By Jess McCabe | 13 May 2005, 12:40

The US trade-and-travel embargo on Cuba is having a devestating effect on women, Women’s E-News reports today.

Women are bearing the brunt of the sanctions in any number of ways, but mostly involving everyday hardships that make the day-to-day living difficult.

On paper, Cuba is a great place for women to work - there is real equal pay, and more than 65% of technicians and professionals are female. But in reality economic conditions have driven many women to prostitution to feed themselves and their families.

And the average salary for both men and women is only $15 a month.