The FMC is a mass organization that develops policies and programs aimed at achieving the full exercise of women's equality in all areas and levels of Cuban society. Among the objectives of this organization is to consistently contribute to the training and well-being of the new generations.
Before the FMC was founded, there were various organizations that grouped women who were supporters of the Cuban revolutionary process as a Revolutionary Women's Unity that brought together a large number of peasant women, the Agrarian Column, the Revolutionary Women's Brigades, the Groups of Women Humanists, the Brotherhood of Mothers and others that merged into a new and unique female organization: The Federation of Cuban Women.
Established on 23 August 1960, the main objective was set out to bring women into society and employment, as well as to the programme of social and economic changes underway in the country. Since its establishment, the Federation of Cuban Women had as president Vilma Espín Guillois, who was a member of the State Council and led the Commission on The Care of Women, Children and Youth of the National Assembly of Popular Power, participating in the formulation of laws related to women, the discussion and elaboration of the Family Code, approved in 1975. On the death of Vilma Espín in 2007, the leadership of the organization fell to the general secretary of the organization Yolanda Ferrer. In 2012 it was elected General Secretary Teresa Amarelle Boué, which continues today.
The organization is territorially structured at the national, provincial, municipal and base level. Its National Directorate is composed of a National Committee and a Secretariat, responsible for enforcing the agreements adopted in each Congress, the maximum governing body that is held every five years. The National Committee brings together women representatives from all social sectors and those in decision-making positions in key ministries, in the Communist Party of Cuba, trade unions and other social organizations. The President of the FMC is a member of the State Council of the Republic of Cuba and heads the Commission on The Care of Women, Children and Youth of the National Assembly of People's Power.
The FMC's coordination work is seen in the programmes implemented jointly with various ministries and governing bodies, highlighting the Women's Employment Coordination Commissions, which aim to improve female labour participation and avoid discrimination in recruitment.
The FMC represents all Cuban women and also performs active international work in the women's rights forums.