Dr. Laura Parisi is a Political Scientist with expertise in feminist international relations, gender, human rights, and global development. With over 20 years of experience, she has advanced equitable policies and research through her work in globalization, international political economy, and gender-sensitive governance. Cross-appointed in the Departments of Political Science and Gender Studies at the University of Victoria, Dr. Parisi has served as Chair of Gender Studies and is President of the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID).

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Her work spans Canada, Bolivia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia, where she has advanced community research and training initiatives. For example, in Bolivia, Dr. Parisi collaborated with women in the aquaculture sector to develop inclusive strategies that improved their economic participation and fostered equitable gender relations within local communities. Similarly, in Uganda, she supported human rights organizations in adapting to shifts in international aid dynamics, strengthening their capacity to advocate for women’s rights effectively.

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With a focus on critical research methods, gender mainstreaming, and policy analysis, Dr. Parisi leverages her expertise to address systemic inequalities and foster sustainable, inclusive development across global and local contexts.