Dominican Republic and Extraordinary Women

Article Written By: Robert Nickel

Dominican author Yildalina Tatem Brache began writing a book illustrating the lives of Dominican women who had made a major mark on the history of the nation. Eventually the book idea evolved into a film about six women and their lives: Gladys Gutierrez, Josefina Padilla, Tomasina Cabral, Belgica Adela (Dede) Mirabal, Mary Perez de Marranzini, and Ivelisse Prats Ramirez de Perez. Through the film, the ladies speak honestly about their lives and the hardships they endured. The narrator asks each woman to identify their vision for the future of the Dominican Republic, and the responses are surprising for any viewer.

Gladys Gutierrez is the first to be examined, as she was a key figure in fighting the military regime headed by Joaquin Balaguer. Her husband disappeared, only serving to make Gutierrez more vocal even in exile in Paris. Friends and family were murdered, and she herself received numerous death threats throughout her life.

Josefina Padilla was one of the most forthright and visible opponents in Rafael Trujillo's dictatorship, eventually going on to become a candidate for the Dominican Vice Presidency. Unfortunately, her husband was murdered by Trujillo as a result of her political activities and Padilla herself was harassed most mercilessly.

The story of the Mirabal sisters is famous throughout the world, yet slightly less well-known is the plight of their friend, Tomasina Cabral. She was in jail with the Mirabal sisters, but was also the only woman known to have been tortured during Trujillo's reign. Cabral lived, but she still struggles with the memories of the past and fights for human rights most fiercely. Again related to the Mirabal sisters tragedy, is the story of the only surviving sibling, Dede. In the film she speaks about losing her sisters, their fight against Trujillo and the aftermath of their death.

Mary Marranzini holds a different kind of importance for the Dominican Republic. During the 1950's her son fell ill with the dreaded polio, and was forced to go to the US for treatment. When her son recovered, she worked towards the creation of the Dominican Rehabilitation Association aimed at helping those who are disabled. The organization has been running since 1959.

Finally, Ivelisse Prats was the first Latin American woman to be elected as a leader of a political party. She worked tirelessly to make a difference in the Dominican Republic, but never made much money. In fact, she would fast for long periods just so her children could eat. Today Prats is recognized as setting a precedence for women in Dominican politics without fear for their lives or the lives of their family.

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