FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 24, 2021

CONTACT:
MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO Mayor Todd Gloria today announced that the City of San Diego is reviving the Commission on the Status of Women, which has been inactive for more than two decades. He was joined in the announcement by Council President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe, Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, Councilmember Vivian Moreno and Councilmember Dr. Jen Campbell.

Ensuring that all San Diegans have access to opportunity throughout their lives and are supported in their efforts to realize their full potential is a key priority of my administration, said Mayor Gloria. Its long past time we revive this commission to ensure the City is supporting womens long march toward equality.

Created to advise the Mayor, City Council and other agencies of City government, the Commission on the Status of Women will help address the needs of women in the San Diego area and recommend programs designed to alleviate any inequities that may confront women in social, economic and vocational pursuits.

First established in 1973 as the Advisory Board on the Status of Women and subsequently revived and renamed in 1991, the commission has been inactive with the last of expiring terms ending in 2001. Its revival reflects City leaders commitment to equity and ensuring San Diego women are positioned for success.

Councilmember Marni von Wilpert
My hope is that the next generation of girls will not have to fight for equal pay for equal work. That they will live in a world that equally values their contributions in our society and they receive the recognition and respect that they deserve. Re-establishing the Commission on the Status of Women is a great first step to ensure a more equitable future for San Diegos women. Until we achieve true equity for women in our country, its up to leaders at every level of government to act and I am proud that we as a City are recommitting to achieving gender equity here at home. I am also very excited to announce today that, with the support of the Mayor, and with co-sponsor Councilmember Vivian Moreno, that in the coming weeks we will draft an ordinance implementing the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women for the City of San Diego.

Councilmember Vivian Moreno
It is an honor to be part of the Commission on the Status of Women for the City of San Diego. It is my responsibility as an elected leader to provide guidance and leadership in empowering women, and in particular, Latinas in District 8. I look forward to being part of this Commission to ensure the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Council President pro Tem Montgomery Steppe
It is imperative that we reintroduce this commission to focus on the critical, impactful issues affecting women, including health, public safety and workforce representation. We can begin improving the quality of life for women by addressing the intersectionalities of their struggles to help us attain equity and thrive in our communities.

Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell
It is an exciting day to announce the re-establishment of the Commission on the Status of Women. Thank you to Mayor Gloria and equality and empowerment advocates for their leadership on this endeavor. It is my hope that with the help of this commission, it will facilitate the creation of positive social change, community building through service and increase equality for all women.

Felicia Shaw, Executive Director, Womens Museum of California
Its perfect that Mayor Gloria is reinstating the Citys Commission on the Status of Women at the end of Womens History Month and in partnership with the Womens Museum of California. Together, we are proud to preserve the past and inspire the future there is much work that has been accomplished and much more to do.

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