The Commercial Engineering student from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Chile will conduct research on economics, public policy, and gender during the second semester of 2024, under the mentorship of Millennium Institute MIPP researcher Damian Clarke.
The Millennium Institute for Research in Market Imperfections and Public Policy (MIPP) is an academic center dedicated to generating and disseminating knowledge in economics and related fields. Our mission is to develop cutting-edge approaches to address some of the most challenging and significant topics in market design and regulation, finance, data, and public policy, making them accessible to society at large.
As part of its goals, the Institute focuses on training future generations of researchers in economics and public policy through various activities and initiatives targeting undergraduate and graduate students in these fields.
In this context, the “Gender, Economics, and Public Policy Research Fund” aims to promote the development of research skills and competencies among undergraduate and graduate students while highlighting the importance of gender-related topics in the study of economics and public policy.
In this latest edition of the fund, the selected recipient was Pilar Muñoz, a Commercial Engineering student with a Bachelor’s in Economic Sciences from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Chile (FEN). Pilar will conduct research on economics, public policy, and gender during the second semester of 2024 under the guidance of MIPP researcher Damian Clarke.
Her research project, titled “Analysis of Barriers to Reporting Domestic Violence in Chile,” seeks to explore and analyze the underlying reasons why victims of domestic violence in Chile choose not to report these incidents to the authorities. By analyzing survey data and public policy documents, the project aims to identify cultural, socioeconomic, and legal barriers that hinder victims from reporting acts of violence.
Pilar, a FEN U.Chile student, shared:
“Since the beginning of my studies, I have had a strong interest in exploring gender-related issues, especially those that have not received sufficient attention in the public sphere, such as domestic violence. This opportunity will help me better define my areas of interest and continue developing essential skills for my career. I applied to this topic because I believe it is crucial to quantify the barriers preventing women from reporting gender-based violence. Delving into this issue will help shed light on a problem that often is not addressed with the urgency it requires.”
She further added:
“Studying these barriers is essential to contributing effectively to the formulation of more effective public policies. As an Economics student, I find this type of research deeply motivating, as it allows me to apply data analysis and research to propose practical solutions. Finally, having the opportunity to work with a professor highly knowledgeable in gender-related topics is an excellent learning experience.”
Pilar emphasized that this type of research is critical “not only to inform the population but also to guide policymakers in implementing effective public policies that promote greater protection and equity for victims.”
MIPP Chile 2024