First of all, Happy International Women´s Day to all the females out there! I will dedicate this post to the Women’s Day in Cuba.
I am the first one wishing you that today? Well, if so; that can have several reasons, but I am sure one of them is, that you are not in Cuba at the moment. Because on this island congratulations are flying around on the 8th of March and Women get small presents from their partners, family members, and coworkers. Some people take their girls out for nice dinners and a night out in the town.
Women’s Day in Cuba seems like a mix of Mothers Day and Valentines Day with a little hint to female rights and equality.
The day exists to congratulate women on being a woman, that is strong and manages her life, her job, and her family. In Cuba, the day turned into a day to show appreciation for the Women in society and say thank you for their hard work. There are signs everywhere, and the Socialist Government pushes the day on TV and other Mediums.
Unlike in other countries around the world women have rights and equality in Cuba. But as everywhere stereotypes and old-fashioned family views are present here as well. But that might be a topic for another post.
Back to the 8th of March!
My Experience with Women’s Day in Cuba
So there are definitely worst places to be during International Women’s Day than Cuba!
I discovered that over the years! I remember my very first 8th of March in Havana, many years ago. Anyhow, I was not prepared for the event that people would congratulate me for the fact that I was born with female attributes and identify as women. To be honest, I have never put much thought into that since I believe that we should all be equal. For that reason, I do not really engage in debates related to these topics.
My family brought me up to show appreciation to women, and for me, strong females were and are normal. My mum worked full time, while my dad worked from home so someone could assist me with homework, prepare lunch and take me to dance classes. Also, my grandparents were always there to help. And guess what, all of them were working full time and managing the household no matter which gender they have.
So in my little universe, we are and were all equal but different.
So the fact that someone congratulates me because of something I took no part in creating was strange. From my personal point of view, it feels odd to be praised for something that nature decided just like that. Like this Cuban Journalist in her thoughts about the day.
But I got used to it, and over the years I understood it more and more and will never forget to send a message of appreciation to all of the strong women in my life, especially to the Cuban ones! And I have to admit, I like the fact that people congratulate me just like that. Furthermore, I noticed that on this day I felt like a connection to my fellow females. Maybe it is due to this awkwardness of being celebrated one day a year for something you just are your whole life.
Over Generations, Women had to fight for their rights and still do, not only in Cuba. So why not take this day and accept a gift or some nice words on behalf of them.
Let’s not forget that it does not replace Women’s rights and the fact that it should not matter which gender we are!
Anyway,
FELIZ DIA DE LA MUJER!
HAPPY WOMEN’S DAY!
