María de la Cruz was born on September 18, 1912, in the small town of Chimbarongo, Chile. She was the daughter of Edicia Toledo and Marco Aurelio de la Cruz, a humble family with deep roots in the Chilean community. From a young age, María showed a passion for writing and public speaking, which would later guide her into a career in politics.
By her early thirties, María had already established herself as a talented writer, publishing a novel and a collection of poetry that gained her recognition among Chilean intellectuals. She also took on the role of a journalist and radio host, discussing important social and political issues that were impacting her country.
It was in 1953 that María de la Cruz made history by becoming the first woman to serve in the Chilean Senate. She ran for office and won by the largest margin ever recorded at that time, a testament to her popularity and influence among the Chilean people.
Despite her initial success in the Senate, María's career was marred by controversy just six months after being sworn in. She was accused of being involved in an Argentinian watch smuggling chain, a scandal that rocked the Chilean political landscape. Despite the lack of concrete evidence against her, María was removed from her Senate position, tarnishing her reputation and causing her great personal turmoil.
Following her removal from the Senate, María de la Cruz did not give up on her passion for political activism. She joined the empty-pots movement, a protest against the government of Salvador Allende, whom she believed was leading Chile down a dangerous path. María continued to speak out against injustice and fight for the rights of the Chilean people, using her voice as a powerful tool for change.
Despite the challenges she faced in her political career, María de la Cruz will be remembered as a trailblazer for women in Chilean politics. She broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of women to enter public office and make their voices heard. María's commitment to social justice and equality inspired many during her time and continues to resonate today.
María de la Cruz's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity. She may have faced setbacks and challenges, but her impact on Chilean society is undeniable. María de la Cruz will forever be remembered as a pioneer and a champion for women's rights in Chile.