Increased Access to Rights for Young Female Venezuelan Migrants through Empowerment: A case study analysis of the program Chamas en Acción in Lima, Peru

An alarming rise in discriminatory behaviors towards young female migrants has emerged in the city of Lima, leading to persistent violation of their rights. This study employs a case-study analysis to examine the influence of the youth empowerment program Chamas en Acción on its participants and to determine its contribution towards enhancing access to rights. Guided by a theory of change framework, the study examines the program’s mechanisms and processes, particularly the role of a safe space in achieving desired outcomes. The findings highlight the role of youth empowerment programs in facilitating access to rights for young female migrants by providing crucial resources. These resources include human capital in the form of knowledge, which enhances self-confidence, social capital through supportive networks, and cultural capital in the form of emotional management skills that aid in navigating challenging circumstances. The participants embark on a process of individual empowerment, recognizing their agency and become catalysts for positive change in supportive environments that value their empowered voices.