Besides trying to eliminate the gap between wages for women and minorities and those for white men, the all-volunteer Kaua’i County Committee on the Status of Women is active in other issues impacting females. The members, appointed by the mayor,
Besides trying to eliminate the gap between wages for women and minorities and those for white men, the all-volunteer Kaua’i County Committee on the Status of Women is active in other issues impacting females.
The members, appointed by the mayor, address the broad scope of women’s issues through advocacy, education and program development.
The committee sponsors, supports and partners with various community programs throughout the year, including seminars and conferences on personal growth and health issues, career development, legislative advocacy training, financial equality, and the mentoring of young women.
The Kaua’i Women’s Conference held a professional development, personal growth and enrichment skill path seminar last October. Another is planned this fall.
Committee volunteers also work with the Boys and Girls Club of Hawai’i Kapa’a clubhouse as mentors for young girls. Monthly interactions and activities include hikes, beach picnics, communication and self-presentation skills, health and wellness, and community-service activities.
A legislative training workshop prepared Kaua’i residents for the current legislative session. The workshop included an overview of how bills are drafted, writing and presenting testimony, developing talking points, and becoming an expert on women’s and children’s issues that go before the Legislature each year.
The committee is welcoming new members from the community at-large. Additional information is available from Melinda Barnes at 821-2533 or mbarnes@aloha.net, or from the mayor’s office at 241-6300.
