16 Jul More Women in International Trade: Key to Mexico’s Economic Growth

Women’s participation in the economic sphere remains an untapped potential in Mexico. Although they represent more than 51% of the population and 45.6% of the active workforce, their presence in strategic sectors such as international trade remains limited. This exclusion not only reflects a lack of equity but also represents a significant loss for the country’s economic growth. In fact, the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO) estimates that if Mexico were to match female participation with the average of OECD countries, GDP could increase by 6.9 trillion pesos over the next decade.

Despite progress in female representation within the manufacturing industry and in some leadership positions, structural barriers persist, such as the wage gap, underrepresentation in STEM careers, and the scarce presence of women in management positions. Initiatives such as “Mujer Exporta MX” and organizations like AMEXME and AMMJE have played a key role in training and empowering female entrepreneurs, but these efforts must be reinforced by public and private policies that guarantee inclusion, access to financing, mentoring, and decision-making spaces.

Integrating more women into foreign trade and other strategic sectors is not only a commitment to equity, but also an action that drives innovation, strengthens competitiveness, and opens new development paths for Mexico. Promoting female leadership, breaking down stereotypes, and generating equitable working conditions are essential steps toward building a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient economy, where female talent is a key driver of national growth. 

SOURCE: 

Paulina Aguilar: International Trade Needs Even More Women https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/monterrey/2025/06/05/paulina-aguilar-el-comercio-internacional-necesita-aun-mas-mujeres/