Paula Fortes (1945–2011) was a Cape Verdean independence activist.
A native of Mindelo, Fortes became an orphan at 13, and at 16 joined the struggle against the Portuguese; she organized students at the Escola Piloto.
She was instrumental in the founding of the Organização das Mulheres de Cabo Verde, of which she served as a leader.
Fortes died in Portugal after an illness of some duration.
[1] 2013 saw the posthumous publication of her memoir, Minha Passagem.