Commission on the Status of Women Looking for New Members

The Commission on the Status of Women (COSW) is looking for applicants to fill two vacancies on the nine-member board charged with enhancing the status of women in Santa Monica.

Established in 1981, the Commission promotes its goal 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.

Currently, there are two vacancies and the COSW is seeking persons interested in serving on the Commission. Candidates must be residents of the City of Santa Monica and must be committed to improving the status of women through advocacy, education, and related efforts. Meetings are held every second Wednesday at 7 p.m., and the public is invited to participate.

With a total of nine members and one youth intern, the COSW makes regular recommendations to the Santa Monica City Council and staff on programs and policies affecting women and girls.

Commissioners are currently creating a strategic plan that will prioritize key goals, objectives and tasks aimed at improving the opportunities for women and girls in Santa Monica. Each year, the Commission presents an Outstanding Woman Leader (OWL) award to a woman who has demonstrated exceptional personal and/or professional dedication to improving the lives of women and girls in Santa Monica.

Other accomplishments of the COSW include the 2004 Report on the Status of Women & Girls in Santa Monica and the 2004 Work/Life Survey. Both reports have provided key data for policymakers and the business community about education, employment and income, domestic violence and other key issues facing women and girls in Santa Monica.