Misiones holds fourth Melchora Awards to honor influential women

Governor Hugo Passalacqua attended the fourth edition of the Melchora Awards at the Aníbal Cambas Regional Museum in Misiones. The initiative, driven by the Sanmartiniana Cultural Association of Misiones and founder Soledad Balán, recognizes women who have made significant contributions in fields where they historically faced resistance.

The awards are named after Melchora Caburú, a historical figure who supported the struggles of Andrés Guacurarí between 1815 and 1819. The ceremony honored several distinguished women, including:

• Patricia Schmid: A genetics expert recognized for over a decade of research developing a bio-stimulant for yerba mate using native bacteria and fungi. • Clotilde Elisa Pigerl: The first female notary in Misiones and the first woman to hold a position in the Misiones federal justice system starting in 1954. Her family accepted the award following her recent passing. • Pomposa Amarilla de Valdéz: Recognized for her teaching and social work in Posadas since arriving from Paraguay in 1957, including the construction of the city’s first chapel.