Mare Is a Rapper Hell-Bent on Equality for Women in Mexico

Harnessing their talents, Mujeres Trabajando issued a compilation album. With its critical lyrics of female empowerment, Mare's "¡Que Mujer!" ("What a Woman!") is a fitting addition--as well as the title of her 2010 EP. "This is the first solo material that I've put out," she says of the seven-song effort. "The theme is everyday life. These are stories I have seen, experienced and lived, some more personal, but also stories that can be from anyone else."

On her current tour in the United States, she is accompanied by Simón Sedillo, a filmmaker and activist who is promoting a new documentary about the rapper. Cuando Una Mujer Avanza (When a Woman Steps Forward) features stylish music videos coupled with a portrait of Mare's unique life. "In this documentary, we tried to tell a story that shows the reality of many women in Oaxaca, things that we deal with on a day-to-day basis such as the church, sexism, social movements and much more," she says.

On Mare's travels through the States, she has also gained some perspective. "I have seen various sides to hip-hop here," she says. "I have learned so much, not only about hip-hop, but also about the very different social context that is lived here."

Mare performs at Santa Ana's El Centro Cultural de Mexico Saturday.