The public image of women politicians attracts no less attention than their political platforms. In the Dominican Republic, where female leadership is steadily gaining strength, appearance has become part of a broader professional discussion about how women in politics use visual communication as a tool of political influence.
Women politicians in the Dominican Republic are under close public scrutiny. Some pay little attention to their image, while others are fully aware of the power of style as a means of personal communication and of reinforcing their values and political platforms. At the same time, the public image of women politicians is still judged by different standards than that of their male counterparts. While discussions of men’s appearance generally remain outside the professional sphere, their female colleagues often have to fight for the right to be taken seriously. As Chile’s first female president, Michelle Bachelet, aptly noted: “We are not obliged to follow men’s codes to prove what we are capable of.” In practice, however, women in politics continue to balance between expectations of a “strict” professional style and pressure to “be themselves.”
A study by the University of Palermo, using Margaret Thatcher as an example, demonstrated that even among the strongest female leaders, clothing could become an instrument of power. In her case, the strategy involved incorporating elements traditionally associated with masculinity into her wardrobe and projecting an image of unwavering authority. It is worth noting that Latin America has also undergone significant changes in recent years: Claudia Sheinbaum became president of Mexico in 2024, Laura Fernández became president of Costa Rica in 2026, and Keiko Fujimori became president of Peru in 2026.
A telling example is the recent discussion surrounding the bow tie worn by Zoraima Cuello, Vice President and Coordinator of Public Policy of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD). A social media post criticizing her accessory sparked a strong reaction. In response, Cuello drew attention to a contradiction: society publicly demands modesty, honesty, and closeness to ordinary people from politicians, while in practice it often encourages luxury and symbols of status.
Despite this pressure, female leadership in the Dominican Republic continues to gain momentum. Carolina Mejía, the first woman to serve as Mayor of the National District, is one of the most prominent figures. She is regarded as a potential presidential candidate for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) in the 2028 elections. In building her public image, she favors tailored trouser suits and restrained colors that emphasize professionalism. More recently, wide-leg trousers paired with sneakers or trainers have appeared increasingly often in her wardrobe. This element adds a sense of modern dynamism to her image and visually brings her closer to voters, particularly younger audiences. Her strategy focuses on her current work rather than loud campaign rhetoric, strengthening her position as an authoritative political figure.
Raquel Peña, the country’s current Vice President, represents a style of leadership characterized as restrained, disciplined, and results-oriented. With two decades of experience in academia and entrepreneurship, she has developed a leadership model based on openness and consistency. She maintains a connection with citizens while acting systematically within the national policy agenda. In terms of clothing, she favors an elegant classic style — skirts or dresses paired with jackets — creating an image of a sophisticated and confident woman politician. Her approach is based on professional reputation rather than public spectacle.
Gloria Reyes, the current Minister for Women, represents a new generation of political leaders. In 2016, she became the youngest woman elected to the National Congress in the country’s history. She initiated important legislative changes, including efforts to abolish child marriage and introduce gender parity into the law governing political parties. Her public image is built not only around professional achievements but also around family values and care. In the public perception, she is often associated with the image of a mother, emphasizing her humanity and connection with the everyday concerns of citizens. This aspect of her image strengthens trust and makes her figure more relatable to broad segments of society.
Another notable example is María Mercedes Ortiz Diloné, senator for the province of Hermanas Mirabal. In 2026, she was elected spokesperson for the ruling party’s caucus in the Senate. She also heads the Latin American Network of Women Municipal Leaders, highlighting regional recognition of her leadership qualities. Her career represents a gradual rise from the municipal level to national politics, demonstrating how female leadership is becoming increasingly established across different levels of government. At the same time, her professional style, without unnecessary extravagance, reflects her focus on work rather than public spectacle.
Miriam Germán Brito, the country’s former Attorney General (2020–2025), is known for her direct and uncompromising management style. She remains an influential figure, serving on the boards of several major companies, and retains a reputation as the “Iron Lady” of Dominican politics. Her style is characterized by restrained elegance and professional rigor, fully corresponding to her image as a principled politician.
The current Attorney General, Yeni Berenice Reynoso, who has held the position since 2025, stands out for her distinctive and more extravagant style, with fashionable suits and dresses that contrast with the traditional government dress code. She also leads the country’s fight against corruption. Her professional toughness combined with bold visual self-presentation makes her one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary Dominican politics.
It is also important to recognize those who paved the way for others. Milagros Ortiz Bosch became the first woman to serve as Vice President of the Dominican Republic, while Minou Tavárez Mirabal was the first woman to run for president as the candidate of her own political party. These historic examples continue to inspire a new generation of women politicians, including Betty Gerónimo, Mayor of Santo Domingo Norte, and Faride Raful, Minister of the Interior and Police.
The success of these influential women demonstrates that perceptions of female leadership in the Dominican Republic are gradually changing. However, as analysts point out, real political power is still often judged by double standards. Discussions about appearance are only one aspect of the broader issue of how women in politics are perceived. The fact that several women in the Dominican Republic are now genuinely competing for the country’s highest positions demonstrates that the era of women being political “exceptions” is coming to an end. It is being replaced by the systematic and increasingly visible presence of women in national politics.
Prepared with the support of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, exclusively for Business Woman.
Stella Kurhaieva
Representative of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Dominican Republic
Photo: From open sources
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