The election of Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo as the first female president of Mexico has generated significant excitement internationally, including in Kenya. This historic achievement is being celebrated as a major milestone for gender equality, with Sheinbaum’s win resonating across borders.
Sheinbaum, 61, previously served as the Mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023. Her election has been hailed as a breakthrough not only for Mexico but for women globally, symbolizing progress in the fight against gender barriers.
In Kenya, several leaders have expressed their admiration for Sheinbaum. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate Sheinbaum, stating that her victory demonstrates a promising future for women everywhere.
Wamuchomba highlighted that Sheinbaum’s success signifies women rising against the traditional dominance of masculinity.
Sheinbaum’s achievement is seen as an inspiration, encouraging women around the world to strive for leadership roles and reinforcing the importance of gender equality in politics and beyond.
“Congratulations President Claudia Sheinbaum first woman president of Mexico! Interestingly two women were leading the just concluded polls,” she noted.
“There’s a drastic shift from machismo politics. ‘Apresidenta’ will now lead a femicide-plagued country,” Wamuchomba said.
“Future is women.”
Former nominated Senator Millicent Omanga on her part said that Sheinbaum’s rise to the high office is an inspiration to women.
She added that her victory as Mexico’s first female president is a win for women across the globe.
“Mexico elects the first female president, former mayor, and climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum in a historic election that saw her win by a landslide,” Omanga said.
“Claudia’s meteoric rise to the top seat is a plausible inspiration and a win for all women across the world. Congrats!” Omanga said on X.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s election as the first female and first Jewish president of Mexico marks a significant milestone in the country’s history. Born on June 24, 1962, to scientist parents, Sheinbaum’s background is rooted in science and academia.
She holds an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and a PhD in Energy Engineering from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
As an academic, Sheinbaum has authored over 100 articles and two books focusing on energy, the environment, and sustainable development. Her contributions to these fields reflect her deep commitment to addressing critical global challenges.
In her political career, Sheinbaum has held several significant positions. She served as Secretary of the Environment from 2000 to 2006 under outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador during his tenure as Head of Government.
From 2015 to 2017, she was the Delegation Chief of the Tlalpan borough. In the 2018 election, she was elected as Mexico City’s Head of Government, becoming the first woman and the first person from a Jewish background to hold this position.
Her tenure as Head of Government was marked by a focus on curbing crime and enforcing zoning laws. Sheinbaum is also a vocal feminist, advocating for gender equality and women’s rights in a country where male chauvinism is prevalent.
She supports the legalization of abortion, aligning her stance with broader movements promoting reproductive rights and women’s autonomy.
Sheinbaum’s election as president is seen as a landmark achievement, breaking both gender and cultural barriers. Her diverse background as a scientist, academician, and politician, coupled with her commitment to progressive causes, positions her as a transformative leader in Mexico’s political landscape.
