A 560-kilometre trek from Cauca to Bogotá in 2014 redefined the political trajectory of Francia Márquez, as she led 80 women to demand an end to illegal mining operations poisoning their ancestral lands. This act of civil resistance transitioned her from a community activist into a national figure, ultimately leading to her historic vice presidency.
Early Activism and Environmental Defense
Born in 1981 in Yolombó, Suárez, Cauca, Márquez began her advocacy at age 13. She initially focused on protecting the Ovejas River from projects such as the Salvajina hydroelectric dam. Her work deepened as international mining interests sought to extract gold in La Toma. She successfully navigated complex legal challenges, including a constitutional court battle against mining concessions granted without resident consultation, while simultaneously managing death threats from paramilitary groups.
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After her work on the 2014 march, which prompted the creation of a government task force to disassemble illegal mining apparatuses, Márquez broadened her influence. She participated in peace negotiations in Havana, Cuba, in 2014, advocating for the inclusion of ethnic minorities. She later served as president of the National Peace and Co-existence council in 2021. By 2022, she entered the presidential race, securing over 780,000 votes in the Historic Pact primary before accepting the nomination as Gustavo Petro’s running mate.
Institutional Leadership
Upon her inauguration as the 13th Vice President of Colombia in 2022, she became the first Afro-Colombian to hold the office. Her tenure, lasting until 2026, focused on addressing systemic exclusion. In 2023, she expanded her governmental duties by assuming the role of Minister of Equality and Equity, a position she held until 2025, aimed at institutionalizing support for marginalized regions and ethnic communities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 December 1981
- Place of Birth: Yolombó, Suárez, Cauca
- Vice President of Colombia: 2022–2026
- Minister of Equality and Equity: 2022–2025
- Goldman Environmental Prize: 2018
- BBC 100 Women: 2019
- Education: Academia Técnica Militar Bolivariana
Questions readers ask
What was Francia Márquez's primary focus before holding office?
She was an environmental and civil rights activist who fought against illegal gold mining and the pollution of the Ovejas River.
What historic milestone did she achieve in 2022?
She became the first Afro-Colombian person to serve as the Vice President of Colombia.
Achievements
- Vice President of Colombia (2022–2026)
- Minister of Equality and Equity (2022–2025)
- Goldman Environmental Prize — 2018
- Educated at Academia Técnica Militar Bolivariana
