By Delia Ruelas

For the first time, a woman from Rosarito has taken office in the National Network of Women Defenders of Parity in Mexico. She is Verónica Lara Ponce, an active member and representative of the network in Baja California.

This organization aims to ensure that equality is substantive and not merely numerical, striving for spaces in politics and public institutions where women hold significant positions, rather than merely fulfilling the 50 percent parity requirement with low-value roles.

During the meeting held in Guadalajara, which saw the participation of hundreds of social activists and feminist advocates, Lara Ponce stood out for her impactful presence in politics from a young age and is now committed to continuing that legacy within the National Network by incorporating and assisting other women in vulnerable situations.

Mexican women are making progress in the fight for substantive equality, as well as in the defense and promotion of political-electoral rights.

However, structural changes are still needed for women to achieve real and effective parity participation, expressed Lara Ponce.

She lamented the persistent misconceptions about feminism, which were exacerbated by the violent actions of some women in the past. Today, the focus has shifted to respect and the promotion of women’s political-electoral rights and the advancement of parity democracy in Mexico.

For women interested in joining this National Network, the website is available at http://rednacionaldemujeresdefensorasdelaparidad.org.