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Maydelín Álvarez Avilés recently celebrated reaching a personal and professional milestone: being the first woman to drive buses in Las Tunas.
In a message posted on his Facebook account, he thanked his parents, friends, and local transportation officials for their support.
"Today I can say that I am the first woman to drive buses in Las Tunas. I affirm that dreams are not just dreams, and that we must fight to achieve them," she wrote with excitement.
Her post received hundreds of congratulatory and proud messages. “I want to see you at a local and have you buy me a drink,” joked Leonel Avilés, while other users noted her bravery and professionalism.
Some, like Ángel Cabrales, recalled that there are already women bus drivers in Havana, although they agreed that the step taken by Maydelín is “another achievement” for the women of Tuners.
"Show Las Tunas and all of Cuba that women can indeed do it," wrote Esteban Manzano, another driver who congratulated her from his experience behind the wheel.
In Cuba, where public transportation is facing a severe crisis in resources and maintenance, the inclusion of women in these jobs remains exceptional, despite official discourse on gender equality and employment opportunities.
Idania Perea León, born in the province of Artemisa, is the first woman on the island to become a driver for the National Bus Company, with over 25 years of experience in local transportation in a role typically dominated by men.
Along with Gilma Pérez Pérez, they are currently the only two Cuban women working in that profession at the mentioned entity.
The first driver's license issued to a woman in Havana was granted in the early 20th century in the name of María Calvo y Nodarse, popularly known as La Macorina.
Frequently asked questions about the first female bus driver in Las Tunas
Who is the first woman to drive a bus in Las Tunas?
Maydelín Álvarez Avilés is the first woman to drive a bus in Las Tunas. She celebrated this personal and professional achievement with a message on her Facebook account, expressing gratitude for the support of her parents, friends, and local transportation officials.
How has the news of Maydelín Álvarez Avilés's achievement been received?
The news was met with hundreds of congratulatory messages and expressions of pride. Many users highlighted her bravery and professionalism, while some noted that there are already women bus drivers in Havana, emphasizing that this is "another achievement" for women from Las Tunas.
What is the situation of public transportation and women's participation in Cuba?
In Cuba, public transportation is facing a crisis in resources and maintenance, and the inclusion of women in professions such as bus drivers is still exceptional. Despite the official speeches about gender equality, the reality shows that there are still many steps to be taken in this regard.
Are there other female bus drivers in Cuba?
Idania Perea León and Gilma Pérez Pérez are the only Cuban women working as drivers at the National Bus Company. Idania, originally from Artemisa, has over 25 years of experience in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
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