Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 17, 2025. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Yadira Ledesma Hernández, delivered a statement at the Forum of Women Political Leaders at the 46th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary General Assembly (AIPA), where Cuba is participating as an Observer Parliament.
The Cuban diplomat expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to exchange views with ASEAN members at the event, which was themed "Female Leadership for Future-Ready Governance." The session was dedicated to the topic: "Institutionalizing Inclusive Governance: Paths and Partnerships for Gender-Responsive Parliaments and Future-Ready Parliaments."
She emphasized that Cuba shares the vision discussed, which promotes that increasing women's representation in decision-making processes strengthens legal and political frameworks that promote equity and inclusive development.
In this regard, she shared aspects of Cuba's experience in defending women's rights and promoting their development; achievements in which the emancipatory work of the Revolution, along with the work of the Federation of Cuban Women, has played a fundamental role.
She highlighted that the participation of Cuban women in decision-making is growing, with women representing 52.3% in decision-making positions. Also recognized how proud Cubans feel because the country has become the second nation in the world in percentage of women in Parliament, where female have reached 56.71% of member in the Cuban Parliament.
She emphasized that in the case of Cuba, despite being a small developing country, a country that faces the obstacles of an illegal blockade and coercive measures, it has been proven that political will is essential to promote women's rights and leadership.
She also noted that to face the challenges that all nations still face in order to achieve truly sustainable and inclusive societies, it is essential to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange, an area in which our Parliaments must play a more active role.
In conclusion, she paid tribute to the resilience of women, including Cuban women, who continue to work for that better world, which they know is possible.