The Observatory of Parity and Political Violence of Morelos commemorated its tenth anniversary on January 17, 2025. During these ten years, the Observatory has been fundamental in the fight for the inclusion of women in politics and in denouncing gender-based political violence in the state. Despite advances in women's political representation and parity policies, gender-based political violence remains a significant obstacle for women in Morelos.
In a notable quote, one of the members of the Observatory highlighted: "Let’s aim for more years, for a Morelos with parity and without political violence based on gender!" The work accomplished has yielded significant results, with the principle of parity becoming a constitutional norm. However, gender-based political violence persists as a serious issue that requires immediate action and effective collaboration with the competent authorities to ensure the safety of women participating in political life.
The creation of the Observatory of Parity and Political Violence was announced on February 15, 2015, during the Women’s Meeting for Democracy at the IMPEPAC headquarters. Since then, the Observatory has been a necessary response to the political violence faced by women in the entity. It has been key in making visible and denouncing gender-based political violence, promoting the inclusion of women in political decision-making spaces in Morelos, despite the obstacles and violence encountered along the way.
The Observatory has achieved significant progress, including the inclusion of the principle of parity in the Constitution, but also emphasizes the need to continue working to eradicate gender-based political violence and transform the male-dominated power structures. Through its work of visibility, denunciation, and education, the Observatory seeks to ensure that women can participate on equal terms and without facing risks or intimidation.
On the occasion of its tenth anniversary, the Observatory reiterated its commitment to the defense of women's political rights and to the eradication of gender-based political violence. It has provided support to women politicians who have been victims of violence and discrimination, contributing to the strengthening of democracy and parity in Morelos. Its work will continue to be essential for achieving real and lasting political equity in the entity.
The Observatory has also managed to influence significant judicial decisions, such as the removal of a politician's candidacy who exercised gender violence against women in the municipality of Tetela del Volcán. These emblematic cases underscore the importance of the Observatory's intervention in the fight against gender-based political violence and its commitment to ensuring the protection of women's political rights in Morelos.
In a decade of struggle, unity, and commitment, the Observatory has demonstrated its relevance in promoting gender equality and defending women's political rights in the entity. Despite the achievements, the members of the Observatory recognize that there are still challenges ahead, especially regarding the transformation of political and cultural structures to ensure equitable participation of women in the political life of Morelos.
On this anniversary, the importance of moving forward in the fight for a more equitable society, with equal access to spaces of power and leadership for women, is highlighted. The Observatory reaffirms its commitment to equality, justice, and peace, and commits to continue working to eradicate gender-based political violence and ensure that women can fully exercise their political rights in an environment free of intimidation and discrimination.
