Winner: Claudia López Hernández
Nomination: Gender Inclusion
Former Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá Care Blocks is a pioneering municipal program designed to support women engaged in unpaid care work, such as looking after children, elderly relatives, and people with disabilities. A 2021 study found that 90% of women in Bogotá perform unpaid care work, with 30% fully dedicated to it, leaving them without opportunities for professional growth.
To address this challenge, the city created more than 20 “Care Blocks” — dedicated centers where:
- Professional staff assist women in caring for their dependents.
- Women can access educational programs, vocational training, and professional development with the guidance of mentors.
“Inclusive institutions are those that allow and encourage participation by the great mass of people in economic activities that make best use of their talents and skills and enable them to make the choices they wish.” (“Why Nations Fail”)
