| First Lady of Colombia | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Style | Madam First Lady |
| Abbreviation | FLOCO |
| Residence | Casa de Nariño |
| Inaugural holder | Soledad Román de Núñez |
| Formation | 1 April 1886 |
| Website | First Lady |
First Lady of Colombia (First Lady of the Nation) is the title held by the hostess of the Casa de Nariño, generally the wife of the president of Colombia, coinciding with the president's tenure. The role of the first lady has never been codified or officially defined; according to the Constitutional Court of Colombia, the first lady holds the status of a private citizen before the public administration. However, this gives the first lady an additional special role, as, being the wife of the president, the first lady symbolically embodies, together with the president, the idea of national unity in accordance with article 188 of the Constitution of Colombia. Since 1978, the first lady has been honorary president of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare, an institution founded by the 22nd president Carlos Lleras Restrepo.[1][2]
Verónica Alcocer is the current first lady of Colombia, as the wife of the 34th and current president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro.
While the title was not in general use until 8 August 1934,[3] Soledad Román de Núñez, the wife of Rafael Núñez, the first president of Colombia (1887-1894), is considered to be the inaugural first lady of Colombia. During her life, she was often called "Lady de Núñez."
Since the 20th century, the role of the first lady has changed considerably. It has come to include participation in political campaigns, management of the Casa de Nariño, advocacy for social causes, and representing the president on official and ceremonial occasions.
Additionally, over the years, individual first ladies have been influential in a variety of sectors, from fashion to public opinion on politics, as well as advocacy for female empowerment. Historically, when a president was unmarried or widowed, he typically asked a family member to act as Casa de Nariño hostess.
- ^ "Concepto 015491 de 2020 Departamento Administrativo de la Función Pública, Primera Dama de la Nacíon". funcionpublica.gov.co. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ "¿Qué hace la primera dama en Colombia? Funciones y responsabilidades del cargo". colombia.as.com. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
- ^ En Colombia, la expresión se habría utilizado por primera vez el 8 de agosto de 1934, para designar a María Michelsen (en ese entonces esposa de Alfonso López Pumarejo) a quien se llamó la Primera Dama de Colombia. banrepcultural.org. 21 July 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2023.