The Michigan Women’s Commission is moving from the Department of Civil Rights to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The move was announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday as she says she aims to enhance the capacity of the women’s commission to address economic issues faced by Michigan women.
“I’m confident that through the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Women’s Commission working together, these barriers can be broken down,” Whitmer said. “In doing so, we will take another step forward in ensuring Michigan women are treated with the same dignity and respect as their male counterparts, no matter their race, social-economic status or sexual orientation.”
A series of meetings held around the state asked women how gender equity could be achieved, and Whitmer’s office says it found economic security to be the biggest barrier. The Michigan Women’s Commission has outlined priorities for the next year as pay equity, affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and the need for more women in leadership roles. Whitmer issued an order Wednesday to move the commission.
