Quintana Roo Helps Women Finish High School First

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Governor Mara Lezama signed a historic agreement with the National Center for Higher Education Evaluation (Ceneval) on Tuesday, establishing a pathway for women in Quintana Roo to complete their high school education. The initiative, part of the Mujer Es Aprender (Woman Is to Learn) program, marks the first such effort in Mexico to address educational disparities for women, including those in the Maya Zone.

A Milestone for Gender Equality

Governor Lezama emphasized the significance of the agreement during the signing ceremony at the National Palace. "Quintana Roo has become the first state in the country to implement a strategy that will redefine women’s education, including Maya women, as part of our commitment to substantive equality," she stated.

The program’s initial phase will enable 2,000 Quintana Roo women to earn their high school diplomas, with examinations offered in both Spanish and Maya. The initiative is spearheaded by the Secretariat for Women (Semujeres) and includes academic support from the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo (Uaqroo) and the Intercultural Maya University of Quintana Roo.

Addressing Historical Inequities

"This is how we are ending years of accumulated inequality, silenced voices, and the struggles of thousands of women who, due to poverty, violence, disproportionate caregiving burdens, or systemic exclusion, were unable to finish high school," Governor Lezama said.

The agreement was signed by key figures, including Ceneval Director General Carmen Enedina Rodríguez, Quintana Roo Secretary of Women Esther Burgos, Secretary of Education Elda Xix, Uaqroo Rector Consuelo Natalia Fiorentini, Intercultural Maya University Rector William Briceño, and Mujer Es Poder program coordinator Bridget Ortega.

Comprehensive Support System

The state government announced a full support system for participants, including preparatory courses, academic advising, physical study spaces, materials translated into Maya, and follow-up monitoring. The partnership with Uaqroo ensures that women taking the Ceneval’s Acredita-Bach exam will receive tailored guidance, aiming for a higher pass rate than the national average.

Since its launch earlier this year, Mujer Es Aprender has already shown progress, with 458 women applying for basic education certification (primary and secondary) between January and July 2025. The expansion to high school equivalency is expected to bolster economic autonomy, expand job opportunities, and advance gender equality in the region.

Governor Lezama framed the initiative as part of a broader commitment: "We are correcting a longstanding debt with the conviction of a humanist government that has a feminist heart—one that works strategically and justly for women."

The program solidifies Quintana Roo’s position as a national leader in innovative educational equity measures.