Prodemu faces potential closure due to financial crisis

The Foundation for the Promotion and Development of Women (Prodemu), a Chilean institution established in 1990 to support women's autonomy, faces a severe financial crisis that threatens its continuity. Reports indicate the organization may face closure by December 2026, as current capital is estimated to cover salaries only until October 2026.

The institution is grappling with a significant deficit. While internal sources suggest the debt exceeds $2.6 billion pesos, the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality stated it inherited a deficit of approximately $2.5 billion pesos, which they claim has been reduced to roughly $1.3 billion pesos during the first five months of their management.

Founded by Leonor Oyarzún following Chile's return to democracy, Prodemu has provided programs and workshops to over one million women. The current instability comes amid budgetary restrictions and judicial inquiries regarding the administration of public funds.