News Center_Petra Herrera presented an exceptional model of women’s courage in the Mexican Revolution. She fought disguised as a man, carried out prominent strategic operations, led hundreds of female fighters, and established an independent women’s unit through which she proved women’s ability to lead battles and make history.

Patra Herrera emerged as one of the most important female figures in the Mexican Revolution, after being forced for a long time to adopt a male identity under the name “Pedro Herrera” due to the severe discrimination against women at the time. Thanks to her courage and military skills, she quickly became one of the prominent figures on the front lines.

Petra Herrera served within the Soldaderas units—groups of women who participated in combat during the revolutionary years—and was distinguished by her remarkable ability to carry out complex military operations. She played a pivotal role in strategic missions such as blowing bridges and also led groups of soldiers and directing them on battlefields, making her a symbol of women's resistance in that era.

Neglect of Female Identity

Petre Herrera, who later revealed her identity in the Second Battle of Torreón at the end of May 1914, led a unit of approximately 400 female fighters. Her performance in this battle made her one of the prominent figures of the revolution.

However, her battlefield successes did not translate into the military career she aspired to. It is said that Pancho Villa, one of the revolution's leaders, did not wish to attribute victory to a female commander and therefore did not approve of promoting Petra Herrera to the rank of general.

Following this decision, Petra Herrera—who had separated from Pancho Villa's army—decided to continue her struggle independently by forming her own military unit composed entirely of female fighters. Thus, Petra Herrera secured her place in history as one of the most important figures who proved that women are capable of being at the forefront of the Mexican Revolution.