Mexico City, December 8, 2023. Universidad Panamericana celebrated the launching of the book Women's Participation in Boards of Directorswhich represents a collaborative effort between academics from our institution and other renowned universities in the country .
This publication, coordinated by the Center for Research on Women in Senior Management (CIMAD) of our university, counted with the participation of five women who are part of the Pan-American family: Dr. Claudia Ortega, Director of Research; Ms. María Fernanda Cuenca, Director of Research; Ms. María Fernanda Cuenca, Director of Research; Ms. Claudia Ortega, Director of Research; and Ms. Claudia Ortega, Director of Research. María Fernanda CuenAssistant Director of the School of Business; Ms. Regina Guzmán, Head of Internal Communications; and Ms. Cecilia Canal, Vice Rector, with the support of Ms. Zara Hernández from the Research Department.
The event included a panel moderated by María del Rosario Avilés, director of history of thought at the School of Philosophy at Panamericana and leader of the CIMAD Board, with the participation of the Rector General of Universidad Panamericana and IPADE, Dr. Fernanda Llego; the director of CIMAD, Yvette Mucharraz; and Daniel Aguiñaga Gallegos, executive director of the Center of Excellence in Corporate Governance.
A call to action
According to Yvette Mucharraz, "this book responds to a call for action based on statistics that show the low participation of women on boards of directors (...)".
"We add our talent and strengths to light the way for those who are looking for how to change this reality, we evoke possibilities to be able to open the doors and achieve occupation of these spaces that, through experience and talent, women can take," she said.
Dr. Llergo also highlighted the French Revolution as a crucial milestone in the change in the conception of women's rights as citizens. Subsequently, the figure of Mary Wollstonecraft gained historical relevance, since, in 1792, with the publication of her work Vindication of the Rights of Womanechoed these ideals and was inspired by the philosophical theories of Rousseau to defend equal rights.
He also made an appeal: "I come to invite you to a new revolution, where women and men reconcile the specificity that each one possesses and where we can speak of a true richness, not only in the area of top management, but in all areas. Where differences are not weaknesses".
"No one is perfect, neither man nor woman, we are both imperfect creatures and in that imperfection it is as if we see a puzzle where we can mesh imperfection, thus we get a richness that far exceeds the division in terms of decision making," added the Rector General.
Need for cultural and structural change
On the other hand, it was discussed how corporate policies should evolve to support maternity, indicating that a one-year maternity policy does not make sense if the paternity policy is only five days. This underlines the need for a cultural and structural change in companies to facilitate the integration of women who are mothers.
Another key theme was the adaptation of professional profiles in the selection of personnel and the formation of management teams, reflecting the constant evolution of the business environment.
"The company changes. Maybe today I want an advisor who knows a lot about artificial intelligence and all this stuff that we have a hard time understanding, but it is unlikely that in 10 years that will still be my need, it will probably be a different one," said Daniel Aguiñaga.
Findings of the work
Some of the relevant findings of this publication are:
- In Mexico, only 4% of the seats on Boards of Directors in capital market companies were occupied by women in 2022.
- 23% of respondents indicated that their board has no women and only 16% responded that there are 30% or more women on the board.
- Women counselors believe that concrete actions are needed to encourage their inclusion.
- Some women are unaware of the role of concierge and how to access this role.
- Strategic vision is the most important competency for accessing a board, with 63% of people indicating it as necessary.
- 70% of the women counselors have a master's degree and 10% have a doctorate.
- Female board members tend to be younger than male board members, however, they require greater academic credentials to serve on a board of directors.
Through events and projects such as this one, Universidad Panamericana is honored to lead and participate in initiatives that transcend barriers and demonstrate our commitment to equal opportunities and the recognition of talent without distinctions. With determination and hope, we continue to move forward, knowing that every step we take is a step towards a more inclusive and prosperous society for all.
