Utah International Mountain Forum Advocates for Mountain Women at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70)

On March 10, 2026, Utah International Mountain Forum Members Advocated for Mountain Women at the CSW70

NGOCSW70 LOGO

Poster CSW70

PARALLEL EVENT*

“Raising Justice Awareness of Mountain Women Through Student-Engaged Learning”

DATE: Tuesday, MARCH 10th, 2026

TIME: 12:30PM-1:45PM EST

VENUE:___Virtual& LIVESTREAMED

*By hosting the event students will take a mid-term examination for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals class at Utah Valley University

Instructor: Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev

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On March 10, 2026, 19 students enrolled in the United Nations Sustainable Development class at Utah Valley University advocated during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) event titled “Raising Justice Awareness of Mountain Women Through Student-Engaged Learning.” Students prepared for this event by participating in several service projects. These included assembling hygiene kits for refugees and mountain women and girls in Utah County in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Students also raised funds for Title I students in Utah County by selling oranges in partnership with the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club. In addition, students volunteered at Tabitha’s Way in Lindon, Utah, where they helped stock and assemble the pantry that provides food to families in need, including women and girls living in mountain communities in Utah...

Screenshot of the Presenters Combined

Screenshot of the Presenters

As part of the class, students selected a country that is a member of the Mountain Partnership and researched the challenges and injustices that mountain women face in those regions. Over the course of three months, students studied these countries and examined issues such as gender inequality, environmental challenges, and limited access to resources. Many students also drew from their own experiences living in or near mountain communities to advocate for greater awareness of the injustices faced by mountain women and girls.

This work was conducted through the Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model. Student-Engaged Learning is an educational approach where students work collaboratively on real-world problems while being guided by a faculty mentor. Rather than only learning through lectures, students actively participate in research, service projects, and advocacy efforts that address global challenges. Through the SEL model, students develop professional skills such as leadership, teamwork, and public speaking while contributing to meaningful solutions that can benefit communities locally and globally.

Planning for the parallel event began several months in advance as members of the Utah International Mountain Forum (UIMF) worked together through the Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model to prepare research, presentations, and logistical arrangements. Students collaborated during weekly meetings, coordinated technical requirements, and developed presentations highlighting the challenges faced by mountain women around the world. Through SEL, students worked collectively with faculty mentor Dr. Baktybek Abdrisaev, gaining hands-on experience in international advocacy while contributing their own research and perspectives.

The event began with remarks from Janessa-Michelle Purcell, former President of UIMF, who reflected on the organization’s continued advocacy for mountain women and girls through the SEL model. During her remarks, she also shared that she would be stepping down from her leadership role in UIMF after years of service supporting student diplomacy and international engagement. She highlighted how the SEL model empowers students to combine academic research with real-world advocacy and encouraged students to continue raising awareness about the challenges faced by mountain communities worldwide.

Janessa-Michelle Purcell, President of the UIMF greets participants of the event

Janessa-Michelle Purcell, President of the UIMF greets participants of the event

Serving as moderator of the event, Natalia Figueroa, President of the UVU Foreign Affairs Club, introduced the speakers and guided the discussion. She emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the injustices faced by mountain women globally and highlighted the experiences of Indigenous Mapuche women in Chile, who continue to defend their ancestral lands while facing legal and social barriers.

Natalia Figueroa Moderates the Event on March 10, 2026

Students from Utah Valley University then presented research focusing on mountain regions across the world and the challenges women face in those communities. Aemish Brock, who has Bavarian roots and a personal connection to mountain culture, emphasized the importance of recognizing mountain women and girls within international policy discussions and the outcome documents of CSW70, drawing attention to gender inequality in mountainous regions such as Kyrgyzstan and the Alps. Ana Caballero discussed legal and institutional barriers that limit women’s participation in decision-making processes in mountain communities and stressed the need for inclusive legal systems that support gender equality.

Photo Aemish Photo Caballero

Aemish Brock Speaks at the Parallel Event Ana Caballero Speaks at the Parallel Event

Environmental and economic challenges affecting mountain communities were also highlighted. Matthew Erickson presented research on Nepal, explaining how weak implementation of sustainable development policies can disproportionately impact women in mountain regions. Abigail Fisher examined gender equality through a comparative perspective, discussing governance and policy differences between Utah and China and emphasizing the importance of improving data and policy frameworks to better understand the challenges faced by women living in mountainous regions.

Photo Erickson Photo Fisher

Matthew Erickson Speaks at the Event Abigail Fisher Speaks at the Event

Several students also shared personal perspectives connected to mountain environments. Alley Holt, who grew up near the Wasatch Mountains in Utah, spoke about the importance of empowering women in mountain communities through education and leadership opportunities. Sophie Jackson explored the challenges faced by women in rural mountain regions of Japan, including how migration to urban areas can create additional vulnerabilities for young women.

Photo Holt Photo Jackson

Alley Holt Speaks at the Event Sophie Jackson Speaks at the Event

Additional presentations highlighted policy solutions and community resilience. Grace Jergensen discussed Norway as a case study, explaining how national policies can support women’s participation in leadership and sustainable development. Roland Kabongo shared his experiences growing up in the mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo and emphasized the resilience of mountain communities and the importance of education in empowering women and girls.

Photo Jergensen Photo Kabongo

Grace Jergensen Speaks at the Event Roland Kabongo Speaks at the Event

Students also addressed persistent inequalities in rural mountain regions worldwide. Erynn Lammi examined barriers faced by women in mountainous communities in Greece, including limited access to education and employment opportunities. Louyoko Nianza discussed the role of education and international cooperation in empowering women in the Republic of Congo, highlighting initiatives that focus on healthcare awareness and community support.

Photo Lammi Photo Louyoko

Erynn Lammi Speaks at the Event Louyoko Nianza Speaks at the Event

Other presentations explored the intersection of poverty, culture, and gender inequality. Angie Macias shared personal experiences growing up in Honduras and presented research on Armenia, explaining how poverty and traditional gender norms often restrict opportunities for women in mountain regions. João Petter examined challenges faced by Indigenous women in Bolivia, where geographic isolation and language barriers frequently prevent access to justice.

Photo Macias Photo Petter

Angie Macias Speaks at the Event João Petter Speaks at the Event

Several speakers also addressed issues related to violence and justice. Antoine Mwamba highlighted the risks faced by women in mountainous regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in areas affected by conflict. Domenic Callor discussed gender-based violence in mountainous regions of Italy and emphasized the importance of education and policy reform to improve protections for women.

Antoine Mwamba Speaks at the Event Domenic Callor Speaks at the Event

Concluding the student presentations, Jonas Tanner discussed gender inequality in rural areas of China and emphasized the importance of including mountain women’s voices in global policy discussions. Cristina Alves presented research on Rwanda, highlighting how geographic isolation continues to limit women’s access to justice, education, and economic opportunities in mountainous regions.

Photo Jonas Photo Cristina

Jonas Taner Speaks at the Event Cristina Alves Speaks at the Event

Michael Lutz shared his experiences growing up in a remote mountain community in Utah and highlighted how geographic isolation and environmental vulnerability shape women’s access to justice and resources.

Mike Lutz Speaks at the Event

The session concluded with a 20-minute Q&A, during which I invited the audience to submit questions via the chat. While waiting for responses, several students were called up to address specific questions related to their statements. Louyoko Nianza discussed how his NGO, Smart-African, contributes to the goals of CSW70 both in Africa and globally. Aemish Brock explained why he chose Kyrgyzstan and the Alps for his comparative case study and elaborated on the connection between sustainable mountain development and women’s rights. Angie Macias shared how her experiences growing up in Honduras influenced her interest in gender equality and rural communities. Alley Holt reflected on how her involvement in student clubs strengthened her understanding of sustainable mountain development. Erynn Lammi discussed how, as a non-traditional student, her own experiences shaped her advocacy for mountain women. The Q&A concluded early at 1:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, as no further questions remained from the audience.

Group Photo After the Event

The CSW70 parallel event demonstrated how the Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model empowers students to contribute to global discussions on gender equality and sustainable development. By researching mountain regions around the world and sharing their findings, students were able to highlight the unique challenges faced by women and girls living in mountainous communities.

The event also emphasized the importance of including mountain perspectives in international policy conversations, particularly within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through collaboration, research, and advocacy, the students of Utah Valley University helped raise awareness of the injustices faced by mountain women and girls while demonstrating how student-led initiatives can create meaningful dialogue and promote positive change for mountain communities worldwide.

By Natalia Figueroa, President, Utah Valley University Foreign Affairs Club

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STUDENT PRESENTERS:

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1. Purcell, Janessa-Michelle

Statement Purcell Bio

2. Figueroa, Natalia

Statement Figueroa Bio

3. Cristina Alves Morais

Statement Alves Bio

4. Brock, Aemish

Statement Brock Bio