Cuban women. Image: Archive/MC

by María Josefina Arce

In more than six decades of revolution, many battles have been fought for the advancement of women, and although there is still a long way to go due to the persistence of macho stereotypes in society, today this sector of the Cuban population is actively involved in all areas of the country's socio-economic life.

Throughout these years, the state's policy has been to guarantee equal opportunities for all Cubans, without gender discrimination, a goal enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic, which will be approved by referendum in 2019.

And progress has been made. The Caribbean nation's ninth report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women refers to the existing legal instruments to guarantee the rights of Cuban women, such as the Family Code, which will be approved in 2022, also by popular referendum and after extensive consultation with the whole of society.

This new legislation focuses on the equality of rights between women and men and has a fair and just vision within the family, where women continue to bear the burden of domestic work and the care of children and the elderly.

Cuba's report also notes that information, awareness-raising and education activities have been stepped up throughout the country.

And among the initiatives developed is the implementation of the National Program for the Advancement of Women, approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2021.

According to experts, this program focuses on current challenges and aims to continue promoting the advancement of Cuban women in the midst of change, without any setbacks.

As the Caribbean country's report notes, this program is conceived as the Cuban State's agenda for the advancement of women. It responds to the postulates and principles of our Constitution and to international commitments on gender equality.

It also provides for concrete measures to prevent and combat gender-based violence, a problem recognized by the authorities and which continues to exist in the country.

The Cuban Government has worked tirelessly to guarantee the rights of women, an inexhaustible force of love, tenacity and commitment in our society.