The secretary general of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) reaffirmed this Thursday that the organization, instead of protecting women victims of gender-based violence, will continue to defend the revolution, in the context of the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the organization.
During the event held at the Palace of the Revolution and led by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the official Teresa Amarelle Boué asserted that the FMC was "the first expression of unity following the revolutionary triumph."
“There is nothing that prevents a Cuban woman from defending her revolution because the revolution was our main program for equality and because, in addition, the federation as an organization was the first expression of unity of this revolution,” said the regime's spokesperson.
At the ceremony, broadcasted by the official Canal Caribe, the 23rd of August Distinction was awarded to Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman, in recognition of her "revolutionary attitude" and "contributions" to the development of the country.
A commemorative seal marking the 65th anniversary of the FMC was also awarded to female workers of the Council of Ministers who, according to Marrero, “contribute daily to the strengthening of the women’s organization.”
The secretary, who has accumulated over 50 years with the FMC, expressed her pride in having been born and raised within the revolutionary process: “The greatest thing I have ever had in my life is having been born in this revolution, with this Revolution, and with it, I intend to die.”
Although the Federation of Cuban Women claims to promote projects to address gender violence, independent organizations criticize its role as a tool of the State, unable to provide real protection for victims.
According to official figures, more than 16,000 women and girls live in situations of violence in Cuba, while nearly 10,000 families are affected by this type of aggression.
The FMC leads the project “Support for the National Response to Gender-Based Violence,” endorsed by the UN and the Embassy of Canada. This plan, covering 40 municipalities in 15 provinces, aims to implement comprehensive services —hotlines, legal, health, and social care— that will extend until 2029.
However, independent activists question the effectiveness of these initiatives and the autonomy of the FMC.
According to the Alas Tensas Gender Observatory, the organization “only seeks to preserve the regime's reputation” and avoids providing detailed information about the benefited municipalities or how the project will actually operate.
Additionally, a critical analysis highlights that the FMC operates as an arm of the State and the Communist Party, even participating in acts of repudiation against dissenting women, which severely restricts its ability to act as a genuine advocate for women's rights.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Role of the FMC and the Situation of Women in Cuba
What is the current role of the FMC in Cuba?
The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) positions itself as a defender of the revolution, prioritizing its loyalty to the regime over the protection of women victims of gender-based violence. Although it leads projects supported by entities such as the UN, critics argue that the FMC acts more as an arm of the State than as a true advocate for women's rights.
What problems do women in Cuba face regarding gender-based violence?
Despite the stated efforts by the FMC and the Cuban government, women in Cuba are facing increasing gender-based violence. The lack of transparency in official statistics and the absence of a comprehensive law against gender-based violence complicate the situation. Activists report that the Cuban government does not officially recognize femicide as a specific crime, which limits effective action against this issue.
How is the FMC perceived among activists and independent organizations?
Independent activists and organizations criticize the FMC for being an instrument of the Cuban regime, incapable of providing real protection for women. It is argued that its main function is to maintain a positive image of the government, rather than effectively addressing the needs and rights of Cuban women, especially on critical issues such as gender-based violence.
What initiatives has the FMC implemented to combat gender-based violence in Cuba?
The FMC leads the project "Support for the National Response to Gender-Based Violence", supported by the UN and Canada, which aims to implement comprehensive services in 40 municipalities across 15 provinces. However, its effectiveness is questioned by activists, who point to the lack of autonomy of the FMC and its role as an extension of the State.
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