Born: 1763
Died: 1813 (Quito, Ecuador)
Biography:
Rosa Zárate y Ontaneda (1763 – July 17, 1813), also known simply as Rosa Zárate, was an Ecuadorian feminist involved in the Ecuadorian independence movement during the 19th century.
Rosa Zárate was the illegitimate child of Mariana Ontaneda Orbe and Gabriel Zárate Gardea, a Spanish lawyer. She grew up in a society where women’s rights were limited, but that did not deter her from standing up for her beliefs. In 1795, Zárate became entangled in a scandal when she was discovered living with Nicolás de la Peña Maldonado, with whom she was not married at the time. However, the couple later married, and they had a son named Antonio.
Zárate and her husband dedicated themselves to the fight for Ecuadorian independence. Following the footsteps of other patriots like Manuela Cañizares, Zárate used her husband and her network of friends to contribute to the independence movement.
During this time, many women played important roles by hosting gatherings at their homes to support the patriotic cause. Zárate and her cousin, María Ontaneda y Larraín, formed a group of female patriots that actively participated in the early stages of the country’s fight for independence. They worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for the cause, ultimately contributing to the movement’s momentum.
Zárate’s commitment to the cause was tested during the Mutiny of August 2, 1810[es], a significant event in the Ecuadorian struggle for independence. This rebellion against Spanish rule was swiftly crushed, and unfortunately, Zárate y Ontaneda’s son, Antonio, was among those who lost their lives during the fight.
Another notable event in Zárate’s involvement in the independence movement was her presence during the June 1812 attack against Count Ruiz de Castilla[es]. The count was arrested by the council, stabbed, and imprisoned, ultimately succumbing to his wounds three days later. Zárate’s presence at this event highlights her dedication to the cause and her willingness to take risks for the sake of the nation’s freedom.
However, Zárate’s passion and activism for Ecuadorian independence led to severe consequences. In 1813, the colonial government began persecuting politicians and activists, including Zárate, her husband Nicolás de la Peña, and their daughter-in-law, Rosaura Vélez. Fearing for their lives, they fled Quito, embarking on a perilous journey to Esmaraldas in the north.
Zárate was accused of arming the people responsible for the assassination of Count Ruiz de Castilla, a charge that ultimately led to her tragic fate. On July 17, 1813, Zárate and her husband were apprehended by Toribio Montes. In a horrifying act of brutality, Montes ordered their decapitation. After their death, their heads were collected and displayed in a prominent area of Quito as a warning to others. Zárate’s life was cut short on the same day, but she became a martyr of the independence movement, forever remembered for her unwavering dedication and sacrifices.
Today, Rosa Zárate’s legacy lives on in Ecuador. Schools for women and girls across the country bear her name, honoring her commitment to women’s rights and education. For example, the first girls’ school in Salcedo proudly carries her name. Additionally, the town of Quinindé in the northeast of Ecuador is also known as Rosa Zárate, further perpetuating her memory and contributions to the nation.