Women in Cuba and the move to a private market economy

The question remains over what a private market, even one that is well-regu lated and modified, ultimately means for the future of Cuban society. This article examines the impact of the recent economic changes in Cuba on women , and explores whether the status of women in Cuba can be sustained or impr oved with the introduction of a modified private market economy. Based on f ield visits to Cuba and on secondary sources, the authors discuss the statu s of Cuban women since the Revolution, and document the changes and challen ges that these women currently face. The authors conclude that the unique g ains of women following the Revolution may be threatened by the imperatives of a market-driven economy, but that Cuban women appear to be bracing them selves for the struggles that this may entail. Cuban women have retained th eir commitment to gender equality and are actively working toward improving their status in society. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserve d.