Claudia is a first-generation Chilean migrant in Venezuela and currently a Venezuelan migrant in Chile. She is an economist with a master's degree in Political Science and International Relations. She has years of experience working on gender, migration, and international cooperation issues. Through this work, Claudia has witnessed first-hand the challenges, barriers, and discriminations that migrants face when trying to settle in a new country. Due to her professional experience, she has also been able to witness the incapacity of states to adapt and welcome newcomers. Considering the latter, she works to bridge the gaps between the needs of migrant populations, especially those of women, and the local government. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Empowering Migrant Women in Chile 

As a product of the ongoing crisis in Venezuela, Chile has seen an approximate 350% increase in its migrant population over the last four years. According to recent estimations, the COVID-19 economic crisis impacted migrants harder than locals, especially those living in the country the longest. It is also widely known that the crisis has impacted women the hardest, showing the gaps in labor force participation, unpaid work, and gender-based violence. While migrant women in Chile participate more in the labor force than locals, they are more vulnerable to unemployment due to visa processes, which can take up to two years, inability to validate credentials, general violence and harassment. While there have been countless efforts to promote economic reactivation and recovery in the post-COVID era from a gender perspective, in Chile there is still limited support for migrant women. This project set the groundwork for a continuous effort from both civil society and government to support migrant women in the country.

The project reached 55 migrant women across four cities and brought significant media attention to the issues outlines above. Participants were educated about services available to them, especially those who were survivors of GBV. Project partners included three NGOs and one municipality.

"Wonderful project, very well presented with clear data and information that has practical use." - Project Partner

IVLP Exchange Experience

Claudia was a participant in the IVLP Project Women in Politics and Civil Society, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education.

Claudia's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "It was inspiring to be able to meet so many bright and wonderful women leading change in their local communities."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Denver, CO; Washington, DC; Minneapolis, MN; Burlington, VT

Country: Chile

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