FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/8/2013
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Harrell seeks applications for the Seattle Women’s Commission
SEATTLE – Councilmember Bruce Harrell announced today that the City is seeking candidates for three vacant positions on the Seattle Women’s Commission.
The Commission is a 20-member body that works together to research, analyze and make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues facing women in Seattle. The Commission meets monthly and more frequently as committees to address economic opportunity for women, social justice, women’s health, affordable and high-quality child-care, women’s roles as care-givers, violence against women and challenges immigrant women face in our community.
Councilmember Harrell strongly encourages women with a background in policy work and research regarding gender pay gap inequality to apply. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the National Partnership for Women and Families, the most recent data shows that out of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas, Seattle has the largest wage gap for women. Women in the Seattle area are paid an average of 73 cents for every dollar paid to men in the area, amounting to a yearly gap of $16,346 between men and women who work full time. As a group, this results in a loss of $7,894,987,232 for women in the Seattle area each year, with national statistics showing even larger wage pay gaps for women of color.
"Closing and eradicating the wage gap between women and men in the Seattle metropolitan area is of utmost concern, and I am glad it is getting the attention it deserves. Having Commissioners with a background in policy work relating to gender pay gap inequality that are passionate about resolving this issue will help to build greater gender equity in Seattle," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology committee.
Appointment to the Commission is subject to confirmation by the City Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms, although may be appointed to fill the remainder of an existing term.
Interested candidates should deliver a resume and cover letter by May 31 to Councilmember Bruce Harrell by email (bruce.harrell@seattle.gov), by fax (206-684-8587; provide cover memo with Attn: Bruce Harrell) or by mail to:
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Seattle City Council
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025