Eufrosina Cruz

Indigenous Mexican activist who transformed political representation for native women

Born in 1979 in Santa María Quiegolani, Oaxaca, Eufrosina Cruz Mendoza became the first Indigenous woman to challenge Mexico’s anti-women 'Uses and Customs' legal system. Despite being prohibited from voting in her community’s 2007 municipal election, she:

• Founded Quiego A.C. organization for Indigenous women's rights
• Successfully reformed Oaxaca’s constitution in 2010
• Became Congress President of Oaxaca in 2018

Her landmark legal battle resulted in constitutional reforms recognizing Indigenous women's political rights across Mexico. Cruz combined traditional Zapotec values with modern feminist principles, creating new educational programs through her UN-supported initiatives.

Through her #NoSinMujeres campaign, Cruz forced political parties to include female candidates. Her TEDx talk 'When the Excluded Speak' has inspired global indigenous rights movements.