On 1 October 2024, Mexico embarked on a new chapter in its political history. In a fair and clean yet heated election, it has passed the presidential sash to the 62-year-old left-wing academic, environmental scientist, and former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum. She became Mexico’s first female president, symbolizing not only a break through the glass ceiling for gender equality but also a pivotal moment in the broader landscape of Mexican governance during a time of profound division and uncertainty.

As the first woman to hold the highest office in the country ever, Sheinbaum’s victory comes at a time when the country is divided along party lines. People are struggling to find solutions to severe problems, including economic instability, widespread corruption, and high crime rates, putting her administration’s efforts to bring a fractured country together in the face of pressing domestic concerns around economic resilience, transparency, and public safety. Sheinbaum’s presidency also has the potential to reshape the country’s political and social landscape, especially by improving Mexico’s social policy, standing up for women’s rights, and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities. In addition, as Mexico strives to reimagine its place in an ever more interdependent world, Sheinbaum’s leadership will have far-reaching consequences for regional diplomacy and U.S.-Mexico ties. Under these complex circumstances, public expectations loom large. How Sheinbaum handles future uncertainties will depend on her choice of governance tactics.

To emphasize the importance of this historic moment for Mexico and the worldwide discussion of gender equality in politics and the political representation of women, this insight will explore these themes by looking at the social issues, domestic challenges, foreign policy dynamics, and potential opportunities that may emerge during Sheinbaum’s presidency.

From Mayor to Commander in Chief: Who is Claudia Sheinbaum and How Did She Win the Nation? 

Born in 1962 to a middle-class Jewish family in Mexico City, where her father was a biology professor and her mother was a chemical engineer, Sheinbaum had a very intellectual upbringing with a focus on civic responsibility and education. [1] During her time as an undergraduate at Mexico’s National Autonomous University (UNAM) studying physics, Sheinbaum was heavily involved in student politics and led protests against the privatization of public schools. Following her graduation, she continued her master’s degree in energy engineering at the Berkeley National Laboratory in Northern California before returning to UNAM to pursue her doctoral studies [2] and become a respected climate scientist, sharing a Nobel Peace Prize with former U.S. presidential candidate Al Gore in 2007 as part of her contribution to the United Nations (UN) intergovernmental panel on climate change. [3]

It was during her tenure as Secretary of the Environment for Mexico City in the year 2000 when she served under Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s (AMLO) administration, the then-appointed Mexico City mayor, that Sheinbaum’s political career began to acquire steam. Her ability to enact the first line of the metrobús (Mexico City’s bus rapid transit system), construct the second level of Mexico City’s periférico (the city’s outer beltway), and implement effective policies that reduced pollution levels, improved the city’s air quality and overall sustainability brought Sheinbaum quick recognition as a reliable political figure. When AMLO lost the elections in 2006, Sheinbaum stepped back from politics and returned to academia, teaching at UNAM and conducting research on engineering challenges in Mexico City. Following her 2014 formal separation from the PRD (Party of the Democratic Revolution), she became a member of AMLO’s new political party, Morena, formally known as the National Regeneration Movement. From 2015 to 2017, Sheinbaum oversaw Tlalpan as mayor and made history in 2018 as the first woman ever to be elected mayor of Mexico City. [4]

Sheinbaum’s seamless integration into Morena’s administration and her ability to foster solid relationships with AMLO made her an obvious choice to succeed him as mayor, and then president. By 2024, Sheinbaum repeated history and successfully won the party’s nomination and was campaigning on a program that would carry on AMLO’s fight against corruption, alleviation of poverty, and promotion of social justice. [5] Sheinbaum’s success was also attributed to her strong leadership record as mayor and her commitment to addressing issues like inequality, corruption, and climate change. Her combination of personal integrity, policy continuity, and experience earned her voters’ trust, making her Mexico’s first female president to get elected 70 years after women won suffrage.

A Landmark Moment for Gender Equality in Mexican Politics

In a conservative nation where men have held the reins of power for almost 200 years, Sheinbaum’s presidential victory highlights the progress made by women in politics. After 70 years of having the right to cast a vote but not run for the presidency, [6] Claudia Sheinbaum broke the glass ceiling, marking a momentous achievement in the modern history of Northern America. While women accounted for 51% of the population, Mexico’s culture generally and in politics specifically has reflected a dominant masculine influence over the past few decades, represented by the word Maschimo. [7] Despite the significant role Mexican women played during the Cold War and the strides they made representing the country, they have always been held back by the deeply ingrained societal norms initiated by the hallmark of Mexican men.

Thus, when Sheinbaum’s victory came, it gave Mexico a sense of hope and perhaps an opening to champion women’s rights and leadership and address systematic issues such as gender-based violence, unequal pay, and limited access to political power. [8] Sheinbaum’s victory is not only a testament to the perseverance and determination of women who have fought for equal representation and inclusivity but also a reflection of the changing social attitudes taking place in Mexico. Moving forward, Sheinbaum has the potential to mark positive change. If she addresses women’s barriers effectively, her term as the very first female president can be a turning point for gender equality in Mexico, perhaps creating a legacy that will be passed down to future female representatives, inspiring them to strive and continue to push for gender equality in all aspects of society.

Key Domestic Challenges: Crime, Corruption, and Economic Uncertainty

Sheinbaum’s presidency will also be characterized by her ability to address Mexico’s pressing internal concerns. She is inheriting a country wracked with complex domestic challenges ranging from high crime rates to corruption, from a human rights crisis to economic uncertainty, that previous administrations from her own party have grappled with but struggled to resolve; thus, her leadership comes at a pivotal moment. [9] Her ability to handle these challenges will be essential to the process of molding the future of Mexico and preserving the trust of the public in her government.

Crime

Crime and its derivatives are some of the most pressing domestic issues facing the country. It casts a long shadow as Sheinbaum steps into the presidency. She is given the responsibility of leading a country in which homicides and kidnappings take place daily and in which ultra-violent gangs that are engaged in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other criminal activities dominate enormous swathes of land. [10] With a defense budget of nearly US$10 billion per year and the deployment of over 200,000 military personnel for public security tasks, Mexico tried to devote substantial resources to combat such crime. However, a recent survey by the national statistics agency revealed that 60.7% of the adult population still regarded public safety as the most pressing issue facing the nation. [11] Although previous administrations have tried to curb criminal activities and enhance public security, crime remained a major concern.

As Mexico’s first female president, Sheinbaum has recognized insecurity and violence as central challenges to the country’s political and social stability. On the campaign trail, she has indicated a possible transition toward more nuanced police tactics and a focus on targeted operations by pledging to establish a new national intelligence agency and binational working groups on security matters. [12] She will prioritize strengthening institutions and security cooperation over maintaining AMLO’s large military presence, drawing on her experience as mayor of Mexico City, when she successfully reduced crime rates by coordinating intelligence with the police.

Economic Uncertainty

Economic uncertainty left by the AMLO administration and his predecessors is the second core domestic challenge that Sheinbaum’s presidency will surely face and need to address. To ensure that his party would emerge victorious in the election, AMLO ran the greatest budget deficit in more than three decades during his last year in government, which amounted to roughly 6% of GDP. To finance his redistribution program without introducing tax reform, the administration of AMLO has also strictly regulated expenditure in sectors like education and health, even when doing so meant cutting down on essentials like medical supplies and remedial education after the COVID-19 pandemic. [13]

Sheinbaum is faced with pressure to navigate these challenges carefully although she will encounter a rocky start at first. She will need to find a balance between maintaining social programs and addressing the country’s growing debt. Additionally, she will need to work toward rebuilding trust in the government and ensuring that essential services are adequately funded and accessible to all.

Corruption 

The third significant challenge Sheinbaum’s presidency will have to deal with is the ongoing corruption, bribery, and lack of credibility in the country’s institutions. For years, government officials in Mexico have diverted public funds for their own benefit; they have engaged in illicit dealings with private entities, misused authority for personal gain, and involved themselves in scandals, which explains why Mexicans have little faith in their politicians. Moving forward, Sheinbaum’s will have to burn the candles at both ends and wipe out such corruptions as they have been discouraging investment, hurting the country’s industrial systems, and, most importantly, ranking the country 126th out of 180 corruptive nations, thus highlighting the severity of the issue. Besides, almost half of all Mexican businesses (48%) have already reported being victims of corruption last year. It is important to emphasize that this widespread problem has been prevalent for two reasons: one, the rule of law in Mexico is weak; two, the judiciary is not independent, meaning it is influenced and, in some cases, pressured by an outside power such as political leaders, government officials and other powerful groups rather than maintaining impartiality and basing decisions solely on the law. [14]

To overhaul Mexico’s institutions and create a more transparent and accountable government, Sheinbaum will need to prioritize anti-corruption measures and implement policies that promote good governance and integrity. She already promised a government without corruption, but it remains to be seen how she will navigate this challenge and what new solutions she will bring to the table.

Social Issues: Women’s Rights, Indigenous Inclusion, and Public Services 

In addition to the major domestic challenges, Sheinbaum will also be expected to handle a variety of social issues. These include fighting for indigenous peoples’ rights, improving public services like healthcare and education, and advancing women’s rights.

Women’s Rights

Since Sheinbaum is Mexico’s first female president, many hope she will use her position to lead the charge for gender equality and women’s rights. The high rates of violence against women, discrimination, and economic exclusion are still major problems in Mexico today. Gender-based violence is particularly rampant. According to reports, up to 10 women go missing daily in Mexico, with many of them believed to have been victims of human trafficking or femicide. In 2020, statistics have also pointed out that more than 40% of women and girls aged 15 years and above have been victims of some violence in their lives. Among working women, published data also showed that 54% of women have informal jobs while others earn significantly less than their male counterparts. [15]

To expand women’s rights and tackle such challenges, Sheinbaum’s administration introduced measures on the second full day of her tenure, including a constitutional guarantee of equal pay for equal labor and freedom from violence. [16] She has pledged to continue the fight against gender-based violence and replicate the measures that she began while serving as mayor of the nation’s capital. [17]

With Sheinbaum’s victory and others like it, Mexico has made great strides toward promoting gender parity in politics and public office. Other notable achievements include the first female head of the country’s Supreme Court, the first female central bank governor, and gender parity in Congress. [18] However, much needs to be accomplished even though the nation has achieved some strides in the last several years, such as introducing female quotas into politics. Femicide, gender violence, gender employment gaps, and low wages must be addressed and investigated before the tipping point is reached.

Indigenous inclusion

A crucial component of Mexican society is the persistent marginalization of indigenous people, despite their substantial contributions to the nation’s cultural history. About half of Mexico’s indigenous people live in tiny, remote communities often plagued with inadequate infrastructure, poor sanitation and inadequate waste management systems. For them, access to important resources, such as healthcare, education, and economic prospects, is restricted because of this geographical marginalization. According to reports, 78% of these indigenous people are living in poverty, and an alarming 43% of them are living in extreme poverty. [19]

Concerning health, indigenous groups are confronted with a disproportionate number of difficulties. Because of the lack of accessible, high-quality healthcare and prenatal treatments in rural regions, maternal death rates are two times higher than the national average. Inadequate sanitation and healthcare facilities also make indigenous children more susceptible to avoidable illnesses, such as respiratory and intestinal infections, which affect them at greater rates.

These challenges they face highlight the need to address the long-term marginalization of Mexico’s indigenous population via targeted public health initiatives and larger socio-economic changes. From her side, Sheinbaum promised to govern all Mexicans equally and put her knowledge, strength, past and life to work to defend those who are in need. [20] She said she would consider constitutional reforms for social programs concerning the rights and recognition of indigenous people as a top priority. [21]

Public services

In terms of service provision, there have been clear significant gaps in access to education, quality healthcare, and economic support hindering the quality of life of many citizens in Mexico. [22] The deficiency of proper financing and resources has led to overloaded educational institutions, inadequate medical facilities, and insufficient financial support for those in need, intensifying inequality and sustaining a cycle of poverty.

In her mandate and as part of her commitment to a complete revamp of the healthcare system, Sheinbaum made a solemn promise to transform it into a top-tier, free public service that prioritizes the health and well-being of all citizens. Not only does this program seek to enhance access to high-quality medical care, but it also seeks to guarantee that everyone in Mexico, regardless of their socioeconomic standing, would have access to healthcare that is both equitable and sustainable. In addition to this, she disclosed her intention to develop public high schools and colleges all throughout the nation, which would result in the creation of 300,000 new opportunities in the field of higher education. The purpose of this substantial investment in education is to provide young people the ability to make their own decisions, to equip them with the skills they need to be successful in the workforce, and to contribute to the general growth of the country. [23]

Foreign Policy: Relations with the U.S., Regional Diplomacy, and Global Positioning

Foreign policy is another area that Sheinbaum must master, especially regarding the country’s relationship with its northern neighbor and biggest trade partner, the United States (U.S.). In addition, Sheinbaum will need to look into Mexico’s regional diplomacy and enhance the country’s global positioning.

Relations with the U.S.

Problems with immigration, border security, and commerce have long defined U.S.-Mexico ties and will certainly continue to do so under Sheinbaum’s administration, as has been the case during AMLO’s administration.

Over the past few years, the U.S. consecutive administrations of both the Republican and Democratic parties have exerted pressure on Mexico to increase enforcement efforts and prevent migrants from reaching the southern border of the country. How Sheinbaum might react to this pressure is an open question. However, political observers believe that it is quite probable that Sheinbaum, like López Obrador, would collaborate with the U.S. to discourage migration and enhance border security. This is primarily because Sheinbaum has already claimed that her government’s relationship with the U.S. will be one of friendship, mutual respect and equality to address mutual challenges. [24]

In terms of trade, the two countries share close relations. The U.S. and Mexico are each other’s main trade partners, with billions of dollars worth of investments, goods and services exchanged between them annually. However, when AMLO’s administration introduced the judicial reforms, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar expressed worry about the possible harmful effect on the nation’s democracy and the US$807 billion bilateral commerce. As a result of the threat, around US$35 billion worth of investment projects in the U.S. have been put on hold. [25] This concern has led to increased tension between the two countries. The strained relations have also affected their cooperation on issues like border security and immigration.

According to Sheinbaum, navigating Mexico through this intricate water is an urgent question of governance. With an unclear bilateral relationship to inherit, her leadership style will be defined by her early, forceful moves. Her administration’s performance may hinge on this connection, as Sheinbaum aims to maintain not only economic stability but also Mexico’s status as an important and dependable trading partner for its northern neighbor. [26]

Regional Diplomacy

During the AMLO administration, Mexico embraced the notion that “the best foreign policy is domestic policy,” which indicated a change toward concentrating mostly on home matters rather than engaging with international ones. Over the course of his presidency, AMLO’s government adopted a non-interventionist position, placing an emphasis on national development while also isolating Mexico from key global projects and external crises like Ukraine and the Middle East. Throughout its history, Mexico has maintained a balance between its domestic goals and its strong engagement in international diplomacy and regional issues. However, under his administration, this balance shifted significantly toward isolationism, which resulted in Mexico’s presence in the world arena being less prominent. [27]

Some have speculated that this strategy may change with Sheinbaum in the office. While pledging to maintain Mexico’s non-interventionist posture, she dropped hints of a more engaged and proactive foreign policy in her victory speech. [28] Her leadership has the potential to reaffirm Mexico’s position on global and regional problems, allowing the country to reestablish its worldwide profile while upholding the ideal of respecting the sovereignty of other states. It is unclear which way this change will go, but her words give the impression that Mexico may strike a compromise between its traditional non-interventionism and a more proactive, global stance.

Global Positioning

Despite its non-intervention posture lately and shift toward domestic affairs, Mexico has strategically positioned itself among the 15 largest economies in the world and the second largest in Latin America over the past years. [29] In the fight against climate change, Mexico has also been a steadfast ally of the world community and a champion of sustainable development in the South. And when it comes to international groups like the G20 and the UN, Mexico has always played a valued role in bringing countries together to reach an accord.

For Sheinbaum, the challenge is to keep Mexico in such a position and perhaps enhance it further. The first significant international event that will take place during Sheinbaum’s presidency will be the G20 conference, which will be held in Brazil in the middle of November. It is possible that Sheinbaum will make use of this platform to explain her domestic agenda and to establish her position and that of Mexico on the developing goals of the G20, notably in areas such as climate change. The chance to display more robust leadership than her predecessor is presented to Sheinbaum in this particular area. She was trained as a climate scientist, and she pledged to center her campaign efforts on topics pertaining to energy transition and renewable energy sources. [30]

Opportunities and Unknowns: Public Expectations and Governance

The election of Mexico’s first female president is unquestionably a historic feat, yet it brings up uncertainty and raises the expectations of the public. Many have questioned whether Sheinbaum will forge her own path or become her predecessor’s populist puppet. Critics have raised concerns over the tight relationship that Sheinbaum has with AMLO, on whose popularity she depends. They perceive her as being politically aligned with him, which largely makes them think that she will follow in his footsteps, embody his social programs, and try to amend the Mexican constitution to stay loyal to him. However, others have argued that Sheinbaum’s administration and tenure as president would effectuate significant positive change and bring about new perspectives to the country, especially in the domains of corruption, security, and socioeconomic injustice, given her strong leadership record as mayor and success in addressing such issues during her tenure. Overall, Sheinbaum faces high expectations and equally significant challenges. How she proceeds is yet to be seen; however, the pressure is on for her to prove that she is capable of leading Mexico in a new direction.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Mexico and Claudia Sheinbaum

At a critical juncture in Mexico’s history, Claudia Sheinbaum, the nation’s first female president, is confronted with profound obstacles and an uncertain future. Her presidency is a significant advancement in the pursuit of gender equality; however, it also entails substantial public expectations. She is required to oversee Mexico’s relationships with international partners, address domestic issues such as violence, corruption, and economic inequality, and navigate a complex political landscape. Sheinbaum’s capacity to fulfill her obligations and guide Mexico toward a more prosperous and stable future will be indispensable. Her presidency has the potential to significantly alter the political and social landscape of Mexico; however, it will also encounter numerous obstacles.

References

[1] “Who Is Claudia Sheinbaum and How Did She Make History in Mexico?,” The New Arab, June 3, 2024. https://www.newarab.com/news/who-claudia-sheinbaum-and-how-did-she-make-history-mexico.

[2] Kathleen Magramo, Karol Suarez, and Tara John, “She is Set to be Mexico’s First Female President. But Who is Claudia Sheinbaum?,” CNN, June 3, 2024, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/03/americas/mexico-claudia-sheinbaum-profile-intl-hnk/index.html.

[3] Emily Green, and Eyder Peralta, “Mexico Elects Its First Female President.” NPR, June 3, 2024, https://www.npr.org/2024/06/03/nx-s1-4989334/claudia-sheinbaum-poised-to-become-mexicos-first-female-president.

[4] Alexandra Helfgott, “Candidate Profile: Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo,” Wilson Center, October 24, 2023, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/candidate-profile-claudia-sheinbaum-pardo.

[5] Maribel Nolasco, and Rubén Sierra, “México Elects First Woman President in Historic Election,” Council on Hemispheric Affairs, July 25, 2024, https://coha.org/mexico-elects-first-woman-president-in-historic-election/.

[6] “Claudia Sheinbaum Takes Office as Mexico’s First Female President,” CBS News, October 1, 2024, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/claudia-sheinbaum-mexico-first-female-president/.

[7] Roderic Ai Camp, “From City Council to President, Women in Mexican Politics,” Wilson Center, May 15, 2024, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/city-council-president-women-mexican-politics.

[8] Carin Zissis, “What the First Woman President Could Mean for Mexico—and the World,” AS/COA, September 18, 2024, https://www.as-coa.org/articles/what-first-woman-president-could-mean-mexico-and-world.

[9] Gema Kloppe-Santamaría, and Julia Zulver, “Mexico Elected Its First Woman President: What Does This Mean for the Country’s Gender-Based Violence and Insecurity Crisis?,” Wilson Center, June 4, 2024, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/mexico-elected-its-first-woman-president-what-does-mean-countrys-gender-based-violence-and.

[10] Daniel Rook, “Mexico’s Sheinbaum to Take Reins of Nation Facing Huge Challenges.” Barron’s, September 28, 2024, https://www.barrons.com/news/mexico-s-sheinbaum-to-take-reins-of-nation-facing-huge-challenges-d39f5d5e.

[11] Sara Zukerman Daly, “Why Sheinbaum May Take a Different Path on Mexico’s Security,” Americas Quarterly, October 1, 2024, https://americasquarterly.org/article/why-sheinbaum-may-take-a-different-path-on-mexicos-security/.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Alejandro Werner, “Can Mexico’s New President Sustain AMLOnomics?,” PIIE, October 1, 2024, https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/2024/can-mexicos-new-president-sustain-amlonomics.

[14] Rafael Pampillón, “Challenges Await Mexico’s First Female President,” IE Insights, June 6, 2024, https://www.ie.edu/insights/articles/challenges-await-mexicos-first-female-president/.

[15] Sara España, “The First Woman Elected to Lead Mexico Faces Pressing Gender-Related Issues.” AP News, June 3, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/mexico-election-women-issues-b94710ba07324df14714c56589fc55c3.

[16] Brenden O’Boyle, and Ana Isabel Martinez, “Mexico’s First Woman President Announces Reforms to Battle Gender Discrimination,” Reuters, October 3, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicos-first-woman-president-announces-reforms-battle-gender-discrimination-2024-10-03/.

[17] España, “The First Woman Elected to Lead Mexico Faces Pressing Gender-Related Issues.”

[18] O’Boyle, and Martinez, “Mexico’s First Woman President Announces Reforms to Battle Gender Discrimination.”

[19] Ramos, Liliana Gómez Flores, and Sergio Meneses Navarro, “The Health of Indigenous Populations in Mexico: Disencounters,” ReVista, May 9, 2023, https://revista.drclas.harvard.edu/the-health-of-indigenous-populations-in-mexico-disencounters/.

[20] Will Grant, “Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Vows ‘It’s Time for Women,’” BBC, October 2, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce3z263453lo.

[21] “Mexico’s Sheinbaum Says Indigenous Rights a Priority for Constitutional Reforms,” Reuters, June 18, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexicos-sheinbaum-says-indigenous-rights-priority-constitutional-reforms-2024-06-18/.

[22] “The Importance of Gender Equality in Mexico,” GVI, November 28, 2022, https://www.gviusa.com/blog/the-importance-of-gender-equality-in-mexico/.

[23] Grant, “Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Vows ‘It’s Time for Women.’”

[24] Emily Green, “5 Things to Know about Mexico’s First Female President,” NPR, October 1, 2024, https://www.npr.org/2024/10/01/nx-s1-5134570/mexico-has-a-new-president-and-its-first-female-leader-in-an-historic-inauguration-day.

[25] Brenda Estefan, “Mexico-U.S. Relations Will Test Sheinbaum from the Start,” Americas Quarterly, September 19, 2024, https://www.americasquarterly.org/article/mexico-u-s-relations-will-test-sheinbaum-from-the-start/.

[26] Ibid.

[27] Fernando Brancoli, “From Palestine to Public Security: What We Can Expect from Claudia Sheinbaum’s Presidency,” Security in Context, June 13, 2024, https://www.securityincontext.org/posts/from-palestine-to-public-security-what-we-can-expect-from-claudia-sheinbaums-presidency.

[28] Ibid.

[29] World Bank, “Mexico Overview,” October 9, 2024, https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/mexico/overview

[30] Brancoli, “From Palestine to Public Security: What We Can Expect from Claudia Sheinbaum’s Presidency.”