Sheinbaum Honors Heroines

President Sheinbaum honors Mexico’s female pioneers at the National Palace. Canceling her usual briefing, she dedicates the Day of the Dead offering to the unsung heroines shaping the nation.

**Claudia Sheinbaum Pays Tribute to Heroines of the Nation with National Palace Offering; Cancels Morning Briefing**

On November 1, 2024, the President announced the cancellation of her regular morning press conference, known as “la mañanera del pueblo.” Instead, she used social media to share a video presentation of the Day of the Dead offering installed in the National Palace. This year, the offering was dedicated to the noteworthy women, both anonymous and famous, who have significantly contributed to shaping modern Mexico. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the women who have historically fought for rights that are often unacknowledged.

Sheinbaum expressed pride in the Day of the Dead tradition, highlighting how it allows Mexicans to honor both personal ancestors and national forebears who contributed to the country’s identity. The offering honored women like Rita Cetina Gutiérrez, who focused on educating Yucatecan girls and founded the first women’s magazine, Laureana Wright González, an early advocate for women’s suffrage in 1888, and Hermila Galindo Acosta, a pioneer in feminism and suffrage who petitioned for women’s voting rights at Mexico’s 1916-1917 Constitutional Convention.

Other recognized women included Rosa Torre González, who in 1922 became the first city councilor in Mérida, and the first female federal deputy from Baja California, Aurora Jiménez. The tribute also acknowledged figures like Alicia Arellano Tapia and María Lavalle, the first women senators from Sonora and Campeche, respectively, in 1964, and Rosario Ibarra de Piedra, the first female presidential candidate in 1982.

**Additional Information: The Impact of Recognizing Historical Heroines in Modern Times**

Recent discussions on the acknowledgment of women’s contributions to national history emphasize its impact on current social movements. The tribute led by Claudia Sheinbaum sheds light on the broader conversation about gender equality and the historical erasure of women’s contributions. Social activists highlight that recognizing these heroines not only honors their achievements but also empowers future generations to continue advocating for equality and justice.

As Mexico increasingly recognizes the pivotal roles women have played in its history, there is a growing movement within educational and cultural institutions to include these narratives in mainstream educational curricula. Experts argue that comprehensive acknowledgment is crucial for a more inclusive historical understanding that inspires young individuals to participate actively in shaping societal norms.

The celebration of these courageous women aligns with global movements aimed at rectifying historical injustices and ensuring gender parity. This acknowledgment not only cements their place in history but drives contemporary activists to strive for the rights that these women spent their lives fighting for.