Born: 31 January 1883 (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
Died: 1 September 1971
Biography:
Petronila Angélica Gómez (31 January 1883 1 September 1971) was a teacher, entrepreneur, and journalist from the Dominican Republic. She is best known for establishing the first feminist organization and first feminist magazine in the country, as a means to protest the United States occupation of her homeland. Gómez played a crucial role in advocating for women’s rights and their increased participation in society, ultimately leading to women’s suffrage in the Dominican Republic.
Petronila Angélica Gómez was born on 31 January 1883 in Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic. She was the daughter of Raimunda and Eustaquio Gómez and grew up in impoverished conditions within her black Dominican family. Despite the challenging circumstances, Gómez pursued her education and attended the elementary school run by Doña Teresa Rodríguez. She later enrolled in the prestigious Normal School of Santo Domingo, where she furthered her academic development.
In 1908, Gómez relocated to San Pedro de Macorís to direct the Escuela Mixta, a coeducational school in the region. San Pedro de Macorís was not only an important center for the sugar industry on the island but also a hub of liberal intellectualism. During her time as a teacher, Gómez continued her own education and obtained an instructor’s certificate in 1911. She later earned her teaching certification in 1915.
The year after Gómez completed her teaching degree, the United States invaded the Dominican Republic in 1916. The occupation, which lasted until 1924, had a profound impact on Gómez and led to her opposition of the foreign presence in her homeland. This opposition became the catalyst for the emergence of the feminist movement in the Dominican Republic.
In 1919, Gómez left her position at the Escuela Mixta and purchased the Amiama Gómez Kindergarten, previously operated by Mercedes Amiama Gómez and her daughters Aurora and Josefa. Gómez served as the administrator of the school and continued working there throughout the 1930s. Simultaneously, she taught at the Night School for Domestic Workers and Laborers, where she imparted knowledge and skills to those who did not have access to formal education.
To protest the intervention of the United States in the Dominican Republic, Gómez joined the Dominican National Union in 1920, the year of its founding. The organization aimed to campaign for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country. Gómez witnessed the implementation of laws that imposed censorship and limited the freedom of expression for intellectuals and opposition figures. In 1921, several individuals, including Fabio Fiallo and Américo Lugo, were arrested under these restrictive measures.
Understanding the importance of women in the moral regeneration of the country, Gómez saw the fight for Dominican sovereignty as one that necessitated the active involvement of women. In line with this belief, she founded the country’s first feminist journal, Fémina, on 15 July 1922. The magazine served as a platform for women to exchange ideas, discuss the challenges they faced, and advocate for their needs. Gómez took on the role of administrator and editor of the publication, which quickly gained popularity and became an influential voice for women’s rights in the Dominican Republic.
Over the years, Gómez established connections with international feminist organizations and actively sought partnerships to strengthen the feminist movement in her country. Her tireless efforts and dedication significantly contributed to the eventual achievement of women’s suffrage in the Dominican Republic. In 1942, women were granted the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the history of gender equality in the country.
Unfortunately, shortly after women attained the right to vote, Gómez faced a personal challenge. She lost her vision, which compelled her to retire from public activism. However, this did not dampen her spirit and determination to continue making a difference. Even without her sight, Gómez published two books. Through her writing, she continued to inspire and educate others, leaving a lasting legacy that highlighted her contributions as a pioneering feminist.
Petronila Angélica Gómez lived a remarkable life dedicated to empowering women and advocating for their rights in the Dominican Republic. Her pioneering efforts, as the founder of the first feminist organization and magazine in the country, played a pivotal role in raising awareness about gender equality and ultimately leading to women’s suffrage. Gómez’s invaluable contributions continue to be honored, with a street and meeting hall bearing her name.