Mexico City’s Colonia Obrera carries its reputation right in its name. This colonia (neighborhood) is named after the obreros, a catch-all word that is somewhat concurrent with the “blue-collar worker” in English. Mexican obrero groups most commonly include those involved in professions such as construction work and manufacturing. One of the main manufacturing sectors in the country is that of textiles. For decades, Colonia Obrera has been home to several textile workshops and factories, known as maquiladoras, that are mostly staffed by women. It is estimated that in 1985, up…
