The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors has approved a $150 million loan to enhance social protection in Chile. The program, managed by Chile’s Ministry of Social Development and Family and the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, targets 2.2 million vulnerable individuals.
Javiera Toro, Chile’s Minister of Social Development and Family, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with the World Bank. She stated that "strengthening the social protection system is at the center of our government's concerns."
The initiative aims to assist various vulnerable groups, including those affected by poverty, climate-related shocks, and gender-based violence. Jean-Marc Arbogast, World Bank Group Country Manager in Chile, highlighted that this project uses an innovative approach focused on beneficiaries to help reduce inequality.
The project focuses on three main areas: inclusiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency. It aims to integrate children and adolescents into the social protection system while supporting unpaid caregivers who contribute significantly to Chile's GDP.
Antonia Orellana, Minister of Women and Gender Equity in Chile, noted that "this funding allows us to make decisive progress" in addressing violence against women through enhanced coordination and response systems.
Efficiency improvements include creating a one-stop shop for nearly 100 services related to social programs and cash transfers. This effort seeks to streamline processes for users within the social protection framework.