Policarpa Salavarrieta

Policarpa Salavarrieta Ríos, affectionately known as La Pola, was born on January 26, 1795, in the Viceroyalty of New Granada. A talented seamstress by trade, she became an integral figure in the fight for independence from Spanish rule. Her skills in dressmaking not only provided her with a livelihood but also served as a cover for her clandestine activities as a spy for the Revolutionary Forces.

During a tumultuous period marked by the Spanish Reconquista, Policarpa utilized her position to gather vital intelligence for the revolutionaries. Her bravery and commitment to the cause were evident as she navigated the dangers of espionage, risking her life to support the fight for freedom.

Tragically, her efforts were met with capture by Spanish Royalists, leading to her execution for high treason on November 14, 1817. Despite her untimely death, Policarpa's legacy endures, and she is celebrated as a national heroine in Colombia. The Day of the Colombian Woman is commemorated on the anniversary of her passing, honoring her contributions to the independence movement.