Despite advances, women in Cuba still face sexism in a macho society

Despite advances, women in Cuba still face sexism in a macho society
In Cuba Today Staff

Despite achievements in gender equality, emancipation and representation
at the highest levels of government, women in Cuba still face problems
related to domestic violence and sexism, according to the secretary
general of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).

Government media outlets reported that Teresa Amarelle said that sexist
behaviors persist on the island as a result of centuries of a macho culture.

"With regard to discrimination, she reflected that it is more
appropriate talking about the permanence of sexist behaviors,
backwardness of more than 500 years of a patriarchal culture," reported
Prensa Latina.

Domestic violence also continues to be a problem.

"It occurs primarily from the psychological viewpoint and becomes
visible in the contempt and underestimation of the capabilities and
possibilities of women, the general secretary of the FMC said,"
according to Prensa Latina.

Amarelle, who spoke during the 56th anniversary of the organization,
also noted that much progress has been made with women representing
48.86 percent of National Assembly (Parliament), 42 percent of the
members of the Council of State and four posts out of 17 of the Cuban
Communist Party's Politburo.

Source: Women in Cuba still face problems related to domestic violence
and sexism | In Cuba Today -
http://www.incubatoday.com/news/article97553977.html