On the upcoming March 8th, the first International Women's Day will be celebrated under the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum, the first female president of Mexico, and with Citlalli Hernández at the helm of the recently created Secretariat of Women. This day presents itself as crucial to understand the direction the new government will take regarding rights, security, and public policies with a gender perspective.
One of the decisions that has generated debate is the placement of metal fences around the National Palace, a measure that the president justified as a way to protect all women, including the police responsible for security during the march, and to prevent possible confrontations.
With a feminist agenda still in the process of being defined, Citlalli Hernández, recognized for her progressive stance and closeness to social collectives, will face her first major public test on this March 8th. How will she communicate with the protesters? Will she maintain her role as a mediator between the feminist movement and the government, or will she adopt a more institutional stance?
This first March 8th in the new political landscape will not only examine the narrative of a government led by women but will also demonstrate the degree of priority or discomfort that feminist demands represent for those in power. The countdown has begun. How will she respond to the historic demands for justice and rights?
