Josefina Méndez Gómez

Josefina Méndez Gómez is 23 years old and lives in the ejido Cenobio Aguilar, in the municipality of Salto de Agua, Chiapas. Along with her parents, Nicolás and Manuela, and her siblings Jonás and Martha, she is part of a family dedicated to agriculture and livestock, working on 13 hectares of land and caring for backyard animals, which her mother tends to with dedication.

Since the age of 8, Josefina has been involved in farm work, harvesting beans, squash, and other crops. When she turned 16, her father began teaching her how to handle livestock: feeding, assisting with births, detecting diseases, and managing the daily work on the ranch. She fondly remembers her first experiences riding horses, learning that respect and a gentle voice are key to connecting with animals.

When her father fell ill, her brother Jonás took over leadership of the ranch, and Josefina, together with her sister, chose to support him. Together, they strengthened the family’s efforts, sharing tasks such as vaccinating, bathing, feeding, and caring for the cattle.

Today, Josefina balances her work as a bilingual teacher (she speaks Spanish and Chol) with her graduate studies. During school vacations, she returns to the ranch and continues to work alongside her siblings, honoring a family tradition of collaboration passed down from their parents.

Inspired by her father’s example, Josefina challenges stereotypes and proves that livestock farming is also a woman’s domain. Today, she proudly continues this way of life.