Fernanda Devia

A Colombian peace activist who pioneered nonviolent resistance against paramilitary violence in rural Colombia

Fernanda Devia (b. 1961) emerged as a pivotal figure in Colombia's peace movement during the 1990s, making a difference through her courageous stand against paramilitary violence in the rural region of Cauca. A teacher by profession, she transformed her personal trauma into collective action after her husband was assassinated by paramilitary forces in 1993. This tragedy became the catalyst for founding the Comité de Solidaridad con Presos Políticos, an organization providing support to victims of political violence.

Devia gained international recognition for her 2003 hunger strike that brought global attention to the plight of displaced communities. Her advocacy led to the creation of Colombia's first paramilitary demobilization process. She has since worked with UN agencies and grassroots groups to establish community peace networks. In 2016, she co-founded the Escuela de Paz to train community leaders in conflict resolution. Her work is highlighted in the documentary The Dream of a Nation (2018), which explores Colombia's peacebuilding efforts.

Devia's approach combines traditional Indigenous wisdom with modern conflict resolution techniques, making her a unique bridge between Colombia's diverse communities. Her leadership inspired similar movements in Guatemala and El Salvador, earning her nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 and 2020.