Kirkwood, Julieta (1936–1985)

Chilean sociologist, feminist and educator. Name variations: María Julieta Kirkwood Bañados; Adela H. Born María Julieta Kirkwood Bañados, April 5, 1936, in Santiago de Chile, Chile; died of breast cancer, April 8, 1985, in Santiago de Chile; dau. of Johnny Kirkwood (accountant) and Julieta Bañados; m. Rodrigo Baños, 1970; children: 2.

Central figure in contemporary Latin American feminism, began work as teacher and researcher at non-governmental organization, FLACSO (1972); became more politicized under repressive regime of Pinochet; with others, formed Círculo de Estudios de la Mujer (Women's Studies Circle, 1979) to promote dialogue and action among women of diverse backgrounds; was initially supported in Círculo work by Academy of Christian Humanism, umbrella organization of Catholic Church; contributed to Círculo presentation El Trabajo de la Mujer (Women's Work, 1979); organized workshops and gave talks around Santiago de Chile, with special emphasis on working with poor and working women; diagnosed with breast cancer (1979) and given 5 years to live; created Boletín del Círculo de Estudios de la Mujer (Women's Studies Circle Bulletin, 1980); created journal Furia (Fury) as member of Federation of Socialist Women (1981); offended Church hierarchy with views on divorce, prompting Círculo to split from Academy of Christian Humanism (1983); with others, established 2 independent centers for feminist research and action, La Morada Women's House (for political and research activity) and Center for the Study of Women (to develop theoretical material derived from La Morada); led formation of Movimiento Pro Emancipación de la Mujer Chilena (Movement for the Emancipation of Chilean Women or MEMCH83, 1983), which coordinated activities of both feminist and nonfeminist groups; traveled to Peru for Second Latin American and Caribbean Feminist Conference (1983). Writings include (essays) Knots of Feminist Knowledge (1983); (compilations of articles) Tejiendo rebeldías (Weaving Rebellions, 1987) and Feminarios (1987); (book) Ser política en Chile: Las feministas y los partidos (Being Female and Political in Chile: Feminists and Political Parties, 1986).

See also Patricia Crispi, ed., Tejiendo rebeldías. Escritos feministas de Julieta Kirkwood Hilvanados por Patricia Crispi (Centro de Estudios de la mujer and Casa de la Mujer La Morada, 1987).