CSW and the Imperative for Gender Justice

Heather Gerken smiles while shaking hands with a woman at a professional gathering. This image showcases diverse leadership, networking, and gender justice advocacy during a high-level event focused on global equity and the imperative for systemic social change.

During the 70th annual Commission on the Status of Women, the United Nations’ largest annual gathering on gender equality and women’s rights, it was an honor to stand witness to the extraordinary work that Ford’s grantees and partners are doing to ensure women and girls have access to justice.

Strengthening Democracy 

Heather Gerken delivers a keynote address at a UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women event during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). She speaks from a podium to an engaged audience, emphasizing global gender justice and advocacy.

Gender-based violence is often described as a social issue, but it is also a crisis of and for democracy. 

At an event marking 30 years of the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women and Girls, I emphasized that democracy deepens when women can participate safely and fully in our society.

From Most Impacted to Most Impactful

A group of four women participate in a panel discussion. One woman in a black lace top speaks into a microphone while using a mobility scooter, seated alongside other professionals. This image illustrates inclusive leadership, gender justice advocacy, and diverse perspectives at a high-level conference.

I was delighted to join our grantee partner Women Enabled International for a conversation about the need to ensure that women with disabilities can shape the systems and institutions that impact their lives.

Building a Transformative Care Agenda

Heather Gerken speaks into a microphone while participating on a panel. Seated with other professionals, this close-up image captures a moment of leadership discussion, professional insight, and engaging dialogue during a strategic event focused on global impact and collaboration.

It was inspiring to share the stage with women at the highest levels of government, including in Mexico and Spain, who are leading the way to address the legal and systemic barriers around care work. This event was organized by the Global Alliance for Care, the International Domestic Workers Federation, the International Development Research Center, and UNIGlobal.

I also had the pleasure of moderating a panel with feminist economist Marina Durano, director of the Collaborative for a Gender-Just Economy, and Jeffrey Vogt, cofounder of the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network.

From Paper to Practice

Heather Gerken sits at a long panel desk at a United Nations conference, speaking into a microphone. Behind her is a large UN Women sign, and other panelists are seated to her left. The image highlights international gender justice advocacy, policy discussion, and leadership.

I was honored to join global leaders for a dialogue at the UN Economic and Social Council about the barriers restricting women’s and girls’ access to justice.