From March 10-13, 2026, JLI participated in the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) at the United Nations in New York City. The event convened global leaders, educators, and practitioners, as well as advocates dedicated to advancing gender equality. Throughout the sessions, a clear thread emerged connecting justice and power structures, digital era knowledge systems, and the transformative practice of healing.

Reforming Justice Systems

The session, “Advancing Women’s Access to Justice: Building Justice Systems That Deliver for All” emphasized that institutional systems ultimately determine societal outcomes. Speakers addressed the persistent gender justice gap and advocated for prevention-focused, rather than reactive, approaches. A key takeaway was the essential role of women’s leadership within legal and institutional structures—as judges, policymakers, or community leaders—to build more equitable and resilient societies. The conversation reinforced that gender justice is a societal imperative.

Education and Autonomy in the Digital Era

In the “Access to Education in the Digital Era” session, the focus shifted toward lifelong learning as a cornerstone of empowerment. As digital transformation reshapes the workforce, experts highlighted the need for inclusive and adaptive transgenerational learning ecosystems. Discussions covered the impact of AI, digital inclusion, and the future of work alongside the sobering realities of cyber-violence and online harassment. Crucially, the session highlighted the importance of autonomy, encouraging women to claim ownership over their time, boundaries, and personal growth.

Healing, Art, and Collective Care

A more experiential dimension emerged in “Healing Through Art: Feminist Approaches in Times of Backlash.” The session opened with a box breathing exercise, grounding participants in a shared moment of presence and reflection. The dialogue explored how artistic practices—such as dance, weaving, and storytelling—serve as vital tools for processing trauma, particularly in contexts of displacement and conflict.

Participants were also invited to reflect on the idea of collective absence, that is, who was not present in the room. Whether it was visa restrictions or life circumstances, the session made a point to hold space for those not with us. In this space, art ultimately became a form of expression, as well as of connection and collective care.

Image: “Practicing Hope” painting created with group in session.

Image: Artist Andromeda Turre performs during session. 

Practicing Hope: A JLI Parallel Event

On March 12, 2026, JLI co-hosted a parallel session titled “Practicing Hope: Inner Capacities for Gender Justice in Times of Crisis.” This participatory-auditory session was led by artist Andromeda Turre, who utilized sound bowls, vibration, and vocals to explore hope as an active, intentional practice rather than a passive feeling. Through this immersive experience, participants were invited to cultivate the inner resilience necessary for sustained gender justice work.

CSW70 offered a multidimensional view of women’s leadership, addressing both the structural and human dimensions of change. The conference renewed my personal appreciation for the interconnected nature of our work and the diverse ways women continue to lead, persist, and shape more just and compassionate futures.