The Isthmus of Tehuantepec: powerful women for centuries

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a region in Mexico where women have held power for centuries In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the narrowest interoceanic region in Mexico, there is a special atmosphere when it comes to the local women. They are described as strong, resilient, fierce, independent, and empowered for centuries, characteristics that have caught the attention of researchers and travelers who have been fascinated by the uniqueness of these women. Just days away from elections in which two female candidates are favored for the first time in the country's history, the Isthmus does not see it as a revolutionary event. Here, women have been empowered since childhood, dominating the market, commerce, sales, and actively participating in family decision-making alongside men. For centuries, in contrast to other ethnic groups in Mexico, women in the Isthmus have held a power and political weight that has been unusually valued in a country marked by a "macho" culture. However, in recent years, Mexico has taken significant steps towards greater gender parity in politics and public life. The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is a region rich in natural resources and strategically located, making it a key point for trade and cultural exchange. Various ethnicities coexist here, with the Zapotecs being the most influential. Throughout their history, Zapotec women have been fundamental in indigenous rebellions against Spanish colonial power since the 17th century. Although some narratives have constructed the myth of a matriarchy in the Isthmus, experts and locals agree that this romanticized view ignores realities such as gender violence and inequality that still persist. It is important to recognize that, while women in the Isthmus are valued and empowered, much remains to be done in terms of ensuring their rights and eradicating macho violence. In Juchitán de Zaragoza, known as "the city of women" in the Isthmus, the female prominence can be seen at its peak. In the city's market, women occupy every sales stall, managing their businesses and making significant contributions to the family economy. Many of them become heads of households and work 'double shifts' to support their homes. The history of Zapotec women is a story of resistance and empowerment. From civil wars to political movements in the 1970s, Tehuanas have played a crucial role in the fight for their rights and participation in public life. Despite advances, violence against women remains a serious problem in the region and throughout Mexico. As the elections approach, several women from the Isthmus are competing for leadership positions in different fields, demonstrating that gender parity has been a reality in this region for decades. Although feminism has gained momentum worldwide, in the Isthmus it is considered an innate practice, a value of communalism that has guided Zapotec women in their fight for equality. In Juchitán, the celebration and pride of women are palpable, but the challenges that still persist in terms of gender equality are also evident. Women from the Isthmus will not cease in their fight for their rights and empowerment, showing that strength, courage, and determination are ingrained in their cultural identity. The question of how long it will take to eradicate machismo and inequalities remains, but the certainty that women from the Isthmus will continue to fight is undeniable.