The testimony of Milagro, a 58-year-old Cuban woman who has been working as a domestic employee for over three decades, has touched the hearts of thousands on social media for her example of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.
Content creator Zami Suárez (@zami_suarez6) shared on TikTok the story of this worker, who calmly explained how she makes a living by cleaning, washing, and ironing in different homes across the country. “In one place, I wash and clean; in others, I only clean; if there’s ironing to do, I iron, whatever it takes,” Milagro explained, who earns between 700 and 2,000 Cuban pesos per day, depending on the job.
With over 30 years of experience in the trade, Milagro asserts that she has been able to get ahead thanks to the respect and generosity of the people she works for. "Thanks to the people I work for, I have been able to survive in this life; they have been very good and very generous to me," she expressed.
In the video, the woman showed her hands and mentioned that she has lost her fingerprints after so many years of hard work: “From so much work, I have no nails, I have nothing.”
Pride and admiration on social media
The video has sparked a wave of positive reactions. Many highlighted her effort and described her as “a warrior” and “a woman to be admired.” “I want to help her,” wrote one person, while another stated, “God bless her, that’s how one earns a living honestly.” Some users pointed out that “at that age, she should already be enjoying her retirement, but it’s clear she does this with pride and love,” while others emphasized that “she is an example of a Cuban woman, hardworking and honest.”
There were also those who expressed being moved by her story — "poor thing, it's not easy" — and comments that conveyed indignation at the hardships in the country: “Wasn’t the revolution supposed to end the plight of domestic workers?”, “This is the result of communism”, or “People in Cuba are struggling.” Among the most shared messages, many echoed a common sentiment: “She spent her youth working hard, but she did so with dignity.”
Domestic work and recognition
The case of Milagro has reopened the debate on the situation of domestic work in Cuba, an occupation characterized by informality, yet it serves as the livelihood for many women. Other recent stories have also brought this issue to the forefront of the conversation.
In September, the Cuban influencer La Cintumbare shared a video on Instagram showing how much she pays her domestic worker weekly, displaying bundles of cash that exceeded 4,000 Cuban pesos, an amount higher than the average state salary. The post sparked debate among those who saw the gesture as an act of economic justice and those who considered it a display of inequality.
Months earlier, a Cuban singing teacher sparked controversy after offering a domestic job paid with singing lessons instead of money. Her proposal was criticized as being an attempt to take advantage of others' needs, which fueled the debate over labor precariousness and the value of domestic work on the island.
A creator who showcases everyday life in Cuba
The influencer Zami Suárez, creator of the video about Milagro, has gained recognition for portraying the daily life of Cubans with a human touch. In another one of her most discussed posts, she showed how, in the face of medication shortages, many people turn to natural remedies, such as the decoction of papaya leaves to alleviate symptoms of chikungunya.
The story of Milagro, told without drama or lamentation, reflects the spirit of thousands of Cuban women who, with constant hard work and self-belief, move forward each day. With their weathered hands and serene voices, they show that dignity is also built through effort and integrity.
Filed under:
