**The Contributions of Marcela Lagarde to Feminism**
María Marcela Lagarde y de los Ríos is a prominent feminist anthropologist, ethnologist, and professor with a significant academic career at the National School of Anthropology and History of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She holds a cum laude doctorate in Anthropology from the same institution and has been honored with a Doctor Honoris Causa by the Autonomous University of Colima. Lagarde’s work includes numerous articles and books focusing on gender studies, feminism, human development, democracy, power, and women’s autonomy.
Throughout her career, Lagarde has made significant contributions to feminist theory, emphasizing the connection between feminism and political power. She believes feminism is characterized by advancing empowerment and freedom for women. In the pursuit of liberty, women have dismantled hegemonic power structures through critical politics.
This approach has led to the establishment of new democratic powers, opposing traditional systems based on domination and resource monopolization. The powers generated by feminism are built on dismantling discrimination, exploitation, and exclusion against women, enabling access to resources and political participation.
Through this political practice, feminism not only democratizes modernity but also promotes a more equitable society by actively integrating women’s voices and roles. While hegemonic politics traditionally serve to accumulate and impose power, transformative politics from a feminist perspective is emancipatory, with the potential to reshape the social contract, collectively empower women, and enhance the leadership capacities of influential women. Feminism translates into an improved quality of life for all, requiring the expansion of a solidarity-driven social project.
The inclusion of more women in decision-making spaces strengthens the legitimacy of feminist discourse and solidifies fundamental agreements to achieve significant transformations from a gender perspective. However, many women have faced and overcome gender political filters to reach governmental institutions.
Feminist criticism of power places women in a dual political position: to critique power and participate in it, utilizing its structures, resources, and styles. Lagarde warns that participating without a gender-conscious or critical vision could reinforce the oppressive system, leading to political mimicry that adopts masculine and authoritarian styles.
Last year, I had the fortune to converse with Marcela Lagarde during the Regional Analysis Tables on New Forms of Violence Against Women. Our discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing all women who have tirelessly fought for women, girls, and adolescents’ human rights from various fronts. We reflected on how those of us here today must not forget those who battled before us, as their legacy forms the foundation of our progress. Our responsibility is to ensure future generations remember our commitment and dedication to ensuring women’s rights are respected and protected. This collective effort is a bridge between past, present, and future, uniting our voices in a timeless struggle for equality.
—
**Secondary Article: Recent Developments in Feminist Advocacy**
In recent news, feminist movements continue to gain traction worldwide with organizations and activists pushing for gender equality reforms and highlighting women’s rights issues. In Mexico, the movement has been particularly vigorous, with increased advocacy around issues such as systemic violence against women, reproductive rights, and representation in leadership roles.
One notable development is the rising awareness and legislative progress towards addressing femicide and gender-based violence. Activists have been rallying for more stringent laws to protect women and demand accountability for perpetrators, which has spurred governmental response with new policies and protective measures.
Further, educational initiatives aiming at deconstructing traditional gender roles are becoming more prevalent. Schools and universities are integrating gender studies into their curricula to foster a deeper understanding of equality among younger generations.
Internationally, feminist groups have been instrumental in pioneering digital platforms to give a voice to diverse women’s experiences, thereby broadening the scope and reach of feminist narratives.
These ongoing efforts reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary feminism, which seeks to address the complex layers of inequality faced by women globally, echoing Marcela Lagarde’s advocacy for a more equal and just society.