Mariana De Lucio Perez, an MPP student at the Blavatnik School of Government and a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann and Chevening Scholar believes in the power of the law to bring about social change.
As a Mexican attorney with a specialisation in human rights from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mariana’s journey is driven by a deep-seated passion for justice and equity.
Growing up in Mexico, Mariana witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by women in her country, igniting her determination to advocate for women’s rights. “I couldn't just stand by and watch as so many women suffered in silence.” This conviction led her to focus her legal career on addressing gender violence and integrating a gender perspective into judicial decisions–a mission she continues to pursue through both her studies and work.
Whilst working at the Mexican Federal Judiciary Council she strove to ensure that every decision made within the judiciary respected and upheld the rights of women, particularly in cases involving violence. Her experience at the Special Prosecutor's Office for Crimes of Violence against Women further honed her expertise in developing public policies that protect the most vulnerable.
Mariana’s dedication extended beyond her official duties. In her spare time, she worked pro bono to offer legal assistance to women who have been affected by violence. Through this work, she helped women navigate the complexities of the legal system, offering them crucial support needed to reclaim their lives and find justice.
the law is a powerful tool for achieving justice, but it’s equally important to provide personal support and empathy. Being there for someone when they need it most can make all the difference in their journey toward healing and empowerment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mariana launched a podcast alongside her co-host, using it as a platform to delve into pressing social issues. “Our podcast was designed to amplify voices that often go unheard,” she explains. “We aimed to create a space where people could engage with challenging topics and reflect on how each of us can play a role in fostering a more equitable society.”
At the Blavatnik School, Mariana is pursuing a Master of Public Policy as a Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholar which allows her to delve deeply into public policy issues, focusing particularly on strategies to combat violence against women. Reflecting on her time at Oxford, she says, “The Blavatnik School has been an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of public policy and its potential to address complex social challenges.” Her studies are centred on refining her expertise to create effective policies aimed at eradicating violence against women in Mexico and Latin America.
In her view, the role of public policy is to bridge the gap between the theoretical aspects of governance and the practical needs of the community. “I see myself as a link between policy and the people it serves,” she explains. Mariana’s approach is rooted in the belief that public policies must tackle the root causes of violence while contributing to a more just and equitable society. Her academic work at Oxford has fortified her dedication to these goals, equipping her with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change.
Looking forward, Mariana is determined to continue her advocacy work, both in Mexico and on a broader scale.
There’s still so much to be done, but I’m confident that through collaboration and continued effort, we can create a more just and equitable society.