Female mayor slain in Mexico following selection of initial female president.
Yolanda Sánchez Figueroa, mayor of Cotija located in Michoacán state, was returning home from the gym when she and her bodyguard were attacked. This information was shared by the state attorney general through a public statement.
The statement also revealed that both Sánchez Figueroa and her bodyguard tragically succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. An investigation is currently underway to identify the perpetrators.
This news emerged just after Claudia Sheinbaum's impressive victory in the election, making her the first female president of Mexico. This marks a significant milestone in a country known for its patriarchal culture and rampant femicide.
The election saw widespread violence against politicians, making it the deadliest in Mexico's history. Many political candidates and their staff were targeted by criminal organizations in an attempt to influence the election results.
Sheinbaum is due to assume office on October 1, taking over from current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who had spearheaded several successful social welfare programs under his leadership. His political party, Morena, enjoys strong public support.
However, she will inherit a grave situation, as Mexico struggles with rampant gang-led violence and a disturbingly high rate of unsolved disappearances.
Mexico possesses one of the highest homicide rates worldwide and is considered a dangerous place for women. Data indicates that approximately 10 women are killed here daily. There are over 100,000 individuals who remain missing, without any explanation of their whereabouts. The think tank Mexico Evalua reported that a staggering 95% of all crimes nationwide remained unresolved in 2022.
In September 2023, Sánchez Figueroa had experienced a previous kidnapping incident in the city of Zapopan. She was held captive for three days before being released. Three individuals were subsequently arrested and accused of her abduction.
The local authorities, including the Michoacán government, expressed their dismay at the tragic incident and announced that a joint security operation, in collaboration with federal agencies, had been launched to find those responsible.
Tara John from CNN assisted with reporting in this piece.
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The tragic death of Yolanda Sánchez Figueroa has sparked concerns about the safety of female politicians in Mexico, a country known for its high homicide rate and rampant femicide. As the Americas continue to grapple with gender-based violence, the world watches as Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, prepares to take office amidst these challenges.
