Cuban Women Consider their Role in Local Communities

Havana, Nov 29 (ACN) The Cuban Women’s Federation (FMC) must keep playing a key role in the development of local communities and address the problems facing women and girls.

The statement was made by the Federation’s general secretary Teresa Amarelle during a meeting in Havana of the women’s organization national committee.

Amarelle called to work with adolescents and their families, the schools and neighborhood organizations to prevent current problems like teenage pregnancy and prostitution.

FMC directive in the eastern province of Granma Maria Echavarria said that in her territory actions are underway to lower the rates of adolescent pregnancy. However, the results are not yet satisfactory despite joint action by the ministries of Health and Education, she said.

Medical worker Norca Betancourt from the Colon Municipality in western Matanzas province said educative work with young girls is well underway in her territory to prevent teenage pregnancy, because young ladies are not yet ready for pregnancy, and at times the become school dropouts.

High school teacher Zurely Cabrales, from Havana, said that her students receive sexual education from a comprehensive perspective. But many times, she noted, parents are not prepared or do not have time or the right way to talk with their children about the issue.

FMC member in the eastern province of Holguin, Kamila Brucera, called on the younger members of the women’s organization to approach young girls and work to lower the incidence of teenage pregnancy.

The FMC session also evaluated the actions of the organization to mark its 65th anniversary and pay tribute to the Federation’s historic leader Vilma Espin.