Cuban speaks on revolutionary gains of women

In the spirit of the socialist origins of International Women’s Day, Alicia González of the Federation of Cuban Women (Federación de Mujeres Cubanas, FMC) spoke at the Workers World Party IWD commemoration meeting March 9 at the Solidarity Center in New York City.

Alicia Gonzalez holds up Rainbow Solidarity for the Cuban Five poster presented by Leslie Feinberg. Photo: Roberto Mercado

González presented a thrilling look at women’s roles in Cuba, describing changes over the years as “the revolution within the revolution.” Women now make up 47 percent of Cuba’s Supreme Court, 60 percent of the judicial sector and 70 percent of the health sector, which includes doctors. Women receive 18 weeks of maternity leave at 100 percent of their salary, and a year’s leave is available to either parent with a salary at 60 percent. Abortions are free on request, there is equal pay for comparable work, and the country plans all educational curricula with gender equity in mind.

Following González’s remarks, there was a lively question and answer session, moderated by the evening’s chair, LeiLani Dowell, Workers World managing editor and leader of F.I.S.T. (Fight Imperialism, Stand Together).

An audience member originally from Angola spoke of Cuba as the home in her heart because of Cuba’s heroic contributions to Angola’s struggle for independence. Alicia González responded, “This was done to repay our debt to our African ancestors and to honor them.”

In response to a question about recent U.S. media reports on Cuba’s possible legalization of same-sex unions, the Cuban speaker noted that a statement by Ricardo Alarcón, president of Cuba’s National Assembly, showed “the political will existed” for that possibility. Alarcón had said, “We have to redefine the concept of marriage. Socialism should be a society that does not exclude anybody.” (USA Today, Feb. 22)

In a pledge of unconditional solidarity from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people for the Cuban Revolution, Workers World editor and transgender lesbian activist Leslie Feinberg presented González with a framed plaque of the worldwide Internet initiative of Rainbow Solidarity to Free the Cuban Five.

Rainbow Solidarity endorsements are in from 45 countries and all 50 U.S. states, with signers supporting demands to “Free the Five, defend Cuba’s right to self-determination and sovereignty, lift the blockade and stop U.S.-instigated terror attacks” on the revolutionary nation. The appeal is available in 15 languages at freethefive.org or freethefiveny.org.

—Minnie Bruce Pratt