Michigan Women’s Commission moves to Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — On the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Equality Day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced in a video statement that the Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) will move from the Department of Civil Rights to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO).

Governor Whitmer says that placing the Women’s Commission in LEO will enhance the capacity of both entities to address the economic issues Michigan women face every day.

“From day one of my administration, I have made a commitment to building a stronger, more equitable state. And we can’t call Michigan a home for opportunity unless Michigan women are afforded the same opportunities to be successful,” Whitmer said in a statement. “After speaking with women across the state, it’s clear that the economic issues we face, including pay equity, available and affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and the need for more women in leadership roles, can best be addressed by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Michigan Women’s Commission working directly together. When this group of leaders collaborates, we can help ensure women across Michigan are treated with the same dignity and respect as their male counterparts, no matter their race, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation.”

During a series of conversations facilitated by the Michigan Women’s Commission across this state, the women of Michigan expressed directly to Governor Whitmer that economic security is the biggest barrier to achieving gender equity.

From these conversations, the Commission outlined their 2020-21 priorities which will work to achieve economic security. To address these goals, Michigan women overwhelmingly cite pay equity, available and affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and the need for more women – and a more diverse group of women – in leadership roles in government, business, academia, and nonprofits as priorities.

They also highlight the need for more equitable and affordable access to the types of training and education that lead to better paying jobs. Across all conversations, Michigan women expressed the importance of centering the most marginalized communities and the most affected populations in every policy decision.

“Michigan women have told us time and time again that in order to achieve gender equity we need pay equity, affordable and accessible childcare, and more women in leadership,” MWC Executive Director Cheryl Bergman said. “The Commission listened to these women, and is proud to take this next step with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. I am confident that by working together we can unlock opportunities, uplift women in leadership, address pay equity head on, and work hand in hand to move Michigan closer to gender equity.”