Worker Ernesto Castillo, on behalf of all men, congratulated women on their day and recalled that this March 8 marks 94 years since the first time that International Women’s Day was celebrated in Cuba, an event that took place in the premises of the Cuban Workers’ Center, and was dissolved by the police.

For Cuban women, a kiss, a hug, or congratulations this month is not enough; they must be recognized every day for making a difference and becoming the bastion of the family and society, Castillo said.

Cuban women are present in high political and state positions, in public and private companies and entities, in production and services, health care, science and technology, education, diplomacy, journalism, parliament, the comptroller’s office, the prosecutor’s office and courts, he pointed out.

Castillo noted that on a daily basis, female scientists can be seen directing or participating in the development of vaccines and taking part in the development of biotechnology, operating heavy equipment in the mining industry, locomotives, airplanes or ships.

He recalled that after the 1959 victory, at a Congress of the Cuban Women’s Federation (FMC), the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro, stated that “women are a true army at the service of the Revolution, women are a Revolution within the Revolution.”

As a culmination of the meeting, which was chaired by Cuban Ambassador to Russia Julio Garmendía, flowers and cards were given to all the women, while several of those present recited allegorical poems on such an important date, which honors the work of women in all sectors of the economy and society.

jg/lam/gfa