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Department on the Status of Women
In This Issue:
SF Gender Equality Principles Initiative
A Breakthrough in Gender Responsive Budgeting
Violence Against Women Services Expanded
Cell Phones Increase Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors
Commission Elects New Leadership
Hearing the Voices of Women – CA COSW Public Hearing
On the Path to Gender Equality: Measure D Passes
Making Marriage Equality Real
Coming Soon – Updated Resources for Women and Girls
Upcoming Commission Meetings
Upcoming Public Meetings
Community Calendar
SF Gender Equality Principles Initiative
In 1998,San Francisco became the first municipality to adopt the principles of the UN Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (the Women’s Rights Treaty). After successfully promoting gender equality in City departments, we began in 2007 to develop ways to bring our award-winning gender analysis tool to businesses in the City. We formed a collaboration with the Washington, D.C.-based investment firm Calvert Asset Management and Massachusetts-based international human rights monitoring group Verite to develop gender equality principles based on Calvert’s landmark Women’s Principles. This effort is strongly supported by Mayor Gavin Newsom and the 3 women serving on the Board of supervisors: Michela Alioto-Pier, Carmen Chu, and Sophie Maxwell. In September 2008, we will host a kick-off of the San Francisco Gender Equality Principles Initiative, and we are seeking companies to help us create benchmarks to assess gender equality in the private sector. To get your company involved, contact the Department at (415) 252-2570.
A Breakthrough in Gender Responsive Budgeting
In August 2008, the Department on the Status of Women, along with Professor Marilyn Rubin from the City University of New York, conducted a 2-day training for the Mayor’s budget staff on gender responsive budgeting (GRB). GRB, which has been practiced in countries around the world since 1984, reviews allocations for biases that can arise because a person is male or female; and also considers disadvantage suffered as a result of ethnicity, poverty status, immigration, disability, age, or other social characteristics. As one participant said, “Unequal impacts from budget decisions need to be considered during the budget development process.”
Gender budgeting as a tool comes from San Francisco’s groundbreaking Women’s Human Rights Ordinance (CEDAW). In 2003 San Francisco became the first city in the United States to have a gender budgeting initiative when then-Supervisor Newsom requested that City departments analyze the impact of budget cuts on women and other vulnerable populations. The Department would like to thank the Mayor, Deputy Chief of Staff Catherine Dodd, the Mayor’s Budget Director Nani Coloretti, and Budget Analyst Jenny Louie for their support of this project.
Violence Against Women Services Expanded
In the spring of 2008, the Department requested proposals for the 2008-2011 cycle of the Violence Against Women Prevention and Intervention (VAW) Grants Program. We were very pleased that the competitive bidding process resulted in the funding of many long-time partners in violence prevention and intervention, as well as several new programs and agencies, allowing us to reach communities in dire need of services.
Additionally, as part of this year’s budget process, a coalition of Commissioners and community-based organizations successfully advocated for an increase in resources for the VAW Grants Program. Thanks to the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, the Department received additional funding for prevention, intervention, and emergency services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Please refer to the Department’s website at www.sfgov.org/dosw for more information about these services and affiliated organizations.
Cell Phones Increase Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors: Interpretation Project
The Justice & Courage Oversight Panel, originally convened after the October 2000 murder of Claire Joyce Tempongko in front of her two children allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, works closely with San Francisco’s criminal justice agencies to close gaps in the City’s response to victims/survivors of domestic violence. One priority of the Panel has been to improve access to services for survivors who are limited-English proficient. In a successful collaboration between the community, government, and business, AT&T donated cell phones that connect to Language Line Services for use by the Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office. By simply pressing 1 number, officers and others have access to interpreters who speak over 200 languages, ensuring that domestic violence survivors who speak languages other than English can speak immediately with someone who understands them.
Cell Phones Increase Safety for Domestic Violence Survivors: HopeLine Cell Phone Drive
The Department also supports the safety of domestic violence survivors through Verizon Wireless’s HopeLine program. The Department collects no-longer-used wireless phones and accessories from any wireless service provider and sends them to Verizon. In turn, Verizon refurbishes the phones, provides each with a store of minutes, and gives these usable devices to the Department to distribute to domestic violence service providers. Domestic violence survivors who have escaped from their violent homes, often with no money or belongings, can use these phones to establish new, safer lives for themselves. In October 2008, in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Department will be conducting a cell phone drive to benefit the HopeLine program. For more information about how you can donate, call (415) 252-2570 or email dosw@sfgov.org.
Commission Elects New Leadership
In August 2008, the Commission on the Status of Women elected Commissioner Andrea Shorter to serve as President and Commissioner Kay Gulbengay to serve as Vice President for the coming year. The Commission expressed deep appreciation to outgoing President Katherine Munter and Vice President Carolene Marks for their two-term tenures.
Hearing the Voices of Women – CA Commission on Women Public Hearing
On June 19, 2008, the CA Commission on the Status of Women held a public hearing in San Francisco, part of a series of hearings throughout the State aimed at assessing the needs of women. Throughout 4 hours of testimony, the many voices of San Francisco’s women were heard, raising a variety of issues. San Francisco COSW Commissioner Jing Lee gave oral and written testimony at the hearing, speaking about the need for increased funding for direct services for victims of domestic violence and trafficking, and the need for the passage of a statewide CEDAW Women’s Human Rights measure. Commissioner Carolene Marks provided comments about the unique healthcare needs of women. DOSW Policy Analyst Jill Tregor spoke about the urgent need to improve standards and oversight of batterer intervention programs.
On the Path to Gender Equality: Measure D Passes
On June 3, 2008, San Francisco voters passed Measure D, a charter amendment to promote the appointment of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to City Boards and Commissions. The Department’s November 2007 Gender Analysis of City Commissions, Boards, and Task Forces, found that women are underrepresented in appointed City government positions. For example, of the 22 Boards for which we have data, only 38% of members are female compared to 49% in the general San Francisco population. This report formed the basis for the charter amendment which was championed by, among other groups, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the San Francisco Women’s Political Committee, and Supervisor Jake McGoldrick. Per the charter amendment, the Department will conduct a gender analysis of appointed policy bodies every 2 years to ensure that San Francisco’s appointed officials reflect the diversity of this City.
Making Marriage Equality Real
On June 17, 2008, the State of California entered into a new era of civil equality by offering same-sex couples the opportunity to legally marry. With record-setting crowds expected to fill City Hall, the San Francisco County Clerk and Assessor-Recorder called for volunteers among City employees during the 2-week surge of licensing and ceremonies. With a long history of promoting human rights, the Department could do nothing less than answer that call. Each staff member, including 2 summer interns and Commissioner Andrea Shorter, volunteered their services for 2 or more shifts. Commission Secretary Cynthia Vasquez, serving as a Deputy Marriage Commissioner, performed 3 marriage ceremonies simultaneously! Not only is the legalization of same-sex marriage expanding human rights, the added revenue from these ceremonies benefits victims of domestic violence and the wider community since a portion of every marriage license fee is allocated to the Department’s Violence Against Women Prevention and Intervention Grants Program to be distributed to domestic violence shelters. The entire Department, with the full support of the Commission, was pleased to be a part of this momentous point in history.
Coming Soon–Updated Resources for Women and Girls
The Department will release the 2008 Girl’s Services Directory this fall, and the 2009 Directory of Social Services for Women in San Francisco in the coming year. Find resources for child care, health care, legal services, counseling, and much more!
Upcoming Commission Meetings
The Commission on the Status of Women meets monthly at City Hall, Room 408, 5 pm - 7 pm. All meetings are open to the public and comments are welcome. Visit www.sfgov.org/cosw or call (415) 252-2570 to confirm meetings times and locations.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Upcoming Public Meetings
Justice and Courage Oversight Panel
DATE Wednesday, October 1, 2008
TIME 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
LOCATION City Hall Room 408, San Francisco
DESCRIPTION The Justice and Courage Oversight Panel seeks to create a seamless criminal justice response to domestic violence. This body meets the first Wednesday of every other month. More information can be found on the Department’s website at www.sfgov.org/dosw.
CONTACT Jill Tregor, (415) 252-2573, jill.tregor@sfgov.org
Family Violence Council
DATE Thursday, October 16, 2008
TIME 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
LOCATION 400 McAllister St. Suite 617, San Francisco
DESCRIPTION The Family Violence Council is a multi-disciplinary group that seeks to address violence throughout the lifespan, including child abuse, domestic violence, and elder/dependent adult abuse. This body meets the 3rd Thursday of the month, quarterly. More information can be found on the Department’s website at www.sfgov.org/dosw.
CONTACT Laura Marshall, (415) 252-2578, laura.marshall@sfgov.org
Justice and Courage Oversight Panel
DATE Wednesday, December 3, 2008
TIME 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
LOCATION City Hall Room 408, San Francisco
DESCRIPTION The Justice and Courage Oversight Panel seeks to create a seamless criminal justice response to domestic violence. This body meets the first Wednesday of every other month. More information can be found on the Department’s website at www.sfgov.org/dosw.
CONTACT Jill Tregor, (415) 252-2573, jill.tregor@sfgov.org
Community Calendar
The following events are hosted by or benefit our VAW Grants Program Partner Agencies and women and/or girl-focused organizations.
Community United Against Violence Back to School House Party
DATE Thursday, September 18th
TIME 7 pm
LOCATION 150 Chapman St., between Bernal Heights Blvd. and Rosencranz St.
DESCRIPTION Please join us to celebrate the start of the school year and learn more about CUAV's work creating safe schools free from violence at the home of CUAV Board Co-Chair and CCSF LGBT Studies Chair Ardel Thomas and Lisa Haefele.
CUAV volunteers, staff, Board members, and donors will be on hand to share their experiences with our Speakers Bureau, Love & Justice Program, and ACCESS Project, and our efforts to build healthy and safe communities and relationships for LGBTQQ young people. This is a great opportunity to connect with other CUAV supporters and sustain this urgent work. All are welcome! Cocktails & appetizers provided Bring your checkbooks!
CONTACT RSVP to athomas@ccsf.edu
CUAV Needs Volunteers at the Folsom Street Fair
DATE & TIME Training: Thursday, September 18, 7 pm or Saturday, September 20 at 1:30 pm. Fair: Sunday, September 28
LOCATION Trainings will be held at the Golden Gate YMCA, 220 Golden Gate Ave., 2nd Fl.
DESCRIPTION We are proud to have been selected as a Supporting Beneficiary for this year's Folsom Street Fair. Now we are kicking into high gear, and looking to recruit 20 stellar volunteers for a range of 4-hour shifts available between 5:30 AM and 9:30 PM on Sunday, September 28, with roles including set-up, security, treasury, gates, bike riders, entertainment, recycling, and breakdown. Each volunteer hour turns directly into cash for CUAV to sustain our vital work addressing and transforming violence in LGBTQQ communities. Volunteers will have access to an all-day hospitality suite equipped with storage space, food, and bathrooms. All volunteers MUST attend one of the two volunteer orientation meetings
CONTACT 415-777-5500 ext. 318, morgan@cuav.org.
TallShip Education Academy’s 10th Annual Benefit Reception
DATE Thursday, September 25th
TIME 6 pm to 9 pm
LOCATION Delancey Street Foundation, 600 Embarcadero
DESCRIPTION The benefit reception presented by Tall Ship Education Academy will premiere Rubber Boots on the Red Carpet, a documentary film.
CONTACT 415-405-3703, info@tallshipacademy.org
Street Smart 4 Kids Dine Out and Donate!
DATE October 1st through November 16th
LOCATION Your favorite restaurants citywide
DESCRIPTION The next time you're making dinner reservations or simply hungry for a tasty bite, visit www.streetsmart4kids.org first to discover a new, or familiar, community-minded restaurant anywhere in the city to benefit La Casa de las Madres.
CONTACT Katharine Berg, 415-503-0500, katharine@lacasa.org
The Riley Center 25th Anniversary Event
DATE Sunday, October 5th
TIME 5 pm to 9 pm
LOCATION Rasselas Jazz Club, 1534 Fillmore Street, San Francisco
DESCRIPTION 2008 marks 25 years of The Riley Center working to break the cycle of domestic violence. Help us to celebrate!
CONTACT Becki Hively, 415-255-2894 ext 301, becky@rileycenter.org
SFWAR presents Artists against Rape
DATE Saturday, October 18th
TIME 6:30 pm to 8 pm
LOCATION The Brava Theatre for Women in the Arts
DESCRIPTION Shedding the Skin of Shame, Bearing our Bodies Truths! Come for the 12th year of healing and liberation through the arts! Artists Against Rape features spoken word, music and art from local poets, artists and activists speaking out against and healing from sexual violence.
CONTACT Janet Upadhye, 415-861-2024, janetupadhye@sfwar.org
Pathways to Discovery: TransformingWomen's Lives
DATE Tuseday October 28th
TIME 6 pm to 8:30 pm
LOCATION Allsteel's Downtown Showroom, 4 Maritime Plaza
DESCRIPTION Join us for an evening of silent bidding, live auctions, tasty morsels and libations! La Casa de las Madres second annual fundraiser will celebrate our success-championing more than 10,000 women, teens and children each year as they reclaim their lives, safety and self-determination-and raise awareness of the challenges our community continues to face.
CONTACT Katharine Berg, 415-503-0500, katharine@lacasa.org
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