Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared 2025 the “year of the indigenous woman,” aiming to tackle centuries of inequality by empowering indigenous women across the country.
In the Sierra Madre mountains of northern Mexico, Dr Benilda Figueroa, a member of the Raramuri indigenous community, has become a symbol of this vision.
As the first medical doctor from her community, Figueroa has dedicated over 15 years to providing healthcare in one of Mexico’s most isolated regions.
Her journey, marked by persistence against poverty and prejudice, is inspiring a new generation of Raramuri women to pursue education and leadership roles.
In a country where 70 percent of indigenous women live in poverty and many face cultural and societal barriers, Figueroa’s work represents a significant step forward.
Providing both medical care and cultural understanding, she bridges language and accessibility gaps for her community.
Inspired by her mother, a rural nurse and translator, Figueroa continues to challenge gender expectations, proving that indigenous women can excel in professions traditionally unavailable to them. This year, her story stands as a testament to the resilience and potential of Mexico’s indigenous women.
Al Jazeera’s Julia Galiano reports from Guachochi, Mexico.
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