Chair's Message

I have served on the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women for several years and am very proud to serve as the Chairperson this year.

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women was founded by feminist leader Roxcy Bolton and created by the Board of County Commissioners in 1971. Its members are appointed by the County Commissioners and reflect the diverse cultures and ethnic backgrounds of the Miami-Dade County community.

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women is the official voice of women in Miami-Dade County. We monitor, among other things, the condition of women as related to discrimination, employment, education, and attitudes toward women in the community. We have worked hard to improve the status of women in our community, but we still have a great deal of work to do.

Women continue to face unique challenges. They live longer, but make less money than men. They have higher unemployment rates and are more likely to face discrimination, sexual harassment, or physical abuse. They are more likely to be affected financially by a life event like giving birth, divorce, or the death of a spouse. During a woman's lifetime, the disparity in wages adds up to a substantial loss in income, retirement funds, and even benefits. Our current economic downturn is also affecting women negatively, whether at work or by the reduction in social services. The Commission will continue to focus attention on these issues.

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women also continues to focus on the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which states that "Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." The ERA passed in Congress in 1972, but did not achieve the necessary 38 state ratification that would make it a part of the U.S. Constitution. There are three states needed to complete the ratification, and one of those states is Florida.

One of the highlights of 2010 for the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women was surely the unveiling of the statue of Julia Tuttle on July 28 in downtown Miami's Bayfront Park. Julia Tuttle, the Mother of Miami, is widely recognized as the only woman founder of a major American city. The Commission for Women had a significant role in the creation of the statue, and it was with great pride and satisfaction that we brought this project to fruition this year.

We look forward to hearing from community members about any issues affecting women.  We meet monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month, and, in addition to our regular meeting location, we take our meetings "on the road" at least twice during the year in order to hear from concerned persons from various communities around the County. Next year in 2011, we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary. The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women is here to serve and improve the lives of the women of Miami-Dade County.

Sincerely,
Grace O'Donnell
Chairperson

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