Shattering Glass Ceilings: A Remarkable Journey to the Vice Presidency
Francia Marquez, a former housekeeper and environmental activist, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming Colombia’s first Black woman Vice President. Her path to power is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
In a groundbreaking election, Marquez joined forces with Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first leftist president, ushering in a seismic shift in a country long governed by conservatives or moderates.
“On Sunday, Colombians elected their first ever leftist president when Gustavo Petro, a former guerrilla, defeated a real estate millionaire in a runoff victory that marked a seismic shift in the South American country long governed by conservatives or moderates,” reported Cyrielle Cabot for France 24.
A Voice for Afro-Colombian Communities
Marquez’s victory in 2022 was not just a political triumph but also a social one, as she brought to the forefront the long-overlooked issues faced by Afro-Colombian communities. Her brightly printed fabrics and the assertion of her Afro-Colombian roots have thrust the Europeanised elitism of Colombia into the spotlight, opening a much-needed discussion on racism.
Through her journey from a young, Black single mother to the country’s vice presidency, Marquez has become a beacon of hope for marginalized communities.
Relentless Activism: Defending the Environment and Her Community
Marquez’s activism began at a young age when she learned of a multinational company’s plans to extend a dam on the Ovejas River, a vital resource for her community. Since then, she has tirelessly fought against multinational companies exploiting the region and forcing people to leave their lands.
In 2014, Marquez organized a “turban march,” with 80 women walking 500 kilometers from Cauca to Bogota, demanding action against illegal miners contaminating the Ovejas River. Their perseverance paid off, as the government pledged to destroy all illegal mining operations in the area.
“Marquez has since earned a law degree and has held numerous forums, lectured in universities and delivered speeches before political figures and NGOs. She was awarded the Goldman Prize, the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for the environment, in 2018 for her efforts,” reported France 24.
A Political Awakening: From Activism to Power
Marquez’s decision to enter politics in 2020 was fueled by her desire to create lasting change. “I want the population to be free and dignified. I want our territories to be places of life,” she tweeted, launching her movement “Soy porque somos” (“I am because we are”).
In her campaign, Marquez made preserving Afro-Colombian lands a central issue, constantly invoking her roots and the struggles faced by her community.
Breaking Barriers: Representation and Inclusion
Marquez’s victory is not only a personal triumph but a significant step towards representation and inclusion in Colombia’s political landscape. As an Afro-Colombian woman, she brings to the table issues that have long been overlooked, such as the legacy of colonialism, sexism, and racism.
Her presence in the vice presidency is a powerful symbol for Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities, who continue to face disproportionate levels of poverty, violence, and land expropriation.
