Rigoberta Menchu Tum

Born in 1959 in a small Mayan community in Guatemala, Rigoberta is a Mayan k’iche’ activist who has spent decades working for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Throughout the Guatemalan Civil War (1960-96) which was rooted in ethnic and socio-economic tensions, hundreds of thousands of Guatemalans were murdered, while a million were left displaced.

Rigoberta brought worldwide attention to the plight of the Mayan people with the publication of her testimonial biography I, Rigoberta Menchú in 1983, and in 1992 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her tireless efforts for social justice.

She continues to support Mayan communities in their fight for justice today.