In a historic step for inclusivity and representation, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has appointed Charlotte Schneider Callejas, a transgender woman and seasoned advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ rights, as the nation’s new Vice Minister of Women within the Ministry of Equality and Equity.
The appointment, confirmed in August 2025, marks the first time a transgender woman has been elevated to such a high-ranking role in the Colombian government.
Schneider, originally from Cuba and now a naturalized Colombian citizen, brings a deep academic and activist background to the position. She holds advanced degrees in biochemistry as well as feminist and gender studies, blending scientific rigor with social advocacy.
Role in the Ministry of Equality and Equity
The Ministry of Equality and Equity was established under Petro’s administration to tackle systemic inequalities and advance the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and other historically marginalized communities.
Schneider’s appointment as Vice Minister of Women reflects a deliberate focus on intersectionality—acknowledging how gender, sexuality, and identity intersect in the fight for equality.
According to reports from Colombian media, Schneider has been actively involved in human rights initiatives, particularly those addressing the discrimination and violence faced by transgender women in Latin America. Advocates say her leadership provides both symbolic and practical momentum in advancing equity-focused policies.
Significance of the Appointment
Schneider’s elevation has been widely celebrated by rights organizations and feminist groups, who view it as a milestone in Colombia’s broader trajectory toward progressive social policies.
While some critics aligned with conservative sectors have expressed opposition, legal scholars point out that her appointment aligns with Colombia’s constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.
Observers also note that Schneider’s appointment comes at a time when global debates around gender identity and women’s rights remain polarizing. By placing a transgender woman in a top policymaking role for women’s issues, Colombia is sending a message of inclusivity to the international community.
Central role
As Vice Minister, Schneider is expected to play a central role in shaping policies on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, workplace equity, and LGBTQ+ protections.
Her appointment underscores President Petro’s broader political project to expand rights-based governance in Colombia, even as it faces criticism from more conservative factions.
For Schneider, the position represents both a personal milestone and an opportunity to institutionalize the causes she has long fought for.
