Crisis of Gender Violence in Cuba
Independent gender observatories in Cuba have reported 12 attempted femicides by October 2025, underscoring a critical situation of violence against women in the country. The data, compiled by the Observatorio de Género Alas Tensas (OGAT) and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC), indicates that these incidents involved nine women, one transgender woman, and two girls.
The observatories define an attempted femicide as 'direct aggression against the victim or victims because they are women, but fails to achieve their goal of taking their lives.' These cases have been documented across multiple provinces, reflecting a widespread issue.
Geographic Scope and Data Collection
The reported attempted femicides occurred in various regions across the island. Provinces where these incidents took place include:
- Havana
- Mayabeque (specifically Güines)
- Matanzas (Matanzas and Cárdenas)
- Villa Clara (Remedios)
- Ciego de Ávila (Ciego de Ávila)
- Camagüey (Camagüey)
- Granma (Guisa)
- Santiago de Cuba (Santiago de Cuba)
- Holguín (Holguín)
The independent observatories gather their data through public reports, family testimonies, confirmations from acquaintances of the victims, and monitoring of social media, as the Cuban state does not publish transparent or updated official statistics on gender-based violence.
Broader Context of Femicides in Cuba
The report on attempted femicides follows closely on the heels of a separate confirmation by OGAT and YSTCC of 35 femicides committed in Cuba so far in 2025. This figure, like that of attempted femicides, is considered an underreporting of the true extent of gender-based violence due to the challenges in data collection and the lack of official transparency.
Since 2019, these independent platforms have collectively documented a total of 300 femicides in Cuba up to October 1, 2025. Despite Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel's declaration of 'zero tolerance' against gender violence, femicide is not specifically criminalized in the Cuban Penal Code, and state media has historically avoided using the term.
6 Comments
Katchuka
Díaz-Canel said 'zero tolerance.' They are working on it.
Loubianka
The lack of official data is concerning and hinders effective policy-making. While independent groups fill a void, a collaborative approach with government transparency would be more impactful.
BuggaBoom
These independent reports are crucial! The truth needs to come out.
paracelsus
These numbers seem inflated. Where's the official proof?
eliphas
The independent observatories are doing vital work by bringing these incidents to light. However, the article could also benefit from including any government statements or planned actions to address these specific reports, even if limited.
Donatello
While the statistics from independent groups are alarming and highlight a serious problem, it's difficult to verify their accuracy without official government data. Both sides need to engage for a true solution.