When I first moved to Mexico, I became fascinated by the images of the Soldaderas in the Mexican Revolution. A deep dive into the history of the war that lasted from 1910 to 1920 led me to historical photographs and a clearer understanding of that chaotic and destructive 10 years in Mexico’s timeline. The true story of the Soldaderas/Adelitas is complicated and nuanced. Were they young women who were camp followers or soldiers who took up arms to fight in battle? Apparently, both. Many young women followed their husbands and their boyfriends onto the battlefield, keeping up with them by train. Others dressed and posed as men and fought side by side and in some cases led battalions.
Much has changed for women in Mexico in the intervening years and much has not. However, we know for sure that one way or another, Mexico will have a woman president in the coming year and that women’s rights in this country have certainly seen advancement over recent years. This body of work is an homage to Mexican women and their enduring spirit. Viva Las Soldaderas! Viva Mexico!