Politics · Mexico · 4 hrs ago
Mexican lawmakers challenge women’s secretary over violence and disappearances
At a hearing in Mexico, lawmakers questioned Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo about violence against women, disappearances and femicides.
Lawmakers demanded stronger action and answers for women facing violence and seeking justice.
One lawmaker from Oaxaca said former secretary Citlalli Hernández had failed to defend victims, while another criticized alleged corruption at the electoral institute.
Castillo said the average number of femicides fell 5% from January to September 2026, but added that no figure was enough to be satisfied with.
Government-backed refuges served 11,559 people by June, including women and their children, and provided psychological, legal, medical and social-work services.
The 2027 budget proposal adds 17.64 million pesos compared with 2026, though the source does not say what happens next with the proposal.
Federal lawmakers challenged Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo over disappearances, femicides and violence against women during a hearing on her department’s work.
PRI lawmaker Ariana del Rocío Rejón Lara said the government had done little for women and called for safety, fair wages and justice.
PT lawmaker Martha Aracely Cruz Jiménez urged Castillo to act independently and criticized former labor secretary Citlalli Hernández over her response to women in Oaxaca and other states.
Castillo said the average number of femicides fell 5% from January to September 2026, while stressing that no figure was enough to be satisfied.
She also reported support for 90 projects strengthening specialized shelters in 30 states.
- Who
- Federal lawmakers questioned Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo. Castillo responded with figures on support and femicides.
- What
- Lawmakers challenged the government’s response to disappearances, femicides and violence against women.
- When
- The hearing took place in 2026; its exact date is not stated. The article was published on October 28, 2026.
- Where
- Mexico. The hearing’s specific location is not stated.
- Why
- Lawmakers called for answers and stronger action on violence, disappearances and women’s safety.
Lawmakers criticizing the government
Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo
Government response
Lawmakers criticizing the government
Ariana del Rocío Rejón Lara said the government had done little for women and demanded safety, fair wages and justice.
Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo
Castillo reported a 5% decline in the average number of femicides from January to September 2026 and described support for shelters.
Response to victims
Lawmakers criticizing the government
Martha Aracely Cruz Jiménez said former labor secretary Citlalli Hernández had not defended women in Oaxaca and other states.
Women’s Secretary Laura Itzel Castillo
Castillo said her department supported projects and services for women and their children.
Castillo said the average number of femicides fell by 5% over this period.
Shelters and related spaces provided care to 11,559 people through 454,449 services, Castillo said.
Lawmakers challenged Castillo over violence and disappearances during an accountability hearing that lasted more than three hours.
Castillo said the proposed federal budget included an increase of 17.64 million pesos compared with 2026.
- Hearing duration
- More than three hours
- Femicides
- Average fell 5% from January to September 2026, according to Castillo
- Supported projects
- 90 projects in 30 states
- People served
- 11,559 people through June 2026
- Services provided
- 454,449 psychological, legal, medical and social-work services
- Proposed budget increase
- 17.64 million pesos for 2027 compared with 2026
What people are saying
We are here to demand answers for the millions of Mexican women who continue living in fear, working in precarious conditions and waiting for justice that never comes.
As a woman, we cannot be satisfied with any figure.
I ask you not to be like Citlalli Hernández, who, despite the many meetings we had with her and the victims, never said anything to defend the women of Oaxaca and other states.