Peru's first female president names all-male cabinet

Peru's first democratically elected female president, Keiko Fujimori, has appointed a cabinet heavily dominated by men, naming only two women to the 19 ministerial portfolios. The cabinet, officially sworn in Tuesday, is headed by Vice President Luis Galarreta.

This predominantly male composition has drawn criticism, particularly given Fujimori's own rise as the first woman elected to the presidency. Advocates point out that this mirrors the gender imbalance seen in the cabinets of former presidents Pedro Castillo and Dina Boluarte. Susana Chávez, director of advocacy for the feminist organization Promsex, noted on social media that such a composition is "uncommon and difficult to accept in times when women have advanced, although political power resists recognizing it."

Further concerns were raised regarding President Fujimori's inaugural address, which notably omitted any mention of violence against women. Josefina Miró Quesada, a human rights lawyer, criticized Fujimori's appointment of María Seminario to lead the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations. Miró Quesada stated that Seminario lacks relevant political, professional, or academic experience in gender issues, children, adolescents, or vulnerable groups. The appointments have sparked debate about the commitment to gender equality in Peru's highest levels of government.