Moving from Formal to Substantive Equality
theoretically equal before the law, differences and disadvantages were not acknowledged. At this stage, quantity was the preoccupation. Third, she described the struggle for meaningful representation in all political decision-making roles, from municipalities to the executive branch – not superficial representation in the peripheries. We are now in this third stage, where not just the quantity but the quality matters.
To illustrate barriers to women’s full political participation, Ms. Sauri noted that in Mexico, few women preside over legislative commissions. Those that do tend to head the commissions dealing with issues traditionally considered women’s responsibilities, such as vulnerable populations, gender equality, human rights, children’s rights, migration, and culture. There is a stark absence, on the other hand, of women on commissions considered more masculine, such as those dealing with foreign relations, security, the armed forces, or the economy.
She asserted that it is insufficient for women to merely reach national parliaments.
Now it is time to generate the conditions
to exercise a political responsibility free
from the gender stereotypes that put
women on certain commissions and
exclude them from others, that put women forward for certain candidacies but
eliminate them when it comes to being
governor or president of the country.
Ms. Sauri highlighted the following five challenges to overcome
in the Mexican context:
· Consolidation of access to seats in the legislature. Political
parties must continue to be monitored to ensure that there are no setbacks where women have made gains.
· Sustainability of women’s political participation. It should no
longer be an accident or a fortunate surprise when women are elected. In the future, the gender of a successful candidate should be no more noteworthy in the public eye than the gender of man in power now.
· Recognition of the differences and disadvantages facing
women in politics. Sufficient funding must be allocated to train women in political empowerment.
· Implementation of affirmative action measures for legislative
commissions. Women’s leadership cannot be confined to positions that are extensions of their traditional roles as mothers and caregivers.
· The fight for a culture supporting real gender equality. The
testimonies of participants at the current Gathering speak to the crucial task of combatting harmful stereotypes that perpetuate the power structures sustaining inequalities.
In closing, Ms. Sauri said, "We will have to continue fighting so
that the values tied to substantive and effective equality are those that end up prevailing for social harmony."
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