A Chevening Scholarship at Oxford is helping Flavia Marinez Tarazona deepen her understanding of public policy, build an international network and apply new ideas to tackling gender-based violence and expanding opportunities for young people in Peru.
Flavia Marinez Tarazona is completing her MSc in Public Policy at the University of Oxford with an Anglo-American-funded Chevening Scholarship.
As a Peruvian lawyer with a background in human rights and criminal law, Flavia’s commitment to social change began early. At just 17, she co-founded Hablemos Sin Tabúes (“Let’s Talk Without Taboos”), an organisation that uses law, education and technology to help prevent gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy.
She later worked in Peru’s public sector on policies addressing gender-based violence and human trafficking. After several years working on these issues in Peru, Flavia felt she needed to look beyond the context she already knew.
‘ Since arriving [in the UK], I have learned not only in the classroom, but also from the culture, architecture, institutions and public services that shape people’s everyday lives.’
Flavia’s Chevening experience has broadened the way she understands public policy, strengthening her knowledge of areas including economics and evidence-based policymaking.
But some of her most important lessons have come from observing how policy affects everyday life.
‘It made me think more deeply about the conditions I want to help create, particularly in communities where opportunities and public services remain limited.’
Her time in the UK has also given her opportunities to challenge herself and explore new approaches to social impact. At Oxford, she was one of 12 students at the Blavatnik School of Government selected for a public-speaking programme. She was also selected for the Impact Lab, delivered by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, where she learned alongside social-impact leaders from across the world.
In addition, with support from St Hugh’s College, Flavia was able to attend the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva and visit the United Nations.
‘Chevening and Oxford have helped me see the challenges from different perspectives.’
The Chevening network has been one of the most meaningful parts of Flavia’s journey.
‘What I value most is knowing that these relationships will continue beyond our time in the UK. We are already talking about ways to collaborate in the future and connect some of the work we are doing in our countries.
‘I came to Chevening expecting to build an international network, but I found something much more personal as well: friendships with people I admire, countries I now have even more reasons to visit, and a community I will always be part of.’
With the support of Anglo-American as a Chevening partner, Flavia has had the opportunity to make the most of her Chevening experience and deepen her understanding of how policy, education and social initiatives can contribute to positive change.
‘The support of Anglo-American has been fundamental to my journey… I also value the fact that partnerships like this invest in people who want to contribute to positive change in their communities.’
For Flavia, the impact of her Chevening experience is already beginning to take shape.
She hopes to use what she has learned to contribute to better public policies and social initiatives that prevent gender-based violence, expand opportunities for young people, and use technology to make human rights more accessible.
This vision is already reflected in the work of Hablemos Sin Tabúes. In 2026, the organisation has been working with support from Anglo American in communities and schools in Moquegua, Peru.
Through the project, young people are encouraged to reflect on their life plans and future possibilities, while also working to prevent violence and strengthen their sense of responsibility towards their communities.
Looking ahead, Flavia wants to continue working at the intersection of public policy, human rights and technology, while strengthening the work of Hablemos Sin Tabúes and building collaborations across the region.
‘I hope to use the knowledge, networks, and experiences I have gained through Chevening to make a broader contribution to the communities I care about.’
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