Cuban state-owned company launches job offer with a sexist and discriminatory bias

A new controversy has emerged in Cuba following the publication of a discriminatory and sexist job offer by the Guantanamo branch of the state-run company CIMEX.

The announcement, shared through the official page of the entity on Facebook, assigns jobs based on the applicant's gender and excludes individuals over 45 years old, without legal or ethical justification.

In the case of the security and protection position, it is explicitly stated that only "male personnel, up to 45 years of age" may apply, and for the role of pantry worker, "female personnel, up to 45 years" are required.

Both limitations undermine the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination based on gender or age.

Although other positions such as cashiers, clerks, and accountants invite applications from "male and female personnel," the mere mention of gender in all cases, even when it has no relation to the nature of the work, reflects an outdated and sexist mindset rooted in the Cuban institutional system.

Institutionalized machismo, without questioning

The most alarming aspect is not just that a state-owned company openly publishes discriminatory requirements, but that the official press reproduces them without any questioning.

The station Radio Guantánamo shared the offer on its social media using the same exclusionary language, thus contributing to the normalization of such discriminatory practices.

The conclusion is that neither those who write these texts nor many of those who read them realize the sexist bias in the advertisements.

Since when must the position of a guard be occupied by a man? Is it necessary to be a woman to prepare and serve a light meal; is a man not qualified for that role?

It seems that no one at the company CIMEX or at the local broadcaster took a moment to reflect on this; otherwise, such an absurd offer would not have been published, which also constitutes a form of structural violence.

Discrimination based on age and appearance

The announcement also excludes anyone over 45, which has led to widespread backlash among users who feel marginalized by a system that claims to uphold equality but imposes arbitrary barriers.

"Incredible how they offer opportunities to people under 45 years old. It seems unbelievable that this company does not provide opportunities to those nearing retirement age with a wealth of work experience. Where are those who look out for these age discriminations? And then they shamelessly say that we all have opportunities," commented a user on the post.

A woman pointed out with irony: "Don't demand so much good appearance and style, as not everyone has family abroad to be well-dressed all the time."

Where are the control mechanisms?

Such offers violate not only universal principles of human rights but also the Cuban state's own commitments to gender equity and non-discrimination.

However, no government institution seems to take responsibility for overseeing or correcting this content, which is published by state entities and replicated by official media.

Meanwhile, thousands of Cubans continue to face a labor market that is not only limited and poorly paid but also openly and systematically discriminatory.

The offerings of CIMEX Guantánamo are not an exception but rather a symptom of the institutional deterioration of a country that portrays itself as inclusive while practicing exclusion from within its own structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workplace Discrimination in Cuba