Founded on August 23, 1960, the Federation of Cuban Women, FMC, is the mass organization that develops policies and programs to achieve the full exercise of women’s equality in all spheres and levels of society. Nearing its 63rd anniversary, the organization pays tribute to its main creators: Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the heroine Vilma Espín Guillois. It also evokes the legacy of all Cuban women who throughout history raised their voices for women’s rights.
The organization in Contramaestre brings together more than 39,000 federated women, distributed in 148 blocks and 780 grassroots delegations.
Since its foundation, the FMC has counted on the incorporation of Contramaestre women into all spheres of economic, political and cultural life, without fear of obstacles, which has undoubtedly made them worthy of social recognition.
Women´s federation on the leading role
Journalism pays tribute to women federates of the territory who have had an outstanding career as leaders at the base and at the municipal level, founders, workers and housewives, in which it is evident that Cuban women are conquerors of the impossible.
One of these founding federates is Florquidia Pérez Hernández, a woman from Contramaestre who since her beginnings as a member of the FMC has maintained her active link to the work of the organization during these 63 years of its foundation.
I have had a lot of experience because she has taught me everything, she taught me how to talk because we were from the bush and we did not know what life was like. We started the federation there in Laguna Blanca with a group of compañeras until my mother moved to Contramaestre. Although I started there, I continued working with the federation, which is what gave me what I am. I went to six WBF congresses because of my attitude towards work. I always stood out because I liked to help women. When the federation began, I had positions at the base and helped as an activist in the municipal federation. If I am what I am, it is thanks to the federation”.
Journalist: “What message do you convey to the new generations regarding the work of the Federation of Cuban Women?”
Florquidia: “That they join, that they help the federation, which is an organization to help women. All the happiness for the women, for my companions, I still love them, those women of Laguna Blanca that I fought so hard with them. I congratulate them all on this new anniversary”.
