Jahiren Noriega: “These three factors—class, gender, and age—meant the bar was set much higher for me than for others”

^{Photo courtesy of Jahiren Noriega.} 

Jahiren Noriega’s political journey began in activism. “My political career started in social organizations—both in the student movement and the feminist movement,” she explains. “My motivation to accept my first candidacy for the National Assembly in 2020 came from these spaces. We realized that from civil society we were trying to change the world, but when we confronted institutions, we lacked strength to defend public education and women’s lives. If we don’t occupy these spaces, no one else will.”

Her decision was driven by a desire for representation: “We don’t want others to speak for us. We want to speak with our own voices, fight with our own voices in spaces historically reserved for men—adult men. Speaking out with a young voice, with a feminist voice, is important to open doors for other women and young people.”

Entering politics at 23 was difficult, especially in one of the most powerful committees in Congress. “I joined the economic committee, where the state budget, tax policy, and monetary policy are debated tables usually chaired by men. I remember preparing thoroughly for a debate on budget cuts to universities and social programs, including programs to eradicate gender violence.”

After the debate, Jahiren faced paternalistic criticism that revealed entrenched norms: “A legislator approached me and said: ‘Someday you’ll mature. Someday you’ll understand we can’t change the world. That’s just the way things are.’ His views were a reflection of the patriarchal norms where old men set the rules. At the time, I didn’t know how to respond. Now I think: if growing up means accepting this unjust world, then we’ll never grow up. Feminist women will never ‘mature’ in that sense, because we fight every day to transform this world.”

Her experience highlights the intersection of gender, age, and class. “I’m a young woman from the working class. No one passed on a political position to me. I don’t come from a political family or a wealthy background. Everything has been forged through opportunities I’ve fought for. These three factors—class, gender, and age—meant the bar was set much higher for me than for others. A mistake on our part feels like a condemnation of our entire generation, of all women.”

Despite the pressure, Jahiren finds strength in solidarity: “Seeing other women as political role models helps us keep going. Spaces like this remind us we’re not alone, we’re transforming the world together.”

Her message to young women considering politics is empathetic and empowering: “I understand if you feel politics is not for you. Violence is overwhelming, and politics often feels unsafe. But we are here to show there is another way of doing politics—putting life at the center, from care, love, and empathy. Our presence is essential to transform not only the world but also how politics is understood. And you are not alone—there are organizations and networks ready to support you. Globally, we are growing stronger and reaching decision-making spaces. Walk together, seek role models, and never give up.”

For Jahiren, legislative work is a powerful tool for change: “People think parliaments have abstract debates, but they decide our daily lives—whether women have decent work, maternity leave, or access to care systems. That’s why it’s vital to have women in these spaces, not just for parity, but to carry our voices and struggles.”

Her commitment is deeply personal: “In Ecuador, a woman is murdered every 22 hours. This year alone, 349 women were victims of femicide. Part of my work focuses on supporting the mothers of these women, the ‘Madres Coraje’ who raise orphaned grandchildren and fight for justice. We demand that the state take responsibility, because when a woman dies, she is not only a victim of her murderer but also of a state that failed to protect her.”

“More women in politics changes politics, changes the country, and changes the world.”