Yeusví Flores: Neither failures nor submissive, women are moving forward

A few days ago, soccer player Javier "Chicharito" Hernández lit up social media with statements that are far from what women think. He said, without hesitation, that "women are failing," and that we should return to traditional roles: cleaning, caring, and letting ourselves be guided by a man.

As I listened to those words, I thought of my colleagues. Women who wake up between 5 and 6 in the morning, who review medical records, perform operations, deliver bad news with humanity, save lives, and who often, after an endless day at the hospital, come home to be mothers, wives, daughters, caregivers, and, yes, also cleaners. But not because someone imposes it on them, but because, like many Mexican women, they hold up the world with their hands and with the force of their hearts.

In Mexico, today more than ever, women doctors are making history. According to figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in 2021 we represented 46% of the country's physicians, and by 2025, the estimate is closer to 48%. This means that almost half of the healthcare professionals in our country are women. Not failures. Not weak. Not submissive. Professional. Committed. Capable.

And when it comes to training, the outlook is even more promising: more than 52% of those studying medical specialties in Mexico are women. More and more of us are taking on decision-making positions, hospital leadership roles, in spaces where only men previously had a voice.

This isn't a gender war. It's about equality, respect, and recognition. It's about understanding that women can be whatever they want, inside or outside the home, in a white coat or surgical uniform, with a helmet, with blueprints in hand, upholding the law, with chemicals or with canvas, with or without children, alone or with a partner. And that we deserve an environment that supports us, not one that questions us.

Without taking a step back

As a doctor, as a woman, and as a Mexican, I feel it's urgent that we talk about this. That we use every opportunity—like this column—to make it clear that we don't want to return to a past where we were defined by a role.

We want a present where we are heard, where we participate equally, and where we can create a future where our daughters, nieces, and every girl exercises the right to decide her role within society.

And yes, I say it clearly: we're not failing, we're making progress. Even if it makes some people uncomfortable.

Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @DraYeusviFlores; website: www.drayeus.com [email protected]