Colombia's history is filled with brave, intelligent, and visionary women who have left a profound mark on culture, politics, education, art, and social rights. Through these anniversaries, we remember the contributions of those Colombian women who, from different backgrounds, helped build the nation we are today.
This month-by-month look at Colombian women's anniversaries seeks to pay tribute to their legacy and highlight their struggles in a country moving toward gender equality and the historical recognition of women.
January: Policarpa Salavarrieta, symbol of freedom
Although she was born in January 1795, Policarpa Salavarrieta—known as "La Pola"—remains one of the country's most cherished female figures. Her courage during Colombia's independence made her a symbol of patriotism and resistance.
November 14 marks her execution, a date recognized as Colombian Women's Day , established in honor of her sacrifice.
👉 You can read more about this event at Colombian Women's Day .
February: Débora Arango, art and rebellion
Born on November 11, 1907, in Medellín, but especially remembered in February, the month of her death (February 4, 2005), Débora Arango was a painter ahead of her time. She broke new ground by portraying social, political, and religious themes with a critical eye.
Her legacy transcends the visual arts; she represents freedom of expression and female independence in Colombian culture.
March: Soledad Acosta de Samper and the intellectual legacy
March, Women's and History Month, is an ideal time to remember Soledad Acosta de Samper (1833–1913), a writer, journalist, and one of the first women to direct publications in Colombia. She promoted female education and reflected on the role of women in 19th-century society.
During March, many educational institutions celebrate their contribution within the framework of International Women's Day (March 8) .
See also March anniversaries in Colombia .
April: María Cano, “The Flower of Work”
María Cano (1887–1967) was a labor and political leader from Antioquia. April commemorates several events in her life related to her participation in labor movements and the defense of workers' rights.
She was the first woman in Colombia to be recognized as a mass political leader. Her activism inspired generations of women who fought for social justice.
You can also read about Labor Day in Colombia .
May: Esmeralda Arboleda, pioneer of women's suffrage
The month of May is a good time to remember Esmeralda Arboleda Cadavid (1921–1997), one of the main proponents of women's suffrage in Colombia. Thanks to her efforts, women's right to vote was officially recognized in 1954.
Her work marked a turning point in female political participation and in the construction of a more inclusive democracy.
June: Débora García, educator and reformer
Débora García , born in June 1883 in Popayán, was an educator who promoted important educational reforms in the country. She championed education for women and promoted the creation of public schools.
June is an ideal month to highlight female education as a tool for progress and to remember the women who have made teaching a driving force for transformation.
July: Mercedes Abrego de Reyes, heroine of independence
Mercedes Abrego de Reyes was a patriot from Santander who actively supported the independence armies. She was captured and executed in 1813 for collaborating with Simón Bolívar.
July, Colombia's independence month, is perfect for remembering women like her, whose courage contributed to national freedom.
Find out more about the July 20 anniversary in Colombia .
August: Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda, mother of Colombian anthropology
Born on November 4, 1921, but honored in August (Colombia's scientific research month), Virginia Gutiérrez de Pineda was one of the country's most influential anthropologists. Her work contributed to our understanding of the family and social structures of Colombia's regions.
His academic work was fundamental to designing public policies related to family and culture.
September: Ángela Restrepo, pioneer of microbiology
September commemorates Ángela Restrepo Moreno (1931–2022), a scientist from Antioquia and an international leader in medical mycology. She was the first Colombian woman to receive the National Medal of Scientific Merit.
Her legacy inspires new generations of women scientists.
You can also check out Valentine's Day in Colombia , another notable celebration of the month.
October: Fanny Mikey, the lady of Colombian theater
Fanny Mikey (1930–2008) was an actress, cultural manager, and creator of the Bogotá Ibero-American Theater Festival. Her name is linked to art and cultural dissemination throughout the country.
October is a month to celebrate creativity and remember the women who transformed the national art scene.
November: Débora Arango and Policarpa Salavarrieta, double tribute
November brings together two of the most important figures in Colombian women's history: Débora Arango (born on the 11th) and Policarpa Salavarrieta (remembered on the 14th). Both symbolize courage, freedom, and the fight for justice from different spheres: art and independence.
December: Bertha Hernández de Ospina, the conservative voice of the female vote
In December 1907, Bertha Hernández de Ospina was born, one of the country's first congresswomen and co-founder of the Women's Action movement, which promoted women's political participation in the 1940s and 1950s.
Her figure demonstrates that the advancement of women's rights in Colombia was a cause shared by different ideological currents.
Colombian women who inspire the present
These anniversaries not only celebrate the past, but also inspire the present. Women like Francia Márquez, Ingrid Betancourt, Shakira, Mariana Pajón, and Diana Trujillo continue to pave the way in different fields, consolidating the role of Colombian women in the world.