Access to housing is considered a human right in Mexico, despite decades of policies that relegated it to privilege. In 2018, social policies began to be implemented to change this perception. The Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS) has advocated for recognizing housing as a right, not just a market commodity. Social movements succeeded in making public policy reflect this inclusive vision, recognizing the importance of housing for the country's economy.
President Claudia Sheinbaum launched an initiative to build one million homes in Mexico, a step towards inclusion and equity. Examples from Uruguay, Spain, and Germany show that the organization of workers is key to changing housing laws. In Uruguay, housing cooperatives provide dignified homes for low-income families. The CISS promotes that homes should not just be roofs, but places where life can truly thrive.
The housing proposal prioritizes single mothers, youth, the elderly, and marginalized indigenous populations. Silvia, a representative of catalog saleswomen, highlighted the importance of unionization to access dignified housing. The construction of one million homes in Mexico, partially financed by Infonavit, will aim to create communities with access to services such as parks and public transportation.
The Network of Women Trade Unionists emphasizes the importance of guaranteeing social security as a universal right. Additionally, the interest rate on mortgage loans has been reduced from 5.16% to 2% this year. These efforts represent significant progress in ensuring that housing is accessible and dignified for everyone in Mexico.
