Marilina Castello Garcia is the representative of the
international department of the Cuban Federation of Women since
1978. Following view is based upon he interview interviewed in
the New Worker (April 9, 1999), a tabloid of NCP-
Britain.
The history of women has still to be written- there's not much
in the history books. Women have played a significant role in
Cuba, in the struggle for independence, against colonialism, and
in the clandestine fight leading to the Revolution in which
many Cuban Women were fighter.
But this was not easy because some men did not at first
understand why women wanted to be a part of it, to support
and fight in the revolution.
Much has changed, but the Federation of Cuban Women (
FMC) continues to work for improvements in old ways and attitudes
not only in society, but also in the family
situation. Those that did work received very low wages in domestic
service.
The federation of Cuban Women since 1960 has played an
important role in advancing the interests of women. They have gained
specific rights since the Revolution, such as the right to work
and equality of pay.
Well, Our reality is that every day the blockade is a
price the united States forces us to pay for our way of
life. But countries are increasingly voting against the
criminal US laws like Helms Burton.
We will continue to make our plans for the future even though
we think the blockade will not end soon. But if there was an
end to the blockade, which is a violation of Cuban law and
sovereignty, we would be able to trade and buy
products much cheaper. The Cuban government at the moment
buys many medicines and food from far away. Transporting it is
very expensive.
And companies know what because they are the only
possibility of
Cuba doing trade with them, they charge much more for their products.
There is also an image that the United States wants to give and
we know, of course, that its media is controlled-which shows that
Cuba is isolated. But really Cuba has more relations with more
countries all over the world , especially Latin America and the Caribbean, than before
the Revolution.
As to the future, I have no Crystal ball, but the FMC's
congress in next year. Preparations- this is a very deep process
-in all the municipalities and provinces of the country.
We have a lot of work to do. Already we have held a national
conference, which has led to recommendations being taken up by
Cuba's State Council.
This is important for us because we meet and discuss with many
women from many parts of The world, especially Latin America, and
this deepest solidarity between peoples for an end to the
embargo.
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