MCAA GEDI at CSW70: Moderating Global Dialogue on Gender Equality and Accountability

Dr Luana Parisi, Vice-Chair of the MCAA Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Working Group, actively contributed to the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.

As part of this engagement, she moderated a high-level panel titled “From Law to Life: How Women’s Organizations are Advancing Justice through Community Accountability Mechanisms,” co-organised with BPW International. The session brought together the presidents of leading global women’s organisations alongside the Vice-Chair of the CEDAW Committee to explore how civil society can bridge the gap between gender equality legislation and lived realities for women and girls.

Through this platform, Dr Parisi also disseminated findings from a British Council-funded research project she is leading, examining structural gender inequalities in STEM education and career pathways between the UK and Nigeria. The discussion highlighted the importance of accountability mechanisms, mentorship, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing persistent implementation gaps.

In addition to moderating the panel, Dr Parisi participated in a range of sessions and events across CSW70, engaging with policymakers, international organisations, and civil society actors. This involvement reinforces the role of the MCAA GEDI Working Group in contributing to global policy dialogue and advancing inclusive, evidence-based approaches to gender equality.