A 43-year-old woman known as Yunierkis Gómez Lozano, or "Yunita," tragically lost her life in Cumanayagua, Cienfuegos, on Thursday. The mother of two teenagers fell from a rooftop during a violent confrontation with her partner, who subsequently took his own life. The incident was publicly reported on Sunday by the Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas (OGAT), marking it as the 40th feminicide in Cuba in 2026.
According to OGAT's report, community sources confirmed a history of violence in Yunierkis's relationship, underscoring the femicidal nature of her death. The perpetrator was also the father of her two children, a teenage girl and boy.
The organization expressed their heartfelt condolences to Yunierkis's children, family, and the Cumanayagua community, emphasizing that this tragedy unfolds amid the harsh realities facing the nation.
The Alarming Rise of Feminicides in Cuba
This case brings the confirmed feminicide count in Cuba to 40 from January to this past Sunday, more than doubling the 18 cases reported during the same period in 2025, representing a 112.5% increase. OGAT has also recorded 19 attempted feminicides and two murders of men related to gender violence so far this year.
Earlier in July, two additional feminicides shook the island: Dayana Borges, a 26-year-old mother of two, was killed on July 1 in Centro Habana, and Yolexis Virgen Arias Oroceno, aged 54, died the same Thursday in Camagüey.
A Grim Pattern Emerges
The data from OGAT reveals a disturbing pattern: 83.3% of feminicides in Cuba are perpetrated by current or former partners, 62.5% occur in the victim's home, and 64.6% involve the use of sharp objects. From 2019 to June 2026, independent observers have documented 350 feminicides on the island, with a peak of 90 cases in 2023.
The Cuban regime does not release official statistics on gender-based violence or feminicides, leaving independent and citizen-led monitoring as the sole source of data. Since April 2026, OGAT remains the only active observatory following the closure of Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba due to resource constraints.
Ongoing Investigations and Urgent Calls for Action
OGAT is currently investigating 12 potential feminicides and three attempted cases alerted in 2026 that have yet to be confirmed. The organization has demanded access to the investigation report on Anais Tamayo Puente's case. Their sobering message highlights the urgency of the crisis: "They are killing us."
Understanding the Crisis of Feminicides in Cuba
What is the Observatorio de Género de Alas Tensas (OGAT)?
OGAT is an independent observatory focused on monitoring and reporting gender-based violence and feminicides in Cuba. They provide crucial data and insights in the absence of official statistics from the Cuban government.
Why is the feminicide count rising in Cuba?
The increase in feminicide cases in Cuba can be attributed to deep-rooted societal issues, lack of effective legal measures, and insufficient government intervention to combat gender-based violence.
How can independent observatories like OGAT help?
Independent observatories like OGAT play a vital role by collecting and disseminating information on feminicides, raising awareness, and advocating for policy changes to protect victims and prevent future cases.