Born: 1928 (Valparaíso, Chile)
Died: 2013 (Santiago, Chile)
Biography:
Alicia Herrera Rivera (May 12, 1928 – April 6, 2013) was a Chilean feminist lawyer and minister of the Court of Appeals of Santiago.
Alicia Herrera Rivera was born in Valparaíso, Chile on May 12, 1928. Growing up in the seaport town, she believed that her origin deeply influenced the trajectory of her life and shaped her unique history. From an early age, she developed a love for reading, music, and learning. Raised in a family of five siblings, including three sisters and two brothers, Alicia was fortunate to be surrounded by an environment of respect, solidarity, and humanism. The freedom and trust granted by her parents played a pivotal role in shaping her strong, independent personality.
After completing her secondary education, Alicia enrolled at the University of Santiago, Chile to pursue her passion for law. She dedicated herself to her studies and demonstrated exceptional aptitude in the field. In 1954, she graduated from the university, earning her law degree.
A month following her graduation, Alicia married Alejandro Jiliberto Zepeda, a lawyer and socialist politician. Together, they embarked on a journey that would be marked by political turmoil and personal challenges.
The 1973 Chilean coup d’état, led by General Augusto Pinochet, brought about a dark period in Alicia’s life. As a staunch advocate for democracy and human rights, she became a target of the authoritarian regime. Alicia experienced dictatorial oppression and ultimately fell victim to a kidnapping orchestrated by agents of the Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional (DINA).
Faced with persecution and danger, Alicia was forced into exile, seeking refuge in Europe. She lived in countries such as Romania and East Germany before finally settling in Spain. Despite the physical distance from her homeland, Alicia never ceased fighting for justice and equality.
In 1987, Alicia Herrera Rivera co-founded the Asociación de Mujeres Juristas Themis (Association of Women Jurists Themis), alongside a group of dedicated lawyers. This organization played a pioneering role in the fight against mistreatment and discrimination of women in Chile. Their mission was to promote gender equality and advocate for the constitutional protection of women’s rights.
The year 1987 also saw a significant development in Alicia’s personal life. In March, General Pinochet issued several decrees allowing the return of some exiles to Chile. Among the names on the list was Alicia Herrera Rivera, and on April 3, twelve years after she had been forced into exile, she flew back to Santiago.
Upon her return, Alicia actively participated in the 1988 Chilean national plebiscite, which aimed to determine whether Pinochet should continue in power. The No to Pinochet movement emerged victorious, paving the way for a new era in Chilean history.
After her involvement in the plebiscite, Alicia Herrera Rivera returned to Spain, filled with hope and conviction that her permanent return to Chile was imminent. However, she remained an unwavering advocate for human rights and continued to contribute to the cause of justice, even from afar.
Alicia Herrera Rivera passed away on April 6, 2013, in Santiago. Her legacy as a fierce champion for gender equality and defender of human rights lives on, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for a just and equitable society.
Awards:
In recognition of her unparalleled commitment to the cause of women’s rights, Alicia Herrera Rivera received the Silver Cross of the Civil Order of Social Solidarity from the Ministry of Labor in 2000. This prestigious award was a testament to her invaluable contributions as the honorary president of Themis, further highlighting her significant impact on the advancement of gender equality.