38-0 Vote Paves Way for Gender Parity and Equal Pay

The Constitutional Points Commission, chaired by Deputy Leonel Godoy Rangel of the Morena party, has unanimously approved a landmark constitutional reform bill. The decision came during the commission’s second extraordinary meeting, which was held in a semi-presential format, with all 38 members casting their votes in favor of the proposal. This reform represents a sweeping attempt to enshrine principles of substantive equality, gender perspective, and women's rights into the nation’s legal framework.

The reform touches upon several key articles of the Political Constitution, reflecting the ambitious scope of the legislative effort. It revises Articles 4, 21, 41, 73, 116, 122, and 123, while adding critical new provisions aimed at addressing long-standing gender disparities. The legislation underscores the Mexican state’s responsibility to ensure substantive equality and the right of every individual, especially women, to live free from violence. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to eliminate the gender pay gap and mandates the use of a gender perspective in public security and governance.

At the heart of the reform lies the principle of substantive equality. Article 4, newly amended, declares that the state must guarantee women the enjoyment and exercise of equal rights, not only in theory but in practical, enforceable ways. The provision acknowledges the complex nature of gender inequalities and commits the state to actively safeguard women, adolescents, girls, and boys against violence.

By institutionalizing substantive equality, the reform aims to address both overt and structural forms of gender discrimination. The text makes clear that the state’s duty of protection is not limited to formal equality but extends to creating conditions where gender disparities are systematically dismantled. Public security institutions, for instance, are now bound by the principle of gender perspective, a mandate that could transform how law enforcement interacts with and supports women.

A notable provision requires that appointments to federal public administration positions within the Federal Executive Branch, as well as equivalent roles in federative entities and municipalities, must adhere to the principle of gender parity. This stipulation seeks to ensure that women are equitably represented in leadership roles across all levels of government. By embedding gender parity into the constitutional fabric, the reform aims to counterbalance a history of male-dominated governance and create pathways for more inclusive representation.

The legislation also calls on lawmakers to craft additional laws that will determine the specific mechanisms for implementing gender parity. While the constitutional language is foundational, the details of how parity will be realized in practice are left to subsequent legal frameworks. The goal is to lay the groundwork for systemic change, even as future policies will define the operational contours.

Another pillar of the reform focuses on combatting gender-based violence. The constitutional amendments empower federal authorities to address measures or orders related to gender violence against women, even in cases traditionally under the jurisdiction of local or common law enforcement. This expansion of federal oversight signifies an acknowledgment of the pervasive and cross-jurisdictional nature of violence against women in Mexico.

Additionally, law enforcement institutions are now mandated to establish specialized prosecutors for investigating crimes related to gender violence. These units will be tasked with safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring that crimes are pursued with the seriousness and expertise they require. The creation of specialized prosecutorial bodies reflects the growing recognition that addressing gender violence necessitates a focused, informed approach that general law enforcement often struggles to provide.

One of the most economically significant aspects of the reform is its directive on equal pay. The constitution now clearly states that equal work should command equal pay, regardless of sex, gender, or nationality. This explicit requirement aims to close the gender pay gap, a persistent issue that has long disadvantaged women in the workforce. To achieve this, the reform calls for the establishment of mechanisms designed to gradually reduce and, ultimately, eradicate disparities in compensation.

While the text does not spell out these mechanisms, it signals a policy shift that could lead to new regulations and oversight measures in the labor market. Employers may face stricter scrutiny regarding pay practices, and future legislation will likely detail the methods for monitoring and enforcing compliance.

The transition provisions outline an ambitious timetable for implementing these changes. The Congress of the Union is tasked with harmonizing the legal framework to align with the new constitutional mandates within 90 days of the reform’s enactment. This will involve enacting or amending laws to specify the measures and obligations necessary to uphold the rights enshrined in the reform. Compliance is expected to unfold in phases, with consideration given to budgetary constraints and the practical realities of implementation.

Similarly, federal entities have up to 180 days to adapt their legal frameworks, ensuring that regional and local governments are also aligned with the constitutional changes. These provisions aim to balance the urgency of reform with the logistical challenges of systemic change, offering a gradual yet decisive path forward.

Lawmakers Demand Action Beyond Rhetoric

Speaking from the digital platform, Deputy Annia Sarahí Gómez Cárdenas of the National Action Party (PAN) lauded the integration of substantive equality into the Mexican Constitution. “This is a historic step,” she said, emphasizing the importance of enshrining these principles at the highest level of law. But even as she commended the initiative, Gómez Cárdenas raised a crucial point: funding. “We must be realistic about the budgetary impact, especially when it comes to establishing specialized prosecutors for gender-based violence,” she noted. Her remarks underscored a pressing concern—Mexico’s endemic violence against women requires not only legislative courage but also substantial financial investment.

From the Green Party (PVEM), Deputy Ana Erika Santana González participated remotely, expressing enthusiasm for the constitutional elevation of women’s equality. “This recognition is something we have fought for, not just for years but for decades,” she emphasized. Santana González also welcomed the inclusion of a federal-level prosecutor focused on gender issues. For many activists, having such a figure embedded in the nation’s legal architecture represents progress in a country where gender violence is a harsh reality for millions of women.

Yet Santana González’s words also carried the weight of expectation: with this constitutional recognition comes the obligation for the state to act decisively. The symbolic power of these amendments must be matched by actions that enforce and protect women’s rights, activists argue.

The discussion about funding extended into the comments of Deputy Nadia Navarro Acevedo from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Navarro Acevedo voiced support for the reforms but stressed that the government’s commitment must go beyond rhetoric. “We don’t want this to be mere demagoguery or empty discourse,” she stated pointedly. Navarro Acevedo’s remarks resonate with a broader sentiment among women’s rights advocates: Political promises are abundant, but genuine progress is often stalled by insufficient resources and lack of concrete implementation.

The PRI deputy further articulated hopes for a future where the legislative reforms will tangibly impact labor rights, enable political participation free from violence, and eradicate the gender wage gap. “These are not abstract ideals,” she insisted, “but realities that need urgent attention and proper funding.”

Adding a sobering perspective, Deputy Irais Virginia Reyes De la Torre of the Citizens' Movement (MC) highlighted the grim statistics underpinning the need for urgent reform. “Seventy percent of women in Mexico have experienced some form of gender-based violence,” she stated, drawing attention to the pervasive threat facing women. Reyes De la Torre lauded the reform’s provisions on mandatory gender parity in municipal and state governments, framing them as essential to dismantling systemic discrimination. But the sheer scale of gender violence remains a profound challenge, and she called for robust implementation to turn promises into lived experiences for Mexican women.

The debate grew particularly poignant when Mary Carmen Bernal Martínez, a deputy for the Labor Party (PT), drew attention to the intersection of public security and gender justice. “Article 21’s reform is crucial,” she said, detailing the struggles women face when seeking justice for gender crimes. Filing a complaint, she described, is often akin to a via crucis—a grueling and painful journey. Although the legislation makes significant strides, Bernal Martínez noted that the crime of femicide remains a complex and unresolved issue. She welcomed the promise of a dedicated budget to reduce gender inequality but underscored that broader systemic challenges remain.

Deputy Julieta Kristal Vences Valencia from Morena put the reform into historical perspective. “This is the result of a struggle spanning over 200 years,” she declared, paying tribute to generations of women who fought for political inclusion and equal opportunities. Vences Valencia expressed optimism that the reform will put women’s rights at the forefront of Mexico’s policy agenda. Yet she echoed a recurring theme: funding. “We need a budget that truly makes substantive equality a reality,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for women to be at the center of these efforts.

Her comments point to a broader truth: Gender equality, while often celebrated in principle, requires sustained investment and enforcement mechanisms to achieve meaningful outcomes. With hopes high but challenges looming, the next few months will be critical. The reform’s promise must materialize not only in law but in everyday lives, whether through accessible legal recourse for victims of violence, equal pay initiatives, or gender-balanced representation in government.

Lawmakers Debate its Transformative Potential

Deputy Laura Hernández García of the Citizens' Movement (MC) emphasized the reform’s potential to revolutionize the handling of gender-based violence cases. “This is crucial for women,” she declared, emphasizing the importance of establishing specialized prosecutors and ensuring proper training for justice operators and police officers. Hernández García pointed out that effective implementation requires a deep understanding of protocols designed to secure justice for both direct and indirect victims of violence. The establishment of these prosecutors, she argued, would not only expedite justice but also offer a more compassionate and victim-centered approach.

Her remarks reflect the broader sentiment among gender equality advocates who have long criticized the Mexican justice system for its inefficiency and insensitivity toward female victims. The inclusion of specialized training is viewed as a significant step forward, but the need for thorough and ongoing education of law enforcement officers is paramount if Mexico is to break the cycle of gender-based violence.

Speaking for the Green Party (PVEM), Deputy Ricardo Astudillo Suárez celebrated the establishment of a women’s prosecutor’s office as a constitutionally recognized, autonomous entity. “This is a fundamental step for victims of violence,” he said, envisioning a safe, calm, and supportive environment where women can file complaints without fear or intimidation. Astudillo Suárez underscored the importance of ensuring that every state in Mexico has its own specialized prosecutor's office, emphasizing the need for consistent nationwide protection and support.

His enthusiasm, however, comes with a call to action: the promise of autonomy and specialization must be matched with adequate resources. As gender violence cases continue to surge, these offices must be equipped not only with legal authority but also with the funding necessary to serve their purpose effectively.

Deputy César Alejandro Domínguez Domínguez from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) stressed the need for concrete financial commitments to support the reform. “Having specialized prosecutors for attention to gender crimes is important, but it must also be supported so that investigations are timely and crimes are pursued,” he remarked. Domínguez Domínguez’s call for an adequate budget reflects a long-standing frustration with underfunded gender initiatives in Mexico, where limited resources often stymie well-meaning reforms.

The deputy’s focus on timely investigations highlights another critical challenge: ensuring that victims of violence see swift and effective legal action. The slow pace of justice has historically compounded the suffering of victims, who often face additional trauma from drawn-out legal battles. Lawmakers like Domínguez Domínguez are adamant that without sufficient funding, the reform risks becoming another well-intentioned yet unfulfilled promise.

From Morena, Representative Karina Margarita del Río Zenteno spoke to the reform’s potential to address systemic exclusion, particularly for indigenous women. “Substantive equality cannot be total while there are indigenous women facing exclusion,” she asserted, framing the legislation as an opportunity to advance the recognition of marginalized groups. Del Río Zenteno highlighted the unique challenges faced by indigenous women, who often suffer from intersecting forms of discrimination that go unaddressed in broader equality efforts.

Her comments underscore the reform’s ambition to create a truly inclusive society, where equality is not only a concept but a lived reality for all women, regardless of their background. The emphasis on indigenous rights invites a broader conversation about how Mexico can address the deep-rooted disparities that have historically marginalized large swathes of its population.

Deputy Laura Cristina Márquez Alcalá of the National Action Party (PAN) underscored the necessity of collective will to make the reform effective. “This reform will be effective if there is joint work for its implementation and with the will to do what is necessary,” she stated. Márquez Alcalá spoke of a future where women are equal in opportunities, rights, and dignity, but emphasized the need for sustained effort to eliminate barriers and close existing gaps.

Her focus on collective action and collaboration highlights the complexity of implementing such a far-reaching reform. The deputy’s comments serve as a reminder that policy changes must be supported by a unified commitment from all branches of government and civil society to create lasting change.

Finally, Representative Lilia Aguilar Gil of the Labor Party (PT) presented a nuanced view of the reform’s scope. “This modification is not only about the concept of substantive equality, nor is it a paper reform,” she declared, highlighting the constitutional elements that are meant to make these principles a reality. Aguilar Gil introduced the concept of “reinforced duties of the State,” emphasizing that the government’s obligations extend beyond security to encompass all facets of gender equality.

“As a woman,” she added, “it is understood that violence is not only physical.” Aguilar Gil’s comments reflect a growing awareness of the multifaceted nature of violence, which can be psychological, economic, or systemic. The reform aims to address these dimensions comprehensively, ensuring that women’s rights are protected in all aspects of their lives.

An Overdue Recognition of Systemic Inequality

Deputy Paulina Rubio Fernández of the National Action Party (PAN) signaled her support for the reform, acknowledging its recognition of deep-rooted issues surrounding gender inequality and violence against women. However, her endorsement came with a dose of skepticism. “The proposals and public policies addressing this issue were previously rejected or scrapped under the last administration,” she said. Rubio Fernández proposed that these initiatives be reintroduced, refined, and relaunched to ensure meaningful impact. Her remarks reflect a sentiment shared by many gender equality advocates: bold policy announcements are often met with high hopes, but the reality of political roadblocks and bureaucratic inertia can quickly erode that optimism.

For Ruth Maricela Silva Andraca, a deputy from the Green Party (PVEM), the reform represents a significant leap forward in protecting and expanding women’s social and economic rights. She highlighted its focus on strengthening substantive equality, promoting a gender perspective, and ensuring the right to a life free from violence, while also committing to the eradication of the gender wage gap. Silva Andraca emphasized that the reform is aligned with Mexico’s international obligations, suggesting that the country is finally moving in step with global standards for gender equality. However, she also stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance to ensure these measures do not become hollow promises.

From the governing Morena party, Deputy Xóchitl Nashielly Zagal Ramírez provided a holistic view of the reform’s reach, discussing provisions that include a booklet of rights and pensions for older women. “This reform will address wage inequality, combat gender violence, and improve health and well-being,” she declared. Zagal Ramírez noted that while the legislation recognizes existing gender gaps, it must also integrate an approach rooted in intersectionality and diversity. Her emphasis on older women and vulnerable groups, including indigenous communities, underscores a broader acknowledgment that gender inequality is not experienced uniformly and requires tailored solutions.

Anayeli Muñoz Moreno of the Citizens’ Movement (MC) echoed support for the reform but issued a stark reminder: substantive equality cannot be achieved by decree alone. “We need concrete progress on the wage gap, access to housing, reducing violence, and the decriminalization of abortion,” Muñoz Moreno asserted. She stressed that to truly crystallize gender equality, the gender perspective must be embedded within national and local budgets. Her call to action brings to the fore a critical issue: policies must be adequately funded to be effective. The budgetary dimension is essential, not just as a statement of intent but as a tangible commitment to improving the lives of Mexican women.

Deputy Katia Alejandra Castillo Lozano, also of Morena, emphasized that substantive equality is not an abstract or philosophical concept. “It is an urgent need,” she argued, “to ensure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement, receive fair wages, live without the fear of violence, and are recognized for their contributions.” Castillo Lozano underscored that the reform’s provisions offer “firm steps” toward eradicating the gender wage gap, but her emphasis on urgency reflects the lived realities of countless Mexican women who continue to face systemic discrimination. Her remarks suggest a push for real, measurable outcomes that transcend legislative milestones.

Anais Miriam Burgos Hernández, another Morena deputy, articulated the broader vision behind the reform. She described it as a constitutional guarantee of substantive equality, expected to be approved imminently, that will enshrine parity and combat the wage gap and violence experienced by women, girls, adolescents, indigenous women, and trans people. “The President of the Republic is delivering on this commitment,” Burgos Hernández stated, positioning the reform as a landmark in Mexico’s gender equality journey. Yet, the reference to intersectional concerns—particularly for indigenous and transgender communities—underscores the complexity of fully realizing equality in a country where diverse populations face compounded forms of marginalization.

During the session, lawmakers also approved the minutes from the previous meeting of the Constitutional Points Commission, with a unanimous vote signaling the cross-party consensus on the importance of this issue. However, as with any legislative effort, the critical question is what comes next. While unanimity in voting reflects a shared recognition of gender inequality as a grave concern, it also sets high expectations for follow-through and accountability.