Discovery of the matriarchates: Reading about women in Juchitán!

Discovery of the matriarchates: Reading about women in Juchitán!

In the coming weeks, visitors to the Uelzen city library await an exciting event: On Tuesday, July 1st at 7 p.m., the journalist Friederike Oertel will read from her travel report "Vacation from the Patriarchy - as I pulled out" to understand the woman. This reading promises lively insights into the Mexican matriarchy of the city of Juchitán.

Oertel explored life in Juchitán on her trip, one of the last matriarchal places of Mexico. Here the women are the heart of the local economy - they dominate business and financial matters, while men in the town hall lead the municipal institutions. "It is fascinating to see how women shape public life and at the same time are responsible for their families," reports Oertel. She lived with a host family and spoke to people of different sexes, including the "Muxe", who, as members of the Third Gender, have to master special challenges in society.

The event and its background

The reading takes place in cooperation with the equal opportunities officer of the Hanseatic city of Uelzen, Sandra Hoffmann, and is moded by Kira Herman. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited places. Interested parties can register by phone at 0581 / 800-6500 or by email to stadtbuecherei@stadt.uelzen.de. Admission is from 6.30 p.m.

Why are the voices of women particularly important in Juchitán? In this city, which is characterized by deeply rooted matriarchal structures, the daughters traditionally inherit the house and the ability after the matriarch's death. Oertel's book, which will be published on May 8, 2025, takes up these topics and not only addresses gender roles, but also the balance of power and social orders that shape them. With her personal experience and the theoretical background she draws a complex picture.

cultural aspects and modern challenges

The daily festivals, organized by female committees, offer women in Juchitán a special platform. These celebrations are not only an expression of culture, but also an important drive for the local economy. Women such as Maribel, a 27-year-old from Juchitán, appreciate the close cooperation among their gender comrades and the opportunity to pass on the traditions, even if there are challenges. An example of this is the virgin test, which is carried out at engagement celebrations and is considered protection by many women.

Nevertheless, it is also critically considered that these traditions can sometimes be problematic in a modern context. Oertel himself describes how she deals with her own history, including her eating disorder, in these contexts and is looking for the balance between tradition and personal freedom.

If you are interested in these inspiring insights and the living culture of women in Juchitán, you should not miss this appointment in the city library. "There is so much to learn and discover," says Oertel, who connects your travel report with the desire to open up new perspectives on the frausin in a wide variety of cultures.

Further information about the reading can also be found at the Uelzen press at swr and the time under Zeit .