**”A Story Comes to an End”: Family Bids Farewell to Journalist Eglantina Esquivel**
The evening of Tuesday, August 13, family and friends gathered to say goodbye to renowned journalist Eglantina Esquivel Martínez, the founder of the magazine “Lucha de las Féminas.” She passed away on Sunday morning, August 11, at the age of 82, after being hospitalized for 15 days due to pneumonia.
Esquivel Martínez, the first woman to lead a media outlet in Tijuana, passed away around 6 a.m. at ISSSTECALI Hospital in Tijuana. She was a trailblazer in her field, having started her career at the newspapers “Nuevo Mundo” and “ABC” before founding her own weekly, “Lucha de las Féminas,” in 1974.
Her daughter, Rosa Martínez Esquivel, recalled her mother’s dedication to journalism, particularly her focus on politics and the crime section “Crimen y Castigo,” which earned her national recognition, including the prestigious “Golden Pen” award, over her nearly 50-year career. “Summarizing her life is difficult,” Rosa admitted. “More important is the legacy of a woman who loved her journalism work. She always emphasized that journalism is for those passionate about their daily, often thankless jobs—not to get rich, but to believe they can contribute to society’s betterment.”
Rosa highlighted her mother’s impactful work against child trafficking, noting an instance when she helped rescue a child. She added that maintaining weekly issues from 1974 to 2023 was no easy feat but was a testament to her mother’s extraordinary dedication.
**Continuing the Fight for Justice for Margarito**
Eglantina Esquivel was also a fierce advocate for justice after the murder of her son, Margarito Martínez, on January 17, 2022. Margarito, a photojournalist, had collaborated with various media outlets. Rosa explained how her mother’s health declined due to depression following her brother’s death, leading to her passing.
“The resolution in Margarito’s case is not over,” Rosa asserted, recognizing the difficulties in identifying the mastermind behind the crime but pledging that the family would persist in seeking justice.
Eglantina Esquivel leaves behind four children: Rosa, Margarito, Fausto Martínez Esquivel, and Júpiter Martínez Esquivel. Rosa expressed pride in their mother’s example of ideological defense and journalistic courage.
**Trailblazer for Women in Journalism**
Rosa remembered her mom’s mantra, “Women can occupy the places of men, and without a doubt, they can do it better.” She emphasized how her mother inspired her to dream big, maintaining that “Lucha de las Féminas” was more than a title—it was a way of life.
Widowed at a young age, Eglantina became a stern yet loving matriarch who instilled strong values and discipline in her children. Rosa reminisced about growing up to the smell of coffee, the sound of the local news on Ranchito radio, and the clatter of her mom’s typewriter. Eglantina’s passion for writing and freedom of expression left an indelible mark on her family and society.
Rosa concluded that her mother will be remembered as a tireless advocate for women in journalism and a passionate journalist to her last breath. A memorial mass for Eglantina Esquivel will be held tomorrow, August 14, at the “Nuestra Señora de Loreto” parish.
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**Additional Coverage**
**Calls for Justice in the Journalist Community**
Following Esquivel’s death, the journalist community in Baja California has been vocally advocating for continued pressure on authorities to resolve Margarito Martínez’s murder case. Two suspects, Manuel Ramos (also known as “El Uber”) and José Heriberto Ochoa Díaz (“El Huesos”), have been sentenced, while Christian Adán “N” (alias “Cabo 16” or “El Jaguar”) remains in trial.
**Tributes Pour In**
Numerous tributes have been made in honor of Esquivel’s immense contributions, not just to journalism, but also as a pioneering woman in a predominantly male industry. Colleagues and friends remember her unwavering commitment to ethical journalism and tireless efforts in shedding light on critical social issues.
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