Vilma Espín (b. 1930). A Cuban revolutionary, feminist, and chemical engineer who played a pivotal role in the Cuban Revolution and later became a leading advocate for women’s rights in Cuba.
A close ally of Fidel Castro, she co-founded the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) in 1960, an organization dedicated to advancing gender equality and social justice. Espín’s work in promoting education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for women solidified her legacy as one of Cuba’s most influential female leaders.
Early Life and Education
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Vilma Espín studied chemical engineering at the Universidad de Oriente and later pursued graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her academic background in science distinguished her among revolutionary leaders and informed her later advocacy for STEM education for women.
Role in the Cuban Revolution
Espín joined the 26th of July Movement, a revolutionary group led by Fidel Castro, and became a key strategist.
She worked closely with Raúl Castro, whom she later married, strengthening her political influence. After the revolution’s success in 1959, she shifted focus to social reform, particularly gender equality.
Feminist Advocacy and Legacy
As president of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), Espín championed policies that expanded women’s access to education, healthcare, and political participation.
Under her leadership, Cuba achieved one of the highest rates of female workforce participation in Latin America.
She also advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, though progress in this area was slower due to Cuba’s political climate.
Espín’s legacy endures in Cuba’s gender policies, including maternal health programs and anti-discrimination laws. She remains a symbol of revolutionary feminism in Latin America.
Personal Life and Death
Espín married Raúl Castro in 1959, linking her to Cuba’s political elite. She passed away in 2007, receiving a state funeral in recognition of her contributions.