Women Before the Revolution

“Before the revolution in 1959, the situation facing Cuban women was dismal. Illiteracy, unemployment, sexism, racism and exploitation all bore down particularly heavily on women.” (Hinze)

---

The Problem

Cuban women were in a bad position pre-1959, and more specifically pre-1934. They were seen as second-class citizens in a very machismo society where the men worked and were able to be flagrant while women would stay home and tend to children while being outcasted if they didn't stick to societies view of what a woman should be.

What it Caused

At some time between 1910 and 1920, the Women's Club of Cuba was created. This club was meant to bring women together in order to obtain their rights. In 1920, the National Federation of Women's Associations of Cuba was formed. This greatly enhanced women's efforts for equality, and eventually, they succeeded.

In 1934, women's suffrage was written into law. This was a huge step for women in Cuba, but they still did not have equality in every part of society. It wouldn't be until the 1960's that, legally, women were fully accepted as equals to men.