Mexico has been ranked 33rd out of 146 countries for opportunities for women in politics, economy, society, and culture. According to a report by El Economista, a Mexican economic daily, citing information released at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Mexico maintained this position in 2023, the same rank as the previous year but two steps down from 2021.
According to El Economista, the index released at the World Economic Forum measures gender inequality in economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Each evaluated area is scored between 0 and 100, with a higher score indicating stronger dynamics towards gender equality.
Although Mexico’s ranking remained the same in 2023, its score increased by 3 points to 76.8 out of 100. The WEF noted that Latin American and Caribbean countries have made significant progress since 2006, based on strong equality in labor force participation, professional roles, and political empowerment.
Iceland took the top spot with a score of 93.5, followed by Finland with 87.5. The top five also included Norway and Sweden, as reported by El Economista.
Some South Korean media outlets have labeled Mexico a macho country without providing any evidence. These outlets tend to cite American articles rather than local Mexican ones and remain silent about the United States, which has never elected a female president. Canada has had a female prime minister, but only one to date, Kim Campbell, who served the shortest term in Canadian history, only four months.
The statistics show that Mexico ranks 33rd, Canada is three steps lower at 36th, and the United States ranks significantly lower at 43rd.
It’s worth noting that these statistics are based on 2023 data before Claudia Sheinbaum was elected. The statistics suggest that Mexico had already moved beyond its macho status. The United States remained the same as the previous year, while Canada dropped six steps.
Both South Korean media and self-proclaimed Latin American experts in Korea frequently call Mexico a macho country.
While interpretations of statistics can vary due to different variables, these statistics show that it is pretty unfair to label Mexico a macho country, as South Korean media and professors often claim.
Considering that Mexico ranks 33rd out of 146 countries regarding women’s participation in politics, economy, and culture, it is worth considering whether calling a country with such a label is appropriate.
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