October 28, 2007.
Election of Argentina's President.

Breaking the "glass ceiling," an expression used to describe the often invisible but nevertheless very real obstacles to women assuming positions of the highest responsibility is critical to achieving gender equity.

The election of Cristina Fernández as President of Argentina therefore represents a giant step forward that all of us who are fighting for that equality should celebrate. A humble artisan from Buenos Aires, Aída Molinari, could not have put it better: "It's spectacular, because for the first time in [Argentina's] history, we have a woman president elected by the people."

A woman of acknowledged ability with a solid track record and extensive experience in public affairs, the new President-elect is an example of the progress in gender equity in the political life of the countries of the Region. I recently had the honor of meeting with her in New York to discuss the global and regional challenges in public health, and I heard her deep concern about fighting social inequality and the persistent disparities in the field of health.

It makes us proud that the line of highly capable women who hold positions of leadership in Hemisphere keeps growing. Cristina Fernández in Argentina and President Michelle Bachelet in Chile are the most conspicuous examples. Up to very recently, Jamaica had its first woman Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller. At the time the primary care strategy was being launched, the Prime Minister of Dominica, Eugenia Charles, was a pioneer and one of the principal political leaders who endorsed the strategy.

Women vice presidents, several ministers of health, and other cabinet members in charge of fields such as defense, economy, foreign affairs, and transportation are making valuable contributions from their respective countries; along with legislators, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and the heads of international and nongovernmental organizations. WHO and PAHO have women Directors, and half of our PAHO Representative Offices in the countries are headed by women. The "glass ceiling" is becoming more transparent, and every day, women are more visible in their role as leaders.

Of course, there is still much to be done. In particular, we have before us the challenge of domestic violence and of the inequity that affects women heads of household. However, it is also clear that much has been accomplished. The victory of Cristina Fernández is an example of progress along the path to gender equity and, thus, a more just and balanced world.

Mirta Roses Periago