Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon


The Mariana Grajales Women's Platoon, or Las Marianas, was an all-female military platoon created by Fidel Castro, Celia Sánchez, and Haydée Santamaría during the 26th of July Movement on 4 September 1958, named after the Cuban icon Mariana Grajales who served in the Cuban War of Independence.

History

After a group of women led by Isabel Rielo pleaded with Fidel Castro to create a women's unit, Castro summoned the leaders of the rebel army for a debate on 3 September 1958. After seven hours of discussion, at about 1a.m. Castro authorized the creation of the platoon. Isabel Rielo was selected to lead the platoon as the result of a shooting test.
It is estimated by several accounts that women only made up about 5% of the total rebel forces during the Cuban Revolution. So the Mariana Grajales Platoon, which was composed of 13 young women, was a unique component of the revolutionary army.
The platoon was essential in the rebels' 28 September 1958 victory over the Batista forces at Cerro Pelado after a three-day battle.
Members of the platoon used M-1 carbines as their weapon of choice.
Following victory in January 1959, the members of the platoon worked to build schools in the mountainous portion of eastern Cuba.
On 4 September 1988, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the platoon, a commemorative event was held at the headquarters of the Women's Anti-Air Artillery Regiment. In attendance were Vilma Espín, president of the Federation of Cuban Women, Nguyễn Thị Định, then-Vice President of Vietnam and member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Corps General Julio Casas Regueiro of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.

Members