Claudia Sheinbaum to Lead Independence Day Celebrations: A Historic Moment for Mexico
This Monday, September 15th, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo will become the first woman to lead the traditional Independence Day celebration ("El Grito de Independencia") from the main balcony of the National Palace. This marks a historic moment for Mexico as it continues to advance towards gender equality in politics.
A Milestone in a Journey Towards Gender Parity
While Sheinbaum prepares for this significant event, it's important to remember the pioneers who paved the way. Griselda Álvarez Ponce de León became the first female governor in Colima. Her achievement laid the foundation for subsequent generations of women in Mexican politics. Even after four decades, the struggle for gender equality remains a vital aspect of the political landscape.
Griselda Álvarez Ponce de León (1913-2009) served as Governor of Colima from 1979 to 1985. She also became the first woman to lead the Independence Day celebration. This was a significant step towards greater female representation in positions of power in Mexico.
Between Griselda Álvarez's groundbreaking governorship and 2021, only nine women attained similar positions. However, 2021 marked a turning point. Six states simultaneously appointed female governors, who also celebrated their first Independence Day in office. It is estimated that Mexico is among the top 10 countries globally with legal gender parity.
The Rise of Female Governors in 2021
2021 saw the ascendance of several female governors representing various political parties. These included Marina del Pilar in Baja California, Índira Vizcaíno in Colima, Evelyn Salgado in Guerrero, Layda Sansores in Campeche, and Lorena Cuéllar in Tlaxcala, all aligned with the Morena party. Additionally, Maru Campos took office in Chihuahua under the National Action Party (PAN).
Other Notable Female Political Figures
Dulce María Sauri Riancho became the first female governor of Yucatán in 1991. Later, in 1999, Rosario Robles Berlanga was chosen as the Head of Government by the Assembly of the Federal District. This occurred when Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas resigned to pursue his third presidential campaign.
In the early 2000s, Amalia García, a founder of the PRD (Party of the Democratic Revolution), won the election to govern Zacatecas (2000-2007).
As Amalia García's term concluded, Ivonne Ortega (PRI) became the second female governor of Yucatán.
In 2015, Claudia Pavlovich (PRI) became the governor of Sonora. Notably, upon transferring power to Alfonso Durazo (Morena), she was appointed by the Andrés Manuel López Obrador administration as the head of the Mexican Consulate in Barcelona.
Claudia Sheinbaum: A Potential Future President?
In 2018, Claudia Sheinbaum assumed office in Mexico City. She is considered a leading candidate to succeed Andrés Manuel López Obrador, which could make her the first female President of Mexico.
Simultaneously, Martha Erika Alonso Hidalgo (PAN) won the governorship of Puebla but tragically died in a plane crash just ten days after taking office.
As of 2022, there were 26 male governors in office, outnumbering the 15 women who have held the position throughout the history of independent Mexico. Currently, in 2025, Mexico has 13 female governors. These 13 women, alongside Claudia Sheinbaum, will lead the Independence Day celebrations.
Sheinbaum Acknowledges the Work of Military Women in Crafting Presidential Sash
Through social media, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo recognized the contributions of the military women from the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena). She praised their work, creativity, and patriotism in crafting the presidential sash that she will wear during the celebration of the 215th Anniversary of the Independence Day Cry.
"Wearing the presidential sash is a true honor and privilege," expressed the first female president of Mexico.
She also released a documentary video showcasing the creation of the presidential sash. The video highlights the military women taking measurements, cutting fabrics, embroidering the national emblem, and finalizing details before delivering it to the head of the Federal Executive Branch.
The sash-making process takes 10 days and is carried out at the Clothing and Equipment Factories of the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (Sedena), located in the Iztapalapa district of Mexico City. This activity is conducted annually. Since December 1, 2018, by order of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, this has been one of Sedena's responsibilities.
On the first day, measurements are taken, and three pieces of green, white, and red American satin are cut. Subsequently, the fabrics are joined with polyester thread and ironed to maintain their shape, size, and quality. After joining the three fabrics, measurements are taken to place the national emblem. The chest, back, and tail bases of the eagle are marked, refined, and enhanced. The person in charge sews with a frame to ensure the process.
The emblem is hand-embroidered with three types of gold and silver threads. This task takes 32 hours.
After the national emblem is embroidered, it is verified that it maintains its measurements. Subsequently, the back of the sash is placed, and the president's name is embroidered.
After manufacturing, a mannequin with the exact measurements of the first president is used to verify the drape of the fabric.
Once the measurements have been reviewed, the fringe is placed, and green, white, and red threads are interspersed to match the color of the fabrics.
Finally, those in charge of making the sash place it in a wooden and crystal box for safekeeping.
The Armed Forces are responsible for transporting it to the National Palace to deliver it to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
