Maria Santos Gorrostieta

Murdered mayor -- via the Telegraph. She stood up to drug lords, survived two assassination attempts, and the murder of her husband. When she was taken away to be killed, she successfully begged the gunmen to leave her daughter behind, saving her life.

She showed her wounds at a press conference in 2009, saying:

 "I wanted to show you my wounded, mutilated body because I'm not ashamed of it... I am a strong and righteous woman, and despite my wounds, I'm still on my feet."