While millions of Cuban women survive without electricity, water, and medicine, Miguel Díaz-Canel presided over a ceremony of awards for the 66th anniversary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) this Thursday in Havana, an event that sparked a wave of mockery on social media due to the stark contrast between the official pomp and the hardships faced by the population.
The event took place in the El Laguito protocol hall of the Palace of Conventions, with the presence of Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly; Roberto Morales Ojeda, secretary of Organization of the Central Committee; and Teresa Amarelle Boué, general secretary of the FMC.
The highest recognition of the event was the Honorary Title of Heroine of Labor of the Republic of Cuba, awarded to Tamara Silvia Columbié Matos, described at the ceremony as someone who "has devoted her intelligence and skills to the struggles of Cuban women" for more than half a century of activism.
The Lázaro Peña Order of First Class was also awarded to Cedalia Cabrera Monet, the Mariana Grajales Order to four women, the Ana Betancourt Order to 18 federated members, and the August 23 Distinction to 300 women nationwide, although it was symbolically received by nine during the ceremony. The tribute was also framed within the celebrations for Fidel Castro's centenary.
The reaction on social media was devastating. In the post by the Presidency of Cuba on Facebook, the comments turned the event into a target for sarcasm. "In that diploma, there are electricity, water, medicine, and food—the essentials for living in peace—and it's also good for toilet paper," wrote a user, which became the most quoted phrase of the day.
Others pointed in the same direction. "Now with those medals they come home and put them to boil for a good soup," quipped an internet user. Another declared, "After that event, the country is a little bit poorer, spending on energy, logistics, and accommodation for nothing."
There were those who pointed directly at the president: "A circus without bread... the presi is certainly loud! Act and party, party and act!" One user bitterly complained: "All women who fight day by day to survive are remarkable." And another added: "That's just another 'bottle' of salaries without work. They do nothing. They produce nothing. They solve nothing. Yet they live well."
The context makes the contrast even more striking. So far in 2026, Cuba has experienced six total blackouts of the National Electric System, with a record deficit of 2,411 MW recorded on August 4, and daily outages ranging from 15 to 24 hours in urban areas. Millions of people are left without regular access to drinking water due to the reliance on electric pumps.
In terms of health, approximately 7 out of every 10 medications from the national essential drug list are missing, and only a minuscule portion of Cubans can obtain medications without difficulty. In Ciego de Ávila, the province was recently operating with barely 10% of the available medications.
Amarelle Boué herself acknowledged in July that “Cuban women know that the crisis weighs more heavily upon our shoulders”, although in February of the same year she stated that in Cuba “there is neither a failed state nor a collapse”. These are the same women to whom the regime awarded diplomas and medals this Thursday in a ceremonial hall, while at home the electricity is out, water is scarce, and pharmacies remain empty.
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