In 2024, Quintana Roo is positioned as a state highlighted for its commitment to female leadership and gender equality. Currently, 6 of the entity's 11 municipalities are led by women, an example of the growing female empowerment in state politics. This reality marks a milestone in the representation of women in the public sphere, reinforcing their role in making key decisions for the social and economic development of the region.
The participation of women in public positions continues to set a trend, reflecting important progress in gender equality in politics. Below, we introduce you to the women who lead some of these municipalities:
Ana Patricia Peralta de la Peña - Benito Juárez (Cancún)
Re-elected after a successful administration, Peralta has led important initiatives for the urban and tourist development of the municipality.
Angy Estefanía Mercado Asencio - Solidaridad (Playa del Carmen)
Representing Morena, Mercado has focused on reinforcing security and promoting sustainable development in this important tourist destination.
Yensunni Idalia Martínez Hernández - Othón P. Blanco (Chetumal)
Reelected as mayor of the state capital, she works to strengthen basic services and improve connectivity in the region.
Blanca Merari Tziu Muñoz - Puerto Morelos
Re-elected under the banner of the Green Party, she continues to promote projects for environmental and social development in this coastal municipality.
Atenea Gómez Ricalde - Isla Mujeres
A leader committed to improving public services and tourism in one of the most emblematic islands of Quintana Roo.
María del Carmen Candelaria Hernández Solís - Felipe Carrillo Puerto
Its focus is on the preservation of Mayan culture and sustainable development in this area with great historical and natural wealth.
These female mayors, along with the other five male mayors of the remaining municipalities, began their mandate on September 30, 2024 and will conclude in 2027. This panorama shows how Quintana Roo is consolidating itself as an example of inclusion and female leadership in Mexico.
For her part, Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, the first woman to hold this position in the state, continues to implement progressive policies. In October 2024, she announced the creation of the Women's Secretariat, an organization that seeks to strengthen women's rights in the entity, guarantee substantive equality and work towards the elimination of gender violence. This effort aligns Quintana Roo with the reforms promoted at the federal level under the presidency of Claudia Sheinbaum.
The female presence in municipal and state government not only contributes to reducing gender gaps, but also promotes initiatives such as gender parity in public administration, equal pay and comprehensive attention to specific problems of women. These actions consolidate Quintana Roo as a national benchmark in the fight for equity.
Female leadership in Quintana Roo reflects a significant cultural and political change, demonstrating that women not only have a voice in politics, but are also transforming the landscape with inclusive and equitable policies. This advance paves the way for more women to join the ranks of political leadership in Mexico and beyond.
