25 March 2022

Today’s Doodle celebrates Mexican writer, poet, psychologist and broadcaster Emma Godoy, who was born on this day in 1918 and used her voice to defend the rights and dignity of the elderly.

Godoy initially got a master’s degree in Spanish Language and literature. She then earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from the esteemed National Autonomous University of Mexico, in addition to studying Psychology and Pedagogy. She was also a professor of Literature there.

Much of Godoy’s life was spent balancing teaching, writing novels, poetry, art criticism and philosophical essays. Her novel, Érase un hombre Pentafácico, was given the Ibero-American Novel Award sponsored by The William Faulkner Foundation in 1962.

In 1973, she founded and presided over the Association for the Dignification of Old Age, one of the first organizations to address senior rights. Godoy regularly broadcasted on XEW1 radio in Mexico and further spread awareness of her ideas. This led to the Mexican Government establishing the National institute for Older Adults in 1979. The institution is supported by Emma Godoy’s principles and continues to benefit millions today.