Women During the Revolution

In 1959, the 26th of July Movement began the Cuban Revolution. Fighting against the regime of Fulgencio Batista, men and women came together behind the leadership of Fidel Castro.

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What role did women play in the revolution?

Women were vital to the Cuban revolution. Not only did they serve as combatants, but they also were in the position of being top leaders of the revolution. Women such as Celia Sanchez, Haydee Santamaria, Melba Hernandez, and Vilma Espin were influential in the revolution. Celia Sanchez was Castro's personal confidant, as well as being a part of the rebel command. Santamaria and Hernandez were part of the initial battle of the revolution at the Moncada army garrison, and later wrote History Will Absolve Me, which was a book on Fidel Castro's defense trial. Vilma Espin was not only a fighter, but she was also an intellectual. She was the first woman in Cuba to get a degree in chemical engineering, and then she went to MIT for her post-graduate degree. She then became the president of the FMC (Federation of Cuban Women) for 47 years until her death in 2007.

How did this affect Women's Rights?

These women, along with others, greatly impacted women's rights in Cuba. Their involvement in the revolution gained respect from many men, and when it was over, Castro gave them equality.