Heroínas del Perú | Mujeres de la Independencia | Bicentenario del Perú

Heroines of Peru: Women in the Independence Movement

The transcript discusses the significant roles played by women in Peru's independence movement, highlighting their sacrifices, strategies, and contributions to the cause.

Sacrifice and Courage of Women in Peru's Independence

• Micaela Bastidas Puyucahua led military operations in Cusco during her husband Túpac Amaru II's campaign. She organized support for the liberation cause, managed communication systems, and mobilized Quechua and Aymara fighters.

• Despite advising an immediate attack on Cuzco after a victory, Micaela was ignored by Túpac Amaru II. This led to their betrayal and execution by the Spanish forces. Her sacrifice became an inspiration for freedom movements in America.

Brave Women in Other Regions

• Ventura Ccalamaqui urged Ayacuchanos to join the fight for independence during Mateo Pumacahua's rebellion. Her actions paved the way for patriot success in Huamanga.

• Rosa Campusano supported San Martín's army by providing intelligence on royalist movements, sheltering defectors, and aiding in integrating battalions into patriot ranks.

Heroic Acts During Battles

• Cleofé Ramos and her daughters blocked royalist forces at Concepción by cutting a bridge under enemy fire. Their bravery helped General Álvarez de Arenales' forces escape.

• Matiaza Rimachi organized Chachapoy residents to join liberating troops against royalists at Higos Urco battle. Their courage and determination were praised by Colonel Juan Valdivieso.

Women's Role in Patriot Movements

This section delves into specific instances where women actively participated in supporting patriot armies through intelligence gathering and strategic actions during battles.

Maria Stopped de Bellido: A Key Informant

• Maria Stopped de Bellido collaborated with patriots as a Quechuaphone mestizo, informing them about royalist troop movements despite being illiterate. Her involvement aided the patriot guerrilla efforts significantly.

María Parado de Bellido and Other Female Patriots

This section discusses the courageous actions of female patriots during the struggle for independence in Peru.

María Parado de Bellido

• María was arrested in March 1822 in Huamanga after a letter she wrote was intercepted by priests loyal to the viceroy. She faced martyrdom and torture but refused to betray her fellow patriots, taking full responsibility for the letter.

• Despite intense pressure, María insisted on being the sole author of the letter addressed to her husband, leading to her execution at Plaza del Arco as a symbol for others who rebelled against the King of Peru.

Juana de Dios Manrique de Luna

• During the royalist occupation in Lima in 1823, Juana de Dios supported the patriot cause financially and functioned as a liaison between General Canterac's forces and José Antonio de Sucre.

• Juana organized an espionage network with women, including support from José Olaya Balandra. Her silence during interrogation protected the independence cause even after Olaya's capture and execution.

Manuela Sáenz and Other Female Contributors

This part highlights Manuela Sáenz's significant role in Peru's independence struggle along with other female contributors.

Manuela Sáenz

• Manuela actively participated in Peru's independence starting from 1819, fighting under Antonio José de Sucre in key battles like Junín and Ayacucho that secured Peru's freedom.

• She wore a military uniform, learned combat skills, and rose to become a colonel in Gran Colombia's army due to her dedication. Manuela also hosted conspiratorial meetings supporting patriot causes.

Las Patricias de la Independencia

• Known as "The Patricians of Independence," this group comprised women from influential families who supported independence financially by organizing political gatherings disguised as social events.

• These women provided refuge for patriotic soldiers, gathered intelligence on viceregal movements, and played crucial roles behind the scenes during Peru's fight for independence.

Las Rabonas: Unsung Heroes of Independence

This segment sheds light on Las Rabonas' vital yet often overlooked contributions to Peru's independence movement.

Las Rabonas

• Immortalized by Pancho Fierro's watercolors, Las Rabonas were ordinary women from popular sectors who aided patriot soldiers by offering medical assistance and food during campaigns and battles.