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The leader Miguel Díaz-Canel asserted that the Revolution enabled the true liberation of Cuban women, and stated that they have been essential in "the construction and defense of the country."
During a ceremony held at the Palace of the Revolution for International Women's Day, the leader met with female representatives from various generations and highlighted their contributions across multiple sectors of society.
“Women from different generations have made and continue to make our Revolution great,” he expressed.
However, the official discourse did not stray from the usual rhetoric, and the meeting did not address the main challenges faced by women in the country, nor their demands regarding the growing violence against women.
In 2023, 110 femicides and 378 cases of sexual violence were prosecuted in Cuba, a country where the government acknowledges machista violence, yet femicide is not classified as a specific crime in the Penal Code that has been in effect since May 2022.
The official Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) acknowledged in August 2024 that more than 16,000 women and girls, from 9,579 families, live in a situation of violence on the island.
This macho violence is compounded by state violence against activists, dissidents, and women in general who suffer an odyssey every day to ensure proper nutrition for their children and even to receive adequate medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Women in Cuba and Díaz-Canel's Discourse
What did Díaz-Canel say about the liberation of Cuban women?
Díaz-Canel stated that the Revolution enabled the true liberation of Cuban women and highlighted their contribution to the construction and defense of the country. However, his speech did not address the current challenges faced by women, such as gender-based violence.
What is the current situation of femicides in Cuba?
Until December 2024, 55 femicides have been recorded in Cuba. Despite the acknowledgment of the problem, femicide is not classified as a specific crime in the Cuban Penal Code, which complicates the legal prosecution of these crimes.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address gender-based violence?
The Cuban government implemented a hotline in 40 municipalities to assist victims of gender-based violence and established a system for the registration and follow-up of these cases. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questioned due to the lack of legal classification of femicide.
How does the lack of legal recognition of femicide affect Cuba?
The absence of codification of femicide as a crime in Cuba prevents proper legal treatment, complicating the collection of accurate statistics and the implementation of effective policies to prevent and address these crimes.
What criticisms have been made of Díaz-Canel's speech about women in Cuba?
Díaz-Canel's speech has been criticized for its lack of focus on the real issues facing Cuban women, such as gender-based violence and the lack of legal rights. While he highlighted the contributions of women, he did not address their demands or the current challenges.
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