Social Issues in Cuba: Violence Against Women and Economic Struggles

The tragic murder of Diosdeisis Sandoval Dama, a young domestic worker in La Guinera, highlights the severe issue of gender-based violence in Cuba. According to CubaNet, she was attacked in her home by her ex-partner, a location that is often one of the most dangerous for women. This incident marks the 41st verified feminicide in Cuba for 2025, as reported by the Observatorio de Genero de Alas Tensas and YoSiTeCreo en Cuba. The lack of official data on such incidents complicates efforts to address and combat this violence, which activists argue should be classified as feminicide rather than merely gender-based violence or homicide. These organizations have documented over 300 feminicides since 2019, despite a hostile environment for feminist activism and the absence of legal recognition for feminicide in Cuban law.

In the broader context, Cuba is grappling with extreme poverty, exacerbated by economic struggles and natural disasters. Following Hurricane Melissa, reports from the Miami Herald reveal the dire conditions faced by many Cubans. Images from eastern Cuba show residents living in squalid conditions, lacking basic necessities like food and clean water. The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights estimates that 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with families often receiving inadequate government assistance. For example, one family reported receiving just 2,500 pesos, about $5, a month, which is insufficient to cover essential medications for a child with special needs.

Economic conditions have severely deteriorated due to a combination of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced support from Venezuela, and tightened U.S. sanctions. Economists indicate that Cuba's gross domestic product has decreased significantly, and agricultural production has plummeted, leading to increased food shortages. The government’s response has been criticized for lacking urgency, with aid efforts post-Hurricane Melissa being described as slow and ineffective. In areas like Rio Cauto, where many families are displaced, the response from authorities has been minimal, often relying on grassroots initiatives for humanitarian aid.

The situation is compounded by systemic issues of inequality and insufficient access to resources, which affect women's safety and economic stability. Many women bear the brunt of the economic crisis, managing households in conditions that have worsened over time. Reports from Havana Times emphasize that the existing poverty is not new, but the hurricane has intensified the vulnerabilities of these communities.

In response to these intertwined social issues, activists are calling for systemic changes to address both gender-based violence and the economic struggles facing the Cuban populace. Organizations stress the need for greater transparency, legal recognition of feminicide, and comprehensive social support systems to protect women and alleviate poverty. The intersection of these critical issues demands urgent attention from both the government and civil society to foster a safer and more equitable environment for all Cubans.