Francia Márquez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Her Excellency
Francia Márquez
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Official portrait, 2023
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| 13th Vice President of Colombia | |
| In office 7 August 2022 – 7 August 2026 |
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| President | Gustavo Petro |
| Preceded by | Marta Lucía Ramírez |
| Succeeded by | José Manuel Restrepo |
| Minister of Equality and Equity | |
| In office 1 June 2023 – 27 February 2025 |
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| President | Gustavo Petro |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Carlos Rosero |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francia Elena Márquez Mina
1 December 1981 Yolombó, Cauca, Colombia |
| Political party | Historic Pact (2026–present) |
| Domestic partner | Yerney Pinillo (since 2020) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | National Learning Service |
| Alma mater |
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| Profession | Lawyer |
Francia Elena Márquez Mina (born on December 1, 1981) is a Colombian politician. She served as the 13th Vice President of Colombia from 2022 to 2026. She was born in Yolombó, a village in southwest Colombia. Francia became an activist at just 13 years old. She spoke up when a dam project threatened her community. She was the first Afro-Colombian person to be vice president in Colombia's history. She was also the second woman to hold this important position.
In 2018, Francia Márquez received the Goldman Environmental Prize. This award recognized her efforts to stop illegal gold mining in her community of La Toma. She also organized her community to protect their land. Francia led a protest march of 80 women. They walked 560 kilometers (about 350 miles) to Bogotá, the capital city. They demanded that all illegal miners leave their community. In 2019, the BBC included Francia Márquez on their 100 Women list.
In 2020, Márquez announced she would run for president in the 2022 Colombian presidential election. She sought to represent the Historic Pact for Colombia group. Later, Gustavo Petro, who was chosen by the group, asked her to be his running mate. In 2023, she was also appointed as the Minister for Equality and Equity.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Francia Elena Márquez Mina was born on December 1, 1981. Her birthplace was Yolombó, a town in the Cauca region of Colombia.
Protecting the Ovejas River
When Francia was 13, in 1994, she started working to protect the Ovejas River. This river was a vital water source for her community. Companies wanted to change the river's path for a large dam. Francia and her community successfully stopped this project.
Other companies also wanted to mine for gold in the area. They offered to build roads and donate school supplies. Francia remembered that some people were grateful. But others were suspicious. They felt that these offers had a hidden purpose. Francia and her elders decided to say "no" to these mining plans.
Standing Up Against Illegal Mining
In the 2000s, more international mining companies came to Colombia. They wanted to extract natural resources. In 2009, Francia Márquez helped lead protests. These protests were against plans to remove Afro-Colombians from their ancestral lands near La Toma. The government had given mining rights to companies without asking the local people.
Francia and her community council filed a lawsuit. They challenged the government's decision. During this time, some community members faced serious dangers. Francia and her community won their case. The constitutional court ruled in their favor.
In 2013, Francia became a legal representative for La Toma. She also worked to protect community lands. The next year, illegal miners caused environmental damage near the Ovejas River. They used harmful chemicals like mercury. Francia took legal action again. She worked with others to fix the environmental problems. However, in October 2014, Francia had to move to Cali with her children for their safety.
Political Journey
The March to Bogotá
Francia Márquez faced increasing dangers from illegal mining. In 2014, she organized a 350-kilometer (217-mile) march. It went from Cauca to Bogotá. Eighty Afro-Colombian women joined her. The march brought much attention to illegal mining in Cauca. It also highlighted the harm it caused to communities and the environment.
The group arrived in Bogotá after ten days. They protested, demanding an end to illegal mining. After 22 days of protest, Francia and other community leaders reached an agreement. The Colombian government promised to act against illegal mining. In 2015, a special team was created to deal with the issue. This was a first for Colombian history. By the end of 2016, all illegal mining equipment was removed from La Toma. Francia's success inspired other communities. Her efforts earned her the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2018.
Working for Peace
In December 2014, Francia Márquez went to Havana, Cuba. She took part in peace talks. These talks were between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. Francia explained how the conflict had deeply affected Afro-Colombians, especially black women. She stressed that ethnic minority groups needed to be part of the peace discussions. This would help ensure lasting peace.
In June 2020, Francia was chosen for the National Peace and Co-existence council. This council watched over the peace agreement. She served as the council's president in 2021.
2022 Presidential Campaign
Francia Márquez announced her plan to run for president in April 2021. She spoke at the National Feminist Convention. Her campaign focused on helping women, Afro-Colombians, and indigenous communities. These groups had often been left out of Colombian politics.
In March 2022, Francia ran in the primary elections for the Historic Pact for Colombia group. She received a historic 783,160 votes. This placed her second, after Gustavo Petro.
On March 23, 2022, she accepted the nomination to be vice president. She joined Gustavo Petro's ticket for the Historic Pact. Francia promised that if they won, she would move the vice president's office. It would move from Bogotá to Medellín. Petro said that Francia's role would be to boost equality for all groups and regions. He also pledged to create a new Ministry of Equality, which Francia would lead.
During the campaign, Francia Márquez and Gustavo Petro faced serious safety concerns. In one incident, laser beams targeted Francia during a campaign event. Security guards quickly protected her. Many officials and important people from over 20 countries signed a letter. They expressed worry about the political dangers faced by Márquez and Petro.
On election day, May 29, 2022, the Historic Pact ticket came in first. They moved to a second round of voting. Francia Márquez and Gustavo Petro won the second round on June 19. After her victory, Francia stated that their administration would not take away private property. She said the biggest challenge during her campaign was facing unfair criticism and prejudice. Francia Márquez was inaugurated as vice president on August 7, 2022.
Minister of Equality and Equity (2023-2025)
In July 2023, Francia Márquez became the Minister of Equality and Equity. This ministry was first announced during the 2022 presidential campaign. The Constitutional Court later ended the law that created this ministry. It was set to disappear in 2026. Francia Márquez resigned from her position as Minister of Equity and Equality on February 28, 2025. She mentioned disagreements and challenges within the Petro administration.
Vice Presidency (2022–2026)
Francia Márquez was sworn in as vice president on August 7, 2022. She also served as Minister for Women and Equality in the Cabinet of Gustavo Petro.
In January 2023, Francia Márquez spoke to the UN Security Council. She promised to hold a UN Security Council session in Colombia. She said, "Our main goal is to keep all Colombians safe. We will protect those who defend human rights. We will also protect communities caught in difficult situations."
In January 2023, a dangerous situation was prevented near her home. Her security team found an explosive device on the road.
Francia Márquez faced much criticism. This came from her role as an activist and defender of Afro rights. She also faced criticism about her living arrangements as vice president. She was also the target of unfair criticism and prejudice.
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In February 2023, she was criticized for choosing to live in a private home. Most vice presidents since 1999 lived in the official vice presidential house. She also faced strong criticism for using a helicopter for travel. Francia Márquez explained that the president had suggested she use a helicopter. This was due to concerns for her safety and her family's safety. She had reported several incidents that threatened her safety.
In May 2023, Francia Márquez began a tour of Africa. As vice president, she sought to build connections between Colombia and the African continent. She visited South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
On May 13, 2023, Márquez met with Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa. She invited South Africa to help guarantee peace processes with the ELN group. President Ramaphosa later confirmed South Africa's support. They also discussed visa agreements between Colombia and South Africa.
On May 17, 2023, she met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen. He celebrated Colombia's decision to reopen its embassy in Ethiopia after fifty years. The next day, May 18, she met President Sahle-Work Zewde. The President welcomed her with the phrase, "Welcome to your roots."
On July 1, 2023, Francia Márquez became the 20th member of Gustavo Petro's cabinet. She took office as Minister of Equality and Equity.
On August 28, 2023, Márquez welcomed the Canadian Minister of International Development, Ahmed Hussen. He visited the Vice Presidential House. Minister Hussen confirmed Canada's support for projects promoting gender equality.
The next day, August 29, 2023, she made her first appearance as Minister of Equality. She attended a debate in Congress. She discussed government programs and resources for social initiatives.
During her speech to the Seventh Commission of the Senate, she defended the "Youth in Peace" program. The Gustavo Petro administration used this program. Its goal was to help reduce criminal organizations in the country.
On September 4, Márquez traveled to Kenya for a second time. She participated in the African Climate Summit.
On September 6–7, 2023, Márquez visited Ghana. This trip aimed to strengthen relations as part of the Africa 2022-2026 strategy. Márquez noted that this was the first meeting between leaders from Ghana and Colombia in 30 years of diplomatic ties.
On September 11, Márquez received an official visit from the Deputy President of Kenya, Rigathi Gachagua. He later attended the World Forum of Coffee Producers and Roasters.
On October 3, 2023, Márquez traveled to Popayán, Cauca. She led an event called "the government listens." She and the governor of Cauca, Elías Larrahondo Carabalí, faced mixed reactions from some supporters.
On November 29, 2023, Márquez met with the Duchess of Edinburgh. They visited the Center for Memory, Peace and Reconciliation. They spoke with women who were affected by conflict.
On December 14, 2023, Márquez had a 40-minute meeting with Pope Francis. She later shared on social media that Pope Francis sent a message of love, joy, and hope to Colombia. He encouraged continued work for peace, social justice, and dignity for all Colombians.
On February 19, 2024, Márquez met with the Mayor of Cali, Alejandro Eder, and the governor of Valle del Cauca, Dilian Francisca Toro. They discussed strengthening shelters for women facing danger.
On May 1, 2024, Márquez participated in marches for pension reform. This was part of the International Workers' Day celebrations. She spoke from a platform, alongside other ministers. She defended the people and responded to comments made by former vice president Francisco Santos Calderón. He had suggested that indigenous peoples were paid to attend the marches. Márquez responded, "To Mr. former Vice President Francisco Santos, the indigenous people are not rented."
In August 2024, Márquez received a visit from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This visit was at her invitation to the Duchess.
Policies and Views
Foreign Affairs
In February 2023, Francia Márquez made her first official visit to Cuba. This visit showed the Petro administration's dedication to peace and respect. Márquez said that returning to Cuba as Vice President, after being part of peace talks years ago, proved Colombia was achieving full peace. She noted Cuba's important role in that journey.
After becoming Vice President, Márquez focused on strengthening ties between Colombia and Africa. She called Africa the "cradle of humanity." In May 2023, she went on a tour of South Africa, Kenya, and Ethiopia. This was part of her Africa Strategy 2022-2026. Her agenda included meetings with leaders from these countries.
Personal Life
Francia Márquez's father was a miner, and her mother was a farmer. She described her childhood as spending time with her grandparents and her mother.
Márquez is an agricultural technician. She graduated from the National Learning Service. In 2020, she earned a law degree from the Santiago de Cali University. In 2023, she received an honorary doctorate in education from the National Pedagogical University of Colombia.
Awards
In 2018, Francia Márquez received the Goldman Environmental Prize. This award recognized her work to stop illegal gold mining in her community of La Toma. It also honored her community organizing efforts.
See also
In Spanish: Francia Márquez para niños
