There are approximately 2.5 million domestic workers in Mexico, a profession dominated by women and marked by deep gender and class divisions. These workers often face low pay, long hours, and abusive conditions.

This article originally appeared on AP News by Megan Janetsky.

Despite the likelihood of Mexico electing its first female president, millions of other women remain unseen, working as domestic laborers. While the nation stands on the brink of a historic achievement in gender equality, the stark reality of inequality persists for countless women who form the backbone of Mexico’s households.

These women often toil in the shadows, performing essential but undervalued work that enables others to pursue opportunities outside the home. As the country prepares to potentially shatter its highest glass ceiling, it is crucial to recognize and address the systemic barriers that continue to hold back so many Mexican women, ensuring that progress reaches all levels of society.

For professional women like Claudia Rodríguez, a 49-year-old IT company owner, domestic workers are essential. Balancing her career and household became impossible without hiring help. Many women pause their careers for caregiving, while only a fraction of men do the same.

Despite increased female political representation, social advances have yet to benefit domestic workers significantly. Although reforms in 2019 granted basic rights, enforcement remains weak.

The road to true gender equality in Mexico is still long and filled with obstacles. While progress has been made, such as the 2019 reforms granting domestic workers basic rights like paid leave, limits on working hours, and access to health insurance, enforcement remains weak. There is a clear need for better implementation and further legislative efforts to improve the lives of domestic workers and address the broader issue of gender inequality.

The importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of domestic workers cannot be overstated. Their labor is essential to the functioning of society, yet they remain largely invisible and underappreciated. A shift in societal attitudes and policies is necessary to ensure that the progress made at the highest levels of government translates into tangible improvements for all women in Mexico.

As the country stands on the brink of potentially electing its first female president, it is more important than ever to shine a light on the experiences of domestic workers and other marginalized women. Only by working together and acknowledging the challenges faced by all women can Mexico truly move towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

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