A forgotten figure in the story
María Isidra de Guzmán, one of the first women to get a doctorate in Spain, is a name that is often in the shade. His career, marked by aristocracy and intelligence, contrasts with the invisibility he has suffered in historical stories, where social classes often eclipse individual achievements.
Sandra Ferrer Valero’s voice
To deepen the life of Guzmán, I contacted Sandra Ferrer Valero, an expert in the history of women who has dedicated her work to rescuing the forgotten voices. His book, ‘The Revolution of Invisibles’, emphasizes not only the figure of Guzmán, but also of other women who fought for their education and recognition in a world dominated by men.
A revealing dialogue
Sandra’s conversation was enriching. He explained how Guzmán, at the age of only 17, won a doctorate at the University of Alcalá thanks to the support of his parents, emphasizing the importance of education in his life. “His aristocratic origin played a crucial role,” Sandra said, emphasizing that his parents filed an exceptional request to King Charles III to allow him to access the university.
The challenges of being pioneer
The situation of women in the eighteenth century was complex. Despite his merits, Guzmán was largely forgotten by his noble origin. Sandra emphasized how later feminism has tended to prioritize class differences on gender issues, leaving Figures like Guzmán in the background.
The importance of visibility
Sandra explained that the lack of recognition for women like Guzmán has been perpetuated throughout history. ‘They are invisible to history books,’ he said, emphasizing the need to give these women voice who made significant contributions despite the barriers they faced.
A passion for female history
Sandra’s motivation to write about women in history comes from a deep passion for truth. “The injustice of his invisibility inspired me to act,” he shared, reflecting his commitment to the cause. This passion results in his work, which seeks to give birth to the lives of women who deserve to be remembered.
A legacy that lasts
As the conversation advanced, Sandra shared that his work had a positive impact on many people. The thank -you messages she receives from students and teachers motivate her to continue her task. ‘Giving voice to these women is what makes me feel really alive as a writer,’ he concluded.
The future of female research
With his latest book focusing on the Renaissance, Sandra continues to explore times when women played an essential, but often ignored role. His work is a testament to the richness of female contributions to history, a task that seeks to inspire future generations to recognize and value these voices.
Final reflections
The story of María Isidra de Guzmán and the dedication of Sandra Ferrer Valero to recover these forgotten voices remind us that each historical figure, regardless of its origin, has a story that deserves to be told. It is a powerful reminder that, in order to advance as a society, we must know and value the past.
