Cuba faces many crises. The US sanctions continuous to strangle the economy and the governmental attempts to change the economic path have not been successful nor adequately implemented. Further, the pandemic’s blow to the tourism sector, the severe electricity crisis, deterioration of food production, and lack of access to basic goods and services account for an extreme situation for the population. Inequality is increasing, particularly between those with and without access to foreign currencies.
Rationing of services and food is increasing, the quality of and access to health and education is deteriorating, and migration is massive, mainly of professionals and young people. The effects of migration and poorer health services especially impact women, who take care of family members and neighbours requiring assistance. Gender equality is high regarding access to education and employment, but the proportion of women in the government is low.
These factors are complemented by a tight space for critical voices and a centralized and vertical political culture. The protests in 2021 were met with incarcerations and repression, further decreasing the authorities’ credibility in terms of facilitating for political participation.
The new constitution (2019) recognizes individuals and collectives right to private property and the need to decentralize state structures and limits the position of president and party leader to two terms. The process leading to new constitution the did allow for some debates between different sectors.
NPA in Cuba
Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) has had a program in Cuba since 1994. As most organisations in Cuba are in some way affiliated with the state, this also applies to our partners, with some exceptions. NPA cooperates with actors that promote citizens' participation in decision-making, facilitate entrepreneurship, prevent gender violence, organise to address peoples’ needs, and develop agroecological productive processes.
The programme contributes to strengthening organised neighbourhoods, decentralised local government structures, educational institutions, and agroecological collectives at the municipal level in the four provinces La Habana, Matanzas, Granma and Pinar del Rio. The programme will support organisations engaged in knowledge production, socio-economic innovations, and environmental initiatives. There is a special focus on including and enhancing women and young people.
Extreme centralisation leaves little room for civil society organisations to influence decision-making processes. Therefore, partners influence primarily by supporting decentralisation processes, promoting new methods of social participation, and publishing information material that stimulates reflection and discussion. Among other things, partners have been involved in making the internet more accessible to people, provided input to new communication legislation, and contributed to state actors using participatory methods in the training of state employees.
