Maria Quitéria de Jesus

A Brazilian woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Brazilian War of Independence, becoming a symbol of gender equality and national pride.

Maria Quitéria de Jesus (1792–1853) was a trailblazing Brazilian soldier and feminist icon. During the Brazilian War of Independence (1822–1824), she disguised herself as a man to join the fight against Portuguese colonial rule. Known as “Generala” or “Brava de São Paulo,” she participated in key battles and earned respect for her bravery. After the war, she petitioned Emperor Pedro I for recognition of her service and became a symbol of women’s rights. Despite societal constraints, her defiance challenged gender norms and inspired later generations. Learn more via Wikipedia or the Encyclopedia Britannica.