In the presence of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and President of the Republic, the work of a group of Cuban women federates was recognised today on the eve of the 64th anniversary of the organisation.

Also presiding over the awards ceremony, which took place at the El Laguito Convention Centre in the capital, were members of the Political Bureau, Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and of the Council of State; Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organisation of the Central Committee of the PCC, and Teresa Amarelle Boué, Secretary General of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).

Zonya Rivero López, second secretary of the FMC, highlighted the love, firmness and commitment to the Revolution and the unconditional defence of the values and principles of the West Indian nation that have always characterised the federates.

Rivero López stressed that honour and glory are nothing more than an incentive for the fulfilment of duty in those who make up the organisation, as a legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz; the National Apostle José Martí, and Vilma Espín Guillois, eternal president of the organisation.

During the ceremony, the «Mariana Grajales» Orders were awarded to five comrades, and «Ana Betancourt» to 20 Cuban women, for their contributions to the development of society and their unwavering loyalty to revolutionary and internationalist ideals.

In addition, the «23 August» award was presented to 300 women members, and 45 cadres and workers who have served the organisation with strength, dignity and high morale were recognised.

Since its foundation on 23 August 1960, the Federation of Cuban Women has been a spokesperson for the struggle for equality and sovereignty of women in all spheres of society.