Rigoberta Menchu has devoted her life to advocating for the rights of the indigenous Guatemalan people, work for which she earned a Nobel Peace Prize. Rigoberta is a member of the K’iche’ ethnic group so she understands the plights and worries specific to native Guatemalan people. After finishing school, she began working as an activist for indigenous rights during the ongoing Guatemalan Civil War, especially speaking out about the wrongs done by the armed forces. After her father, a member of the Guerilla Army of the Poor, was tortured and killed during the Burning of the Spanish Embassy for his political stance, she was forced to flee the country for own safety. While in exile, Rigoberta continued to spread awareness of the troubles in Guatemala internationally through her book Me llamo Rigoberta Menchú y así me nació la conciencia. When she was able to return to her country after the end of the war, she campaigned for the trials of those who committed genocide and torture during the war. Now Rigoberta works to bring low-cost generic pharmaceuticals to those who need them and travels the world giving speeches about human rights. She is a member of the Nobel Women’s Inititive, a goodwill ambassador, a member of the Fondation Chirac’s honor committee, and a member of PeaceJam, all groups that work to promote peace around the world. Rigoberta Menchu saw many unspeakable injustices done to the indigenous people of Guatemala during the civil war, but through her outspokenness and determination, she was able to see many of those crimes punished, and she is able to continue to campaign for human rights and better treatment for those living in her native country.
Today, be inspired to…Stand behind and stand up for your people, whoever they are.
Photo credit: womeninworldhistory.com
She Made A Difference 