Ten things you might like to know about Cuban Women

1. Ten things you might like to know about Cuban Women Patricia Daniel Sheffield Cuba Solidarity Campaign Sheffield Feminist Network

2. Pre-revolutionary Cuba

3. America’s playground

4. Sun, cigars, sex and rum

5. 1. Women took an active part in the revolution

6. Women’s platoon

7. Vilmaespin

8. 2. Women became organised nationally in 1960

9. Federation of Cuban women • 85% of Cuban women over the age of 14 are members (= nearly 4 million people) • Almost 74 thousand local branches • Key point of reference representing women’s interests to government, technically an independent NGO but also operating as a quasi-ministry • Works throughout Cuban society to challenge traditional roles and promote women’s rights

10. legislation • Cuban Constitution: guarantees equal economic, political, cultural, social and family rights for women and men • Sex discrimination is forbidden by law • Labour Code: ensures equal rights and opportunities in the field of work including statutory maternity leave • Family Code: equal status within the home and marriage • Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights: freelegalised family planning, including abortion

11. 3. Women hold equal positions in public life Doctors 51% Scientists 53% Judges 49% Politicians 48% Union Officials 50% Technicians 66%

12. 4. Women benefit from free health care & SRH services Female life expectancy: 80 years Skilled attendance during childbirth: 99.9% Infant mortalityper 100,000 live births: 5.8 Pan American Health Organisation2005

13. CUBAN DOCTORS AND NURSES PROVIDE FREE HEALTH CARE WORLDWIDE • 2-year International Service for example in Africa • 2 million Cataract Operations in Latin America and Caribbean • Humanitarian Aid in emergencies • Free medical training

14. 5. Sex education is mainstreamed

15. “Seduction”

16. 6. Cuba is a world leader in sexual diversity rights

17. 7. Cuban women excel in arts and sports

19. 8. Cuban women continue to be affected by the US economic embargo

20. “Estoy en la lucha”creativity, versatility and humour Q “What are the 3 successes of the revolution?” A “Medicine, education and athletics!” Q “What are the 3 failures of the revolution?” A “Breakfast, lunch and dinner!”

22. organiponicos

23. “It should be noted that the Cuban government has maintained social development as a priority despite difficult economic conditions. The social needs and welfare of the people are placed above the dictates of the market.” CIDA 2001

24. Women’s Influence in Economic Reforms 2011+ • Setting policy framework: Women in policy-making leadership positions (Finanzas, Controlaría) • Consultation process: Women as participants in reform debates from the grassroots upwards • Implementing policy: Women within ministries, local government and public services • Women’s agenda: Price stability of basic necessities, subsidised prices, passenger transportation

25. 9. Tourism has led to inequality and a rise in prostitution

27. Demand versus Supply “Western governments have a moral responsibility to eradicate the ideologies which teach their male citizens to view the poverty of young women and girls as an ‘opportunity’ to indulge their own sexual fantasies.”

28. 10. Cuban women still value international [feminist] support Carolina Amador and Ana Milagros Unison Conference 2010

29. A feminist project?

30. www.camyorkshire.wordpress.com • www.sheffieldfeministnetwork.wordpress.com