The Shifting Role of First Ladies in Latin America
Traditionally, being the spouse of a Latin American leader meant assuming a visible and influential position in their husband’s career. However, times have changed. With many populous countries worldwide heading to the polls this year, the role of women in politics is rapidly evolving.
All eyes are on Latin America, particularly Mexico, where the region’s second-largest democracy could potentially elect its first female president. Both leading candidates are women, with Claudia Sheinbaum currently leading the race. Yet, the influential non-elected position of the first lady is also undergoing transformation across the region, especially as Mexico may see its first “first man.”
This shift marks a departure from the era of iconic first ladies like Eva Perón, who wielded significant political influence. In recent years, women have begun to challenge the expectations associated with the role. Some view it as unfair to ascend to such power without election, while others resist sacrificing their own careers for their husbands’.
Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, wife of Mexico’s current president, has openly criticized the role as elitist, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all women’s contributions. Gutiérrez Müller advised fellow first lady, Chilean Irina Karamanos, who found herself grappling with conflicting principles when her partner, Gabriel Boric, became Chile’s youngest president in 2022.
As a political leader and feminist, Karamanos struggled with the expectations thrust upon her. Despite being given an office, a team, and multiple foundations to oversee within the presidential palace, she questioned the legitimacy of her authority. “Why me?” she pondered, feeling uneasy about wielding such power without electoral mandate.
In a country still recovering from military dictatorship, Karamanos found the sudden empowerment of someone like her to be inherently undemocratic. Nonetheless, she assumed the role, grappling with the complexities it presented.