Veracruz ended 2025 as one of the Mexican states with the greatest challenges in promoting women’s economic participation, ranking second-to-last nationwide in the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) report.
According to IMCO’s States #WithAGenderLens analysis, Veracruz not only remained near the bottom of the national ranking but also fell one position compared to the previous year.
Women’s Economic Participation Declined
The report found that women’s participation in Veracruz’s economy is below the national average and decreased by more than 5% between 2024 and 2025.
The study also highlights persistent challenges, including:
- Ongoing gender gaps in the labor market.
- Limited access for women to leadership and executive positions.
- Low levels of business formalization among women entrepreneurs.
Limited Access to Leadership Roles
Gender inequality also remains evident in management positions, where relatively few women hold executive or decision-making roles.
María de Lourdes Medina Ortega, president of the National Chamber of the Transformation Industry (CANACINTRA), said there is still significant work to be done.
“We still have a long way to go so that women can gain access to leadership positions and positions of power.”
Few Women-Owned Businesses Operate Formally
The IMCO report also revealed that only 8% of women entrepreneurs in Veracruz pay taxes and comply with their fiscal obligations.
In this indicator, the state ranks 27th nationally.
Despite these challenges, local entrepreneur and cook Doña Clarita believes women continue to demonstrate resilience.
“The truth is that women have worked so hard that we’ve found ways to solve problems and, above all, make life easier for ourselves.”
Breaking Into Traditionally Male-Dominated Activities
Women in Veracruz are also expanding into activities that were traditionally dominated by men.
One example is horseback riding events and cavalcades, where female participation has grown significantly.
Horse rider Alma Parra explained that women now play a prominent role in these events.
“It used to be an activity for men. Now we’ve started participating, and if you look at the cavalcades, sometimes there are even more women than men.”
These equestrian events also generate economic activity for local communities, with women contributing through a variety of businesses and services associated with the celebrations.
Source: meganoticias
