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Death of a Revolutionary

20/06/07

Vilma Espin, one of the foremost figures in the Cuban revolution, has died aged 77.

Vilma passed away on Monday (June 18) after a long battle with illness.

She was a key figure in advancing women’s equality issues in the socialist state as president of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC).

Espin’s contribution to the revolution dates back to her role in the armed struggle against the US-backed military ruler Fulgencio Batista.

She became involved in the struggle in Santiago de Cuba in 1956, spurning her wealthy upbringing – her father was an executive at the Bacardi rum distillery. It was during this period as a guerilla fighter that she met Raul Castro, whom she eventually married.

After the revolution’s military victory, Espin helped to establish and then lead the FMC’S fight against illiteracy and bolster women's political participation, as well as campaigning on issues such as abortion, contraception and children’s rights.

Cuba has one of the world’s best records on gender equality and much of Espin’s life was spent achieving this.

Today, the Federation has around 3.6 million members, or 85 per cent of the island's female population.

Vilma was also active on other political fronts, successfully pushing for the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1979.

Espin was a member of the Cuban Communist Party's central committee since its creation in 1965 and a member of the party's politburo from 1980 until 1991, remaining a member of Cuba's Council of State.

The Cuban government declared one day of official mourning in Espin's honour and demonstrations in her memory were set to take place in the capital Havana and Santiago, her home town.

Progressive people around the world will mourn her loss.

La lucha continua (the struggle continues).