Fidel Castro’s approach to women’s emancipation in Cuba was multifaceted, encompassing legal reforms, educational opportunities, and incorporation into the workforce. The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), founded in 1960 and led by Vilma Espín, played a pivotal role in implementing policies aimed at achieving gender equality.
Legal reforms included the Family Code of 1975, which mandated shared domestic responsibilities between men and women. Furthermore, significant efforts were made to improve women’s access to education at all levels, resulting in increased literacy rates and greater participation in professional fields. Women were actively encouraged to join the workforce, and state-sponsored childcare facilities were established to support working mothers.
Fidel Castro’s government also focused on women’s health, providing access to reproductive healthcare services. These policies collectively aimed to transform women’s roles in Cuban society, moving them from traditional domestic roles to active participants in the nation’s economic, social, and political life. While debates persist regarding the extent of true gender equality achieved, the new approach to women’s emancipation in the new context, undeniably brought about significant advancements in women’s rights and opportunities in Cuba.