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In the 28th April issue of Peoples Democracy, the weekly organ of CPI(M), there is an article by Com. Brinda Karat titled “Women, Workers and Changes in Cuba”. It explains the role of the women and their status in the society etc. I am giving some information which are contained in the article, which is based on the visit and experience in Cuba by the author. A comparison with the role and status of women in India will be educative.
- The first and last impression of Cuba is the presence of working women in every sphere from the security guards at the airport tarmac to the shop assistants, to the customs and immigration officers to those at the tourist desk to teachers in schools, doctors and nurses in hospitals. The women have the leading role in public offices, in every profession in public service and they have got economic independence. Women are safe in the streets of Cuba, in all places. They can travel day or night at any place at any time without fear about their security. Cuba does not need policing to protect its women; women and men together ensure that it is so.
- Women have equal status in the work place with men. They are given equal wages. The % of women various work-places are not less than men. In many areas they are more. For example, University enrolment – 60%, Graduates 62%, Scientists 58%, Health professionals 78%, Doctors 80%, Educational sector 60%, State sector jobs 48%. In judiciary also women are well represented.
- Rights and benefits of working women are ensured by the state. Working mothers have got crèche to leave their children during working hours, which are mostly free of charge, except for highly paid. Maternity leave four and half months with full salary. One years leave with 60% salary and another year of unpaid leave if required.
- Representation in elected bodies are ensured for women. They have got about 48.5% representation and out of 15 provinces, women head the government in 10.
- In the Central Committee of the Communist Party, which rules the country, 42% are women. 58 municipalities are headed by women.
The Socialist Cuba, despite the economic blockade by US for decades, has the best health care system in the world. The superiority of the socialist system compared to the capitalist system can be well understood from the experience of Cuba.
VAN Namboodiri's Blog 
people of India always being ruled by dominated groups. The leaders of freedom fighters was only bothering to fight against the British rulers as the dominated groups got insulted by them.But the same dominated groups are doing what British ers had done on them. Freedom was given but it is enjoyed by the same group. There was no other system is formed like Cuba or Russian or China.Democracy system is looks like a beautiful system but it is being misused. Democracy need a group of people.So in india it is very easy to make a group by saying faith, cast, language etc.Can the people will allow a son of driver without experience of driving in place of his father who was a best driver?. yes our people are allowing to drive the whole country without bothering the nation as he or she is the children or wife of the great leader in many places. So where is the mistake? The qualified and well placed peoples are getting all facilities irrespective of any government.So they do not interest in the election to vote.The middleman wanted to become a dominated men so they try to make room to enter by fighting or by using the rules etc. The dominated group either by wealth or castes or faiths are entering as a rulers to get political power for their own use not for the people interest. So the poors are being gathered either to get votes or any huge meeting etc. they are doing as at least getting one day income. Getting social freedom here is so difficult.It is for away but the members of red flags are increasing slowly by the hard work of dedicated leaders. definitely one-day it will come out as Cuba inwhich our coming generation will taste those days.