Photographer Captures Empowering Portraits of Cuban Women’s Subtle Strength

cuban women in havana

Photographer Cindy Bekkedam spent February exploring the streets of Cuba, taking in all that Havana has to offer. Bekkedam is an Ottawa-based wedding and lifestyle photographer who aims to capture the real, unscripted magic of every moment. In the case of her voyage to Cuba, she couldn't help but be drawn to the strong Cuban women she encountered.

“The lines on the faces of some of these women tell stories of hardship, yet their expressions reveal optimism,” Bekkedam explains to us in an email. “They hold within them a sense of pride and a unique kind of beauty. This deserves to be celebrated and honored.”

In a culture deeply embedded with machismo, women thrive in Cuba—holding almost 50% of the country's Parliamentary seats. Though they are afforded equal rights under the Cuban constitution, women work against stereotypes that pervade the culture. Even if working full-time, they are fully expected to maintain the home and catcalling is a common occurrence on the streets.

Working within these contradictions, Bekkedam captures Cuban women of all ages in moments of relaxation, friendship, and motherhood. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Havana, her images speak to a changing country of women who grew up under Fidel Castro and others who are coming of age in a post-Fidel era.

Cindy Bekkedam's photographs of Cuban women celebrate their diversity in moments of friendship, motherhood, and daily life.

photos of cuba

photo of cuban women

photo of cuban women

photos of cuba

cuban women in havana

images of cuba

photos of cuba

cuban women in havana

“The lines on the faces of some of these women tell stories of hardship, yet their expressions reveal optimism.”

images of cuba

cuban women in havana

cuban women in havana

cuban women in havana

cuban women in havana

images of cuba

images of cuba

cuban women in havana

photo of cuban women

Cindy Bekkedam: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use images by Cindy Bekkedam.

Related Articles:

Cinematic Portraits Capture the Warm Glow of the Streets and People of Cuba

Interview: American Photographer Captures Everyday Life in Cuba, Feels Like He Went Back in Time

Beautiful Aerial Portraits of Classic Taxis Showcase Daily Life in Cuba

Photographers Document the Soulful Streets of Havana During Obama’s Visit to Cuba

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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