Another tragic incident of gender-based violence has rocked Cuba, leaving a family mourning and a child without a mother. The death of Yudislaimi Valdés Silediro, a 28-year-old woman, at the hands of her partner earlier this week in Mayabeque marks the 39th reported femicide on the island this year, according to independent feminist platforms tracking these events.
Yudislaimi, a young mother, was killed on November 3 in the couple's home located in El Mamey, San Nicolás de Bari. This tragic event was confirmed on Thursday by gender observatories Alas Tensas (OGAT) and Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba (YSTCC).
The incident, shared widely on social media and covered by independent media outlets, has not seen any official acknowledgment regarding the identity or apprehension of Yudislaimi's aggressor.
Rising Concern Over Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
This femicide occurred just a day after another case of gender violence was documented in Cuba, with the murder of Miriela Mesa Hernández in Chambas, Ciego de Ávila. Miriela, also a mother and a primary school teacher in Falla, was killed by her former partner on the night of November 2, following weeks of harassment and threats. Despite these threats being reported, no preventive action was taken by the authorities.
OGAT and YSTCC highlighted this case as another stark reminder of the lack of effective protective mechanisms against gender violence in Cuba. They emphasized that despite the history of harassment, threats, and public complaints, preventive measures were not implemented to avert the tragedy.
Call for Urgent Action
The alarming rise in gender-based violence in Cuba, with numerous cases reported across various provinces recently, has been a major concern for these observatories. In addition to the documented 39 femicides this year, they have recorded the murder of a man due to gender-based reasons and 15 attempted femicides. Investigations are ongoing for two potential cases in Santiago de Cuba and Villa Clara.
Since 2019, independent platforms have documented 300 femicides in Cuba up to October 1, 2025. This figure only represents a fraction of the persistent gender violence on the island, as the Cuban state fails to release transparent and updated statistics on these incidents.
Both OGAT and YSTCC continue to urge the Cuban government to implement effective public policies for the prevention, attention, and reparation of gender violence victims. They also call for awareness campaigns and the legal recognition of femicide as a distinct criminal offense.
Understanding the Crisis of Gender-Based Violence in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding gender-based violence in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing an alarming increase in gender-based violence, with numerous femicides reported across the island. Independent observatories have documented 39 femicides this year and are investigating more potential cases.
How are independent platforms contributing to addressing this issue?
Independent platforms like OGAT and YSTCC play a crucial role in documenting cases of gender violence and advocating for effective policies and legal recognition of femicide in Cuba.
What actions are being demanded from the Cuban government?
Advocates are calling on the Cuban government to implement effective public policies for the prevention and response to gender violence, conduct awareness campaigns, and legally recognize femicide as a criminal offense.