Foreign Ministry adopts affirmative action in Foreign Service promotion exam

Foreign Ministry adopts affirmative action in Foreign Service promotion exam

• Gender-based affirmative action is introduced into the Mexican Foreign Service promotion exam for the first time as part of Mexico's feminist foreign policy
• Promotions were awarded to 314 individuals: 165 women and 149 men, based on performance, merit, and relative seniority

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advancing its feminist foreign policy by promoting gender mainstreaming in all areas, including the Mexican Foreign Service (SEM). For the first time, gender-based affirmative action was introduced into the 2024 Foreign Service promotion exam for career personnel in the Diplomatic-Consular and Technical-Administrative branches.

A diagnostic study on affirmative actions was conducted prior to the exam to achieve gender parity in Foreign Service recruitment and promotions. The study revealed persistent gender inequalities for women across all ranks within the SEM. To address this imbalance, the study recommended promotion exams with more positions reserved for women in order to achieve majority or equal promotions for women in both branches.

After evaluating the participants' records, including performance, responsibilities, postings in Mexico and abroad, absolute and relative seniority, academic preparation, and publications, in addition to written and oral exams, 314 individuals promoted: 165 women (52.55%) and 149 men (47.45%). Throughout, the process was guided by principles of legality, objectivity, and fairness.

The Mexican Foreign Service Personnel Commission and the Foreign Ministry's Directorate General for the Foreign Service and Human Resources analyzed the results. Among the 314 individuals promoted, irrespective of gender, 77% achieved the highest scores on their performance evaluations. Additionally, 74% had at least six years of relative seniority in their rank.

The impact of the affirmative action measure was significant. Without it, 207 men and 107 women, or nearly 60 fewer women, would have been promoted, perpetuating the current structural imbalance of 66% men to 34% women in the SEM.

The Foreign Ministry reaffirms its commitment to advancing equality by empowering women and combating all forms of discrimination.