Cuba has today unquestionable progresses in gender equality and women''s empowerment that placed it in a privileged position in the world, Justice Minister Maria Esther Reus said.
"We are one of the three countries with more women presence in the Parliament, with 48.86 percent," the minister told Prensa Latina. Reus led the island's delegation to the meeting of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
In education and health sectors, Cuban women have played a leading role, Reus said, citing as an example that 52 percent of women are working in medical brigades that provide solidarity assistance in other countries.
At present, two women are vice presidents of the Council of State, one is a deputy minister of the National Assembly of People's Power, eight are ministers, and 10 are presidents of the Provincial Administration Councils, she stated.
This is the result of the social and political process began with the triumph of the Revolution, which broke with the past and gave women a space they enjoy today, the justice minister said.
The minister also referred to progresses in rural areas, where, unlike what happens in many other countries, women have access to education, health, and culture, and develop an active participation in economy and social life.
Reus, who presented Cuba's report at the CEDAW committee, stated that despite these achievements, there are still some challenges such as the elimination of sex stereotypes and inequalities in the distribution of responsibilities within the family.