Portrait: Nubia Lazo – feminist, priestess and tireless fighter for women's rights

The school of feminism – and the beginning of a life journey

Two years after graduating from university, she was invited by Rina Clara, one of the founders of Las Mélidas, to take part in a feminist training. This three-year formación feminista opened the doors to local politics for Nubia. She worked at the town hall for almost ten years – the last three of which were under the first female mayor in her region.

During this time, the team worked with Las Mélidas to establish a youth council in seven territories. Three young women from each area took part in feminist training courses, and many of them remained active members of the movement. However, with the political change, the mayor lost the election and the office for women's issues was closed – replaced by a family office.

Escape, a new beginning – and the path to theology

After a violent incident in her relationship, Nubia left her city and went to study in Colombia for a year. Back in El Salvador, she worked as a consultant – among other things, with community radio stations and in difficult rural regions. To better understand women in rural areas, she began studying psychology, which she later dropped out of – not because she lost interest, but because life itself steered her in a different direction.

One day, on her way to a meeting with women in the countryside, a man asked her for help: his wife was in labour. Nubia accompanied her to the hospital – but the woman died. This experience changed everything. The priest blamed the deceased woman for the death of her child. Nubia then began to intensively study theology and the issue of reproductive rights – specifically the right to abortion.

Between the Church and feminism: a balancing act with heart and conviction

Together with friends, she eventually founded the organisation Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir (Catholics for the Right to Decide). She began studying theology in order to credibly represent feminist arguments in church discourse. Despite hostility – particularly because of her seemingly incompatible identities as a feminist and a devout Christian – she remained steadfast.

Today, Nubia works as a volunteer priest in the parish of Santa María Magdalena. She celebrates Mass every Sunday. At the same time, she continues to be involved in psychosocial work promoting self-healing and self-esteem among women who have experienced violence – including through her work with Las Mélidas.

Mentors who shaped her

Nubia speaks with great gratitude about her feminist role models: Rina Clara, Gladis Colato and Conchita Aparicio – all former guerrilla fighters. The first two were co-founders of Las Mélidas. And Conchita taught her not only political theory, but also a gentle, humane pedagogy: it's not what you say, it's how you say it – especially when working with victims of violence.