Business Culture: Women in Business

Foreign women are expected to interact with male business counterparts as equals, voicing opinions and ideas.

Make direct eye contact during introductions and greetings, but avoid prolonged eye contact which can be perceived as disrespect or even a challenge.

Women are very active in the trade of goods, and many markets are dominated by female vendors.

The dynamic nation of Mexico is both one of the most traditional countries in the Americas and one of the most rapidly developing. Women in the highlands of Oaxaca or the coastal communities of Sinaloa live very gender-specific lifestyles, which places them at the heart of the home. In Mexico City, Monterrey, and other booming metropolises, educational opportunities, global markets, and international media have produced some of the most independent women in Latin America. However, machismo, or traditional attitudes about gender roles, is still in play across the country, and expectations, treatment, and views of women remain strongly different than those of men. Several laws, including the General Act on Equality Between Women and Men of 2006, have brought egalitarianism to the forefront of the national conscience, but entrenched hierarchical attitudes remain at all levels of society. As a visiting businesswoman, you will generally be treated with the respect due your position in business situations, but may experience some unsolicited attention from men in social situations.

Public Presence

In both rural and urban areas, women tend to gather together in markets, shops, and private homes to discuss family and community issues, while men do much of their socializing in bars and public parks. In general, though, all public places are equally open to both genders.

In public, Mexican women dress conservatively when they are older and married, but often sport skin-tight jeans and low-cut blouses when young and single. No matter their age, Mexican women are usually very well groomed. Despite the fact that Mexico boasts an incredibly long and scenic coastline and attracts visitors from all over the world to its beach resorts, the majority of the population actually lives in the interior and most communities frown upon going out in public in shorts and other overly casual attire. Business dress is typically formal, so bring stylish and feminine-cut suits, dresses, or blouse and skirt combinations, paired with heels and modest jewelry. Mexican businesswomen tend to wear brighter colors than their counterparts to the north, but it's best to start out with more subdued colors like black, navy, or neutrals. Be sure you are well groomed for every occasion. When business meetings, conventions, and events take place at coastal destinations, you will notice that Mexican women rarely wear skimpy bikinis, although foreign tourists often do. Instead, Mexican women usually wear modest bathing suits, often covered with a t-shirt.

In urban areas, solo women who visit bars or entertainment venues will often be approached by men, so you may want to consider bringing a companion of either gender if going out at night.

Personal Interaction

Touching while conversing is very common in Mexico, especially among family and close friends. In general, people stand or sit close to each other while talking. While most physical gestures are friendly and innocuous, one that feels like a sexual advance may be deflected by standing back and/or crossing your arms, a gesture that indicates coolness and disinterest. You'll want to make direct eye contact during introductions and greetings, but avoid prolonged eye contact which can be perceived as disrespect or even a challenge. In the home, many Mexican women play hostess to visitors, and will not engage in a conversation unless invited to do so, especially if it involves business; this will not be expected of you, however. On the other hand, women also often meet up in private homes and frequently exclude men from these conversations.

The objectification of women as both sexual objects and domestic goddesses is rampant in Mexico; this is part of the overall cultural lens that views men and women as intrinsically different. The views, opinions, and wishes of women are treated with respect in most circumstances, and in some traditionally matriarchal areas, like Juchitán, women are responsible for organizing and administering the community in significant ways. This does not mean that they go out and work while the men stay at home, however. Across the spectrum of society, the values of machismo obligate men to be more active in public, earn a living and so forth, and women to attend to child care, food preparation, and household maintenance. Nevertheless, women are very active in the trade of goods, and many markets are dominated by female vendors. Women are very vocal in public and speak their minds, only lowering their voice or acting servile when entertaining guests. During your visit, you'll be expected to interact with your male business counterparts as an equal, voicing your opinions and ideas.

Autonomy and Leadership

Travel restrictions apply equally to Mexican men and women, and women are able to convey their citizenship to their children and non-national spouses just like men are. Women are also just as free as men to open a business, sign a contract, and file as “head of household.” The importance on family values and stability, which places the woman at the center of the home, means that in actuality men are much more mobile than women and do own a much larger share of actual property. When women do take jobs outside of the home, they are often subject to sexual harassment, rape, or other violence, as is the case in Juárez and many of the border towns where the US and other foreign countries run maquiladoras (factories). While in the country, don't hesitate to negotiate, supervise, sign contracts, or delegate responsibility, since most discrimination takes place in the lower rungs of the workforce.