Photo credit: Hannah Bacon
By Hannah Bacon, MAGG
As I finish my first month with the Gender Unit at UNDP Mexico, I have just as much to reflect on as to look forward to in the next six months. Arriving alone in Mexico City, only equipped with simple Spanish, was as daunting as it was exciting. The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the city. As my plane descended over the mountains into the city, I realized just how much there would be to discover. Quickly after landing, and despite my language barrier, I arrived safely at my apartment in central Granada. The first few days were spent slowly exploring my neighbourhood. This is my first time living alone, an experience that more isolating when in a foreign country where I do not speak the language. Nevertheless, the people I have met inside and outside of work have been warm and patient.
Since arriving, life has been hectic. Between working full-time, having work from home, learning a new language, and exploring a new city, there is simply not enough time in the day! So far, I have been able to visit the Anthropology Museum and MUNAL, explore the local parks, take a trip to El Mercado de la Merced (the second-largest market in the continent), and eat! What has struck me the most about the city is the level of greenery. Despite being the largest city in North America, Mexico City has retained a beautiful urban tree canopy, an impressive system of urban parks and green pedestrian walking paths. The green spaces and dedication to pedestrian infrastructure make the city a wonderful place to walk and explore.
Living in a new place also comes with unexpected experiences. September is infamous in Mexico City for earthquakes or ‘los sismos.’ The most significant two earthquakes experienced in Mexico City occurred on September 19th, one in 1985 and the other in 2017. To mark the day, Mexico City has a ‘simulacro.’ The earthquake alarm sounds, and everyone practices an earthquake drill as a reminder of the correct protocols, and to commemorate the lives lost. Thankfully, since being here, I have only experienced what are known as ‘microsismos.’
As someone who has always dreamed of being able to work in gender research, being able to work as a Gender Mainstreaming Specialist at UNDP truly embodies the phrase “taking research into practice.” I have been welcomed by my team, and even though I am far from home, I can feel a sense of belonging during our discussions on gender, human rights, power, politics, and social change. I am currently working on developing human and gender rights curricula for various Mexican municipalities. I am excited for the opportunities ahead and the work I hope to achieve.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the BSIA, its students, faculty, staff, or Board of Directors.