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NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
-Who We Are-
The History
The New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women was created by the NH Legislature in 1969 with the following mandated duties: (per RSA 19-B)
Stimulate and encourage throughout the state study and revision of the statutes relative to women in this state.
Recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in public and private employment and civil and political rights.
Promote more effective methods for enabling women to develop their skills, and continue their education.
Secure, so far as possible, appropriate recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to the state.
The creation of the New Hampshire Commission reflected a national movement, as states began to create women’s commissions based on a recommendation made by the President’s Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. These bodies were designed to study the status of women in all areas of their lives and recommend changes to help women achieve their basic rights. (The New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women is a member of the National Association’s of Women’s Commissions).
The Commission is comprised of 15 members who are appointed by the Governor and Executive Council, to ensure representation from women across the state with diverse backgrounds. The Commission is staffed by two full-time staff members, the Executive Director and Program Assistant.
The New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women remains the only state agency devoted exclusively to enhancing opportunities and promoting positive changes for the women of New Hampshire.
The Mission and Work
The New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women advocates on behalf of the diverse population of the state’s women by identifying and seeing to remedy historical and institutional discrimination that act as social, political, and economic barriers to the full realization of women’s basic rights.
The Commission on the Status of Women provides a central office in the state that offers resources, referrals, and information to individuals on a myriad of issues. The Commission receives over 1500 calls and requests a year regarding topics such as; employment, education, financial aid opportunities, child care, economic issues, discrimination, sexual harassment, family law issues, information on women owned-business, networking and many other topics. Additional resources and directories are also available on the Commission’s website: www.nh.gov/csw
The Commission on the Status of Women provides a voice for women in the state’s legislative and policy making process. By testifying, reviewing, and monitoring legislation, the Commission closely follows any legislation that may affect women and their families. Representatives from the Commission on the Status of Women serve on several task forces, commissions, legislative committees, and special projects that focus on issues with impact for women.
The Commission on the Status of Women recognizes the many contributions women have made to today’s society and to history. By sponsoring and promoting events such as the High School Women’s Athletic/Academic Award Program, Women’s History Month, Women’s Equality Day and awarding the Commission Annual Women’s Recognition Award, the Commission honors the achievements of New Hampshire women and girls.
The Commission on the Status of Women sponsors, promotes, and participates in initiatives that are designed to educate, empower, and inform women. The Commission has sponsored programs and projects that focus on topics of concern to women, including gender equity in the class room, domestic and sexual violence, women and girls in non-traditional occupations, the rights of immigrant and refugee women, and the needs of lower-income women.
The Commission on the Status of Women publishes materials to empower women with knowledge and information. The Commission has published numerous directories and reports over the years, with the most recent and notable being Double Jeopardy, A Report on Training and Educational Programs for New Hampshire’s Female Offenders (December 2004) , A Legal Handbook for Women in New Hampshire (2004) and the Spanish translation, Manual De Derechos De Las Mujeres De New Hampshire (2005) (which are both currently in revision), and How to Get Appointed to State Boards and Commissions: A Five Step Guide (2007). All of the publications, and others, can also be found on the Commission’s website at www.nh.gov/csw.
By enhancing the status of women, we improve the lives of all.
New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women
25 Capitol Street – Room 212
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2660, (603) 271-4032 fax
website: www.nh.gov/csw
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