....an Advocacy Agency for all Women!

What is a Women's Commission?

A Women's Commission is a group of concerned individuals who are interested in identifying and addressing issues that impact women in a given community. One such issue is often raising the awareness of community members regarding the roles of women. The end result is to enhance the quality of life for all community members.

What does a Women's Commission do?

A Women's Commission is unique to the area it serves. Therefore, its goals are directed toward serving the needs of women in that particular area or county.

Some missions of Commission are:

• To identify concerns and issues of women
• To serve as a resource and sounding board regarding needs
• To keep County Commissioners apprised of specific women's needs
• To develop increased sensitivity to the issues of gender balance

Some examples of issues Commissions address are:

• Barriers to employment
• Domestic Violence
• Legal Rights
• Sex Discrimination
• Family Planning
• Child Care
• Sexual Harassment
• Equal Credit Opportunities
• Gender Balance in appointed offices

Why do we need a Women's Commission in Mercer County?

To strengthen the role of women in public affairs in Mercer County.

• By assuring that women's needs and viewpoints are being heard
• By ensuring that women play a representative role in resolving problems and planning for the future
• By providing independent study by women of issues of particular concern to women and suggesting corrective action

Are there other Women's Commissions in Pennsylvania?

YES! There are more than 22 commissions in various stages of development throughout the Commonwealth. These commissions vary in structure and composition. Some are affiliated with local governmental bodies and some are not.

Who and what is the Mercer County Commission for Women?

The Mercer County Commission for Women came into existence in July, 1990. Interest in the Commission began among several local women, the Task Force for Women, who presented their ideas to the County Board of Commissioners. The MCCW meets the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioner's Conference Room on the first floor of the Mercer County Courthouse. These meetings are open to all interested persons.

The Commissions fifteen members continue to assess the needs of the women and children of Mercer County. The results of their surveys will determine projects of importance to the citizens of the county.

Send mail to webmaster@mcc.co.mercer.pa.us  
Copyright © 2000 Mercer County Commission for Women
Last modified: June 30, 2008