Francia Márquez

Francia Márquez, born on December first, nineteen eighty-one, in Yolombó, Cauca, is a prominent Colombian civil rights advocate, politician, environmentalist, lawyer, and social activist. She made history as the thirteenth and current Vice President of Colombia, taking office in two thousand twenty-two. Márquez's journey into activism began at the tender age of thirteen when the construction of a dam posed a significant threat to her community.

As the first Afro-Colombian vice president in Colombia's history, she has broken barriers and paved the way for future generations. Márquez is also the second woman to hold this esteemed position, following Marta Lucía Ramírez. Her political career gained momentum when she announced her candidacy for the two thousand twenty-two Colombian presidential election, seeking the nomination for the Historic Pact for Colombia coalition. She was subsequently chosen as the running mate of the coalition's nominee, Gustavo Petro.

In addition to her vice presidency, Márquez was appointed Minister for Equality and Equity in two thousand twenty-three, further solidifying her commitment to social justice and equality. Her dedication to environmental issues was recognized in two thousand eighteen when she received the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her efforts to combat illegal gold mining in her community of La Toma. Márquez led a remarkable protest march of eighty women, trekking five hundred sixty kilometers to Bogotá to demand the removal of illegal miners from their territory.

Her influence and contributions to society have not gone unnoticed; in two thousand nineteen, the BBC included Francia Márquez in their list of one hundred women, celebrating her impactful work and leadership.