This space brings together stories of women who have left a mark on Melipilla. Here, you can learn about their experiences, achievements, and the challenges they have faced over time. You will also find information about women-led businesses, help and support centers, as well as stories of overcoming obstacles that reflect the strength, effort, and commitment of many women from Melipilla to their community. The goal is to give visibility to their contributions and preserve their memory so that it remains a part of Melipilla's history.

Lorena Olavarría (CS) made history by becoming the first feminist and openly queer woman elected mayor of Melipilla, securing 30.01% of the vote—equivalent to 10,079 votes.

For 10 years, Gárate served as a regional councilor for the Province of Melipilla, a position she held until October 25, 2023, when she resigned to run for mayor of the Melipilla commune.

Corina Bravo worked for many years as a teacher at the vocational school that was part of School No. 2 (Prat/Pardo). From 1928 onwards, she served for many years as president of the local Red Cross. She was a candidate for city councilor.

First businesswoman. Mrs. Clara Norris, together with her brother Juan Henrique, established the first inn or guesthouse at her home on the corner of Ortúzar and Valdés streets. In addition to the house itself, she contributed 300 pesos in gold coins and the necessary furnishings to ensure the comfort and proper care of their guests. Later, she served as President of the Ladies' Charitable Institute.

They emerged after the military coup under the wing of the Catholic Church, reflecting the difficult social conditions of the time. Today, they depict their natural surroundings using fabric scraps to create landscapes, which they then outline and secure to the base fabric with wool stitching. 2013 Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts.

María Paz Artigas adopted the name Catártica Animal to launch her career as a solo singer, focusing on transforming *cumbia* through the influence of urban sounds and other pop elements. Previously, she was briefly a member of the Melipilla-based female cueca duo Las Pecadoras, a group that championed a distinct feminist perspective well before the era of mass social movements.

The Palomitas de Melipilla are an emblematic cultural heritage of Melipilla, Chile. They are a group of female street vendors who, since approximately 1955, have dedicated themselves to selling traditional Chilean sweets and other artisanal products, becoming an icon of the city.

is the artistic pseudonym of Evelyn Torres (also known as Evelyn Torres Latorre), a prominent muralist and illustrator from Melipilla, Chile, and an active cultural agent in the area.

The Melipilla Women's Center, part of SernamEG, is a support and guidance facility for women experiencing violence. Its services cover the municipalities of Melipilla, San Pedro, and María Pinto.

The center provides psychological, social, and legal support, primarily to women over the age of 18 who have experienced violence at the hands of a current or former partner. It also offers guidance to women seeking help regarding other forms of violence and, when necessary, refers them to the appropriate support network.

In addition to individual and group services, the center conducts prevention, awareness-raising, and training activities to inform the community about gender-based violence and to strengthen support networks among various local institutions.

In Melipilla, there are different programs that provide support to women. The Heads of Household Women Program aims to strengthen economic independence through training, job guidance, and support for entrepreneurship. The Gender Violence Prevention Program carries out information and awareness activities to prevent violence against women. On the other hand, the 4 to 7 Program supports women who work or study by offering childcare spaces after the school day. Finally, the Local Support and Care Network provides assistance to people who need care and to those who provide it, strengthening the community's support networks.

How to seek help at the Women's House?

1. Go to the place

You can go directly to the Women's House, located at Ortúzar 325, Melipilla, one block from the Plaza de Armas.

2. Explain what you need

When you arrive, you can explain your situation and ask for guidance. You don’t need to have everything clear to come; the team can help you figure out what support you need.

3. Receive guidance

The Center can provide guidance and, depending on the case, psychological, social, and legal support. They can also refer you to other institutions if you need a different kind of help.

4. Continue the support

If starting a care process is appropriate, individual or group support can be provided according to each woman’s needs.

Laura Gutiérrez is a woman from Melipilla whose story reflects effort, resilience, and the desire to move forward. Throughout her life, she has faced various personal and family difficulties, but she has found the strength to keep going and create new opportunities for herself and her family. Today she is studying, showing that it’s never too late to set new goals and start a new chapter. Her story also highlights the importance of having support networks and daring to ask for help when needed.

A venture dedicated to craftsmanship and the creation of personalized works, made to order. It also offers handmade products and works, as well as different types of trades and shipping throughout Chile. A space that aims to enhance artisanal work and creativity.

Loud Accesorios is a personalized jewelry and laser engraving business located at Ugalde 636, Melipilla. They work with 925 sterling silver, 18k gold plating, and surgical steel pieces, and also offer customized products. They also have a collaborative store that brings together more than 20 entrepreneurs, creating a space to support and showcase other local businesses.

Sattanasa is a handmade amigurumi and knitwear venture, active since 2019. Its work focuses on designing and creating custom knitted pieces, combining creativity and dedication. Besides, it's a craft that allows generating income and supporting their family.

Josefina Contreras is a young chess player from Melipilla who has stood out in various competitions in the sport. She has represented her community and her school in regional and national tournaments, showing her dedication and talent in chess. Her journey is an example of how young women have also been gaining space and recognition in sports in Melipilla. She is currently studying xxxx at the Pontifical University.

Instructor and founder of Revolution Kim, Valeria Rojas has devoted a significant part of her career to the development of taekwondo in Melipilla. She is a 4th Dan Kukkiwon and a national Poomsae team member. Through Revolution Kim, she has worked on training children, youth, and adults, promoting the sport and values such as discipline, perseverance, and respect.

Moira Monzón Peñailillo is an athlete from Melipilla dedicated to weightlifting, a discipline in which she has also worked as a coach. Her career stands out for her effort and consistency, being recognized among the prominent athletes of the community. In addition, she has been involved in training new generations, bringing this sport closer to girls, boys, and young people in Melipilla.

Claudia Mendoza is a cyclist linked to Melipilla Ciclismo, known for her participation in mountain bike competitions. She has represented Melipilla in national XCM championships, being part of the women's Master B2 category. Her career highlights the participation and presence of women from Melipilla in mountain biking.

Femicide is the killing of a woman based on gender and constitutes one of the most extreme forms of violence against women.

It is a global issue. In 2024, nearly 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or other family members, according to UN Women and the UNODC.

In Chile, the "Gabriela Law" expanded the legal definition of femicide to encompass various contexts of gender-based violence. During 2025, there were 44 completed femicides and 330 attempted ones recorded. In the Metropolitan Region, there were 11 completed and 76 attempted cases.

In Melipilla, support networks exist for women experiencing violence. The Women's Center, located at Ortúzar 325, provides guidance as well as psychological, social, and legal support.

Additionally, SernamEG offers the 1455 helpline and a WhatsApp service at +56 9 9700 7000, providing guidance on gender-based violence. Both services operate from Monday to Sunday—including public holidays—between 8:00 AM and midnight.

The history of a community is not built only with major events, dates, or names that appear in books. It also lives in the voices of its women, in their silent struggles, in their brave decisions, and in every mark they have left on the community. For a long time, the stories of many women have been sidelined, as if their experiences, efforts, and achievements didn’t deserve to be told. But no story is small when it is part of who we are. Because behind every woman, there is a story that deserves to be acknowledged, and behind every story, there is a piece of Melipilla’s memory that we cannot afford to forget. Remembering women is also recognizing that they have been, and continue to be, key figures in our history.