PURPOSE: The commission will advance equality and equity for women in the City of Houston by identifying and addressing disparities in healthcare, employment, safety and security across communities and industries, both in Houston’s public and private sector.

The commission will develop and propose recommendations, identify gaps in information that need further study, and advise City leaders on how to improve the quality of life for women throughout Houston.

This inaugural year’s charge is to address the disparities that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated for women in the region in areas including job loss, health care and leave coverage, child-care needs, and wage disparities ... Read more (.pdf)

About the Commission

Who Serves on the Commission?

The twenty-five members being considered represent a diverse cross-section of Houston and are broadly representative of the community at large with regard to race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, LGBT+ status, and industry sectors including leaders from energy, tech, healthcare, service industry, education, both public and private sectors, to address women’s issues holistically.

How will the Commission Function?

The Houston Women’s Commission will serve as a permanent advisory board to the Mayor and City Council as they make decisions related to the well-being and advancement of women and their families. The commission will meet quarterly, with subcommittees meeting more frequently, and work closely with City departments that focus on healthcare, wage inequality and employment, and safety and security.
The commission will advise and produce recommendations annually to the Mayor and Council to address disparities, as well as identify gaps in information that need further study. They will also provide feedback regarding prospective policy to the mayor and city council and will generate policy proposals bringing attention of the mayor and city council issues impacting women in Houston. Commission members will also help publicize City-led opportunities and programs benefiting women and their families in their communities.

Newsroom

Houston establishes city's first women's commission focusing on health and economic disparities

In an effort spearheaded by Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, Houston now has its first ever women's commission. "We have put together a real powerhouse group of women who are really about the work," Kamin said. "They represent very diverse backgrounds of demographics, socioeconomic status and industries." ...

ABC 13 • 08.26.2021

Houston establishes city's first women’s commission focusing on health and economic disparities

In an effort spearheaded by Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, Houston now has its first ever women’s commission. “We have put together a real powerhouse group of women who are really about the work,” Kamin said. “They represent very diverse backgrounds of demographics, socioeconomic status and industries.”

Community Impact • 08.25.2021

Houston launches women's commission to address gender disparities

The city on Wednesday launched a 25-person women’s commission to examine gender disparities in Houston and recommend policies to address them. The council voted unanimously to approve the commission and name its first 25 members. They include Chau Nguyen of the Houston Area Women’s Center, ...

Houston Chronicle • 08.25.2021

Supporting Documents (.pdf)

Summary and Fact Sheet Commission Ordinance