In the early twentieth century, journalist and activist Jovita Idár wrote of the modern woman, “Science, industry, the workshop and even the home demand her best aptitudes, her perseverance and consistency in work, and her influence and assistance for all that is progress and advancement for humanity.” She founded La Liga Femenil Mexicanista to promote education and economic advancement for Mexican-American women.
Born in Laredo, Texas in 1885, Idár experienced racism and danger throughout her life. The Mexican-American community in Texas frequently faced violence, and Idár’s family was active in the civil rights movement. She began writing articles for the newspaper her father founded, La Crónica, encouraging readers on both sides of the border to fight against racial and economic injustice. Idár supported the women’s suffrage movement, and encouraged women to vote through her writing.
Understanding the role education had in economic and political success, Idár earned a teaching certificate in 1903. When she founded the La Liga Femenil Mexicanista (the League of Mexican Women), one of the first goals of the organization was to provide educational opportunities for Mexican American children. Idár wrote for the newspaper El Progreso until the newspaper was shut down by the Texas Rangers. She then took over the business of running La Crónica after her father’s death.
Jovita Idár believed that “when you educate a woman, you educate a family.” She continued to advocate for education and equality for Mexican-Americans throughout her life.