Calderon: Machismo continues in Mexico

Mexican president Felipe Calderon spoke out against what he perceives as a culture of machismo that’s pervasive in Mexican society. Calderon’s remarks came during a ceremony earlier today to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women:

Earlier this year, Mexico enacted a law obligating federal and local authorities to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women. Yet only a handful of states have formally adopted it, Calderon said.

At fault? A culture still dominated by "the false premise of subordination, submission and even inferiority of women with respect to men," he said. "This is a cultural obstacle that we have to reverse."

Mexico has promoted women’s rights via recent measures though activists and the government don’t always see eye to eye. For instance, a proposal to decriminalize abortion nationwide was not seen favorably by Calderon and it was eventually defeated by conservative members of Calderon’s party.

This past Sunday was the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women; a day established by the U.N. in 1999.

Image- CNN

Sources- The Latin Americanist, earthtimes.org, International Herald Tribune, New York Times, Xinhua