José Fernanda Prida

Mexican journalist and activist who pioneered women's education and social reform in the 19th century.

José Fernanda Prida (1798–1876) was a Mexican journalist, educator, and social reformer who broke barriers for women in public life during the early 19th century. Born in Mexico City, she defied societal norms by pursuing formal education and later became one of the first women to edit a newspaper in Latin America. Prida's work in El Museo Nacional de Historia and her publication La Voz de la Mujer (The Voice of Women) advocated for women's rights, literacy, and civic engagement. She founded the Escuela de Mujeres de México in 1832, a school that trained women in literature, science, and political thought, directly challenging the era's gendered educational restrictions. Her essays on gender equality influenced later feminist movements in Mexico and beyond. Prida also collaborated with independence leader Guadalupe Victoria to establish public libraries, ensuring access to knowledge for marginalized communities. Her legacy is preserved in the Biblioteca Nacional de México, where her manuscripts are archived. Despite her contributions, Prida remains underrecognized in mainstream historical narratives, making her a pivotal yet overlooked figure in social reform.