Meet UN Women Adviser, Tamara Drove

Tell us a little about yourself

I am from Santiago, Chile, and I'm a bilingual professional with 10 years of experience in conducting gender mainstreaming and managing development projects in international and multilateral organizations such as UNESCO, UN Womem, NGOs, and the public sector in Chile and abroad. I was awarded a scholarship by the Chile Scholarship Program to study the MA Gender, Society and Representation at UCL from 2019 to 2021, and I was also selected by the US Embassy in Chile for the prestigious International Leadership Program in 2020 led by the US Department of State, specifically on Women as Drivers of Economic and Social Impact.

What inspired you to study at UCL?

First of all, I was inspired to study at UCL because of the international recognition of the quality of its academic offerings, including its academic staff, in addition to its long history of excellence and prestige. Also, and specifically with respect to my career path, I was looking for a critical intersectional gender studies program that did not focus solely on women's studies. I only found it in the Gender, Society, and Representation MA, which was refreshing and pushed my career in the direction I wanted.

What attracted you to study your programme?

As I mentioned earlier, I looked for international study programmes that included two main components: A master's degree in intersectional gender studies, and at a university of excellence. When I read about my Magister's vision, such as his specific classes, I knew I was in the right place. My programme successfully accomplished to prepare students on the social, political, and economic rights of women and the complex relationship between gender, culture and diversity, with a critical understanding of the multifaceted, pressing structural issues leading to discrimination.

What did you enjoy most about studying in London?

All the clichés about London are true! There is a magic about London that is undeniable: its landmark avenues for history, cinema, music, and culture in general - as described by its blue plaques around the city, and its millenary traditions that perfectly complement the fast moving, eclectic and multicultural city. This mix proved to be a great charm for me.

What is your favourite memory of UCL?

My favorite memories were dwelling on campus knowing the amount history that was contained there. For example, between classes, I'd had lunch with friends on the lawn where Bloomsbury Group members, like Virginia Woolf, would gather. Those bits of realization always amazed me. Also, the fiery debates in classes about issues that intersect gender. As a student from southern Latin America it was and is extremely relevant to me not focusing gender studies on a European or North American perspective solely. I felt seen and encouraged to think beyond what is usually given in gender studies by diverse professors in terms of cultural background, identities and social positionings.

Above all, my best memory is the people I met, from different parts of the world, who I can call my great friends to this day.

What advice would you give to current or prospective students?

Think outside of what is traditionally taught, use the talents of your teachers to explore topics that challenge you in your areas of interest. Above all, have fun, get to know your peers, the campus, and London as much as possible. Let the experience run through your lives and transform you not only into better professionals, but people with new stories and anecdotes to share for years to come.

What have you been doing since graduating?

I work as a consultant at UN Women Chile, where I led the coordination for the Latin American launching of the HeForShe campaign in 2016, and since 2021 I carry out projects related to Women's Peace and Security, such as migrant women's rights and indigenous women's leadership in peace-building processes.

Academically, I worked as an Advisor for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Women and Inclusive Growth Priority, where I jointly coordinated gender-related studies in partnership with the OECD. Furthermore, I was selected to present academic papers on gender issues at the ISA Forum of Sociology Congress at the University of Vienna in 2016 and at the CEISAL Congress at the University of Helsinki this present year, 2022. I currently teach Gender Studies at Universidad Diego Portales and previously at Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago, Chile.