Empowering Women in Public Service: Overcoming Challenges in Latin America

In commemoration of International Women’s Day earlier this month, the Moynihan Institute’s Program on Latin America and Caribbean is proud to host Ana María Baiardi (Paraguay), Patricia Balbuena Palacios (Peru), and Diego Ubfal (Argentina) for an in-depth discussion on the empowerment of women in public service in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Moderated by Maxwell’s de Sardon-Glass Fellows, this virtual talk explores the main barriers that women face in accessing leadership roles in the region. Panelists will analyze strategies and policies to improve women’s participation in governments and organizations, and they will examine the intersectional factors that shape women’s experiences in the search for leadership roles. Specifically, the dialogue will highlight the contemporary situation and advancements of women in public service, with a focus on bridging the gender gap within the public and private sectors. This will be a unique opportunity to engage with experts who promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Senior Consultant in Intercultural Relationships, Indigenous Peoples, and Management for Sustainable Development

Patricia is the former deputy minister of social benefits of the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion of Peru. She currently works on issues of female empowerment for inclusive development with an intercultural approach at the national and international level (USAID, World Bank, etc.).

Senior Economist, World Bank

Diego Ubfal is senior economist in the World Bank’s Gender Group. He leads work on entrepreneurship and gender and coordinates the Gender Innovation Labs. He focuses on Latin American and the Caribbean, Europe, and Central Asia. Before joining the World Bank, he was assistant professor at Bocconi University. 

Gender, Inclusion and Diversity Manager

Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF)

Ana María is the manager of gender, inclusion and diversity for CAF-Development Bank of Latin America. She has served as the ambassador of Paraguay to Peru and member of the Board of Qualifications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has been minister of women of Paraguay, vice president of the OAS International Women’s Commission, and other diplomatic roles. 

de Sardon-Glass Fellow, Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Master of Public Administration ‘24

de Sardon-Glass Fellow, Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Master of Public Administration ‘24

de Sardon-Glass Fellow, Moynihan Institute of Global Affairs

Executive Master of Arts in International Relations ‘24

Executive Master of Public Administration ‘24