Latest news with #CommissionontheStatusofWomen
Axios
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Top SF official Kimberly Ellis ousted after misconduct probe
The embattled director of the San Francisco Department on the Status of Women has been removed from her position amid allegations by the city that she failed to disclose work for a political group and approved questionable expenditures. The big picture: Kimberly Ellis, once considered a power player in California Democratic politics, was appointed by former Mayor London Breed in 2020 to oversee the agency. The agency, tasked with advancing equity for women and girls, shifted under Ellis' tenure from focusing on gender-based violence to taking on a larger role bolstering women in politics. Driving the news: The Commission on the Status of Women, the department's oversight board, unanimously voted late Wednesday night to oust Ellis "for the benefit and the future success of the department," commission president Sophia Andary said. The seven-member panel, which chose not to disclose its discussions on her dismissal, announced the decision after two hours of deliberation. The dismissal is effective immediately and comes after Mayor Daniel Lurie, who does not have the authority to remove Ellis, asked the commission to do so. What they're saying:"I have the highest expectations for city employees, and the City Attorney's investigation found that Director Ellis committed a range of misconduct, unlawful activities, and mismanagement," Lurie said in a statement to Axios. Jen Kwart, spokesperson for the city attorney's office, declined to reveal details of the probe but said it concluded after "we had already gathered significant evidence of wrongdoing." The other side: Ronald Arena, Ellis' attorney, told Axios via email that Ellis was targeted "not because she did anything wrong, but because she refused to be complicit in wrongdoing." Arena's statement accuses the city of withholding key records, using her medical leave to rush termination, bypassing mandated ethics procedures and leaking details to the media to control the narrative. "The City's conduct represents a profound abuse of authority and a betrayal of its own stated values," Arena said. Catch up quick: Lurie suspended Ellis in March amid questions about her financial management and claims that she fostered a culture of fear. She has denied all allegations and maintains she did nothing wrong. In 2023, her department awarded an $85,000 contract for a behavioral coaching company to a longtime collaborator whom Ellis described on social media as a " dear friend." The department also spent over $600,000 on a one-day conference, including for food, lighting and a fashion show. (Andary received a $1,000 speaker's stipend, documents show.) She later overruled employee concerns to approve a $30,000 overpayment to the political nonprofit that put on the conference via a no-bid contract. Ellis has also faced scrutiny for failing to disclose nearly $20,000 in payments from the progressive Power PAC in 2023 through a personal consulting firm. Her department had granted the PAC's nonprofit affiliate $120,000 in contracts the year prior. What to watch: Ellis announced a lawsuit against the city earlier this month, accusing the city of bringing back "discredited ethics allegations" to force her out. "Director Ellis was not forced out for poor performance or ethical misconduct. She was forced out for telling the truth, for defending the vulnerable, and for refusing to quietly disappear," her lawsuit reads. She claims the campaign to oust her was retaliation against her for reporting "credible and deeply disturbing" sexual misconduct. The city attorney's office has not yet been served with Ellis' lawsuit, according to Kwart, who said her allegations were thoroughly investigated and deemed "baseless."
Zawya
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Ra'idat alumni joins United Nations (UN) Commission on the Status of Women session to discuss youth issues
As one of the alumni of the UN in Libya's Ra'idat programme, Shahed El Kharraz, 24 from Misrata, was selected by the UN's Youth Office to attend in person the Commission on the Status of Women to discuss women and youth issues. The conference took place in March in New York, and brought together youth activists, civil society organisations and government officials from all over the world to share their experiences and develop policies to support development worldwide. 'Walking into the United Nations and taking part in discussions on women's and youth issues was more than just an event on my calendar it was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of global decision-making, and the vital role of civil society in shaping policies that impact millions,' said El Kharraz upon her return to Libya. During her time in New York, El Kharraz learnt about the structured system of international diplomacy, including how side events and bilateral meetings around the main agenda are a key part of the process for those advocating for change. 'The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with ministers and policymakers dedicated to advancing women's empowerment,' said El Kharraz. 'Our discussions focused on the challenges women face worldwide, particularly in political and economic participation, and the essential role of civil society in accelerating progress,' she added, saying that the experience taught her how intricate and difficult these issues are on a global scale. Describing the side events around the conference as more interactive, she said that it was in these dynamic discussions that she felt the pulse of change, where civil society played a crucial role in pushing for more inclusive and effective policies. 'One of the most inspiring aspects of my time at CSW69 was meeting remarkable women leaders and activists who have led transformative movements despite immense challenges. Listening to their stories of breaking barriers, defying societal expectations, and advocating for change was nothing short of empowering. Many of our conversations revolved around the lack of women in decision-making roles and the urgent need to ensure that women are not just included in discussions but are actively leading them,' she said. El Kharraz was also a panellist in a youth leadership discussion focused on breaking barriers and shaping a future for which integrated young people into decision-making processes. 'I spoke about the structural challenges that often hinder youth from reaching leadership positions,' she said, adding that she also realised that real change does not happen within the walls of UN alone. 'The true transformation begins when we return to our communities and put these frameworks into action, making a tangible impact on the ground.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State House Spotlight: Lawmakers and advocates collaborate
BOSTON (WWLP) – This week at the State House in Boston, advocates and lawmakers worked together on events ranging from women's rights to cancer screening awareness. Several women-focused events took place on Beacon Hill, including a yearly advocacy day for the Commission on the Status of Women, which is focusing on resistance to federal changes this year. The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators is turning 50 this year and they celebrated their origins in the State House library on Wednesday. 'It's because of their resilience, of the women who came before, and what they have fought for, that we are able to lead today,' said Representative Christine Barber, house chair of the caucus. This caucus was integral in passing the Equal Rights Amendment in 1976, and has worked on women and family rights in every legislative session since. A group of western Massachusetts medical students came to the building to advocate for issues facing their patients, including a Southwick native who plans to practice in the area. 'I've gone to Baystate as a patient, I've gone there as a learner, and I just wanted to continue my education through the Baystate health system to hopefully one day serve as a physician in western Mass,' said Southwick's Olivia Raymond, a rising 3rd year at UMass Medical School. Another local issue was brought to the State House, as a Springfield Representative is working on a petition that will keep illegal dirt bikes off the streets. 'What we're trying to avoid is for these illegal dirt bikes, illegal off-highway vehicles, to end up back on the road,' said Representative Orlando Ramos. Also this week, advocates and lawmakers came together to raise awareness about crucial health concerns, including prostate cancer and endometriosis briefings. Looking ahead to next week, lawmakers will likely need to make progress on their joint rules package, which will need to be passed before any substantive laws can be done. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers, advocates push for remote public meetings
BOSTON (WWLP) – Since the onset of the pandemic, the public has been able to access town and state meetings via Zoom and other remote options. Late last week, lawmakers voted to extend the expiration date for these remote meetings. A COVID-era bill allowing public bodies to hold hybrid and remote meetings was supposed to expire at the end of this month, but lawmakers decided last Thursday to keep that option in place until late June 2027. Mass. Commission on the Status of Women gathers for State House Advocacy Day The bill also lowers the number of people required for a quorum for a town meeting and allows remote participation in representative town meetings. State and town leaders say remote options remove barriers like childcare and scheduling, and it's now the norm to offer Zoom or Teams meetings in addition to in-person access. Governor Healey offered an option to make remote access permanent in a municipal tax bill she filed in January, and a group of advocates released a statement saying they believe remote access should be mandatory. According to the advocacy groups, 'without the ability to participate remotely, people across the Commonwealth would be shut out from important public conversations about government decisions that directly impact their lives.' Groups include ACLU of Massachusetts, Boston Center for Independent Living, Common Cause Massachusetts, Disability Law Center, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, and Massachusetts Newspaper Publishers Association. These groups support a bill filed by a New Bedford Representative mandating remote access, but critics of the bills say that may not be a realistic expectation for the 10,000 board, committees, and commissions that this law would apply to. A similar bill has been filed by Ludlow Senator Jake Oliveira, although this bill supports a non-mandatory remote access option. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) affirms its commitment to Gender equality at the 69th Commission on the Status of women (CSW69)
The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and human development at the General Debate of the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) at the United states headquarters in New York. Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS, Professor Fatou SOW SARR, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, highlighted the progress made by the region in promoting women's rights and social inclusion since the adoption of the Beijing Platform for Action. 'Since Beijing, there have been major advances in girls' education, health, and the fight against gender-based violence. We still have a long way to go, but our commitment remains unwavering,' she declared. Professor Sarr highlighted several key initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of women in West Africa. Among them, the establishment of manufacturing units for reusable sanitary towels, aimed at young girls and women in vulnerable situations. 'This initiative is not just about hygiene, it also contributes to the economic empowerment of women and the preservation of the environment,' added the Commissioner. Another flagship program is the Women, Peace and Security initiative, which documents the situation of women in conflict zones and facilitates their involvement in peace processes. ECOWAS advocates greater female participation in conflict management. 'Yes, we need a female face in conflict management for lasting peace', insisted Professor Fatou SOW SARR. To better measure progress in gender equality, ECOWAS has also developed two innovative tools: 1) the ECOWAS Gender Barometer (ECOGEB), which establishes a benchmark to guide public policy; and 2) the Gender Equality Index, which ranks member states according to their progress in reducing gender disparities. Côte d'Ivoire is currently in first place, followed by Senegal and Ghana. ECOWAS is resolutely looking to the future, banking on digital technology and artificial intelligence to promote the economic inclusion of women. The '50 Millions of women have their say' platform has already enabled nearly a million women entrepreneurs to access financial resources and improve their market positioning thanks to Artificial Intelligence. 'We now have the tools and data we need to take more targeted action. Gender equality is not just an ideal, it is an essential condition for the sustainable development of our region', she concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
