She’s a human rights advocate from Argentina and the woman behind the law that gave same-sex couples the right to marry. This week’s Game Changer is social leader Maria Rachid.
Five years ago, Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage. That legislative landmark and other equality laws came to fruition thanks to the hard work of women like Maria Rachid. Before she even considered becoming a politician, she organized and worked to promote social equality in Buenos Aires.

Back in the early days, she says, she wouldn’t have dreamt about such a progressive bill being approved. However, after many years of efforts and campaigns, she spearheaded the initiative Los Mismos Derechos con Los Mismos Nombres (Same Names, Same Rights) which was instrumental in the enactment of Argentina’s 2010 equal marriage law.

In 2011, Rachid ran for congress, where she now serves as a representative for the Buenos Aires province using the platform to further advance the cause of equality.

The human rights advocate who made marriage equality a reality in Argentina

She’s a human rights advocate from Argentina and the woman behind the law that gave same-sex couples the right to marry. This week’s Game Changer is social leader Maria Rachid.