In light of the recent festivities surrounding the Mexican Revolution, on November 20th, and the conflict that the country is currently experiencing, it is a good moment to remember the heroines of the Mexican Revolution.

When reading about the Mexican Revolution, a series of heroes such as Emiliano Zapata, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and Venustiano Carranza dominate the history. But, what of the heroines that also played an important role in the Mexican Revolution?

It is very likely that the Mexican Revolution was able get off the ground because the women left their customary home activities to participate as revolutionary activists during very historic times. In addition to a feminist movement that originated in Europe and the United States, they also become important actors that enabled emancipation and progress throughout the century.

The women, during the revolution, got involved in armed conflicts in the country, and were active in the battle fields, and were partners to federal soldiers. They also enlisted in the army during the war. Their participation in the political sphere was also of great importance, although little information exists.

The female revolutionaries participated as journalists, writers, nurses, and conspirators, and many sold their worldly possessions to sustain a revolutionary movement. Just to mention a few, some of the heroines that contributed to the revolution of the 20th century were:

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Juana Belen Gutierrez de Mendoza, who directed a newspaper called Vesper, which was dedicated to defending minors and fighting dictatorship.

Hermila Galindo, founded a modern magazine for women and pushed for voting rights for women; she also circulated propaganda in favor of Venustiano Carranza.

When it comes to conspiring, arms trafficking, message passing, and news coverage, the women of the Serdan family were unrivled. Carmen Serdan, the sister of Aquiles; Carmen Alatriste, her mother; and Francisca del Valle were especially important to the cause, as were Guadalupe, Rosa, and Maria Nervaez, who coordinated operations in the state of PUebla, and printed and distributed proclamations as well as distributing weapons to combat the Diaz regime.

Numerous women founded liberal clubs and anti-reelection clubs, and maintained the spirit of loyalty, democracy, and protest against the Huertista usurpation. Professor Maria Arias Bernal organized the Loyalty Club, along with Dolores Sotomayor, Ines Malvaes, Maria Elvira Bermudez, and Eulalia Guzman.

Carmen Alanís rose up in arms in Casas Grandes (Chihuahua) and participated in the takeover of Ciudad Juárez, guiding 300 men under her helm.

[p]Juana Gutiérrez de Mendoza and La China commanded a batallion comprised of widows, daughters, and sisters of deceased fighters.

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To this day, we know that female participation in the revolution was vital, although if you were to read history books and web pages on the subject it wouldn't appear that way. These women stood out because of their character, for being bold and impatient for justice, and for moving the country to act. It is important to remember them as well.

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