Maria Jose Palomeque
Maria Jose Palomeque is an 18 year old activist for human rights, climate justice, and gender equality, born in southern Mexico,
Her passion for promoting gender equality in her region led her to be a Youth Councilor for the UN Foundation Initiative in Mexico, Girl Up.
Due to her work in human rights activism, she was recently invited to join the Activist-Led Advisory Group along with other young leaders at Amnesty International.
This year, she was selected as part of the Education Steering Committee by the World Food Forum, with the aim of creating a healthier and more sustainable planet through educational solutions for youth.
Her objective to promote climate and gender justice is reflected in the Latin American initiative EmpoderaClima, where she is the Advocacy Lead. Maria Jose is also a Young Champion at the UN Refugee Agency.
She recently founded EducateHer, an educational platform that seeks to promote the leadership of girls and women in Latin America in STEM, Environment, Communication, and Governance.
In addition to social justice issues, Maria Jose has a great passion for writing. This has led her to be present in media such as The Climate Reality Project, Malala Fund, and Coolhunter.
One action you’d like people to do to help your work
“My goal as a person and an activist has always been to make an impact on the world and people.
Therefore, I would invite everyone to question the world around them. Many times we will have to be the first, and even the only ones, to point out that something is wrong. Take that as an impulse to create change.
The first step to changing and improving the world is to create awareness of what is happening. Speak up and take action on the issue you are passionate about.