Related videos:
The search for Noguella Lezcano Milián, an 80-year-old woman who has been missing in Havana since August 16, has become a race against time for her family, who have intensified their calls for help on social media and in the streets of the Cuban capital.
Her granddaughter, Lisandra García, posted an emotional message asking everyone to put themselves in her shoes:
“Please, I come with my heart in my hand asking each person to put themselves in my place. We need to find my grandmother! She has been away from home for many days now...”.
Noguella, known as "La Gallega," is 1.50 meters tall, has blue eyes, very short hair, and suffers from epilepsy and dementia, which increases the risk of her situation.
The family is unsure what clothing she wore when she left her home in San Miguel del Padrón (La Cuevita). She was last seen in Wajay and also reported in Reparto Bahía, according to neighbors who were unaware that she was missing.
In the face of desperation, the family has offered a reward of 200 dollars for any information that leads to their whereabouts. Additionally, they have put up posters in streets, churches, and hospitals throughout the capital featuring their details and photographs.
"If anyone sees her, please call us quickly. She may be dirty and disoriented, but remember that she has been out of the house for many days," urged her granddaughter. The contact numbers are +53 58171805 and +53 55381553.
The case of Noguella adds to a list of disappearances of women in Cuba that remain open, such as those of Maydeleisis Rosales Rodríguez (missing for over four years in Centro Habana), Karildi Caridad Marín (25 years old, missing in 2023), Esperanza Cabrera Melvin (75, missing in December 2024 in Matanzas), and Doraiky Águila Vázquez (48, missing in March in Havana).
Feminist organizations like the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) have activated the so-called "Yeniset Alert," designed to raise awareness about the disappearances of women on the island.
These entities report that there are no official protocols or state mechanisms for searching for missing persons in Cuba, which leaves families relying solely on social media, independent media, and citizen solidarity.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Disappearance of Women in Cuba
Who is Noguella Lezcano Milián and when did she disappear?
Noguella Lezcano Milián is an 80-year-old woman who disappeared in Havana on August 16, 2025. Known as "La Gallega," her family has been searching for her intensively due to her fragile health, as she suffers from epilepsy and dementia. The family has requested help through social media and has offered a reward for information regarding her whereabouts.
What is the "Yeniset Alert" and when is it activated?
The "Yeniset Alert" is a response mechanism for the disappearance of women in Cuba. It is activated by independent feminist platforms such as the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC) when there is a risk to the life or physical integrity of the missing person. This alert is particularly implemented in contexts where official silence or a lack of effective protocols hinder investigations.
What measures are the families of the missing women in Cuba taking?
The families of missing women in Cuba are turning to social media, offering rewards and putting up posters to gather information about their loved ones. In the absence of official protocols and the silence of authorities, these actions have become the primary strategy to mobilize citizen solidarity and maintain visibility of the cases.
Are there official protocols in Cuba for searching for missing persons?
No, in Cuba there are no official protocols or state mechanisms for the search of missing persons. This leaves families without resources or support networks, forcing them to rely on social media, independent media, and community solidarity to raise awareness and search for their missing loved ones.
Filed under: