The story of Milagro, a 58-year-old Cuban woman who has spent over three decades working as a domestic employee, has deeply moved thousands on social media. Her tale of dedication, honesty, and perseverance serves as an inspiring example.
Content creator Zami Suárez (@zami_suarez6) shared Milagro's story on TikTok, where the domestic worker calmly described her life cleaning, washing, and ironing in various households across Cuba. "In some places, I wash and clean; in others, just clean; if there's ironing to be done, I iron, whatever is needed," Milagro explained. She earns between 700 and 2,000 Cuban pesos per day, depending on the tasks.
With over 30 years of experience, Milagro credits her survival to the respect and generosity of the people she works for. "Thanks to those I work for, I've managed to get by in this life. They've been very kind and generous to me," she expressed.
In the video, she showed her hands, noting that years of hard work have left her without fingerprints: "From working so much, I have no nails, nothing."
Social Media Reactions: Admiration and Calls for Help
The video sparked a wave of positive reactions, with many praising her as a "warrior" and "a woman to admire." One person commented, "I want to help her," while another added, "God bless her; she earns a living honestly." Some users pointed out that "at her age, she should be enjoying retirement, but she does it with pride and love," while others highlighted her as "an example of a hardworking and honest Cuban woman."
Others were touched by her story—"poor thing, it's not easy"—and expressed outrage at the country's hardships: "Wasn't the revolution supposed to end domestic work?" "This is the result of communism," and "People in Cuba are struggling." Many echoed the sentiment: "Her youth was spent working hard, but she did it with dignity."
Domestic Work and Its Recognition in Cuba
Milagro's case has reignited the conversation about domestic work in Cuba, a job often characterized by informality yet vital for many women’s livelihoods. Recent stories have brought this issue to the forefront.
In September, Cuban influencer La Cintumbare shared a video on Instagram showing how much she pays her domestic worker weekly, displaying stacks of bills exceeding 4,000 Cuban pesos—more than the average state salary. The post sparked debate between those who viewed it as economic justice and others who saw it as a sign of inequality.
Months earlier, a Cuban singing instructor stirred controversy by offering a domestic job compensated with singing lessons instead of money. The proposal was criticized as an attempt to exploit others' needs, further fueling discussions about labor precarity and the value of domestic work on the island.
Zami Suárez: Capturing Everyday Cuban Life
Influencer Zami Suárez, the storyteller of Milagro's journey, has gained recognition for her human-centered portrayal of Cuban life. In another widely discussed post, she highlighted how many resort to natural remedies, such as papaya leaf concoctions, to alleviate chikungunya symptoms due to medication shortages.
Milagro's narrative, told without drama or complaints, encapsulates the spirit of countless Cuban women who, with relentless work and self-belief, persevere daily. Her worn hands and calm voice demonstrate how dignity is built through effort and integrity.
Understanding Domestic Work in Cuba: FAQs
What challenges do domestic workers in Cuba face?
Domestic workers in Cuba often deal with informal employment conditions, low wages, and a lack of legal protections. These challenges are compounded by the country's economic difficulties.
How has social media impacted the perception of domestic work in Cuba?
Social media has brought greater visibility to the challenges and realities of domestic workers, sparking discussions about fair compensation, recognition, and the socio-economic context of these jobs.