The U.S. blockade is the most harmful form of violence against Cuban women
Gladys Leydis Ramos López |
October 2, 2020
Teresa Amarelle Boué, secretary general of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), denounced before the UN, yesterday, that the U.S. government’s economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba constitutes the main obstacle to the realization of women’s rights and the most harmful form of violence they face.
Speaking at the high-level segment of the 75th Ordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly, dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women, and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, Amarelle, also a member of the Party Political Bureau, noted that the gains in all economic and social sectors achieved by Cuban women have been possible as a result of the political will of the country’s state and government with the implementation of laws and programs, including the new Constitution of the Republic which reaffirms Cuba’s commitment to the principles of equality and non-discrimination.
She pointed out that Cuban society, despite our imperfections, is one of inclusion: "Cuban women receive equal pay for work of equal value. Advanced labor legislation guarantees our rights in the state and non-state sectors. We have access to social security programs, and we enjoy free quality education and health services.”
Amarelle cited, for example, the fact that Cuban women represent 49% of the workforce in the civilian state sector, and more than 80% have some level or higher education. She stated that women are in the majority among professional judges and prosecutors, constitute 53.5% in the science, innovation and technology arena, and represent 69.6% in the public health sector.
She noted that Cuban women are participating in medical brigades that provide services around the world, and are playing a key role in the fight against the new coronavirus, in hospital “red zones;” in the design of treatment protocols; and in several research projects involving candidate vaccines.
The FMC Secretary General stated that the country’s Economic and Social Development Plan through 2030 and the process of legislative updating underway, reinforce Cuba’s work to eliminate any form of discrimination and violence that persists, to achieve full equality of rights and opportunity, in accordance with the Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
Source: Granma