How Mexican Women Won Their Political Rights

On the 17th of October, 1953, an extraordinary shift took place in the political landscape of Mexico. Women across the country gained the right to vote and run for office, a historic achievement formally enshrined in the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States. This watershed moment marked the culmination of a decades-long battle waged by pioneering women, whose tireless efforts challenged a deeply patriarchal society. It was a victory not only for Mexico but for the global movement for gender equality, underscoring the interconnected nature of the struggles for women’s rights around the world.

This long-awaited triumph, however, did not emerge in isolation. Rather, it was the product of sustained and fervent advocacy, stretching back more than a century, by women whose lives and work underscored a growing imperative: the need for gender equity within the fabric of society and politics. In essence, the Mexican suffragists stood on the shoulders of giants from across the globe, borrowing and building upon ideas that had traversed continents and generations.

To understand the significance of the 1953 achievement, it is necessary to consider the broader historical context, for Mexico’s journey to women’s suffrage forms but one chapter in a larger narrative of political and social transformation. The formal roots of modern feminism can be traced to revolutionary France, where in 1791, the activist and writer Olympe de Gouges composed her seminal Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Citizen. This audacious document, a riposte to the exclusively male-centric Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen, demanded equality between men and women. Although de Gouges’s writings ultimately led to her execution, her legacy would echo throughout Europe, inspiring future advocates who would keep the embers of the feminist cause alive.

More than half a century later, in 1848, the American women’s rights movement gathered its first formal momentum at the Seneca Falls Convention in New York, marking a crucial step for feminism on the American continent. It was there that activists, led by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, drafted the Declaration of Sentiments, a manifesto advocating for equality and explicitly demanding women’s suffrage. Their work set the stage for further feminist mobilization across the United States and beyond, spreading both the language and the conviction of political equality.

New Zealand became the first nation to extend suffrage to women in 1893, setting an international precedent that reverberated globally. This landmark decision validated the tireless work of suffragists around the world and demonstrated that legal recognition of women’s political agency was possible. The following decades saw similar progress in other parts of the world, notably in the United Kingdom and the United States. Women in these two nations, after years of intense activism, secured the right to vote in 1918 and 1920, respectively. In each case, the achievement of suffrage represented a seismic shift in the political and social order, signaling the beginning of an irreversible transformation in the perception of women’s roles within public life.

In Mexico, the feminist movement took root at the turn of the 20th century, at a time of widespread social upheaval and reformist aspirations. The Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) prompted intense discussions around civil rights, and feminist leaders seized this opportunity to advocate for women’s inclusion in political life. While revolutionary ideals championed justice and equality, they largely neglected the specific rights of women. In response, Mexican feminists mobilized, drawing inspiration from the achievements of their counterparts in New Zealand, the United States, and Europe.

Among the notable figures in Mexico’s feminist movement were Elvia Carrillo Puerto and Hermila Galindo. Carrillo Puerto, often referred to as La Monja Roja (The Red Nun), fought for women’s rights, particularly among indigenous and rural communities, while Galindo advocated for women’s suffrage and greater educational access. These leaders worked not only to advance a uniquely Mexican feminist agenda but also to galvanize public opinion, transforming the discourse around women’s political participation.

Despite the strength and dedication of these activists, it would take another generation before Mexican women saw the fruits of their labours. Their persistence was ultimately rewarded when President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines signed the amendment to the constitution in 1953, a milestone that granted women both the right to vote and to run for office in federal elections. This marked the end of a long and arduous battle, yet it was also a new beginning, symbolizing Mexico’s entry into an international community of nations that had recognized women’s political rights.

As Mexican women celebrated their newfound political rights, they joined a lineage of suffragists whose efforts stretched back centuries. This shared struggle, which transcended borders and ideologies, underscores an essential truth: the advancement of women’s rights has always been, and continues to be, a collective and global effort. Though the path to equality has been neither linear nor uniform, each victory has laid a stepping stone for the next, pushing society towards a world where gender does not determine one’s political agency.

The United Nations, formed in the aftermath of World War II, underscored this commitment to gender equality by establishing policies aimed at protecting women’s rights and promoting their roles in decision-making processes. Such initiatives exemplified the growing global consensus that gender parity was not merely desirable but essential for the realization of a just society. Mexico’s 1953 achievement resonated within this international framework, affirming the nation’s commitment to progressive values and its readiness to engage in the global discourse on gender equality.

A Timeline of Women's Political Rights in Mexico

Marking an end to one struggle and the beginning of another, the constitutional amendment of October 17, 1953, stands as a landmark event in Mexican history, enshrining the right of women to vote and hold public office. This triumph, however, was not a simple nor swift concession. It was the culmination of a century-long campaign, ignited in part by the Feminist Congress of 1916 and sustained by women like Hermila Galindo and Aurora Jiménez, who challenged patriarchal traditions and pressed for meaningful political reform.

While the vote brought Mexican women closer to political parity, it was only the initial step in a larger pursuit of equality. Despite gaining formal rights, their inclusion in high-ranking political roles would unfold gradually and unevenly, underscoring the distance yet to be traveled in the journey toward genuine equity in political life.

The exclusion of women from political life in Mexico can be traced back to the Federal Constitution of 1824, the first constitution of independent Mexico. In constructing a nascent government, the framers of this document codified the existing patriarchal order, which relegated women to the private sphere and denied them a voice in national affairs. This exclusion laid the groundwork for a political structure that would hold women at arm’s length from meaningful civic engagement for over a century.

While Mexico’s independence movement had championed ideals of freedom and equality, these principles were applied selectively. Women who had been involved in the nation’s fight for independence quickly found themselves marginalized once the revolution was won. Their sacrifices went largely unacknowledged, and the rigid social structures that had previously barred their involvement in public life were reaffirmed rather than dismantled.

The early 20th century ushered in profound changes as the Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) challenged the nation’s social and political order. This era of upheaval saw calls for comprehensive reforms, including land redistribution, labor rights, and educational opportunities. Yet, despite the revolutionary climate, the resulting 1917 Constitution did not extend voting rights to women. While some leaders argued for women’s suffrage during the drafting process, others balked, concerned that granting such rights might destabilize the newly established political order.

The Revolution, however, sparked an enduring conversation on women’s roles in society. As men left to fight, women assumed a variety of roles in factories, hospitals, and even the frontlines, leading many to question the longstanding constraints on their participation in public life. Women’s political clubs and organizations emerged during this period, most notably culminating in the 1916 Feminist Congress. Although the congress did not result in immediate legal changes, it began to popularize the notion of political rights for women, establishing a foundation that would drive further action in the coming decades.

In 1937, President Lázaro Cárdenas took an unprecedented step by formally proposing an amendment to grant women full suffrage. A progressive figure in Mexican politics, Cárdenas saw women’s rights as a necessary component of social justice. His administration, however, faced considerable resistance from conservative factions who argued that such a move could disrupt social harmony.

Cárdenas’s proposal was shelved, postponed by the political realities of his time. Yet, his attempt was a significant milestone, symbolising an official endorsement of the concept of women’s political inclusion. This period also marked a turning point in Mexican feminism, as activists began to adopt a more assertive and organized approach to their demands, laying the groundwork for future legislative advancements.

In 1947, the Mexican government amended Article 115 of the Constitution, permitting women to vote in municipal elections. This was a cautious, incremental step, yet it represented the first formal recognition of women’s political agency. Although limited in scope, the reform signaled a gradual shift in attitudes towards women’s roles in public life. Women could now participate in local governance, serving on town councils and influencing community decisions.

This reform had a ripple effect, encouraging more women to become involved in political activities at the grassroots level. While the reform fell short of granting full suffrage, it symbolized an important victory that emboldened the feminist movement, fueling campaigns for broader suffrage rights in subsequent years.

The ultimate breakthrough came under the presidency of Adolfo Ruiz Cortines. On October 17, 1953, a constitutional amendment was passed, granting Mexican women the right to vote and run for all public offices. This monumental change allowed women like Aurora Jiménez, who would become the first female federal deputy, to enter the political arena and represent their communities on a national scale.

The amendment signified a watershed moment in Mexican politics, a long-awaited triumph that had been fought for tirelessly by generations of women. For the first time, the constitution acknowledged women as equal participants in the political life of the nation. This legal victory marked a significant shift, aligning Mexico with a global movement that had been gathering force since the 19th century and cementing its place in the lineage of progressive nations recognizing women’s rights.

The achievement of suffrage did not instantly translate into equal representation. Women continued to encounter formidable barriers to attaining positions of influence, with the upper echelons of government and political parties remaining predominantly male-dominated. For many years, women in Mexican politics found themselves constrained by tokenism, relegated to roles considered suitable for their gender and excluded from positions of real power.

It would take several decades—and substantial efforts from feminist groups and allies—to see meaningful progress. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, further reforms were enacted to address this disparity. The introduction of gender quotas in 1996 marked a turning point, compelling political parties to allocate a percentage of their candidacies to women. Although controversial, these quotas were instrumental in increasing female representation, leading to a steady rise in the number of women in public office.

How Two Women Challenged Mexico's Patriarchal Politics

In Mexico’s fight for gender equality, two figures stand prominently: Hermila Galindo and Aurora Jiménez, pioneers whose dedication to women’s political rights has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Each woman, in her distinct era, challenged entrenched patriarchal norms, reshaped public perceptions, and catalyzed essential reforms. Through their fervent activism, speeches, and commitment, they paved the way for generations of Mexican women, transforming them from passive onlookers into active participants in the political sphere.

Hermila Galindo, born in 1886 in the northwestern state of Durango, was a visionary who ignited Mexico’s feminist movement. Galindo’s life was devoted to challenging the constraints of a deeply patriarchal society. She grew into a prominent activist, journalist, and lecturer, wielding her pen and her voice to push for a future where women would play an active role in the public domain. Her work and activism positioned her as a vital precursor of Mexican feminism, and her influence rippled through every corner of the country.

Galindo’s involvement in the Mexican Revolution—a turbulent period that saw radical shifts in the country’s social and political landscape—enabled her to work alongside influential leaders, notably President Venustiano Carranza. Galindo recognized the Revolution as an opportunity not only to reshape Mexico’s governance but to advance the feminist cause. Her association with Carranza allowed her a unique platform from which she could advocate for women’s issues, and she used this connection to its full potential, pressing for reforms that would lead to gender equality.

One of Galindo’s most significant contributions came in 1916, when she took to the stage at the First Feminist Congress of Yucatán. Here, Galindo delivered a passionate speech in which she defended secular education, championed the right of women to participate in politics, and advanced the cause of women’s suffrage. Her demands were revolutionary for the time, touching on matters that were seen as not only radical but taboo. Galindo was among the first to raise the question of women’s sexual and reproductive rights in public discourse, a stance that shocked many yet signaled her commitment to addressing the full spectrum of issues facing Mexican women.

In 1917, Galindo made a symbolic bid for public office, the first woman in Mexico to do so. Her candidacy was rejected due to the lack of legal recognition for women’s political rights, but her effort sent a clear message that women belonged in positions of power. Her audacious attempt symbolized the very real desire of Mexican women to participate in the governance of their country. Galindo’s work went beyond public speeches; she established Mujer Moderna (Modern Woman), a magazine dedicated to feminist issues and social reform. Through its pages, she encouraged women to envision a life beyond traditional domestic confines, advocating for changes in education, employment, and civil rights.

Galindo’s legacy as a founding figure in Mexican feminism has endured, her work serving as the cornerstone for later feminist movements that would achieve the rights she fought for. Her career was one of resilience in the face of a rigid social structure, and she remains an icon of Mexican political progress.

If Galindo laid the philosophical foundation for women’s political rights, it was Aurora Jiménez who carried this legacy forward into the legislative chambers of Mexico. Born in 1926 in Baja California, Jiménez would become one of the first Mexican women to leverage the political gains won by the feminist pioneers of the previous generation. Her ascension to the role of federal deputy in 1954 marked an important milestone in Mexico’s history, coming just a year after the country granted women the right to vote and run for public office.

Jiménez’s election was not just a symbolic victory; it marked a definitive shift in Mexican politics, embodying the newly recognised status of women as equal participants in democracy. Her triumph in the 1954 federal elections opened doors to power that had been closed to women for centuries, and her presence in Congress was a testament to the resilience of the feminist movement. As the first woman elected as a federal deputy, Jiménez was keenly aware of the expectations and responsibilities placed upon her. Her role was not simply to legislate but to represent the voices and interests of Mexican women, a duty she took up with fervor.

In her tenure as a deputy, Jiménez championed social rights, paying particular attention to issues that disproportionately affected women. She advocated for policies that supported mothers, families, and the economic inclusion of women, bringing attention to issues that had long been sidelined in Mexican politics. Her advocacy highlighted the need for gender equality not only in theory but in the practical, everyday lives of women across the nation. Jiménez’s work also drew attention to the importance of women’s representation in government, illustrating the unique perspectives and insights women could bring to policy-making.

Jiménez’s election underscored a larger trend that was sweeping across the globe: the gradual but undeniable push for women’s rights in political and public spaces. Her role as a federal deputy inspired countless women to engage in public life, showing them that a career in politics was not only possible but achievable. The significance of her presence in Congress went beyond her individual accomplishments; it signaled the arrival of women as vital players in shaping the future of the nation.

First Female President Heralds Era of Change

In 2024, Mexico was a witness to an extraordinary landmark in its political history: the election of its first female president. This historic ascent to the nation’s highest office marks both a watershed moment in Mexico’s centuries-old struggle for gender equality and a crowning achievement for the women who have long championed their right to participate fully in political life. A century ago, such a development was beyond the grasp of even the most ambitious activists, and today, it stands as a symbol of both progress achieved and challenges yet to be faced.

This victory is not only a triumph of one woman’s journey but of countless women who, from the early days of the 20th century, laid the groundwork through tireless advocacy and unwavering dedication. It is a moment that resonates with the dreams of feminist pioneers like Hermila Galindo and Aurora Jiménez, women who, in their time, confronted a staunchly patriarchal society and demanded equality not only in law but in the reality of political and social life.

The rise of a woman to the presidency of Mexico signifies far more than a political first. It is a repudiation of an age-old narrative that systematically excluded women from decision-making roles, perpetuating the idea that the political arena belonged solely to men. Through her election, Mexico’s first female president sends a powerful message about the country’s progress in challenging stereotypes, showing that a woman is as capable as any man in leading a nation as complex and dynamic as Mexico.

For decades, women were denied even the most basic right to vote, only gaining that crucial recognition in 1953. When Mexican women were finally granted suffrage, it was after an extensive and exhausting struggle—one fuelled by women who were willing to risk ridicule, rejection, and legal barriers to demand their rightful place in public life. This victory was not an isolated achievement; it reflected a broader global movement of feminist empowerment, from the early American suffragettes of Seneca Falls to the world-altering work of figures like Emmeline Pankhurst. For Mexico, as elsewhere, the journey to gender equality would continue for decades, with each step forward secured only through the enduring efforts of dedicated activists.

The triumph of 2024 owes much to the legacies of figures like Hermila Galindo and Aurora Jiménez. Galindo, a visionary feminist in the early 20th century, devoted her life to advancing the rights of women. A prolific writer and fearless advocate, Galindo understood that equality demanded not only suffrage but a rethinking of social norms. Through her work with Venustiano Carranza during the Mexican Revolution, Galindo seized the opportunity to bring feminist issues to the national stage, championing the cause of women’s political and reproductive rights—a daring stance at a time when such topics were taboo.

Aurora Jiménez, who in 1954 became Mexico’s first female federal deputy, continued this mission of opening doors that had been shut to women for centuries. Elected just a year after women’s suffrage became law, Jiménez broke through barriers that had kept women out of Mexico’s governing institutions. Her work as a deputy underscored the importance of female perspectives in legislative matters and inspired many Mexican women to engage in public life. These pioneers planted seeds of change that, over the years, would grow into today’s political reality, in which a woman has finally ascended to the presidency.

The election of a female president is not merely a matter of representation, however symbolic; it also reflects tangible progress achieved through institutional reforms. In recent years, Mexican legislation has implemented gender parity requirements, which mandate an equal number of male and female candidates for public office. This legal shift has had profound effects, ensuring that women can participate fully and equitably in politics, from local councils to the federal government.

The parity reforms represent a remarkable achievement in the fight for gender equality, but they also serve as a reminder of the need for structural solutions to structural inequalities. By legally ensuring that women have the same access to political candidacy as men, these reforms address the imbalance of power that has long defined Mexican politics. They create an environment where women’s voices are not only present but are pivotal in shaping the future of the country.

The modern feminist movement has been instrumental in this transformation. Over recent decades, Mexican society has seen a resurgence of feminist activism, driven by a new generation that has mobilised around the causes of gender violence, equal representation, and social justice. Through protests, advocacy, and public discourse, contemporary feminists have raised awareness of the profound importance of equal representation in government. Their efforts have shifted public attitudes, creating a climate in which a female presidency is not only possible but a reflection of the nation’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

This is a victory not only for women but for democracy itself. A government that truly represents its people must reflect the diversity of its population, ensuring that all voices are heard, respected, and given the power to influence policy. The first female president embodies this ideal, symbolizing a shift towards a political culture that values equal representation as an essential component of governance.

The election of Mexico’s first female president also poses new questions about the future of feminism in the country. While this achievement is an undeniable victory, it also brings to light the remaining obstacles on the road to full gender equality. Women still face challenges in many spheres, from wage disparities and underrepresentation in certain industries to the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence. The presence of a woman at the helm of the government is a powerful statement, yet the question remains: how will her presidency address these enduring issues?

Expectations for this administration are high. The president will be expected to not only govern but to serve as a symbol of what women can achieve. Her policies, decisions, and leadership will be scrutinised not only by her political opponents but by those who view her tenure as a litmus test for women’s potential in the highest echelons of power. In many ways, she will be tasked with addressing the unfinished work of the feminist movement, bridging the gap between symbolic representation and substantive change.

October 17, 1953, stands as a date of immense significance in Mexican history—the day when women won the right to vote, a right that would irrevocably alter the country’s political landscape. This hard-won triumph was the beginning of a broader process that would unfold over the subsequent decades, requiring further reforms, policies, and shifts in societal attitudes. It created the foundations on which today’s advances rest, ensuring that the journey toward equality would be an ongoing endeavor.

The achievement of a female presidency is, in many ways, the realization of the vision that feminist pioneers held close for over a century. It serves as both a marker of progress and as a call to action for future generations to continue the fight. Mexican women have made great strides, but their journey is far from complete.

In-text Citation: (Núñez Pérez, 2024, pp. 34-37)