Tlalpan Launches Festival Celebrating Women's Thought, Featuring Elena Poniatowska

The Tlalpan borough in Mexico City has inaugurated its first International Festival of Women's Thought (FIPEM) in 2026, an event designed to champion literature, reflection, and critical thinking among women. Esteemed writer Elena Poniatowska graced the opening as the guest of honor, joining Tlalpan Mayor Gabriela Osorio in launching the festival.

The five-day event, scheduled from August 12 to 16, will host a diverse group of female writers, artists, photographers, editors, and cultural promoters. A key component of the festival is the exhibition "Miradas de Mujer en la Fotografía" (Women's Gazes in Photography), which features prominent figures such as Paulina Lavista, curator Cristina Kahlo, Vania Casasola of the Gustavo Casasola Foundation, and journalist Verónica Rosales, among other creators.

Mayor Osorio lauded Poniatowska's significant contributions to Mexico's historical and social memory, calling her an inspiration for fighting through her writings for remembrance, dignity, and the preservation of historical events. Osorio emphasized that FIPEM is a unique festival in Mexico City, born from the collaborative efforts of associations, institutions, creators, cultural promoters, and civil society who are committed to generating new platforms for women's voices and ideas.

A central objective of FIPEM is to strengthen critical thinking, particularly among younger generations, in an era characterized by immediate information consumption and the increasing use of artificial intelligence. "With this festival, we want to make a call to think," Osorio stated, defining critical thinking as the process of questioning and analyzing one's surroundings to propose solutions and take action. She also noted that discussing women's thought means recognizing voices that have historically faced obstacles in expressing themselves and participating fully in cultural, intellectual, scientific, and public life.

The festival promises over 50 artistic and cultural activities, more than 40 workshops, talks, book presentations, the photography exhibition, 95 stands, and approximately 300 publishing houses. Rafael Pérez Laurrabaquio, the general director of Cultural, Educational, Science, and Technology Rights, detailed the extensive program designed to foster dialogue and intellectual exchange.