FLAMUR-CUBA is a female non-governmental organization created by Magdaliva Hidalgo in 1996. The name FLAMUR stands for Federation of Latin-American Rural Women. This is the first rural organization on Cuba that embraces as many as 17 units on entire island. Its major goal is to improve life conditions of Cuban country as well as support social initiatives and fight against all kinds of violence. FLAMUR also aims at arousing among Cubans interest in problems of Latin-Americans.
The idea of the foundation of the organization is based on the premise that the Cuban woman has always been present in the life of the island participating in its most significant events. The organization comprises over thousand of women who represent diverse professions and lifestyles: there are housewives, mothers, independent women and human rights fighters, owners of small enterprises and freelancers. Since main rule of functioning of FLAMUR is equality each of its members has a chance to be chosen in cyclical election to the management of the organization. Currently the seat of the chairperson is held by Belinda Salas, Magdelivia Hidalgo who founded FLAMUR and now represents the organization on the international arena.

There is no development without women

The activity of FLAMUR aims at improving conditions of rural community; while understanding its situation and needs, the organization works towards building up its internal solidarity and strengthening its relations with other social groups. FLAMUR wants to make existence of women living in the country better and facilitate creating nets of mutual connections thanks to which they could actively participate in developing rural areas. As FLAMUR members believe, to plan effectively and to realize supportive programs addressed to the country it is indispensable to involve the women living there. However, in order to use efficiently their strong points and to unlock their potential it is necessary to get to know the women and their environment as well as identify their capacities, analyze the reality and look at the problem strategically.

Throughout the history a Cuban woman has fought actively for its position, no wonder she has experience in solving problems. Together with other women she can unite, discover and strengthen her identity. History presents numerous examples of active women who despite public underestimation became role models for others. Therefore, what is necessary is another step forward in female activity so that women were able with united efforts to implement ideas of fair world. So far it has already been changes in situation of women (in the field of women rights for example); yet, without participation of women ideas and transformations seem to be difficult to fulfill. To achieve it the mere fact of having rights is not enough – one must exercise and stand for his/her rights and his/her freedom. Respecting rights of women should proceed along with observing entitlements of their families, children, husbands. Only in such conditions will they be able to experience a sense of fulfillment as women and people in general.

Support of traditional models

FLAMUR conducts a wide range of actions referring to the basic aspects of life. The organization promotes the woman herself as well as community in which she lives. It helps women to unite and perform mutual actions. For this reason there are organized frequent local exchanges and meetings during which everybody has possibility to share her experiences and offer moral support with advice.

Considering discrimination in the field of economy another goal set by FLAMUR is to inspire women of the country to take an active part in the financial area. The organization is involved in activity connected with the job market and enterprise. There are workshops for women organized by the FLAMUR that unlock their skills, upgrade their qualifications and enable them to earn their living. Clothes cutting and sewing workshops or cosmetic courses are examples of those. Having completed such trainings women are encouraged to start their own small companies. It is accompanied by providing women with continuous motivation referring to their efforts and supporting them with essential help, promoting their actions, consulting that teaches how to be a leader, how to manage or make decisions. Women can rely on FLAMUR assistance also in further stages of their careers, while running their companies for example. Another issue promoted by the organization is creating on Cuba a suitable system of agricultural credits.

Activity of FLAMUR present in the field of creating and building up national and regional identity, culture and autonomy does not mean that organization neglects its efforts at an international forum. Its dynamic reflects in numerous contacts and participations in female movement in general. FLAMUR is ready to cooperate with other non-governmental organizations for the purpose of common fight for equal chances. It takes part in solidarity movements which helps FLAMUR to introduce facilitations while opening small companies and to prepare support programs for the elderly or popularize development of cultural programs in rural areas. Establishing international relations with other organizations, not only those for women, seems to be crucial for FLAMUR. Together with foreign partners they can cooperate for the benefit of common goals connected for example with human rights. Community of Cuban women is active when it comes to relations with international environment and open to implementing changes.

For more information: www.flamurcuba.org