International conference recognize Cuba's work in favor of women's rights

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba, Apr 15 (ACN) Participants in the 23rd International Conference on African and African-American Culture “Africanía 2025”, sponsored every year by Centro Cultural Africano “Fernando Ortiz”, recognized Cuba's work in favor of women and gender equality.

Angel Villa, coordinator for diplomacy at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the dedication of the event this year to women in Africa and in the Diaspora and their role in family and society is in line with ongoing actions worldwide in favor of women’s rights based on the decisions adopted by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Cuban government.

“African studies have become systematic in Cuba through various institutions involved in these matters which have long worked on women’s empowerment and their engagement in all areas of society, as these panels and workshops have highlighted”, he said.
On her end, Vanessa Aguilar, ambassador of culture and peace of the African Diaspora for Latin America and Caribbean, pointed out the importance of both the Centro Cultural’s work and this Conference to make changes in favor of international unity around women’s recognition and development for the benefit of global peace and a better society.

“As a woman, a leader and an Afro-descendant, I believe that we are sending from Cuba a strong message of resistance, resilience and love for the world based on its programs and social achievements for the welfare of its people," she said.
Everlyne Mwenda Karisa, Kenya's ambassador to Cuba, remarked her excitement at being a participant to make a connection with the ancestors, who passed on their traditions when they were brought from Africa under conditions of slavery, and described the event as a fruitful space for sharing views on and practical examples of how a woman from the so-called black continent performs in the Diaspora.

“Africanía 2025” is once again consolidating itself as an academic space for exchange among researchers from many countries with the aim of discussing and reflecting on pressing issues facing today's societies.