On Wednesday, the Cuban Electric Company (UNE) extended a congratulatory message on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), praising the role of Cuban women as "the ones who ignite the spark" and "the driving force of progress," despite ongoing power outages lasting up to 30 hours.
"To the women who light up our world, not just through the energy flowing in cables, but with the strength of their talent, the brilliance of their ideas, and the warmth of their dedication. You are the true drivers of progress, igniting the spark of innovation and guiding us toward a brighter future. Congratulations," wrote Yurisnay Febles Abreu, a director at the Cienfuegos Thermoelectric Company, in the official UNE Facebook post.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel also joined in the celebrations, avoiding accountability for the crisis that continues to pressure and affect women across the island. On his X account (formerly Twitter), he expressed, "When I speak of creative resistance, I think of the Cuban woman. For her generous contribution to the common cause, smiling in hardship and singing in triumph. Congratulations, dear companions, for this revolution within the Revolution that you lead."
These felicitations come at a time marked by extensive blackouts, shortages, and hardships that profoundly impact mothers and families in Cuba. On social media, the platform Enlavozdeellas, composed of women from Camagüey, shared a poignant account highlighting the harsh realities: "Being a mother in Cuba hurts."
The narrative illustrates how motherhood turns into an act of endurance amidst prolonged power cuts, food shortages, and a lack of medicines. "It hurts when 20 hours pass without electricity, and the 4 hours you have are barely enough to cook, wash, and iron. There's not even a band-aid at the pharmacy, no antibiotics, no thermometers, nothing," the widely shared account describes.
The publication also highlights the constant fear of demanding better living conditions due to potential repercussions, yet underscores the role of women who mobilize with "buckets in hand and children in arms" to demand water or electricity.
The declining quality of life is evident in access to food. A recent report by the Food Monitor Program estimated the monthly cost of a basic food basket for an adult couple at 40,000 pesos, a figure significantly exceeding the average salary.
While the UNE congratulates women as "those who ignite the spark of innovation," millions face everyday challenges of blackouts, hunger, and forced silence.
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Women
What is the significance of the UNE's message to Cuban women?
The message from the UNE is significant as it acknowledges the crucial role of Cuban women in society, portraying them as the driving force of progress and innovation despite the challenges they face.
How are power outages affecting Cuban families?
Power outages in Cuba, lasting up to 30 hours, severely impact families by disrupting daily activities such as cooking, washing, and ironing, and exacerbate the struggles of living without essential medical supplies.
Why is there fear among Cubans to demand better conditions?
There is a pervasive fear among Cubans of demanding better conditions due to the potential for government reprisals, which discourages many from voicing their needs publicly.