Time for Women: Between Discourse and Reality

By Marisol Rumayor

Everywhere, in social networks, media and official speeches, the magnetic phrase is repeated: "It's time for women!". This statement makes us feel proud, progressive and at the forefront. At first glance, the figures of political representation in Mexico could back it up: we have the first woman President of Mexico, 13 women governors (including the Head of Government of the CDMX) and a Federal Congress with almost perfect parity: the Chamber of Deputies is made up of 50.8% men and 49.2% women, while the Senate of the Republic has 51% women and 49% men.

These are inspiring news and represent historic advances. However, from my experience as an entrepreneur -and that of hundreds of women entrepreneurs and businesswomen I am honored to know-, we sometimes feel alienated from this supposed "women's time".

It seems like a dogma of faith: it is proclaimed, but millions of women do not see it reflected in our daily lives. Why, if it is supposed to be our moment, do we still feel unprotected, with few job opportunities, little support to close gaps in the business sector and a constant fear of insecurity?

Why do we feel, paradoxically, that just now when there is so much talk about "women's time", we are less listened to?

The figures, which never lie, confirm this contrast. Here are 5 facts that will give us food for thought:

1. Depending on the sector and level of qualification, the salary gap between men and women in Mexico ranges between 8% and 16%. Furthermore, as the hierarchical levels advance, the presence of women decreases and the gap increases. The so-called Motherhood penalty is tangible in companies without effective family reconciliation policies. Only 25-30% of management positions in the country are occupied by women.
2. Seventy-six percent of the male Economically Active Population (EAP) is employed, while only 46% of the female EAP is employed, revealing a disparity of almost 30 percentage points.
3. In 2022, Latin American startups founded by men received US$13.1 billion in investment, compared to only US$38 million for women-led ventures, less than 1% of the total. These figures show deep gaps, the persistence of concrete ceilings and a double discourse in the innovation and financing ecosystem. 
4. Seven out of every ten women over the age of 15 have suffered some type of violence. At least 1,000 investigation files are reported each year for the murder of women, not counting unreported or misclassified cases.
5. Approximately 36% of micro and small businesses are owned or led by women. However, 60 to 70% of the companies headed by women operate informally, which means, among other things, that the employment they generate is also informal and, in many cases, precarious.

Despite greater political representation and some progress, we are far from closing the gap in job opportunities, business opportunities, financing, security and recognition. On the one hand, achievements are exhibited or actions are announced in forums and events; on the other hand, millions of women continue in a context of inequality, structural violence, lack of concrete support and without a real agenda to understand and address the multifaceted problems we face.

In order for "women's time" to be more than just a matter of lip service, we need cross-cutting policies and collective actions that go beyond discourse. Every person, institution, businessman, teacher, man and especially every woman, in a position of political or business leadership, must commit to generate an environment with more opportunities, safe, conducive and nurturing, where women can thrive. 

Where are we as a society if we celebrate the arrival of more women in the political arena, but continue to allow or practice unequal conditions and endemic violence?

How to assimilate that the few affirmative actions that are announced -such as allocating 10% of government purchases to companies headed by women- do not materialize or are designed "in the dark", without taking into account the opinion of women entrepreneurs, or what to think when these announcements are diluted or overshadowed by new tax burdens or lack of incentives for formality and innovation, such as the recent increase in the ISN payroll tax in the CDMX?

We, women entrepreneurs and businesswomen, who strive to generate jobs, innovate, contribute, ask ourselves: "Where is our lane or our window? Where do we rely on to grow, innovate and generate formal, well-paid jobs?"

Why, if the figures are so eloquent on issues such as labor inclusion, business formality, job insecurity and the wage gap, are there no clear and forceful actions to level the playing field or at least mitigate this reality?

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