The National Secretary of the Cuban Women Federation (FMC) sent today a congratulations message to all members of the organization on the 50 anniversary of its creation.

The message posted on Granma and Juventud Rebelde newspapers makes reference to Fidel Castro’s words on the constitutional ceremony of the organization when he expressed his full confidence on the political force of the emerging organization and on Cuban women. 
The text pays homage to FMC founder Vilma Espin and highlights the role of Cuban women in the Revolution. It mentions their participation in all battles fought by the Revolution like the literacy campaign, Bay of Pigs, the African independence fights, everyday struggles throughout the 1990’s economic crisis.
The organization’s leadership also takes advantage of the date to demand the US to lift the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba and to release the five Cubans unfairly imprisoned in that country. It demands Washington as well to grant visas to Adriana Perez and Olga Salanueva, wives of two of the Cuban Five, so they can visit their husbands in jail.
On related news, local media announced the celebration tonight of a cultural and political ceremony to mark the historical date at the Universal Hall of the Revolutionary Armed Forces Ministry.