Published: May 04, 2026

Anipha Abass Mwingira, an LL.M. Student in the International Human Rights Law program at Notre Dame Law School, is from Tanzania and brings more than two decades of experience in the Judiciary and Human Rights Sectors. She recently attended the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Bringing both the perspective of a seasoned Magistrate and a global Legal Scholar, she engaged in critical conversations on advancing gender equality through law and accountability. In this Q&A, she reflects on the insights she gained, the global connections she formed, and how the experience will shape her continued work championing women’s rights in Africa and beyond.
What drew you to attend the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women? What were your expectations going into the experience?
As a woman Magistrate, I was drawn to attend this event for its timely focus on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. This year's theme resonates deeply with my work and commitment to advancing women's rights in Africa. I expected to engage with global leaders, experts, and activists to share best practices, challenges, and innovative solutions for promoting gender equality. I was eager to learn about new strategies and frameworks that could enhance our work in Tanzania and contribute to the broader African context. I also expected to highlight the struggles women face and explore ways to address these challenges collectively.

Were there any particular discussions, panels, or moments during the session that left a lasting impression on you? What made them stand out?
Yes, one that stood out was the emphasis on the ECOWAS Gender Barometer as a tool to hold State Parties accountable for their gender equality commitments. The discussion highlighted the importance of data-driven advocacy to drive policy changes and secure resources to address gender disparities. A panelist noted that the barometer would provide a clear snapshot of progress and gaps, enabling civil society and governments to work together more effectively. The launch underscored the need for regional cooperation and ECOWAS's role in promoting gender equality across member states. The commitment from ECOWAS officials to support the implementation of the barometer's recommendations was also a significant takeaway, suggesting a potential shift toward more transparent and accountable governance in the region.
How did your background in human rights and your perspective as an LL.M. student at Notre Dame Law School shape the way you engaged with the conversations at the event?
My background in human rights and my experience as an LL.M. student at Notre Dame Law School, particularly through the Global Human Rights Clinic, gave me a nuanced understanding of international frameworks and advocacy strategies, enabling me to engage critically with the discussions. The clinic's focus on the practical application of human rights law allowed me to contribute effectively. My studies at Notre Dame emphasized the importance of leveraging international law to drive national change, shaping my perspective on the role of regional tools, such as the Gender Barometer, in advancing gender equality.

In what ways did attending the session deepen or challenge your understanding of global gender equality and the role of law in advancing it? What was your biggest takeaway?
Attending the session deepened my understanding of global gender equality by showing how regional tools, such as the ECOWAS Gender Barometer, can turn treaty commitments into measurable accountability. It challenged me to think beyond national frameworks and to view law not only as legislation but also as a mechanism for data-driven monitoring and cross-border advocacy. My biggest takeaway was that real progress on gender equality requires linking international legal obligations to concrete, region-specific accountability tools. As Magistrates and Lawyers, we have a direct role in making those tools effective on the ground.
How do you hope to carry and implement what you learned at the session into your future work in human rights or legal practice?
My experience at the ECOWAS Gender Barometer session, combined with my background as a Magistrate, Human Rights Lawyer, and LL.M. candidate at Notre Dame Law School, has deepened my understanding of women's rights through both judicial and justiciable lenses. Moving forward, I aim to amplify my advocacy beyond Tanzania to the broader African continent and globally. I'll leverage these insights to strengthen regional accountability mechanisms for women's rights; support data-driven advocacy using tools such as the Gender Barometer; collaborate with Judges, Lawyers, and Civil Society to make women's rights more justiciable; and expand my work with women's associations and human rights organizations. I'm committed to intensifying my efforts to promote women's rights and to ensure they receive the attention they deserve. The global stage is next.




















