Vilma’s struggles more necessary than ever
The Federation of Cuban Women remembered Vilma Espín yesterday, June 18, 11 years after her death, and 25 since she participated in the World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna

Author: Alejandra García | internet@granma.cu
Author: Eduardo Palomares | informacion@granmai.cu
june 19, 2018 09:06:24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Endrys Correa Vaillant
Equality, condemnation of gender violence, and recognition of the rights of women have been the topic of debate and struggle for decades, in which Cuba, with the leadership of Vilma Espín, has played a leading role, members of the Federation of Cuba Women (FMC) recalled yesterday, during a press conference.

During the Vienna World Conference, held June 14-25, 1993, the issue of violence against women was addressed for the first time at this level, with the notable participation of Vilma and other FMC members.

“In this conference, it was recognized that all rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent, related to each other, and thus this was made explicit in the Vienna Declaration and Action Plan,” explained Yamila González Ferrer, vice president of the Union of Cuba Jurists and member of the FMC National Committee.

Likewise, “It was clarified that the human rights of women and girls are an inalienable and indivisible component of universal human rights, and moreover established that every state, regardless of its political system, has the duty to promote and protect them,” she added.

At the Vienna Conference, Cuba was able to proudly share the achievements of the Revolution in terms of protecting women’s rights, “Although, at that time, much remained to be done, the country showed that when there is political will, the road to gender equality is much more expedite,” González stated.

“Twenty-five years since the World Conference on Human Rights, we cannot say everything has been accomplished. Every day we must join forces and continue Vilma’s example and struggles, that are today more necessary than ever,” concluded FMC Secretary General Teresa Amarelle Boué, also a Party Political Bureau and Council of State member.

A SHINING EXAMPLE

On the anniversary of her physical death, Vilma was also honored at the Frank País Second Front Martyrs and Heroes Mausoleum, with a ceremony and the placement of a floral wreath in the name of the Cuban people at the site where her remains rest.

Young women from the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School in Santiago de Cuba, chosen for their achievements, conducted the honors with the presence of hundreds of residents from Mayarí Arriba, who marched from the town to the cemetery as they do every year on this date.