Francia Márquez: A Voice for the Voiceless

Francia Elena Márquez Mina is a Colombian human rights and environmental activist who made history as the first Afro-Colombian Vice President of Colombia, assuming office in August 2022. Her journey to the vice presidency is a testament to her unwavering dedication to social justice, environmental protection, and the rights of marginalized communities.

Born in Yolombó, a rural village in the Suárez municipality of the Cauca department, Márquez experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of illegal gold mining on her community. The mining activities, often controlled by armed groups, caused widespread environmental damage, contaminated water sources, and displaced countless families. This personal experience ignited her passion for environmental activism.

Márquez rose to prominence as a leader in the fight against illegal mining and its destructive consequences. She organized local women and communities to resist the encroachment of mining operations onto their ancestral lands. In 2014, she led a 80-kilometer march of 80 Afro-Colombian women to the capital city of Bogotá, demanding government action to halt illegal mining and protect their territories. This impactful demonstration brought national and international attention to the plight of her community.

Her activism has not come without significant risk. Márquez has faced numerous death threats and attacks due to her outspoken criticism of illegal mining and the armed groups involved. Despite the dangers, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to defending the rights of her people and protecting the environment. Her courage and resilience have made her an inspiration to many, especially Afro-Colombians and other marginalized communities.

In 2018, Márquez was awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize, the world’s most prestigious award for grassroots environmental activists, in recognition of her courageous work in protecting her community and the environment from illegal mining. This award further amplified her voice and helped to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing Colombia.

Márquez’s political platform centers on social justice, environmental protection, and the rights of historically marginalized communities. She advocates for land redistribution, increased access to education and healthcare, and the implementation of policies that promote equality and inclusion. As Vice President, she is working to address the root causes of inequality and violence in Colombia and to build a more just and sustainable future for all Colombians.

Her election as Vice President alongside President Gustavo Petro marks a significant turning point in Colombian history. Their administration represents a shift towards a more progressive and inclusive government that is committed to addressing the needs of all Colombians, particularly those who have been historically excluded from political and economic power. Francia Márquez’s presence in the vice presidency symbolizes hope and opportunity for marginalized communities and inspires people around the world to fight for a better future.