MEXICO: WHEN I WAS WORKING AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF A THIK TANK AND WE NEEDED TO RAISE FUNDS, I LED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO WORK AS A “TEAM” IN ORDER TO SUCCEED – AND WE DID
“When I was working as Executive Director of a think tank and we needed to raise funds, I led the Board of Directors to work as a “team” in order to succeed – and we did”
Thanks to:
Cristina Flores Justic
World Rugby Council Member – Regional Committee Member
- The history of the women’s movement in Mexico
- Testimonials
- Reading time: 5 minutes
MEXICO - Find out more
Mexico is a federal republic in North America, with an estimated population of about 129 million in 2025, slightly more female than male. As of February 2024, women held 50.4% of the seats in the national parliament, the result of a recent constitutional reform that mandated gender parity in candidacies. However, their participation in the labor market remains significantly low: only 47–48% of women are active, compared to 77% of men. This disparity greatly limits women’s economic inclusion and the full expression of their potential. Moreover, serious social challenges persist: the adolescent birth rate (15–19 years) exceeds 44 births per 1,000, more than 20% of young women were married before the age of 18, and femicides remain at alarming levels.
(Source: Wikipedia – Demographics of Mexico; data.unwomen.org; World Bank Gender Data Portal; IPU Parline; Citibanamex / IMCO labor report; Reuters; AP News)
HISTORY OF THE COUNTRY
1. When did the women’s rugby movement start in your country and what is its history? How is rugby structured in your country?
Around 2003. It started at university level. There are about 16 clubs, and women fall under the same federation as men.
2. Do you think playing rugby has a social impact for a woman in your country?
It has a huge impact in a country where women have shouldered family responsibilities for years. It represents a continuation of the support among women that is part of our social fabric. It is another interpretation of female strength.
3. In your opinion, what can rugby give to women in your country?
Self-expression: a way to express themselves, just like in any other country.
JOURNEYS THROUGH RUGBY
1. When did you start playing rugby and how you discover it?
I started in 1979. I watched the men’s university team.
2. What has rugby taught you that has impacted your daily life? Can you give me an example of when a rugby mindset was useful?
Not only how to be a good team member, but also how important EVERY member of a team is to its success. This comes as the result of good leadership and discipline. How to be strong. When I was working as Executive Director of a think tank and we needed to raise funds, I led the Board of Directors to work as a “team” in order to succeed – and we did.
3. Can you give me 3 words that connect rugby to freedom?
Strength – love – discipline.
4. What does live in a land of freedom mean to you?
To be able to pursue your goals with, if not the support of your government/social environment, at least the freedom to challenge the status quo.
5. What object represents you and why? What is an aphorism that guides your life?
Object? A diamond — it is very strong, but also fragile, just like me, and it has many facets, which I also have thanks to my multicultural upbringing, education, and experiences. It reflects the light it is given, which means I would like to reflect the light that has been given to me by others.
“Carpe Diem”.