Gender bureaucratic representation in local governments: examining drivers and effects in Mexican municipalities

Abstract

Women's participation in decision-making is crucial for achieving gender equality, as emphasized in international frameworks like CEDAW and the Beijing Platform for Action. Latin American countries, including Mexico, have made significant progress in gender representation, particularly in legislative bodies, with milestones such as the 2014 electoral reform leading to gender parity in Congress. However, women's representation in the public bureaucracy remains limited, especially in leadership positions, where men dominate. By 2021, only 30% of municipal leaders in Mexico were women. This research focuses on gender representation in Mexican municipal administrations, examining women's presence, challenges, and the factors influencing their leadership. It comprises three interconnected studies. The first explores gender disparities in municipal leadership, highlighting persistent wage gaps and segregation patterns. The second investigates the impact of female mayors and councils on broader representation in local bureaucracies, emphasizing top-down and critical mass effects. The third analyzes how female leadership fosters citizen participation, with findings indicating women’s democratic leadership style enhances engagement under stable conditions. Mexico's decentralized structure offers a unique lens to understand gender dynamics in governance. This thesis aims to inform policies that promote gender equity in public administration and improve governance outcomes through increased female representation.