Substantive equality refers to the treating principle of all people equally, without discrimination, addressing inequalities of origin, and ensuring that all people have the same opportunities and resources to reach their full potential.

It implies the recognition of entrenched inequalities and the implementation of policies and measures that put everyone on an equal footing.

The legal framework in Mexico

Mexico is in permanent communication with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and is continuously complying with and ratifying the international conventions it issues. Most of these agreements contribute to achieving substantive equality from the point of view of relations between employers and workers.

In addition, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in Article 1, states that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood”.

Chapter I of the Political Constitution of the United Mexican States establishes that all persons shall enjoy human rights, the protection of this right by the authorities, and the prohibition of discrimination for any reason.

There is also the Law for Equality between Women and Men, which aims to reduce the gap that still exists worldwide that undervalues the value of women.

Contribution of Sinaloa’s agricultural companies.

The member companies of the Veggies from Mexico community contribute to reducing inequality through various actions, for example:

Fostering education: providing schools in the agricultural fields, free school transportation, adult education, scholarships, or school supplies, and talks to workers and their families about the importance of education, among others.

Employment opportunities: The same amount of money is paid for the same type of work regardless of sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, or any other reason for discrimination; everyone can have the opportunity to continue to advance in the company based on their skills.

Healthcare access: there are equipped clinics, transportation to clinics or hospitals, health awareness campaigns, as well as everything related to occupational health and safety, such as personal protective equipment and training.

Each agricultural company has many more specific examples that contribute to the fulfillment of the objective of the search for substantive equality, which is essential to building fair and empowered societies.