Gender Equality: A Daily Commitment in Cuba

This year's International Women's Day theme, "Invest in women: Accelerate progress," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Cuba's ongoing efforts towards gender equality. The country's dedication to empowering women and girls is being demonstrated by various policies to strengthen legal frameworks, promote women's participation in decision-making, and combat gender-based violence.  

By prioritizing gender equality as a cornerstone of national development and Cuba’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, the country is fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society for all. It underpins all our work, guides our collaboration, and fuels our impact. 

UN Partnership: Empowering Women, Strengthening Cuba 

Since my arrival in Cuba as Resident Coordinator over a year ago, I have prioritized strengthening a strategic alliance between the UN System and the Cuban Parliament. This partnership leverages the expertise of UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to advance gender equality. We aim to ensure all legislation in Cuba reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of women and men, fostering a national culture of equality. 

Cuba is making monumental strides towards a more equitable society, as evidenced by several progressive initiatives championed with UN support. The transformative Family Code, for example, reflects longstanding UN advocacy for equal rights, including those for the LGBTQ+ community. The Code also addresses critical issues like eliminating child marriage and strengthens protections for the entire family unit from various forms of violence. 

Building on this momentum, the National Programme for the Advancement of Women (PAM), adopted in 2021, aligns directly with the UN's Beijing Platform for Action and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The PAM focuses on seven key areas, several of which benefited from extensive UN cooperation with Cuban partners. These areas include economic empowerment for women, increased access to decision-making roles, improved sexual and reproductive health services, protection from gender-based discrimination and violence, and the development of robust gender statistics.  

Notably, the PAM opened doors for further collaboration, exemplified by the UN team in Cuba's work with the Federation of Cuban Women to implement the country's strategy against gender-based violence, including setting up vital care services in affected communities. 

From Legislation to Local Action 

Our partnership with the Federation of Cuban Women, a national level non-governmental organization recognized for its leadership on women's issues, extends further through our United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2020-2024. This collaboration focuses on increasing rural women's economic empowerment, upholding comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, and championing women's leadership in all spheres – from communities to the highest levels of decision-making.  

Within the Cooperation Framework, we prioritize empowering women in agriculture, a sector with proven potential. A joint programme between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNDP has significantly improved women's access to essential resources, technology, and knowledge, empowering them to build a more resilient and efficient agricultural sector. Over 10,000 women have directly benefited, gaining the tools they need to thrive.  

Further impact is clear through the promotion and implementation of gender-focused plans in 27 cooperatives across 14 municipalities. These plans have resulted in a remarkable 29 per cent increase in women's participation within these cooperatives, and a staggering 50 per cent rise in women leading initiatives. The Resident Coordinator's Office harnesses the collective strengths of UN agencies to bring about this transformative change, empowering women and strengthening Cuba's agricultural sector. 

However, transformative change requires collaboration within the UN and beyond. Therefore, we are leveraging our strengthened partnerships with the European Union, several of its member states, Canada, and other partners. Together, we have launched new initiatives to address the multifaceted issue of gender-based violence, promote equitable social care systems, and expand opportunities for women's economic empowerment.  

Yet, a deeply entrenched patriarchal culture reminds us that the journey towards a society with equal rights and opportunities is a continuous one. The UN in Cuba stands shoulder to shoulder with the Generation Equality movement, amplifying the voices demanding gender justice not just in Cuba, but around the globe. Crucially, we must move beyond symbolic gestures and embed the principles of equality into the fabric of our daily lives—our workplaces, communities, and personal relationships. Every day must be a day for progress. 

This blog was written by the UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba, Mr. Francisco Pichon. For more information about the UN's work in Cuba, visit cuba.un.org