Born: 27 January 1875, Mexico
Died: 13 July 1942
Country most active: Mexico
Also known as: Juana Chavez
The following is republished from the Library of Congress. This piece falls under under public domain, as copyright does not apply to “any work of the U.S. Government” where “a work prepared by an officer or employee of the U.S. Government as part of that person’s official duties” (See, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101, 105).
Juana Belén Gutiérrez, born in Durango, wrote radical feminist literature against Catholicism, political corruption, and social injustices during the Porfiriato. Díaz had her imprisoned frequently, but she continued to broadcast her beliefs concerning the illegitimacy of political leaders and parties. She came to have little hope that the Revolution would bring change, especially once Carranza assassinated Zapata, whom she considered Mexico’s only real leader, in 1919.
Gutiérrez believed strongly in democracy and faulted Mexicans for not insisting on their rights. She fought for people to vote and overthrow the oligarchy of military men in favor of civil servants.