During the so-called first wave of feminism (18th-19th century), the struggle of women focused on obtaining civil rights, such as work, professional training and education; As a consequence, the need to contemplate women’s suffrage, the iconic objective of this wave, is born. During these years, outstanding Latin American doctors in their professional practice, such as the psychiatrist Mathilde Rodríguez Cabo, the specialist in clinical analysis and microbiology Esther Chapa Tijerina, and the gynecologists Alicia Moreau de Justo and Paulina Luisi, fought in a transcendental way for the feminist ideals of the time. .[1,2,3,4,5]
What were the achievements of these women? They all faced the social prejudices that being the first in their countries to enter a medical career entailed, despite which they excelled in their area.
As part of International Women’s Day, whose purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of female empowerment and the protection of their rights to ensure that they reach their full potential, we remember these extraordinary doctors.