Our Vision for the Future

Based on survey data and input from residents throughout the city, the Phoenix Women's Commission has identified four priorities that will continue to guide our work in the future. We organized and focused on addressing these issues:

A greater focus on the education of girls and women of all ages
Tied closely to the objective of pay equity, we believe education is the key that will open the door to a better life for women in Phoenix.

Pay equity for women and development of successful women-owned businesses
Today, women earn 72 cents for every dollar earned by men. We are working toward a goal when disparity no longer exists, and the glass ceiling is shattered. By providing greater access to adequate financing and markets, woman-owned businesses (now 38 percent) will increase significantly and successfully! We will work with the city of Phoenix to increase the percentage of business it conducts with woman- and minority-owned businesses.

Prevention of domestic violence and an increase in resources to address this problem
The dedication of the Phoenix Women's Commission to this issue will endure as long as violence against women continues. We expect that continued efforts with the courts and law enforcement in Phoenix - including training and prevention programs - will address gender-based harassment, physical and mental harm.

The availability of quality childcare throughout Phoenix
With the city of Phoenix's childcare center as a role model, the commission will have served as a resource and advocate for employers to follow suit in providing quality services for children of their employers.

Our vision includes: Reduced school dropout and teen pregnancy rates An education beyond high school for every girl who wants to pursue a career Women and girls no longer lag in math, physical science and technology Mentoring programs and positive role models One of the highest female voter turnouts in the country