IWD 2021 – Maria Cano- Colombia
Although IWD is celebrated on March 8th, there are so many women whose work has improved numerous lives throughout the world, some of who are our very own, within the IAM. Throughout the month of March we will feature women from different parts of the world and historical eras to remind us that the women’s movement indeed has deep and long roots. Follow us as we learn together about women who have left a mark on history and society.
IWD 2021 – Maria Cano- Colombia
Colombian socialist and women’s rights advocate María Cano, known as the “Flor del trabajo” (“Labour flower”). At the time, women in Colombia could not hold most jobs, participate in elections, or even spend their own money.
Cano was from a middle-class family, but came into contact with people of different backgrounds regularly at her local library, and began to support people living in poor neighbourhoods. At the age of 38 she became a socialist, and a leading activist, which made her the first woman political leader in the country. She toured widely, wrote texts and gave fiery speeches to huge crowds of mining, oil and banana workers. She was placed under police surveillance, repeatedly arrested and security forces occasionally opened fire to disperse her audiences. She continued her outreach work and strike solidarity until the end of her life in 1967.
