Ecuadorian Female Leaders

Manuela Sáenz was an Ecuadorian revolutionary who supported women's rights. She received the Order of the Sun, honoring her services in the revolution. Today, she is widely regarded as a feminist symbol of the 19th century. In 2007, the Ecuadorian government honored her with the rank of General.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa is an Ecuadorian diplomat and politician. She is best known for her service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs on two occasions; from January 2007 to December 2007 and again from May 2017 to June 2018. An influential political leader, Maria Fernanda Espinosa also served as the Minister of National Defense from November 2012 to September 2014.

The 39th president of Ecuador, Rosalía Arteaga had been an acting president for a couple of days in 1997 and thus also scripted history as Ecuador’s first woman to hold the post. Initially a lawyer and educator, she stepped into politics as a councilwoman in Cuenca.

Cynthia Viteri is an Ecuadorian politician, journalist, and lawyer. She is currently serving as the Mayor of Guayaquil, Ecuador's second-largest city. After starting her career as a public relations manager for lawyer and politician, Jaime Nebot, Cynthia Viteri went on to establish herself as a successful politician. She even competed in the 2006 presidential elections, where she finished fifth.

Ecuador’s 49th vice-president, Maria Alejandra Vicuna has also led the country as its Minister of Urban Development and Housing. The PAIS Alliance member also co-founded the Ecuadorian Commission on Education, Science, Technology, and Communication. She has also spent a year in prison for receiving money illegally.

Maria Paula Romo is an Ecuadorian political figure best known for her service as the Minister of Government from 31 August 2018 to 24 November 2020 under President Lenin Moreno. Maria Paula Romo was a founding member of a political leftist movement called Ruptura de los 25, which was responsible for toppling Lucio Gutiérrez's government.

Gabriela Rivadeneira is an Ecuadorian politician who served as the Governor of Imbabura Province from 28 July 2011 to 9 November 2012. She also served as the President of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2017. Gabriela Rivadeneira is also renowned for her cultural activism; she founded a cultural organization called Mirarte in 1998, when she was 14 years old.

Lebanese-origin Ecuadorian politician Ivonne Baki, who is the Ecuadorian ambassador to the US, has previously been Ecuador’s Minister of Industries and Productivity. The Harvard-educated diplomat has also been the President of the Andean Parliament. She is also an artist and painter and has been a UNESCO Dialogue of Civilizations goodwill ambassador.

Cristina Reyes is an Ecuadorian lawyer, politician, and poet. She previously served as a member of the Ecuadorian Constituent Assembly from 2007 to 2008, and is currently serving as a member of the National Assembly. As a poet, Cristina Reyes is best known for Travesía, a collection of 62 poems.

Ecuadorian politician and the Prefect of Guayas Province, Susana Gonzalez Rosado has also been a well-known journalist. The Social Christian Party member has also served as a Member of the National Assembly of Ecuador and as the municipal councilor of Guayaquil. She is married to Spanish entrepreneur Antonio Sola Ortigosa.

A prominent Ecuadorian TV journalist and host, Janet Hinostroza has gained fame for her shows 30 Plus and La Mañana de 24 Horas. She specializes in investigative journalism. A CPJ International Press Freedom Award winner, she is also a popular face on Colombian TV and manages a production company, too.