How long has Martha Cardoso been linked to the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC)?
“Since I was 14 years old”.
What has it meant to you to be a member of this organization that brings together Cuban women ?
“It has meant a lot because it is an organization in which women feel protected, women are supported by this organization. It is wonderful to know that we have the principles that our Commander, Vilma, has bequeathed to us, those who have helped us to understand that we are advanced women, that we can achieve everything we need, everything we want to do; both in our studies and in our work. As long as we do things properly, we will always have the support of the Federation of Cuban Women.
What has been Martha’s work there in her community, in the organization and in the management of the Federation of Cuban Women?
“I represent the federation, there in my delegation. I attend to different fronts; if they have any problem they go to see me, if they need any document, if they need an endorsement, they know they can count on me and I feel very well supported by everyone; by both men and women”.
I know that you are inspired to write poetry and women are not far from these topics. When it is about a woman who is a producer, educator, who takes care of different spheres of economic, political and social life, it motivates you to write poetry. What does Martha bring us on this occasion for the 64th anniversary of the Federation of Cuban Women?
“I have dedicated a poem to Vilma Espín, entitled Por Siempre y para siempre.
“A cheerful and studious girl
who sang away sadness,
looking ahead like a goddess
thinking of those living in dirt
Already as a young girl
she saw with pain her homeland
suffering from oppression and
she was filled with determination
and went up to the Sierra to fight descrimanation.
To see his Cuba free, that was his goal.
that is why the great Vilma Espín is in our soul.
We are women, we are happy, nobody doubts it, you can bet on it
No matter how, we will always be ready.
No matter our age, no matter our race
because in my Cuba we are equal.
We will always be there with a machete or a rifle,
because the important thing is that we narrow the ideals to come from
To be federated is a pride
because we fight with dignity
always following the example.
In this way the end of this Cuban woman, Vilma Espín, will not come”.
