Social protection initiatives launched in Uruguay and Venezuela

In Uruguay, the Directorate of Women, Gender, and Diversity is launching gender perspective training sessions for the general public, including clubs, neighborhood associations, and NGOs. These training programs are framed under the Micaela Law (Law No. 27.499/18) and aim to provide tools for managing emotional situations and addressing violence. Melisa Zárate, the director, noted that increased reporting in certain departments suggests that previous workshops are building trust in state-provided tools.

In Venezuela, the National Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents (IDENNA) has activated ‘Friendly Spaces’ for children and adolescents in temporary camps across Caracas, Miranda, and La Guaira. Supported by Unicef and the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality, these spaces utilize multidisciplinary teams to provide emotional containment, psychosocial support, and assistance for cases involving violence, abuse, negligence, or exploitation. The initiative aims to ensure safe and dignified environments for minors in these transitional areas.