The CIM, the OAS, and the Advancement of the American Woman Status

The number of countries and multilateral organizations whose development programs include the objective of gender equality has grown because of the need for full integration of women into the new political, economic and social schemes. In the OAS, the Inter-American Women’s Commission (CIM) works to have all the governments of the hemisphere give its female citizens the same political, economic and social rights that males enjoy. This essay describes and analyzes the work and achievements of the CIM, and highlights Mexico’s role in the inter-American effort to recover the rights of women. The essay is divided into three sections. The first two analyze the expanded work and achievements of the CIM from the time this specialized body of the OAS was established in 1928. The third one examines Mexico’s participation in this commission; the work there of Mexico’s four delegates is emphasized.