Sor Juana, the 17th Century Nun Who Became a Mexican (and Feminist) Icon

Timeless: Stories from the Library of Congress

10/15/2026 09:00 AM EDT

In 17th-century Mexico, Sor (“Sister”) Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th century Catholic nun, used her dazzling scholarship, wit and writings to challenge the church’s harsh limitations on women’s right to education. She has since become regarded as the first feminist of the Americas, a national icon and is featured on national currency.

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