Maria Quitéria de Jesus

A Brazilian revolutionary who broke gender barriers to fight for independence, becoming the first woman to hold military rank in Brazil.

Maria Quitéria de Jesus (1792–1853) was a Brazilian revolutionary and military leader who defied 19th-century gender norms to actively participate in the Brazilian War of Independence. Born in a marginalized community, she disguised herself as a man named 'Manuel Joaquim' to join the Brazilian Army in 1817. Her bravery and strategic skills earned her rapid promotion to the rank of corporal, later becoming the first woman in Brazilian history to hold military rank. She fought alongside iconic figures like Emperor Pedro I and is celebrated for her role in key battles such as the Battle of Guararapes.

Quitéria’s legacy transcends her military contributions. She challenged societal expectations of women’s roles in public life, inspiring future generations of Brazilian women to pursue non-traditional careers. Despite her achievements, her story was largely forgotten until the 20th century, when historians like João Candido Freire re-examined her contributions. Today, her image appears on Brazilian currency and streets are named in her honor nationwide.

Her life is a testament to resilience: after retiring from the military, she petitioned the government for veteran benefits, arguing that her service should not be diminished by her gender. This advocacy laid groundwork for later women’s rights movements in Brazil. Historical records indicate she traveled to Paraguay to share her experiences, further spreading her influence across South America.