Policarpa Salavarrieta, known simply as La Pola, was a revolutionary figure and national heroine of Colombia who played a daring and pivotal role in the country’s fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Born around 1795 in Guaduas, Colombia, Salavarrieta defied both empire and gender norms in an era when women were expected to remain silent and obedient.
As a seamstress by trade, she cleverly used her profession as a cover to gather intelligence for the revolutionary forces. Working in Bogotá, she infiltrated royalist households, delivering secret messages, recruiting patriots, and smuggling weapons—all under the guise of stitching clothes. Her courage and cleverness turned her into one of the most effective spies of the independence movement.
Arrested by Spanish authorities in 1817, she was executed by firing squad at the age of 22. On the day of her execution, she famously denounced the Spanish regime and called for freedom, becoming a lasting symbol of resistance and national pride.
Policarpa Salavarrieta is not only remembered as a revolutionary martyr but also as a powerful role model for women across Latin America. She embodied bravery, intelligence, and political agency in a time when women were largely excluded from public life. Her legacy continues to inspire feminists, activists, and freedom fighters alike.
Today, Policarpa Salavarrieta’s name graces schools, streets, and monuments across Colombia. Her story stands as a reminder that revolution is not only fought with weapons—but also with courage, wit, and unyielding conviction.
