The Ministry of Culture of Peru announced on Apr. 13 that it has declared the “Ten Books of Peruvian Women Naturalized by Marriage 1940-1976” as National Cultural Heritage, according to Vice Ministerial Resolution No. 103-2026-VMPCIC-MC. These documents are currently under the care of the National Superintendence of Migration.
The designation highlights the importance of these records as a historical source documenting foreign women who became Peruvian citizens through marriage, reflecting key aspects in the country’s social and legal development.
Organized into ten volumes, these files were created in a period following World War II and show a wide range of applicants from different national backgrounds. The collection is seen as significant for gender studies both within Peru and internationally, since it details how many women gained citizenship and contributed to various fields such as science, arts, and literature during this era.
The ministry said that the historical value is based on legislation from 1940 that established these records and marked an important step in migration management and civil registration in Peru at that time. It also said their social value lies in showing changes to women’s civil rights and roles in society over several decades.
These books contain diverse materials including applications, passports, photographs, and other documents—offering researchers extensive information about individuals’ lives during this period.
The Ministry of Culture fosters social inclusion by protecting heritage and promoting diversity across Peru, according to the official website. The ministry utilizes decentralized facilities and museums alongside its San Borja headquarters to support programs according to its official website. It belongs to the Peruvian Executive Branch as an autonomous ministry according to its official website.
According to its official website, the ministry promotes cultural identity while combating discrimination and racism through intercultural dialogue initiatives. It operates under ministerial leadership serving communities throughout Peru according to its official site. The Ministerio de Cultura del Perú was created in 2010 with a mandate for safeguarding heritage while encouraging intercultural dialogue and diversity according to its official website.
