Phoenix Women's Commission

The Commission is made up of 17 volunteer citizens appointed by the Mayor and City Council to a 3 year term.

Dr. Heather Ross, Chair

Carrie Whitten Simmons, Vice Chair

Anjali Abraham

Maria Bailey Benson

Lalitha Byra

Lisa Doromal

Sharise Erby

Maria Fernanda Arreguin Gamez

Terri Jackson

Megan Schmitz

Christina Spicer

Miriam Weisman

The Phoenix Women's Commission's She Matters Equity Forum is the Commission's signature annual event which aims to bring together women from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful discussions, share insights, and foster a supportive community. The event features keynote speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, all designed to empower women and address challenges. The event is usually held in the month of March to commemorate the International Women's Day on March 8th every year.

To learn more about how to get involved or to become a sponsor of the event please contact Shanna Archie, Commission Liaison at shanna.archie@phoenix.gov or 602-534-1279.

Since 1993, the city of Phoenix and the Phoenix Women's Commission have hosted an event to recognize the resilient spirit of women around the world.  The annual worldwide celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th commemorates the struggle of women to improve their lives and status.

Background

Since Phoenix's first International Women's Day Celebration, the message advocating human rights for women worldwide has reached tens of thousands. Our speakers have made us more aware of the global community of women and more appreciative of the freedoms we enjoy in our own country. We have been moved and uplifted by the presentations of internationally recognized educators.

Gloria Steinem was our first keynote speaker; other speakers have included Bella Abzug, former U.S. Congresswoman from New York (deceased); Deborah Norville, veteran journalist and anchor of th enewsmagazine show, Inside Edition; Lisa Ling, reporter and former co-host of ABC Television's The View; Susan L. Taylor, editorial director of Essence magazine; Indra Nooyi, president and CEO of Pepsi Co./ and Martha Beck, best-selling author and life coach.

History

The roots of this special day go back to March 8, 1857, when hundreds of women workers in the garment and textile industry in New York City engaged in a bold and desperate action to improve their lives. They demonstrated against the brutal 12-hour workday/six days-a-week schedule, low wages, and increasingly arduous workloads. They called for equal pay for women and improved working conditions. Their call for social and economic justice was ignored, their protest was harshly dispersed by the police

These women, however, did not give up. Three years later, they formed their own labor union, again demanding improved workin conditions. More than 50 years later in 1908, women from the needles trade industry demonstrated for the same issues, adding to their demands the right for women to vote and laws against child labor. In 1920, German labor leader Clara Zetkin suggested that March 8th be proclaimed International Women's Day in memory of the early struggles by women to improve their lives.

The work is not yet done. Working together, we can realize the goals, dreams and aspirations of women that are deeply rooted in our history.