Commission on the Status of Women

Established 1981

Mission Statement

I.

The purpose of the Commission on the Status of Women is to enhance the status of women in our community. The

Commission will promote these goals through investigation of, advocacy for, and policy development regarding issues

relevant to women and girls, and by creating leadership and career advancement opportunities for women and girls in our

community.

Responsibilities, Jurisdiction, Authority

II.

1. Preparation and dissemination of educational and informational material through public meetings,

mailings, etc.

2. Review of legislation and recommendation to City Council.

3. Development and maintenance of Talent Bank of Women and assistance to Personnel Department

in recruiting women candidates for appointment.

4. Work with Personnel Department on issues related to women and employment (e.g. comparable

worth, affirmative action, child care, on the job training, part-time employment).

5. Work with law enforcement agencies on issues which have a special impact on women.

6. Work with Board of Education and other public agencies.

7. Make recommendations to Council, agencies, boards, commissions and City agencies on programs

and policies.

8. Investigate and mediate incidents of discrimination against women and initiate programs of

voluntary action to eliminate inequality.

(For a full description of Responsibilities, see SMMC 2.56.050)

Composition

III.

The Commission on the Status of Women shall consist of nine members, all of whom shall be residents

of the City of Santa Monica and shall serve four-year terms. (SMMC 2.56.020). A Commissioner

Emeritus shall serve a two-year term. In order to qualify for an Emeritus appointment, a person must

have served two full terms as a Commissioner on the Commission and must be a resident within the

City. Pursuant to Section 2.32.280 of the SMMC - no Santa Monica City employee may serve as a

member of any Board or Commission.