A Cuban woman living in Italy, Rose Mary Ortega (@rose.mary.ort), released a video on TikTok this Wednesday, delivering a passionate defense of Cuban emigrant women. This was in response to a man who had derogatorily called a Cuban woman "jinetera" on his profile.
Ortega wasted no time getting to her point: "First, I left Cuba for my own reasons. Second, I owe you no explanation." She clarified that the comment wasn't about her personal experience but felt compelled to address it because she remains Cuban and is well aware of the country's harsh realities.
In the one-minute and 31-second video, the content creator vividly depicted the stark challenges many women face when leaving the island: "They do it out of fear, without knowing what's on the other side, leaving behind their families, their children, their country, and even their dignity. The desperation is so intense that many risk their lives on perilous journeys, staying illegally in other countries, entrusting their lives to others just to escape a country that slowly destroys you."
The Misuse of the Term "Jinetera"
Ortega firmly criticized those who use the term as an insult: "You have to be truly miserable and frustrated to use 'jinetera' as a slur against a Cuban woman, knowing the painful stories behind many of them. It's not just disrespecting a woman; it's reducing her to a stereotype."
Directly addressing the commenter, who she noted claimed to be a law graduate, she questioned: "I wonder how someone with a law degree can go online and denigrate the integrity of a woman he doesn't even know."
A Broader Issue for Cuban Women
Her message included a straightforward lesson: "If your mother didn't teach you, I will: human dignity is untouchable, and women deserve respect."
Ortega's case isn't unique. In December 2025, another Cuban woman in Spain similarly responded to derogatory comments, stating she emigrated "to work honestly" and build a dignified future.
The term "jinetera" originated in Cuba during the Special Period of the 1990s, linked to tourism and economic crisis. Over time, it became a gendered insult used to stigmatize any Cuban woman living abroad, regardless of her personal story.
The Struggles of Cuban Women in Italy
Italy ranks among the top destinations for Cuban emigrants, with approximately 41,448 Cubans registered by 2018, 69.3% of whom are women. Many arrived through marriage to Italian citizens, historically placing them in legally and economically dependent situations. In 2026, several Cuban content creators in Italy have spotlighted issues of abuse, discrimination, and stigmatization in their videos.
Ortega concluded her video with a message of empowerment to all Cuban women striving abroad: "Walk with your head held high and don't let anyone humiliate you, because respect is paramount."
Understanding the Challenges Faced by Cuban Women Abroad
What does the term "jinetera" mean in the context of Cuban emigration?
"Jinetera" is a derogatory term that originated in Cuba during the 1990s. It is often used to stigmatize Cuban women living abroad, regardless of their personal circumstances.
Why did Rose Mary Ortega feel the need to address the insult?
Ortega felt compelled to address the insult because it reflects a broader issue of disrespect and prejudice against Cuban women, which she, as a Cuban, is familiar with.
What challenges do Cuban women face when emigrating to Italy?
Cuban women often face legal and economic dependency, discrimination, and stigmatization in Italy, particularly those who arrive through marriage to Italian citizens.