Female writers - Ecuadorian Literature

Gabriela Calvache

Gabriela Calvache (Ambato, 1977) is an Ecuadorean screenwriter and director, celebrated for her compelling narratives in films like “La Mala Noche”. Her work, rich in social commentary, has garnered international recognition, earning her prestigious awards, as well as nominations to the Oscars and Goya Awards in 2020. Gabriela’s unique storytelling continues to resonate globally, marking her as a significant figure in contemporary cinema.

Elizabeth Quila

Elizabeth Quila (Guayaquil, September 19, 1964) is an Ecuadorian writer based in Houston, Texas, renowned for her remarkable contributions to literature and the arts. Quila’s work spans various domains including literature, psychology, and cultural management. Her diverse achievements reflect her commitment to promoting Ibero-American literature globally and utilizing art as a medium for psychological healing and social engagement. Her novel, “El cadáver que envejece dentro de su tumba” (The Corpse That Ages Inside Its Grave) won 3rd place in the Latino Book Awards of 2020.

Linda Alexander Rodríguez

Linda Alexander Rodríguez (July 21, 1943) is an accomplished American historian and academic, recognized for her deep engagement with Latin American history, particularly focusing on its economic and military aspects. Born in Texas, Rodríguez earned her B.A. in Economics and History from the University of Texas, Austin in 1968, followed by a Master’s in Latin American Studies in 1972, and a Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her notable academic career includes serving as a professor at the University of California in Riverside (1976-1978) and at UCLA (1981-2003), where she also coordinated and later assisted in directing the Center for Latin American Studies. Rodríguez has made significant contributions to the understanding of Ecuador’s historical development, as evidenced in her works like “Rank and Privilege: The Military and Society in Latin America” and “The Search for Public Policy: Regional Politics and Government Finances in Ecuador, 1830–1940.” Her insights into the dynamics of the Ecuadorian Liberal Revolution and its fiscal policies have been particularly influential. A member of the National Academy of History of Ecuador since 2014, Rodríguez’s scholarly work continues to illuminate the complex interplay of politics and economics in Latin America.

Jenny Estrada

Jenny Estrada, or Jenny María Estrada Ruiz (Guayaquil, June 21, 1940 – February 9, 2024) was an eminent Ecuadorian writer, journalist, and historian. Her impactful career began at “El Universo” in 1968, where she was the first woman to serve as an editorialist, pioneering female representation in Ecuadorian journalism. Estrada’s work, deeply rooted in socio-political and cultural analysis, reflects her commitment to uncovering Ecuador’s diverse narratives, particularly the roles and challenges of women. Her notable literary contributions include “Las mujeres de Guayaquil, siglo XVI al XX” and “Matilde Hidalgo de Prócel, una mujer total,” which highlight women’s significant but often overlooked contributions to Ecuadorian history. Estrada’s dedication extends beyond writing; she was instrumental in founding the “Museo Municipal de la Música Popular Julio Jaramillo,” preserving Ecuador’s rich musical heritage. Her esteemed memberships in the National Academy of History of Ecuador and the Spanish Royal Academy of History, along with numerous cultural merit awards, mark her as a pivotal figure in shaping Ecuador’s cultural and historical consciousness. She worked as a columnist under the pseudonym María Ignacia.

Mónica Varea Maldonado

Mónica Varea Maldonado (Latacunga, 1958) is an accomplished Ecuadorian author, best known for her contributions to children’s literature. Hailing from the picturesque city of Latacunga, her literary journey has touched the hearts of young readers, bringing forth enchanting tales such as “Margarita Peripecias” (2008), which earned her the prestigious Honorable Mention in the Darío Guevara Mayorga National Prize in 2008, bestowed by the Metropolitan District Municipality of Quito). Her dedication to crafting captivating narratives is further evident in works like “Estás Frita, Margarita” (2010) and “Navidad de Perro” (2013), which continue to delight and inspire young imaginations. Through her writing, Mónica Varea Maldonado has not only won awards but also hearts, making her a cherished figure in Ecuador’s literary scene.

Rebeca Wild

Rebeca Wild, a notable German educator and author, was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1939 and later made Ecuador her home until her passing in 2015. In 1961, Rebeca Wild embarked on a transformative journey to Ecuador, where she would go on to make an enduring impact on the field of education. In 1977, alongside her husband Mauricio Wild, she founded the Pestalozzi Educational Center, a tribute to the Swiss pedagogue Johannes Heinrich Pestalozzi, underscoring their commitment to innovative educational methods. Her significant contributions revolved around pioneering pedagogical approaches, a theme evident in her books, including, “Raising Curious, Creative, Confident Kids: The Pestalozzi Experiment in Child-Based Education” (2000).

Mariana Ochoa Loayza

Mariana Ochoa Loayza is an accomplished Ecuadorian historian and writer. Her contributions to historical research and literature have earned her widespread recognition and respect. Notably, her books “Vicente Rocafuerte. Gobernación de Guayaquil 1839 – 1843. Epistolario” (Volumes 1 and 2), “Gobernación de Guayaquil, 1839-1840: Epistolario,” and “Viajeros por El Oro” have become invaluable resources for understanding Ecuador’s history and cultural heritage. Her expertise lies in meticulously compiling and analyzing historical documents, providing profound insights into the lives of prominent figures and transformative eras. Mariana Ochoa Loayza’s dedication to her craft has garnered numerous awards and accolades, cementing her status as a revered figure in Ecuadorian academia and literature. Her enduring legacy ensures that her work continues to enlighten and inspire generations of scholars and readers alike.

Teresa Molina de Muñoz

Teresa Molina de Muñoz (Piñas, August 10, 1888 – Quito, November 24, 1950) was an Ecuadorian poet and educator known for her contributions to the magazine El Hogar Cristiano and her pseudonymous writings as La Orquídea in the newspaper El Universo. Born in Piñas, often referred to as the “Orchid of the Andes,” she received her early education in Catacocha, Loja, before moving to Quito. In Quito, she worked as a teacher at several schools, including Fernández Madrid, Colegio Experimental Simón Bolívar, and Normal Manuela Cañizares. Some of her notable works include “Por el milagro de la Ciencia,” “Mi hijo,” and “La novela de los Salmos.” Her cultural legacy continues through the educational institution named after her in Piñas, Ecuador, and her valuable contributions to literature and education in the province.

Esperanza Matheus y Yerovi

Esperanza Matheus y Yerovi (Guayaquil, March 2, 1917 – December 1, 2006) was a distinguished Ecuadorian linguist, academic, writer, and cultural advocate. Among her notable works were “Mito y Mística del Siete,” “Ecuatorianismos de Costa y Sierra,” and “César Andrade y Cordero: Vida y Obra.” Her commitment to advancing culture was recognized with significant honors, including her election as a member of the Ecuadorian Academy of Language in 1980, where she delivered an impactful speech titled “La Participación de la Mujer Ecuatoriana en la Creación de la Cultura del País” (The Participation of Ecuadorian Women in the Creation of the Country’s Culture). Additionally, she received the Lazo de Dama de la Orden del Mérito Civil from Francisco Franco and the Lazo de Dama de la Orden de Isabel la Católica, presented by Juan Carlos I of Spain. Esperanza Matheus y Yerovi’s contributions to Ecuador’s cultural and literary landscape remain an enduring testament to her legacy.

Josefina Egas Montalvo

Josefina Egas Montalvo (Guayaquil, 1920 – February 2, 2014) was an Ecuadorian poet and a writer. She was known for her contributions to poetry and literature, as well as her dedication to education. Among her notable works are “Poetas Periodistas Guayaquileños” (2007), a comprehensive exploration of the biographies of Guayaquil’s literary figures, and her inclusion in “La Voz de Eros: Dos Siglos de Poesía Erótica de Mujeres Ecuatorianas” (2006), highlighting her poetry alongside other renowned female authors. Her dedication to literature and education earned her several awards and recognitions, including honors from the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana and the Círculo de Periodistas del Guayas. In 2011, she received a prestigious award for her exceptional career as a teacher and poet, cementing her legacy in Ecuadorian literature.

Patrizia Di Patre

Patrizia Di Patre is an accomplished Italo-Ecuadorian philologist and literary critic known for her extensive contributions to the study of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque literature and culture in Europe and the Americas. With a doctorate in letters from the University of Florence and a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontificia Università Urbaniana, her remarkable academic journey has paved the way for a distinguished career. Notably, she has shed light on Ecuador’s early literary heritage and organized international academic events while serving as a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Her prolific research and numerous publications underscore her expertise in the field of literature and cultural studies.

Catalina de Jesús Herrera

Catalina de Jesús María Herrera Campusano, known as Sor Catalina de Jesús Herrera (Guayaquil, August 22, 1717 – September 29, 1795) was a revered Ecuadorian religious figure and a talented writer. She demonstrated an early affinity for learning, thanks to her mother’s guidance in reading, writing, and religious education. Catalina embarked on a profound spiritual journey that led her to the Monastery of Santa Catalina de Siena in Quito. There, she adopted the religious name “Catalina Luisa de Jesús, María y José” and dedicated her life to faith and contemplation. Her contributions extend beyond her religious devotion, as she left a lasting literary legacy through her autobiography, “Secretos entre el alma y Dios,” which was completed in 1760 and remains a source of inspiration for readers interested in her spiritual insights and reflections. Catalina de Jesús Herrera’s life and writings continue to be celebrated for their profound wisdom and devoutness.

Mariana Cortázar

Mariana Cortázar Crespo (Portovelo, 1946) is an Ecuadorian writer and historian. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to researching and narrating the history of her native province, El Oro, and other coastal regions of Ecuador. A significant part of her literary contribution lies in her valuable research, with books like “Portovelo cuenta su historia” and “El Oro de Portovelo” standing out as notable examples of her ability to unravel and share the rich history of her region. These works have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious David Rodas Maldonado Award from the Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana, núcleo El Oro, in 2014. In the same year, she was also honored with the Rosa Vivar Award by the Municipality of Portovelo. Mariana Cortázar’s dedication to preserving and promoting Ecuador’s cultural heritage is further evident in her book “Julio Jaramillo: Nuestro patrimonio,” which pays homage to the iconic Ecuadorian singer Julio Jaramillo.

Zoila María Castro

Zoila María Castro (1907-2001) was a prominent Ecuadorian writer who, alongside Mary Corylé, Eugenia Viteri, and Carmen Acevedo Vega, stands as one of the most significant female figures in Ecuadorian literature from 1948 to 1960. Her most important work, titled “Urbe,” is a book of short stories that offers a social realist perspective on Ecuadorian immigrants in the U.S. Among her notable works are “En el norte está el dorado” and “Verónica, historia de amor.”

Ángela Arboleda

Ángela Arboleda Jiménez (Guayaquil, 1969) is a journalist, publicist, dancer, oral storyteller, writer, cultural manager, and teacher. Her literary career began under the mentorship of Miguel Donoso Pareja, and she has published works such as “Cuentos y tradiciones orales del Ecuador” (2006), “Nadie sabe qué hará mañana” (2008), “Tuétano” (2021), and “Esa mujer es la muerte” (2022). A dedicated preserver of oral traditions, Arboleda has toured festivals for over 20 years, and her significant contributions to cultural management are marked by her leadership in various storytelling events. She has been recognized with nominations for Woman of the Year in Art and Culture. She holds advanced degrees in Cultural Management and teaches at the University of the Arts (UArtes) in Guayaquil.