As part of the preparations to launch the March, the Mexican coordinating body carried out a large-scale survey on March 5 to gather women's and men's opinions on women's rights. Conducted in 26 states by more than 500 civil organizations, the study surveyed over 500,000 people.
The questions concerned women's participation in the political and social spheres, the education system, the job market, their right to pay equity and to physical, sexual and psychological integrity.
Among the women surveyed, 97% said they should have exactly the same rights as men, as compared with 94.5% of men questioned. Men's support was weakest for household chores, which they felt should be the sole domain of women; their support also faltered where access to the job market, pay equity, the right to food and other rights were concerned. Curiously, young people appeared to be more reticent to accept full equality.
Such a snapshot of the situation of women in Mexico had never been done before. The survey also served as an awareness and visibility tool since the media gave it broad coverage. It resulted in new groups joining the women's movement and in presidential candidates being questioned on the topic in May and June 2000.
It was also helpful in pinpointing action priorities, and it was used in training workshops.
"Women who took part in the survey were strengthened by the experience; they were surer of themselves, more aware of their situation, of their collective strength, more able to conduct public actions themselves, in a word, they became more active citizens," the coordinator commented.
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