Women of Latin America. Celebrating International Women's Day.

Arnaly Arriaga

Happy International Women's Day! On March 8th, we're celebrating the many women who have made significant contributions to society, particularly in Hispanic culture. From Frida Kahlo and Isabel Allende to Celia Cruz and Teresa Carreño, these women have left their mark on history and continue to inspire us today. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about famous female figures in Hispanic culture and the common Spanish words and phrases related to gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice issues.  

March 8th - International Women's Day

Why did the woman cross the road? To get to the same pay rate as the man on the other side.

While this joke may elicit a chuckle, it highlights a serious issue facing women in our society - the gender pay gap. As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's important to recognize and honor the many women who have made significant contributions to society, particularly in Hispanic culture. From artists and writers to political leaders and musicians, these women have left their mark on history and continue to inspire others to this day. Let's take a closer look at a few famous female figures in Hispanic culture and their impact on society.

Famous Female Figures in Hispanic Culture

Hispanic culture is home to many remarkable women who have made significant contributions to society in various fields. From artists and writers to political leaders and musicians, these women have left their mark on history and continue to inspire others to this day.
Here are a few examples of famous female figures in Hispanic culture and their impact on society:

Frida Kahlo

"Yo no pinto sueños o pesadillas, pinto mi propia realidad."
“I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my own reality.”
                                                                Frida Kahlo

Mexican painter and artist known for her powerful self-portraits and feminist activism. Kahlo's work reflects her experience as a woman, often exploring themes of gender, identity, and social inequality. She was know for her vivid colors, bold symbolism and and deeply personal subject matter
In terms of gender equality and women's empowerment, Kahlo's life and work are often held up as an example of a woman who was able to break through societal barriers and achieve success on her own terms. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women to this day.

Isabel Allende

"Empoderar a las mujeres significa confiar en ellas."
"Empowering women means to trust them"

                                                        Isabel Allende

Isabel Allende is a Chilean author and activist known for her magical realism style of writing. She is the author of many New York Times bestsellers and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Allende's novels often feature strong female protagonists who overcome adversity and fight for justice. In fact, early in her career, she worked as a translator of romance novels from English to Spanish, and was fired for making unauthorized changes to the dialogue and text in order to make the female protagonists smarter.

Celia Cruz

"Mi mom used to say "Esta muchachita va a trabajar de noche". Pues la viejita no se equivocó."
"My mom used to say: "This little girl will work at night." Well, the old  lady wasn't wrong."

Celia Cruz was a Cuban singer known as the "Queen of Salsa". Her signature word, "Azúcar" (Sugar), is recognized everywhere Latin music is played or danced. Her main style was called "Salsa", but in more recent years, her music was a fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, jazz, and other Latin American styles. Cruz's powerful voice and energetic performances made her a beloved icon of Latin music, and she was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and social justice. Her influence was so strong that she will soon become the first Afro-Latina to appear on a U.S. quarter.

Teresa Carreño

"Educar a la niña y educar a la mujer es educar a la familia."
"Teach the girl, educate the woman, and you educate the family."


Teresa Carreño was a Venezuelan pianist and composer known as the "Valkyrie of the Piano". She was a child prodigy who went on to become one of the most celebrated musicians of her time, performing for audiences around the world. Carreño was also a soprano singer, conductor, and composer who began performing at a young age in the late 1800s. She toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States, becoming one of the most famous musicians of her time. Carreño was also an advocate for women's rights and worked to promote education for women and girls. She even performed for President Abraham Lincoln at the White House at the age of 8.

These are just a few examples of the many incredible women who have made an impact on Hispanic culture and beyond. Their work has inspired generations of women and contributed to the ongoing fight for gender equality and social justice.

Spanish Words and Phrases Related to Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

Our blog post would not be complete if we didn't teach you some Spanish vocabulary. 

Here are some common Spanish words and phrases related to gender equality, women's empowerment, and social justice issues:

Igualdad de género - Gender equality: This phrase is used to refer to the equal treatment and opportunities for people of all genders.

Empoderamiento de la mujer - Women's empowerment: This phrase describes the process of enabling women to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.

Derechos de la mujer - Women's rights: This phrase refers to the legal and social rights that women have, such as the right to vote, the right to work, and the right to be free from discrimination.

Violencia de género - Gender-based violence: This phrase refers to the physical, sexual, or emotional violence that is specifically targeted at people based on their gender.

Discriminación de género - Gender discrimination: This phrase describes the unequal treatment of people based on their gender, such as in the workplace or in social settings.

Lucha por la justicia social - Fight for social justice: This phrase is used to describe the ongoing struggle to achieve a more just and equitable society for all people, regardless of their race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Feminismo - Feminism: This term refers to the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.
Sororidad - Sisterhood: This word describes the bond of support and solidarity between women.

Ser la voz de las que no tienen voz - Be the voice of those who have no voice: This phrase is used to encourage people to speak out on behalf of those who are marginalized or oppressed.

Romper el techo de cristal - Break the glass ceiling: This phrase describes the barrier that prevents women and minorities from advancing to higher positions of power and influence.

The fight for gender equality and women's empowerment is ongoing, and it's important to support and celebrate the incredible women who have made a difference in our world. By learning more about their stories and the issues they faced, we can continue to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
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