Feminism in the Southern Cone

In 1905, the Chilean working class typographer Carmela Jeria was the director of the newspaper La Alborada (Valparaiso, 1905–1907). Her editorial in the second edition recalls an incident that put her at a crossroads when her employer asked her to choose between her work in the press or to dedicate herself to “her own business.” ¹ Her “business” was directing a workers’ newspaper. Faced with the dilemma, Jeria did not hesitate to resign and devote herself entirely to the newspaper. Although this decision put her livelihood at risk, she remained committed to the defense of her compañeras and to fight for a better life. Jeria’s determination exemplifies the active response of Southern Cone women who developed new media projects that focused attention on emerging female figures in the public arena.