Bridging the Gap: Fostering Inclusive Public Policy Solutions for Diverse Communities in Colombia by Stefanny

Bridging the Gap: Fostering Inclusive Public Policy Solutions for Diverse Communities in Colombia by Stefanny - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

In Colombia, public policies are typically designed at the central level without adequate consideration for geographic conditions, as well as the needs and customs of the population. Through my experiences traveling across the country, I've observed a stark gap between policy design and execution. Often, these policies fail to address the specific needs and local traditions of communities. This realization has fueled my aspiration to specialize in public policy design, with a focus on identifying both population and territory-specific requirements.

For instance, consider the case of the Wayuu Indigenous Community, which faces challenges such as malnutrition and a lack of public services. Despite efforts by the government to provide support through food baskets containing canned tuna and legumes, much of this aid goes to waste. This is either due to recipients' inability to consume such products or because they lack the necessary cooking equipment.

My goal is to develop the expertise necessary to design public policies that offer effective solutions to the challenges faced by diverse communities. As a lawyer, I recognized the need for technical knowledge in areas beyond the legal realm, particularly in public policy. I aim to work closely with ethnic communities to enhance their capacity-building, empowering them to advocate for policies that accurately address their needs.

To achieve this objective, I intend to pursue various avenues, including advocating for communities with policymakers to ensure the implementation of public policies that adopt a territorial and ethnic approach. Additionally, I plan to establish an NGO dedicated to this cause. That's why I chose to focus on the Economic and Political Development Concentration in my master's program—to gain deeper insights into how economics, politics, and social issues intersect in the realm of development.