Rosa Borja de Ycaza (Guayaquil, July 30, 1889 – Guayaquil, December 22, 1964) was an Ecuadorian writer, essayist, playwright, sociologist, poet, feminist, and activist. A prominent figure in Ecuadorian intellectual circles, she was a passionate advocate for women’s rights and education, founding the Legión Femenina de Educación Popular and contributing to international feminist movements. She held several key cultural and political roles, including Director of the Centro de Estudios Literarios at the University of Guayaquil and president of the Ecuadorian branch of the Unión de Mujeres Americanas. Her literary works, including plays, poetry, and essays, reflect her deep commitment to social reform and gender equality.
Early Life and Education
Rosa Borja Febres-Cordero, later known as Rosa Borja de Ycaza, was born on July 30, 1889, in Guayaquil, Ecuador. She was the daughter of Dr. César Borja Lavayen, a renowned doctor, politician, poet, and translator, and Ángela Febres-Cordero Lavayen. Dr. Borja Lavayen served as Ecuador’s Minister of Public Finance in 1907 and was well-known for his literary work, including “Flores Tardías” and “Joyas Ajenas.” Rosa was the youngest of five siblings, two of whom died before her birth. She grew up in a household that encouraged intellectual growth and artistic pursuits.
From an early age, Rosa showed a keen interest in education, culture, and the arts. She attended the “Carmen Sucre” school, directed by her aunt Rosa Elena Borja Lavayen, and received piano lessons from Domingo Brescia at age 11, becoming an accomplished pianist. Her education was deeply influenced by the social and gender inequalities she observed, which fueled her later activism.
Personal Life
In 1916, Rosa married Alberto Ycaza Carbo, a close family friend and a widower. The couple had two sons, Luis Alberto and Gustavo Ycaza Borja. Rosa took on her husband’s surname and became widely known as Rosa Borja de Ycaza. Alberto passed away in 1948, and Rosa continued her work in both the literary and social spheres while raising her children.
Literary Career
Rosa Borja de Ycaza made significant contributions to Ecuadorian literature across various genres. Her first published work, Aspectos de mi Sendero (1930), was a personal and philosophical reflection dedicated to her father. It combined poetry, prose, and public speeches, touching on themes of womanhood, family, and social justice. She continued to publish poetry collections such as Hacia la Vida (1934), Ritmo Espiritual (1954), and Libertad (1960). Her plays, including Las de Judas and Nadie Sabe lo que Vendrá Mañana, showcased her dramatic talents.
In addition to creative writing, Rosa authored sociological and historical essays. Her interest in theater also led to her work on El Espíritu Manda, a yet-unpublished play, and the novel María Rosario. Rosa’s versatility extended into the field of music, where she composed songs, earning recognition from the Chamber Music Association of Buenos Aires in 1942 for her album El Álbum de Música.
Activism and Feminism
Rosa Borja de Ycaza was a pioneering feminist in Ecuador. She was one of the first women to publicly address the rights of women and workers, advocating for gender equality and the improvement of living conditions for marginalized groups. In 1913, she began her feminist campaign with a program that sought justice and peace for women, particularly single mothers and working women. This program was rooted in her belief that feminism was a necessary social movement.
One of her key achievements was founding the Legión Femenina de Educación Popular in 1933, alongside Amarilis Fuentes and Alberto Whiter Navarro. This organization aimed to combat illiteracy and promote women’s education, especially for workers and children from low-income families. The Legion’s work included creating schools, organizing workshops, and managing community kitchens and libraries.
Rosa was also active in international feminist movements. She served as the president of the Ecuadorian branch of the Unión de Mujeres Americanas and later became the president of the Unión Interamericana de Mujeres. Through these roles, she brought attention to the need for women’s civic participation and the importance of voting rights.
Social Work and Political Involvement
Rosa Borja de Ycaza’s commitment to social reform extended beyond her literary and feminist work. She held various leadership positions, such as Director of the Centro de Estudios Literarios at the University of Guayaquil and founder of the Círculo de Periodistas del Guayas. She was also a member of the Academia Ecuatoriana de la Lengua and the Sociedad Bolivariana de Guayaquil.
Her political engagement included serving as a provincial councilor for Guayas and advocating for legislation to protect women and children. She also worked closely with municipal authorities to establish public libraries, dining halls for the poor, and vocational training workshops for women.
Legacy and Recognitions
Rosa Borja de Ycaza passed away on December 22, 1964, in her hometown of Guayaquil at the age of 75. Her contributions to literature, feminism, and social reform left an indelible mark on Ecuadorian society. She is remembered as one of the country’s leading feminist intellectuals and a pioneer in advocating for women’s rights.
Her legacy includes numerous awards and honors, such as the Medal of Honor from Venezuela in 1936 and Ecuador’s Orden Nacional al Mérito. Several streets and public spaces in Ecuador have been named in her honor, recognizing her lifelong dedication to education, literature, and women’s empowerment.
Timeline of Rosa Borja de Ycaza’s Life
1889 – 1910: Early Life and Education
- July 30, 1889: Rosa Borja Febres-Cordero is born in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
- 1895: Her father, César Borja Lavayen, is exiled to Costa Rica, and the family faces political turmoil.
- 1900: Begins studying piano under Domingo Brescia, developing her artistic talents.
- 1910: Her father passes away, leaving Rosa and her mother in Guayaquil.
1911 – 1930: Early Career and Activism
- 1916: Marries Alberto Ycaza Carbo, adopting the name Rosa Borja de Ycaza. The couple has two sons, Luis Alberto and Gustavo.
- 1920: Begins advocating for women’s rights in Ecuador, becoming a prominent feminist voice.
- 1923: Publishes Los derechos humanos de la mujer (The Human Rights of Women), one of her first feminist essays.
- 1929: Becomes the first woman to deliver a speech at the paraninfo (auditorium) of the University of Guayaquil, addressing the role of women in society.
1931 – 1940: Key Contributions to Feminism and Literature
- 1930: Publishes her first book, Aspectos de mi Sendero, which includes poetry, prose, and speeches.
- 1933: Co-founds the Legión Femenina de Educación Popular, an organization dedicated to fighting illiteracy and advocating for women’s education.
- 1934: Publishes the poem Hacia la Vida and wins the first prize at the Exposición del Libro (Book Exhibition).
- 1936: Receives several honors, including the Order of National Merit from Ecuador.
1941 – 1950: International Recognition and Musical Contributions
- 1942: Awarded first prize by the Chamber Music Association of Buenos Aires for her music composition El Álbum de Música.
- 1948: Becomes a widow when her husband, Alberto Ycaza, passes away.
- 1949: Represents Ecuador at the “Día de la Mujer de América” (Women’s Day of America) in New York.
1951 – 1964: Later Life and Legacy
- 1954: Publishes the poetry collection Ritmo Espiritual.
- 1959: Publishes Mi Mundo Íntimo, a semi-autobiographical work about her early life.
- 1960: Releases the poem Libertad, dedicated to Simón Bolívar.
- 1961: Founds the Grupo Cultural Oasis, furthering her cultural impact in Ecuador.
- December 22, 1964: Passes away in Guayaquil at the age of 75.
Selected works
Poetry
- “El Album de Música”
- “Ritmo Espiritual” (1954)
- “Libertad” (1960)
- “Mi mundo íntimo”
- “Aspectos de mi sendero” (1930), read it for free here.
Plays
- “El Espíritu Manda”
- “Hacia la Vida” (1935)
Philosophy
- “Personalidad” (1930)
- “Alero de Anhelos”
- “Hacia otros Planos”
- “Guayaquil, ojeada histórica de la ciudad desde los Huancavilcas hasta nuestros días”
Novels
- “María Rosario”
Nonfiction
- “El Municipio y los Problemas Sociales de Guayaquil”. (1952)
- “Teatro” (1962)
References
- Wikipedia, “Rosa Borja de Ycaza.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view.
- Enciclopedia del Ecuador, “Rosa Borja de Ycaza.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view.
- Rodolfo Pérez Pimentel, “Rosa Borja de Ycaza.” Retrieved on October 14, 2024. Click to view.