by Kurumi Onishi
This Fall, I was able to take part in the Dual-Degree program with University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Building onto my passion for gender studies and women’s empowerment through a human security lens, I made the decision to pursue a concentration in Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, while specializing in Gender and Public Policy.
Academic Experience and Professional Growth
One of the most valuable aspects of studying at SIPA has been learning from professors who are active practitioners in their fields. Their ability to bring real-life cases into the classroom has made abstract concepts tangible and applicable. In Professor Andrew Heinrich’s Human Rights Research and Reporting class, we had the unique opportunity to interview an opposition party leader from an African nation, gaining firsthand insight into how human rights reporting impacts those involved. This experience taught me the critical importance of handling such reporting with care to avoid unintended harm.
The diversity of perspectives in SIPA’s discussion-based classes has profoundly impacted my worldview. Engaging with peers from around the globe has shown me how truly vast and varied our world is. In Professor Kristy Kelly’s Gender Mainstreaming class, I joined several other Japanese students in exploring how gender is experienced differently across cultures. It was particularly inspiring to see young Japanese women engaging with these ideas, giving me hope for positive change in Japan’s future. This course helped me understand how cultural context shapes gender experiences and stereotypes.
Professor Betsy Apple’s International Human Rights Law course provided practical exposure to legal reasoning through weekly case simulations. Working in groups to analyze jurisdiction and legal frameworks, I learned from her experience as a human rights lawyer about the nuances of law when dealing with fundamental human rights. Similarly, in Professor Yasmine Ergas’s Gender, Globalization, and Human Rights course, I had the opportunity to examine Japan’s position on gender rights in a global context. This analysis has helped me identify potential areas for improvement and change that I hope to address in my future work.
Community Engagement and Cultural Enrichment
Beyond the classroom, I have found tremendous value in building relationships with other International Dual-Degree students and colleagues who share my concentration and specialization. These connections have been both personally enriching and professionally motivating. Knowing that I am part of a global community of individuals passionate about human rights and gender policy has strengthened my resolve to make meaningful contributions to these fields.
Living in New York has also provided rich opportunities for cultural enrichment and exploration. From attending Broadway shows like “The Notebook” to visiting the Museum of Modern Art with fellow GraSPP students, I have immersed myself in the city’s vibrant arts scene. I have also enjoyed discovering different neighborhoods across the city, from visiting friends in Roosevelt Island to exploring the eclectic streets of Williamsburg. A particular highlight was visiting the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, which offered a peaceful retreat from the city’s energy. These varied experiences have complemented my academic growth with cultural perspectives that I believe will enhance my effectiveness as a policy maker.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the ITO FOUNDATION U.S.A and Friends of UTokyo, Inc. for this irreplaceable opportunity to study abroad. I believe that this experience fulfilled me with the intellectual stimulation necessary in my endeavor as an aspiring policymaker. Thank you very much!
