Women of Yucatan: Thirty Who Dare to Change Their World

In a country strongly influenced by Catholicism and the traditional ideals of a patriarchal society, it's not surprising that few Mexican women have dared to challenge the gender inequalities set against them at birth. They live in an environment where rape can often be forgotten as a crime if the victim agrees to marry her aggressor and where negative pregnancy tests are often a prerequisite for employment in the maquiladora factories. This book profiles 30 women who have dared to challenge such injustices and dramatically transform their situations. From local theatre directors and choreographers to civic leaders and politicians, each woman formed a unique leadership of circumstance dependent largely on the context of her personal experiences. Supplemented by several photographs, which bring the stories to life, the book details each woman's accomplishments, why they were motivated to act, and the rewards and obstacles they faced along the way.