Eva Perón
1919–1952 (age 33)
First Lady of Argentina, Political Leader
Biography
Eva María Ibarguren, known to the world as Evita Perón, was the First Lady of Argentina and a transformative political figure in twentieth-century Latin America. Born in 1919, she rose from poverty and a career in entertainment to become one of the most influential women in Argentine history. As the wife of President Juan Domingo Perón, she championed the rights of workers, women, and the poor, earning the devotion of millions who saw her as their voice and advocate.
Evita's tenure as First Lady, though brief due to her death from cancer at age 33, left an indelible mark on Argentine society. She established the Eva Perón Foundation to provide social welfare, fought tirelessly for women's suffrage, and became a symbol of hope for the working classes. Her legacy transcends Argentina, inspiring cultural works and remaining a powerful emblem of social justice and feminine political power.