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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2003
PR- 068-03
www.nyc.gov


MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG DECLARES COMMITMENT TO LEADING A CITY WITHOUT GENDER DISCRIMINATION

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the New York City Commission on Women’s Issues, in partnership with Barnard College, today hosted a breakfast in commemoration of Women’s History Month.  This year, Women’s History Month is dedicated to honoring “Women Pioneering the Future.”  In that spirit, the Mayor acknowledged the many women holding important leadership and policy-making positions in his administration, and declared his dedication to leading an administration, and City, free of gender discrimination.  Deputy Mayor for Administration Patricia Harris, Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Román, Chair of the Commission on Women’s Issues Anne Sutherland Fuchs, President of Barnard College Judith Shapiro, New York City officials, members of the Commission on Women’s Issues and community and business leaders joined the Mayor at Barnard College.

“New York City’s women have a strong history of battling inequality and an equally proud tradition of making their mark in their chosen professions,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  “During my administration, I have been committed to ensuring that City government represents the diversity, spirit, talent and dedication of New York’s population and we must have zero tolerance for discrimination in all of its forms.” 

“Enhancing the status of working women in New York City is truly one of Barnard’s priorities,” said President of Barnard College Judith Shapiro.  “We are honored to have the opportunity to join with the Bloomberg Administration and the Commission on Women’s Issues in serving this goal.  There is much to be learned from this important survey project and as a women’s college, Barnard is honored to carry on this work.”

The first objective of the Commission on Women’s Issues is to conduct a survey of the 50 top companies in New York City to identify best employer practices in critical areas such as health benefits, child care and promotion policies.  The purpose of the survey will be to spotlight what works, and encourage others to follow, or try new ideas with the goal of making workplaces free of gender inequality.  The Commission on Women’s Issues will disseminate information about the survey and its findings on a website to be launched later this year. Barnard College will be the institutional home for this project and will fund the survey through its completion.


 

www.nyc.gov

Contact: Edward Skyler / Lark-Marie Antón 
(212) 788-2958