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Yolanda Ortiz was a pioneering Argentine doctor of chemistry and the first Secretary of Natural Resources and Human Environment in Argentina. She dedicated her life to addressing environmental issues and advocating for sustainable development. Despite facing exile and challenges, Ortiz founded an ecological organization and continued her advocacy work until her passing in 2019. Her contributions have left a lasting impact on Argentina and Latin America.
Corina (Cora) Eloísa Ratto de Sadosky was an Argentine mathematician, educator, and militant activist. She played a vital role in supporting democratic interests during the Spanish Civil War and aiding victims of Falangist oppression. Ratto also founded the anti-fascist Junta de la Victoria during World War II and established Columna 10, a journal denouncing the United States’ conduct in the Vietnam War. Moreover, Ratto’s contributions to mathematics education were significant, as she published essential textbooks and advanced the field worldwide. Her commitment to human rights and pursuit of knowledge left a profound impact on society.
Manuela Hurtado y Pedraza, also known as “Manuela la tucumanesa,” played a significant role in the reconquest of Buenos Aires after the first British invasion of 1806. Although the exact details of her birth and death are unknown, her bravery and contributions during the reconquest were acknowledged. Manuela fought alongside her husband during the three-day battle, and her valor was recognized by the commander of the victorious forces, Santiago de Liniers. Her name continues to be revered in Argentina, and she is honored with a street, a school, and an award for women involved in social activism.
Daniela Yael Krukower, a former judoka from Argentina, achieved significant success throughout her judo career. Her victory at the World Judo Championships in Osaka, where she defeated the Cuban Olympic gold medalist, propelled her to celebrity status in Argentina. Despite a severe hand injury that forced her to withdraw from the 2004 Olympic Games, Daniela’s determination and resilience earned her the nickname “Iron Lady.” Her legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes in the world of judo.
Diana Sacayán was an influential Argentinian LGBT activist who fought passionately for the rights of transgender individuals in Argentina. Through her work with the Anti-Discrimination Movement of Liberation (MAL), she advocated for non-discriminatory healthcare policies and raised awareness about transgender rights. Her efforts played a significant role in the recognition of self-perceived gender identities by the State and the enactment of the National Gender Identity Law. Diana’s life was tragically cut short, but her legacy continues to inspire the ongoing fight for transgender rights.
Claudia Pía Baudracco (1970-2012) was an Argentine activist who fought for the rights of women, sexual minorities, and LGBT people. Despite facing discrimination and mistreatment, she co-founded the Association of Cross-dressers of Argentina and played a significant role in campaigning for the repeal of laws criminalizing trans identities. Baudracco also advocated for the approval of the Gender Identity Law in Argentina, granting transgender individuals the right to choose their name and access healthcare. Sadly, she passed away before benefitting from the healthcare provisions she fought for.
Jeannette Morven Campbell was a trailblazing Argentine swimmer who became the first Argentine female to participate in the Olympic Games. Her remarkable achievements in swimming, including breaking records and winning a silver medal in the 1936 Summer Olympics, paved the way for future generations of female athletes in South America. Campbell’s legacy as an exceptional athlete and an inspiration to others lives on.
Verónica Dahl is an Argentine/Canadian computer scientist and a pioneer in the field of logic programming. She made significant contributions to the field, including developing the first logic programming database system and advocating for gender equality in the male-dominated field. Dahl’s research extended beyond logic programming and she received numerous awards and recognitions for her work. Her dedication to advancing computer science and promoting gender equality has left a lasting impact on the field.
María Constanza Ceruti, born in 1973 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is an anthropologist and mountaineer who has made significant contributions to the field of anthropology and high-altitude archaeology. She has explored the Inca ceremonial centers on Andean peaks above 6,000 meters and has discovered the Children of Llullaillaco, the best-preserved mummies in the world. Ceruti’s research on sacred mountains worldwide has shed light on their religious and cultural significance. Her pioneering work has expanded our understanding of ancient civilizations and their relationship with mountainous landscapes.
Marta Graciela Rovira, an Argentine astrophysics researcher, became the first woman to be named president of CONICET. With a deep passion for astronomy, Rovira focused her research on studying the Sun. Her tenure as president witnessed a significant increase in government funding for CONICET, leading to a doubling of the total number of individuals affiliated with the organization. Rovira has received recognition for her exceptional contributions to the field of astrophysics, including a special mention by the Konex Awards in 2008.
Azucena Villaflor was an Argentine activist and co-founder of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. After her son and his girlfriend were abducted during Argentina’s Dirty War, Villaflor dedicated herself to finding them and seeking justice. Her leadership and determination inspired others to join the movement, symbolized by the white headscarves they wore. Sadly, Villaflor was abducted and murdered, but her legacy lives on through the ongoing fight for human rights.
Virginia Bolten, an Argentine journalist, anarchist, and feminist activist, made significant contributions to the fight for women’s rights in Argentina. Known for her exceptional oratory skills, Bolten organized demonstrations and strikes, published anarchist newspapers, and fought for labor rights. Her dedication to social justice remained steadfast throughout her lifetime, making her an influential figure in the anarchist and feminist movements.
Laura Ana “Tita” Merello was an Argentine film actress, tango dancer, and singer who rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Argentine Cinema from 1940 to 1960. Born on October 11, 1904, in the San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, Tita Merello had a remarkable career that spanned over six decades and left an indelible mark on Argentine entertainment.
Zulma Nélida Brandoni de Gasparini, an Argentine paleontologist and zoologist, has made significant contributions to the field of paleontology. Her groundbreaking work on South American paleontology, particularly in Mesozoic reptiles, has expanded our understanding of prehistoric life on the continent. She also gained international recognition for leading a team that discovered a new dinosaur species, named in her honor. Through her research, teaching, and numerous awards, Brandoni de Gasparini is an inspiration to aspiring scientists and a key figure in women’s history.
Gabriela Beatriz Sabatini is an Argentine-Italian former professional tennis player. Born on May 16, 1970, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she quickly rose to prominence in the tennis world and became one of the leading players from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s.