Vilma Espín, presente!

Dear Comrades and Dear Sisters of the Cuban Federation of Women,

We are deeply saddened by news of the death of Vilma Espín Guillois. Vilma Espín was in every sense a leader of the profound revolutionary processes that have transformed Cuba from an island enduring neocolonial slavery into a proud and independent socialist country setting world-class standards of social development for the masses of people.

Our party has learned much from the Cuban Revolution and its leaders. Sister Vilma was no exception. Representatives from the Federation of Cuban Women have spoken to us on many occasions and each time we learn more and more about the profound revolution within the revolution. Cuban women are exceptional people and revolutionary leaders. Comrade Vilma can take much credit for this phenomenon.

As a young woman, Vilma Espín gave up privileges to become a selfless guerrilla, fighting the U.S.-backed Batista dictatorship from the mountains along with Fidel Castro and the 26th of July Movement. Once in power, she and the other leaders of the revolution just as selflessly began the task of eradicating the severe poverty, inequality and underdevelopment created by centuries of foreign domination. Nowhere was this more glaring than in the status of women.

Under Vilma Espín’s leadership, the Federation of Cuban Women encouraged and organized millions of women to break their chains and demand full equality in everything from employment to reproductive rights. Today, as just one measure of their success, 65 percent of Cuba’s college graduates are women.

She also played a key role in raising awareness on lesbian, gay, bi and trans oppression, leading to progressive changes in Cuban law as early as 1979.

Vilma Espín forever remained a revolutionary. With great intelligence and determination, she strove to continue the “revolution within the revolution.”

She lives on in the remarkable achievements of socialist Cuba and in all the millions who have been inspired by her life and deeds. Vilma Espín Guillois, presente!

Teresa Gutierrez for the Workers World Party Secretariat