Order "Mariana Grajales".

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The Orden "Mariana Grajales" is awarded to women only.
Shown below is the pre Castro version of this Order.

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Above is the Pre-Castro version of this women only Order. The award critaria is according to the Decreto-Ley #30:

The ORDEN "MARIANA GRAJALES" is conferred to female citizens of Cuba, whose labour in any sphere of creative work would constitute an exceptional example of revolutionary or internationalist activity; or for extraordinary acts towards the creation of the new generations, for achievements towards the full incorporation of the woman into the society, for the development of the country or the defense of our motherland; to foreign female citizens whose labor in any sphere brings significant benefit to their nations or the humanity, always contributing to the crossing of international boundaries, and who distinguish themselves in defense of revolutionary ideals, anti-imperialist struggle and for the liberation and independence of the people.

The mother of Cuban independence

As the first of three wars of independence opened in 1868, two women in particular inspired the notice of patriots. Mariana Grajales Cuello, the mulatta mother of eleven sons, one of whom was the great commander General Anitonio Maceo, was memorialized in her day by José Martí for her willingness to sacrifice her children and herself for Cuba. She taught her sons how to use the machete as a fighting weapon, and she instilled in them dreams of an independent Cuba devoid of slavery.
As the legend goes, with all but her youngest son on the war front, she received news of the death of her oldest, Miguel. Reportedly, she turned to the youngest and said, ‘‘Y tú, muchacho, empíñate, que ya esla hora de que pelees por tu patria’’ (And now, son, stand tall, for it is time for you to fight for your country). Mariana Grajales embodied all that was Cuba at that moment. She was a woman of color who symbolized that Cuba would be a nation of racial harmony. She was willing to sacrifice all that was most dear, the flesh of her flesh, for her nation. Cubans would never surrender. No sacrifice was too great, not even the prospect of genocidal wars or, by extension, national suicide. Mariana Grajales became the mother of Cuban independence. She was recognized by José Martí as La Leona. Her example, along with the bravery of many other Cuban women, prompted his praise: ‘‘With women such as these, itis easy to be heroes.’’Ana Betancourt de Mora, who failed in her attempt to secure citizenship for women under the revolutionary government that met to write the ‘‘Bases derevolución’’ in 1869, nevertheless raised the awareness of women’s contribu-tions to independence and the inevitability of full rights for women under a democratic government. Attending the constitutional congress in the place ofher ailing husband, Ignacio, Ana pointed out that Cubans had declared that the Negro was the Cuban’s brother and that slavery had no place in a new republic.
She concluded that women had made the same sacrifices as men and so they too should be considered full citizens in the emerging nation.Women’s work in revolutionary clubs, both within Cuba and in foreign countries, stoked the independence flame through periods between the wars and during conflict itself women fought in the armies, working as spies, gunrunners, money raisers, propagandists, conspirators, and saboteurs. Their efforts were recognized and added urgency to the campaigns and morality to the cause. All subsequent governments found in the mambisa the soul of their own political challenges.


Here is the Castro version from Michel's collection