Women Heads of States in Latin America - Essay Example

no. Women Heads of s in Latin America The political arena in Latin America had for a long time been predominantly controlled by men. Women did not occupy any high political office in Latin America up until the late 20th century. More so, there were virtually no female heads of state in Latin America as late as the 1980s. Nevertheless, beginning the 1990s to present, the number of women in executive positions and especially as presidents in Latin America has increased drastically. In this essay we look at two women who have made political impact in Latin America, both in the 20th and 21st centuries.

We briefly look at Evita Peron, a 20th century woman and the role she played in shaping the future for Latin American women of the 21st century. Secondly, we look more extensively at Michelle Bachelet, her presidency in Chile and how she has continually championed for women rights. Evita Peron was the most influential woman in Latin American history until the late 20th century. Although Evita never officially held a post in the executive, she was a powerful advocate of women rights in the political arena.

Until her death in 1952, Evita was actively engaged in designing policies intended to benefit women in Argentina. In association with other feminists, Evita formed the “Peronist Feminist Party” that was designed to help women ascend the political ladder and occupy important political posts (Keen & Haynes, pp. 383). In the social sector, Evita founded a charitable organization that gave financial and legal aid to disadvantaged women in Argentina. Evita’s continued advocacy for women political liberalization saw the election of the largest delegation of women representatives in government in the 1951 presidential election.

Evita’s courage and dedication to uplifting women has borne fruits as more and more women continue to occupy high political offices in Latin America. Michelle Bachelet is a renowned political figure in Latin America. Bachelet was the first woman in all of Latin America to serve as the minister in charge of defense in Chile. In 2006, Chileans voted in Bachelet, a social democrat, as the first female president in the country. During her campaign and in the duration of her presidency, Bachelet emphasized on the need to open up Chile to global markets (Keen & Haynes, pp. 554). In 2008, Bachelet signed into law the legislation allowing for the poorest section of the Chileans to receive minimum pension.

Bachelet was also very keen to promote the welfare of women in both the political and social circles. For example, she gave Chile its first gender balanced cabinet with ten females and ten males. This gender balance was reflected throughout the Bachelet led government, where women were given equal posts with men. Bachelet had the welfare of women at heart when she implemented policies that saw working parents who had children below four years given free childcare services (Bauer & Remblay, pp.118). Socially, she authorized the distribution of contraceptives to all females above 14 years, in order to control fertility.

These pills were distributed in both government and private health facilities. This was accompanied by the move to make sex education compulsory in all public high schools. By the time Bachelet left office in 2010, her approval ratings stood at about 85 per cent, indicating that she had served her country well (Bauer & Remblay, pp.118). Apart from Chile, Bachelet has also made an impact on the lives of women around the globe. In 2010, Bachelet was appointed to lead “UN Women” a branch of the United Nations that advocates for the inclusion of women in sustainable development.

In her role at the United Nations, Bachelet continues to help women achieve their full potential, all over the world. In conclusion, Latin America has seen an increase in the number of women presidents in the 21st century, as compared to the 20th century. Most of these women have helped their respective countries advance both politically and economically. As would be expected, these female presidents have been at the fore front in advocating for the rights of women. The works of the 20th century women, represented here by Evita cannot be overlooked.

It is through the efforts of such women that Latin America continues to embrace gender parity. If Latin America continues to have women of Bachelet’s caliber in high positions, then the region is set to experience tremendous growth. More so, young women will have role models to look up to and emulate, thus bettering their lives and those of their compatriots. Works cited Bauer Gretchen & Remblay Manon. Women in Executive Power. New York: Routledge. 2011. Print. Keen Benjamin & Haynes Keith.

History of Latin America. New York: Cengage Learning. 2012. Print.