Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza

Vice President

Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza, born on January 1, 1979, in Santa María Quiegolani, Oaxaca, is a prominent Mexican Zapotec Indigenous politician and activist. Her work has focused on promoting gender equality and defending the rights of women and Indigenous communities.

Early Life and Education

Cruz Mendoza grew up in a Zapotec community where Zapotec was his native language. At 18, he learned Spanish, which opened the door to greater educational opportunities. He moved to the state capital, Oaxaca de Juárez, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Public Accounting from the Benito Juárez Autonomous University of Oaxaca. He later earned a master's degree in Political Science from the Popular Autonomous University of the State of Puebla.

Political Career and Activism

In 2007, Eufrosina Cruz ran for mayor of Santa María Quiegolani. Despite winning the election, her victory was annulled by the all-male municipal assembly, citing local "uses and customs" that prohibited women from running. This incident prompted Cruz Mendoza to launch a campaign to reform laws restricting women's political rights in Indigenous communities. Her efforts led to constitutional reforms in Oaxaca that guaranteed women's equal participation in politics.

In 2010, she was elected as a local deputy by proportional representation for the National Action Party (PAN) and became the first Indigenous woman to preside over the Oaxaca State Congress. During her term, she promoted initiatives to ensure women's full participation in electoral processes and decision-making within their communities.

From 2012 to 2015, Cruz Mendoza served as a federal representative and chaired the Committee on Indigenous Affairs. She successfully advocated for a constitutional amendment recognizing Indigenous women's right to vote and be elected, as reflected in Article 2 of the Constitution.

 

QUIEGO AC

founded the civil association QUIEGO (We Want to Unite, Integrating for Equity and Gender in Oaxaca) in 2008. This organization focuses on promoting gender equality and the rights of indigenous women. Through QUIEGO, she has worked on projects aimed at empowering women and encouraging their active participation in the political and social life of their communities.

Recognitions and Publications

Eufrosina Cruz has received various awards. In 2008, she received the National Youth Award in the category of Contribution to Political Culture. In 2012, the documentary "The Revolution of the Alcatraces" was released, which chronicles her life and her fight for Indigenous women's rights. In 2022, she published her autobiography, "The Dreams of the Mountain Girl," which recounts her journey from childhood in an Indigenous community to her participation in national politics.

Legacy and Present:
Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza's work has been instrumental in raising awareness and combating gender discrimination in Mexico's Indigenous communities. Her perseverance has paved the way for more Indigenous women to participate in the country's political and social life, promoting a more equitable and just society.