Dearborn Heights residents Rachel LaPointe (left), Chastity Townsend and Manar Hojeij meet July 14 at Caroline Kennedy Library as part of the reactivated Commission on Women and Girls.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS – The Commission on Women and Girls, created by the City Council July 24, 2018, to bring attention to the concerns, opportunities and rights of women and girls, was recently reactivated.
Commissioners Rachel LaPointe, Chastity Townsend and Manar Hojeij met July 14 at Caroline Kennedy Library to discuss recruitment to the commission and to plan for its future. Zaynab Abdallah, the fourth commissioner, was not present.
The commission was established by ordinance seven years ago by the council when Daniel Paletko was mayor and Walter Prusiewicz was the city clerk.
The purpose of the commission is to bring attention to, report on and monitor issues relating to the concerns, opportunities and rights of women and girls in the community, and to work with the mayor, city council and other elected and appointed city officials to make recommendations that promote policies that address the concerns of and promote opportunities for females.
The commission will work with organizations and social service agencies to advance gender equity and promote public discussions on issues that impact women and girls.
The commission currently has four members, and may accommodate up to nine. The commission also has a provision for a designated city council liaison and for up to four student commission members.
In addition to advising the mayor and City Council on women’s issues, the commission will promote equality in education, healthcare, economic opportunity, public safety and leadership.
It will also conduct research, organize events and engage with the community to raise awareness and drive change.
In addition to community members, the commission hopes to include representatives from relevant community organizations, nonprofits, schools and businesses.
The commission hopes to reach out to representatives at Vista Maria, a residential treatment agency in Dearborn Heights.
The next commission meeting is 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 4 at Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St.