Recently, independent feminist platforms have confirmed two additional femicides, raising the total number to 26 for the year 2025. "We mourn the loss of two more women in Cuba due to femicide," read a Facebook post by YoSíTeCreo in Cuba. The post reported the tragic and violent death of 19-year-old Ledisvannielis Acosta Echavarría on August 12th in Centro Habana, the capital city.
According to the organization, "the events took place in the home shared by [the victim] and her partner, who was also her attacker. He later surrendered to the police." Furthermore, the group confirmed another femicide on August 11th, involving Bárbara Elena Tejeiro Magdaleno, aged 58, in the suburban neighborhood of Las Cañas in Boyeros, Havana.
Bárbara Elena had been missing since that date until her body was discovered on August 14th in an open field. The organization reported, "Elena was killed by her partner, who subsequently took his own life. Prior violence in the relationship was confirmed." The victim leaves behind three young children, and the platform expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
So far in 2025, 26 verified cases of gender-based violence have resulted in women losing their lives, along with one male murder due to gender motives, and two attempted femicides. YoSíTeCreo in Cuba is currently investigating four alerts of femicide in the provinces of Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Villa Clara, and Camagüey.
Recent Tragic Incidents
On a recent Saturday, news broke of the femicide of Bárbara Elena Tejeiro Magdaleno, a 56-year-old mother whose body was found in an open field in Las Cañas, a town within Boyeros, Havana. According to the independent outlet 14ymedio, she was allegedly attacked with a machete by her former partner, Radamé, a man over 60 years old.
In recent months, Bárbara Elena had expressed to her family her desire to end the relationship and her feelings of being harassed. Despite this, she decided to go alone to her partner's home to collect some belongings. Following this visit, she was not seen again.
Her family reported her missing, but authorities refused to act until the mandatory 72-hour waiting period had passed. During this time, her children—two daughters aged 25 and 19 and a 15-year-old son—waited anxiously for news that never came. On August 11th, a neighbor discovered a body in a nearby field. The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition and showed signs of violence. Later that day, the alleged perpetrator was found dead in a thicket, suggesting he had hanged himself.
Tragic Death in Centro Habana
On the preceding Thursday, 19-year-old Ledisvannielis Acosta Echavarría was murdered in her home on Amistad Street, Centro Habana, allegedly stabbed by her partner. After committing the crime, the suspect spent the day in the neighborhood, even selling a pet dog.
At approximately 8:00 p.m., he turned himself in to the authorities, claiming he had acted under the influence of drugs.
Understanding Femicide in Cuba
What are independent platforms saying about femicide in Cuba?
Independent platforms like YoSíTeCreo in Cuba report that there have been 26 femicides in 2025 alone, highlighting ongoing issues of gender-based violence in the country.
How are the authorities responding to these femicide cases?
The response from authorities has been criticized, as they often delay action until the 72-hour waiting period is over, which has been seen as insufficient and ineffective in preventing further violence.
What actions are being taken by organizations to address femicide in Cuba?
Organizations like YoSíTeCreo are actively investigating new femicide alerts and raising awareness about the prevalence of gender-based violence in Cuba, advocating for more effective protective measures.