, highlighting the federal programs available to support women. These include the Mujeres Bienestar pension program, assistance for working mothers, and the 678 “libre” centers across the country that provide services related to violence prevention and women’s autonomy.
She also referenced the National Network of Women Lawyers, the Women’s Hotline (079), the National Network of Weavers of the Nation, and the Women’s Rights Handbook.
“Today we say to all women: violence is not normal. It must be reported, it must be confronted,” Sheinbaum stated.
16 Days of Activism
The president noted that the annual “16 Days of Activism” begins on November 25 and runs through December 10, International Human Rights Day. This year’s call to action focuses on three priorities: combating sexual violence, addressing digital violence, and promoting men’s participation in building a fair and violence-free society.
Moni Pizano, representing UN Women, stressed that violence against women takes many forms, including its most severe expressions such as sexual violence and femicide, and that it can occur in all spheres of life, including through digital platforms.
Origins of the Day
Sheinbaum also recalled the origins of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established to honor the Mirabal sisters — Patria, Minerva, and María Teresa — who were murdered under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic.
“Today Mexico sends a message to the world: no national project is compatible with violence against women,” she said.
At the end of the event, governors from all 32 states signed a national commitment to strengthen protections for women and to work toward harmonizing legislation across the country.
Baja California Joins the Commitment
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda reaffirmed her state’s support, saying that with a transformative vision, Baja California is joining the national effort to safeguard women’s lives, dignity, and well-being.
“The days of indifference toward violence are over. This is the time of women and of governments that truly defend them,” she said.
