A Cuban mother identified as @gelylaflaki shared a testimony on TikTok that reflects the daily struggles of raising daughters in Cuba, marked by scarcity, high prices, and blackouts.
"I am a Cuban mother, and obviously many times I ask myself why I had my daughters here," she begins saying in the video. Throughout her testimony, she repeats this phrase as a common thread to describe situations she faces daily.
"Many times I want to take them to a park, but I haven't been able to because everything is too expensive," she laments. "Not to mention that there are hardly any animals left at the zoo." She adds that she has had to put her baby to sleep "with a cloth in a diaper, because I haven't had money to buy a proper diaper."
The young woman also shares that, although her daughters have always had food, there have been times when she has had to do without basic necessities: “Many times I have to skip what is the snack... and obviously, I have felt very bad about this.”
Another aspect mentioned is the internet connection, limited by the high cost of mobile data: “I set up YouTube for my daughter, the oldest, so she could watch cartoons, but I had to take it away… because I need to save the data.”
It also speaks of the pain he feels when his daughter sees toys and he cannot buy them for her: “Perhaps I've had the money, but I have to spend it first on food. Besides, I worry that she might break it and that will cost thousands of pesos.”
"Obviously, there have been many times when I have had to give rice only to my daughters," she confesses. She also points out the criticism she has received: "They ask me why I have them here to suffer."
Blackouts are also part of the story: "I feel the pain when there’s no electricity, and they suffer too much from the heat... my daughter wants to watch cartoons, but she can't."
Despite all these shortcomings, the mother concludes her message with a declaration of hope: “I am a Cuban mother fighting to achieve my goal, so that they have a better future… and I know I will succeed, because I never give up.”
Her testimony has received dozens of supportive comments from users who describe her as "a warrior," "an admirable mother," or "a shining example of resilience."
The testimony of this mother not only reflects her personal experience but also aligns with recent data confirming a widespread deterioration in access to food on the island. According to an independent report by the Food Monitor Program, one in four Cubans has gone to bed without dinner in recent months. Seventy-two percent of households reported adopting unhealthy diets due to the inability to access balanced nutrition, while 42% spend their entire monthly income just on food.
Sadly, theirs is not an isolated case in Cuba, where many families can only prepare one meal a day. In another previous video, the same user reported that her daughters had not been able to have lunch due to a power outage that prevented her from cooking.
Similar situations have been shared by other Cuban mothers. User @anita.cubanita64 documented how she lost her child's food due to a lack of refrigeration during a power outage, and how she cooked with charcoal for days.
Also, a mother in Matanzas showed the prices of toys in a private store, with sets ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 Cuban pesos, making even the most basic children’s products an unattainable luxury.
All of these stories, although different, share a common essence: the daily struggle of many Cuban mothers to provide the bare essentials for their children in a country where electricity, food, and stability are becoming increasingly uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Mothers in Cuba
What are the main challenges faced by Cuban mothers?
Cuban mothers face multiple difficulties, including food shortages, constant blackouts, high costs of basic products, and a lack of resources for essential needs such as feeding and entertaining their children. Furthermore, the economic and energy crisis worsens their situation, making access to basic services and necessary products for family care even more challenging.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of families in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of Cuban families, especially in households with children. Prolonged blackouts hinder cooking, food preservation, and basic household chores. Furthermore, the heat without ventilation affects the rest and well-being of the children, who are also deprived of digital entertainment due to the lack of electricity and internet.
What is a "prioritized circuit" in the context of blackouts in Cuba?
The term "prioritized circuit" refers to specific areas in Cuba where the electrical supply is maintained more consistently compared to other regions. These areas are often prioritized to receive electricity due to the presence of strategic institutions or essential services, allowing some families to seek temporary refuge in them during prolonged blackouts.
How do Cuban mothers manage to feed their children during blackouts?
During power outages, Cuban mothers turn to traditional methods such as using charcoal stoves for cooking. Often, they have to improvise and ration food due to shortages and high prices. Without electricity, many prepare meals manually, such as mashing purées, and seek alternatives to ensure their children receive at least one meal a day.
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