Mexico Formalizes Feminist Foreign Policy, Prioritizing Gender Equality in Diplomacy

Mexico has officially formalized a feminist foreign policy, integrating the approach across its diplomatic missions worldwide. The initiative, spearheaded by Foreign Secretary Juan Ramón de la Fuente, aims to eradicate structural inequalities and ensure representation for all women in Mexican foreign policy.

Key Principles of Mexico’s Feminist Foreign Policy

The policy, outlined in an agreement soon to be published in the Official Gazette of the Federation, will be applied transversally within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE). This includes internal processes, participation in multilateral organizations, international cooperation, and economic and commercial relations. Core principles include:

• Promotion of labor equality
• Access to education
• Access to health services
• Political participation
• Reproductive rights

Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The SRE is committed to ensuring equal treatment and opportunities for women in all aspects of its diplomatic efforts, including international negotiations and leadership appointments. A key focus will be on the inclusion of women in vulnerable situations, regardless of ethnicity, disability, age, or immigration status. The policy also emphasizes the importance of parity in hiring, training, promotions, and rotations of female officials within the foreign service.

Collaboration and Partnerships

Mexico intends to build alliances with international organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector to advance gender equality globally. At the consular level, gender-perspective protocols will be implemented to eliminate discrimination and exclusion. The SRE will also actively promote the visibility of women in the economy and culture, with a focus on supporting products from indigenous and Afro-Mexican women through fair trade schemes.

Implementation and Evaluation

The implementation of the feminist foreign policy will be subject to annual evaluation to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. Internally, the SRE will work to reduce gender gaps and prevent gender-based violence and discrimination within the institution. This initiative builds upon previous efforts to address violence against women, as highlighted by Foreign Secretary de la Fuente during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25N).

Regional Context and Support

This move aligns with broader regional efforts to promote women’s rights and equality, as demonstrated by the inauguration of the XVI Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean in Mexico in August 2025. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, at the conference, stressed the require to recognize the contributions and rights of all women and prevent setbacks at all levels (CEPAL).

Looking Ahead

Mexico’s formalization of a feminist foreign policy marks a significant step towards integrating gender equality into its international relations. The ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the policy will be crucial to ensuring its effectiveness and achieving lasting progress for women both within Mexico and around the world. The Foreign Ministry also held virtual meetings with Mexico’s diplomatic missions abroad to analyze and evaluate the implementation of this policy (SRE).