Challenging sexist and discriminatory prejudices, Cuban women have a preponderant place in Cuban history. Sometimes as a support force in the rear or with arms in hand, it has defended the most revolutionary principles.

One of the most courageous examples are the 13 combatants who made up the Mariana Grajales platoon, founded by Fidel on September 4, 1958 in the Sierra Maestra.

Since the incorporation of Celia Sánchez Manduley into the Rebel Army, other young women have joined and their actions have been vital as messengers, nurses and other tasks in the rear.

However, many insisted that they wanted to fight alongside men, and give their blood for the Homeland.

That is why the Leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro, after strong discussions, gives all his support to women and constituted the armed group.

The Marianas never detracted from the trust placed in them and demonstrated in the walks, in the vicissitudes of war and in various combats that they were as good as any man.

After the revolutionary triumph, Las Marianas became millions of women who have been protagonists of a Revolution within a Revolution.

Author: Tania Ramirez