First International Festival of Women's Thought to Launch in Mexico City

Mexico City will host the inaugural International Festival of Women's Thought (FIPEM) from August 12 to 16. Held at the Tlalpan Center's esplanade, the event is dedicated to acknowledging and amplifying the cultural and artistic output of women.

This significant festival is a collaborative effort between the Elena Poniatowska Amor Foundation, Asociación Sophia, the Rigoberta Menchú Foundation, and the Consejo de Cultura Continua en Movimiento. It promises an extensive program featuring over 50 activities. Attendees can expect book presentations, conferences, discussions, recitals, and film screenings. The gathering will bring together distinguished figures from the realms of culture and science, including acclaimed writer Elena Poniatowska, journalist Ángeles González Gamio, poet Coral Bracho, photographer Paulina Lavista, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Rigoberta Menchú.

Photographer Paulina Lavista emphasized the historical importance of women in art, noting that their contributions were often underrecognized. "We have great women, an infinite list, but before they didn't find a place like we are finding now, where they open doors for us to exhibit and also that there are now laws that protect us, women have a place today where they really pay attention to us," she stated. Festival director Perla Arroyo highlighted the event's core mission: "The festival seeks to make visible all that women have generated in terms of knowledge."

Arroyo further explained that while many historical and cultural figures have received significant attention, the knowledge produced by women has not always shared the same visibility. FIPEM aims to broaden this spectrum, inspiring new generations of girls and young women to see their creative work resonate. The festival's program spans literature, science, cinema, visual arts, performing arts, and philosophy. "FIPEM is born as a space to recognize, share, and dialogue about the thought, knowledge, and creation of women in various disciplines, but it also has other facets to make it more complete," Arroyo added. In addition to the Julieta Fierro forum, which will host various events, the Tlalpan esplanade will feature stands from 90 national and international publishers, as well as specialized bookstores.