The founding members of the FMC, the Federation of Cuban Women, recalled in Havana the eternal president, Vilma Espin, during a meeting held to commemorate the 55th anniversary of the women's organization.

There, revolutionary underground fighters shared stories of the early years of the FMC.  Present at the activity, Mercedes Gamía stressed the internationalism and solidarity of Vilma Espin.

"Vilma printed an important label, the unit; and that's a label that must be preserved... now more than ever. She created herself in that organization.   In the year 1960, in January, we were working, and already in February we presented the project, it was called: Congress of Cuban Women for the Liberation of Latin America -- and I like to say that now, because today we talk very much about integration but the fact that in 60's an organization had been created with that name, demonstrates the unity and internationalist conception."

Teresa Amarelle Boué, general Secretary of the Cuban Federation of Women, that gathers together about 4 million Cuban women, pointed out that among the main objectives of that organization are to communicate and insist on the opportunities of women in the country, and exchange experiences about the economic, physical and sexual autonomy reached so far.

"While we cannot achieve complete equity between men and women, there will exist organizations like the Federation of Cuban Women, but none is like our organization. I don't know if it is because of the love we feel for our organization or because of the realities that make us feel different and feel ourselves as a special organization, for all the love, affection, and the wisdom we have always shown."

At the event, Yolanda Ferrer, Martha Rojas and Georgina Leyva were recognized for their personal contributions to the Cuban women's organization, which on Sunday, August 23rd will be celebrating 55 years.