Cuba: Resistance, Rights, and the Role of Women in the Struggle for Freedom

Sofia Orquidea Benitez Menendez: A Life Dedicated to Culture and Solidarity

The interview will provide an opportunity to learn more about Sofia Orquidea Benitez Menendez, a figure of extraordinary cultural depth. With a degree in Russian and English Language and Literature, she further specialized in English at the University of Cambridge. Sofia has dedicated much of her life to teaching, translation, and the promotion of international solidarity. Currently, she works as a socio-health assistant in Italy, serving as a cultural and human bridge between Cuba and the world.

Her commitment, ranging from academic training to translation, tells the story of a woman who has faced personal and social challenges imposed by a hostile global context with determination. Sofia will also discuss the economic difficulties that the blockade imposes on the Cuban people and the strategies with which the island continues to resist.

Women’s Rights and the Feminist Movement in Cuba

The dialogue will also serve as an occasion to explore the reality of the Cuban feminist movement, represented by the Federación de Mujeres Cubanas (FMC), one of the key institutions of the Cuban social revolution. This movement has promoted gender equality through innovative policies, from universal access to education to the economic empowerment of women. Sofia, as an educator and firsthand witness to these transformations, will offer a unique perspective on the role of Cuban women in building a society that continues to fight for human rights and against injustice.

A Cultural Synergy with Marcella Formenti

Marcella Formenti, a renowned actress and activist, will bring a complementary perspective to this evening, linking the struggle of Cuban women to progressive battles in Italy and around the world. Her artistic and political experience will enrich a dialogue that promises to be intense and inspiring.

The Challenges Faced by Cuba: Terrorism, Sabotage, Hostile Nature, and the Economic Blockade

Cuba, a symbol of resistance and dignity, has faced immense challenges throughout its recent history. Terrorism against Cuba represents a painful chapter of its recent past, marked by attacks orchestrated with the precise aim of destabilizing the revolutionary government and sowing terror among the population. Among the figures involved in these operations was Luis Posada Carriles, a terrorist with direct links to U.S. intelligence agencies, responsible for some of the most tragic episodes in Cuban history.

The Cuban Flight 455 Bombing

One of the most atrocious events was the bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight 455 on October 6, 1976. The plane, traveling from Barbados to Cuba, was blown up in mid-air by two bombs placed on board, killing 73 people, including many young athletes from the Cuban fencing team. This act of terror, orchestrated by Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch, remains one of the worst terrorist attacks in Latin American history. The impunity enjoyed by those responsible, protected by certain political factions in the United States, continues to be an open wound for the Cuban people.

The Murder of Fabio Di Celmo

Another shocking episode was the murder of Fabio Di Celmo, an Italian businessman who was the victim of a terrorist attack in 1997. Di Celmo was in the Copacabana Hotel in Havana when a bomb, part of a series of attacks against Cuban tourist infrastructures, exploded, killing him instantly. This attack was also orchestrated by terrorist networks linked to Posada Carriles, who aimed to strike the tourist sector to weaken Cuba’s economy.

Terrorism as a Tool of Destabilization

These attacks were not isolated incidents, but part of a broader strategy involving sabotage, murders, and covert operations against the island. Since the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, Cuba has suffered over 3,400 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries due to acts of terrorism. The attacks not only sought to instill fear but also to undermine the island's economic and social system. Despite this violence, the Cuban people have responded with dignity and unity, transforming pain into strength and reaffirming their right to sovereignty. Terrorism against Cuba is one of many expressions of the international pressures the island faces, but it also serves as a powerful warning for the international community to unite in condemning all forms of political violence.

Currently, Cuba, in addition to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, which limits access to essential goods, technologies, and medicines, must also contend with the devastation caused by climate change. Hurricanes and cyclones of increasing intensity, like those that have struck in recent years, regularly devastate infrastructure, housing, and crops, putting the resilience of the population to the test.

In addition to these natural difficulties, there is a severe energy crisis, worsened by international sanctions and dependence on fuel imports. Access to electricity is often limited, compromising not only daily life quality but also the functioning of vital sectors like healthcare and education.

Despite these challenges, Cuba continues to show an extraordinary capacity for adaptation, focusing on internal resources, renewable energy, and a strong sense of community. However, the need for international collaboration to overcome these difficulties remains crucial. The Cuban people are not just fighting to survive, but are striving to transform adversity into opportunities for innovation and to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.

A Lesson in Resistance and Hope

Cuba continues to be a beacon of dignity, despite the terrorism and economic blockade that have affected it for decades. This event will be an opportunity to remember that the strength of a people, and especially of its women, can resist any challenge.

Don't miss the event tomorrow at 10:00 PM on the YouTube channel of the Movimiento Internazionalista Bolivariano. Link to access the event: https://www.youtube.com/live/Svu4dBIhOqQ?si=JOFVyspskMKefbzD