[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MARIN WOMEN'S COMMISSION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
today to recognize the Marin Women's Commission for their tireless 
efforts to help Marin County's women and girls achieve parity. 
Congratulations to the Marin Women's Commission as it celebrates this 
milestone of more than three decades of service to Marin County.
  Through its leadership, the Marin Women's Commission has raised 
awareness of the importance and prominence of issues facing women and 
girls in Marin County and beyond. As a result of their devoted efforts, 
the needs of women of all ages are being studied, heard, communicated 
and addressed.
  The Marin Women's Commission was created in April 1974 in response to 
an investigation under the Kennedy Administration that revealed that a 
staggering number of laws, regulations and traditions actively 
discriminated against women. Notably, the Marin Women's Commission is 
the second County Commission established in the State of California in 
1974.
  In 2003-2004, the Marin Women's Commission established a strategic 
vision to address four target categories as they relate to women: 
equity, policy, leadership and access to resources.
  The commission works with local government to develop more effective 
ways to address salary inequity concerns, supports CEDAW and other 
international violence against women legislation, facilitates annual 
``Women Leading Community Change'' summits and develops needs 
assessments for women and girls. The 1983 Women's Needs Assessment 
helped establish the Family and Children's Law Center.
  The 17 Marin Women's Commissioners represent all five Marin County 
Districts, and the Commission also boasts strong, strategic 
partnerships. Such partnerships, with Dominican University, the Marin 
Chapter of National Organization for Women, the YWCA, the American 
Association of University Women, and Marin General Hospital's Breast 
Cancer Center, laid the foundation for an abused women's shelter, which 
later became Marin Abused Women's Services, the creation of the Marin 
Women's Hall of Fame, and other programs.
  In the years since its inception, more than 300 commissioners have 
been appointed. The enthusiasm and passion exhibited by these 
experienced leaders is largely responsible for the Commissions' ability 
to leverage meaningful change.
  Madam Speaker, over the course of 35 years, the Marin Women's 
Commission, through its strategic partnerships, dedicated advocacy and 
comprehensive research, has made indelible change. Congratulations on 
three decades of leadership toward enhancing the quality of life for 
all Marin County women and girls.

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