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Women and the 'revolution within the revolution'

FROM the outset, the revolution sought to reverse the inequalities which existed in Cuban society. 

Although women made up only 17 per cent of the labour force, and were the primary victims of the illiteracy that afflicted much of the population, they played a key role in the fight against the Batista dictatorship. 

Through underground organisations such as the Frente Civico de las Mujeres Martianas and Mujeres Unidas Oposicionistas, and later as part of the all female guerilla squadron “Mariana Grajales,” Cuban women helped win the revolutionary war. Celia Sanchez, Melba Hernandez, Haydee Santamaria and Vilma Espin played key, but less publicised roles both in the armed struggle and later in the revolutionary government.

  • Women make up the majority of judges, attorneys, lawyers, scientists, technical workers, public health workers and professionals
  • Cuba is ranked first in Save the Children's Lesser Developed Countries Mother’s Index and the maternal mortality rate is 0.02 per cent, the lowest in Latin America and low income countries
  • With over 53 per cent of MPs women, Cuba has the second highest percentage of female parliamentarians in the world, and women head nine of the country’s 15 provincial assemblies
  • 64 per cent of university places are occupied by women
  • Female life expectancy in Cuba is 80.45 years – higher than in the United States 
  • 65 per cent of Cuba’s international volunteers are women
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