Born: 1948 (Managua, Nicaragua)
Died: 1988
Nora Josefina Astorga Gadea de Jenkins was a prominent figure in the Nicaraguan Revolution, known for her role as a guerrilla fighter, lawyer, politician, judge, and the Nicaraguan ambassador to the United Nations. Born on December 10, 1948, in Managua, Nicaragua, she hailed from a religious, upper-middle-class family. Her father, Segundo Astorga, had ties to the influential ruling Somoza family, as he was a lumber exporter and rancher. Nora was the eldest child of Segundo and his wife, Mierrel Gadea.
Throughout her youth, Nora Astorga was deeply involved in the Roman Catholic faith and actively engaged in charitable work in the impoverished neighborhoods of Managua. However, her political consciousness began to awaken in 1967 when she openly expressed support for Fernando Agüero in the presidential election, much to her family’s dismay. Concerned for her safety and believing it would correct her political stance, her family sent her to the United States to study medicine. Unfortunately, Nora’s studies were cut short due to her discomfort with animal dissections, prompting her to abandon her medical education.
It was during her stay in Washington, D.C. that Nora was exposed to the stark social contrasts and racism prevalent in the United States, which deeply impacted her worldview. Reflecting on her experience, she stated, What impressed me most about the United States were the social contrasts and above all the racism. I had never seen racism like that in Nicaragua…[m]y political consciousness was born then.
At the age of 22, Nora Astorga married Jorge Jenkins, a fellow activist. They had a total of four children, two with Jorge and two with Jose Maria Alvarado, who was involved with the Sandinistas. Nora returned to Nicaragua and pursued a law degree at the Universidad Centroamericana in Managua, where she became closely associated with the Sandinista revolutionaries.
From 1969 to 1973, Nora’s role within the revolutionary movement involved providing safe houses and transportation for Oscar Turcios, a prominent leader. During this time, she led a dual life as a mother and a corporate lawyer for one of Nicaragua’s largest construction companies, all the while clandestinely supporting the Sandinistas. The assassination of newspaper editor Pedro Chamorro in 1978 proved to be a turning point for Nora, as she recognized the urgent need to take up arms against the oppressive Somoza regime. She realized that armed struggle was the only viable solution and understood that without organized force, their efforts would yield limited results.
Nora Astorga’s commitment to the Nicaraguan Revolution led her to play a pivotal role in the political landscape. In 1986, she became the Nicaraguan ambassador to the United Nations, a position she held until her untimely death in 1988. Her tenure at the UN allowed her to amplify the voices of the Nicaraguan people on the global stage, advocating for justice, equality, and self-determination.
Throughout her life, Nora Astorga faced numerous challenges and overcame them with unwavering determination. Her unwavering commitment to securing a better future for her country and her drive for social justice continue to inspire people around the world. Nora Astorga’s legacy serves as a tribute to her contributions to the Nicaraguan Revolution and her indomitable spirit as a woman dedicated to making a difference.