Thanks to a quota law introduced in the 1990s, Argentina, along with Costa Rica, is the Latin American country with the most women in parliament - almost 40 % - again well ahead of France. Likewise, a number of key ministries, traditionally the preserve of men, are now in the hands of women. As is the case with the Central Bank of Argentina. The stereotype of the Latinomacho country is fast disappearing...
"Argentina may not yet be a professional equality paradise, but the country is well positioned".María Inés Caruso, director of one of the country's biggest luxury brands, was named one of the country's "100 Leading Women" by Apertura magazine in 2011. This heiress of the Rossi & Caruso group, a company founded in the second half of the 19th century, became the number one in the 80s. Since then, she has expanded the brand's network and intends one day to pass the torch to her daughter. A young woman in her thirties, she intends to take the business international. For her, being destined to become the captain of a prestigious company has never been a source of concern. "At business school, I didn't feel any difference between men and women".she confides.
Entrepreneurial spirit
For many women, setting up their own company is undoubtedly the best way of overcoming the difficulty of progressing within a company. This is the case, for example, of Karina Iskinwho quickly grew tired of the limited scope for development and launched Contemporary Jewelry with her sister Gabriela, a stylist. Together, they set off for New York with a collection of low-budget jewellery and returned with a contract from the MoMa boutique. The brand is now distributed all over the world, from the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. "As my sister is a true designer, I became her impresario as well as the brand's financial director".explains this 32-year-old businesswoman, who has found professional fulfilment in independence.
"Setting up my own business also seemed like the best solution".confirms Daniela Ziblata 33-year-old mother and co-founder of Estudio Hauser, an architectural firm currently responsible for building the Ministry of Science and Technology. "In this profession, women are rarely represented on large projects. They're more likely to be found in interior decoration or renovation".she explains. Among the main difficulties, getting accepted on a worksite remains one of the most daunting. "Generally, when I meet an entrepreneur, he only looks at my partner, as if I didn't exist. It takes time for men to understand that I'm just as competent as they are.laughs the architect. This macho attitude makes me smile, it doesn't destabilise me.
" If, in Argentina as elsewhere, architecture remains a male domain, there is another one that only the country can boast: tango. Natalia Fossatithe founder of Tango & Tango, was not afraid to take the plunge when, in 2002, she set out to create 'made-to-measure' events, far removed from kitsch and clichés. "Tango was born of the influence of strong women who needed to be independent in order to lead a free life. Of course, it's a dance where the man 'leads' and the woman 'follows', but it's also an example of how men and women complement each other".says Natalia Fossati.
End of the dance for macho men
For this dancer and businesswoman, growing up in a progressive family provided a solid foundation for her independent spirit. Even if, she admits, it is still difficult for a woman to head a company. "Some men indulge in inappropriate attitudes and comments".she admits. And yet, at the age of 36, Natalia Fossati is leading the way with brio, counting some of the world's top hotels among her clients, including the Park Hyatt, the Alvear Palace, the Sofitel and the Faena. Many women have opted for freedom by setting up their own business, but many have never felt the need to exist professionally. Cynthia Leibman is one of them. As an account manager at Google Argentina, she has always felt protected from sexist attitudes.both at university and at work", she proudly declares. And that says a lot about an entire continent which, contrary to popular belief, seems to be leading by example.
