Day of the Colombian Woman Date in the current year: November 14, 2024

Policarpa Salavarrieta was a seamstress who became a spy for the Revolutionary Forces during the Spanish Reconquista of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. At that time, the city of Bogotá was populated mostly by Spanish Royalists. In 1817, Policarpa entered Bogotá with forged documents and joined other revolutionaries.

Pretending to be a servant, she met with other spies and patriots, infiltrated the homes of the royalists, gathering information, and secretly recruited young men. Policarpa was assisted by her brother Bibiano and her presumed lover Alejo Sabaraín.

Policarpa Salavarrieta was captured by the Spanish in November 1817. She was sentenced to execution by firing squad. The execution was carried out on November 14 at the Bolívar Square in Bogotá.

150 years after the execution of Policarpa Salavarrieta, her death anniversary was designated as the Day of the Colombian Woman. This holiday aims to recognize the contribution of Policarpa Salavarrieta to the independence of Colombia and the contribution of all Colombian women to the country's development.