COMMISSIONS FOR WOMEN: Allies Spreading the Word about Women’s Retirement Issues

1. COMMISSIONS FOR WOMEN:Allies Spreading the Word about Women’s Retirement Issues WISER Symposium Washington, D.C. Romona S. Fullman, Esq. Director Delaware Commission for Women Thursday, December 7, 2006

2. Commissions For Women • 200 Commissions for Women throughout the U.S. • Commissions are governmental entities established by state, county or city authorities. • Most have advisory and/or advocacy responsibilities for advancing issues affecting the quality of life and full and equitable participation of women in all sectors of society.

3. National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) • NACW is a non-partisan membership organization of state, county and local commissions. • NACW serves as a national voice for commissions for women on issues of mutual concern. • NACW has provided leadership and guidance on a myriad of public policy issues for over 30 years and provides a venue for the exchange of ideas, resources and best practices. • NACW partners with other women’s organizations, businesses, non-profits and government leaders to serve the needs of women.

4. Unique Allies • As governmental entities, many commissions for women help shape public policy based on research, and effective relationships with women and policy makers. • In communities throughout the nation, commissions have created and supported initiatives to educate and inform the decisions of women and girls. • Through existing nationwide networks, commissions are natural allies for promoting and improving economic security for women.

5. The Challenge • Changing attitudes and perceptions that tolerate pay inequities and related economic injustices and unjustifiable disparities. • Changing attitudes and perceptions about the relevancy of the subject to all women (not just educated, professional or paraprofessional women—all women) • Identifying public and private sector leaders who “get it” and are willing to demonstrate their commitment on all levels. • Empowering all women and girls with the knowledge and resources to make informed financial decisions.

6. 6 Policy Issues • Pay Equity (The Fair Pay Act, The Paycheck Fairness Act) • Minimum Wage / Livable Wages • Retirement benefits, especially in jobs and industries predominated by women • Paid Family & Medical Leave (paid) • Affirmative Action • Accelerating Business Profits to Women-Owned Businesses • Education & Training

7. Path Forward • Advocacy • Education • Partnerships

8. Advocacy • New voices…husbands, sons, grandsons, and nephews need to speak to the realities facing their mothers, grandmothers, sisters and family friends. • Connect the issues-…personal financesissues affecthealth, access to care, food, shelter…the basic necessities of a quality of life. • Support current programs and policy initiatives designed to keep women from living the devastating realities of poverty in their later years of life. • Empower womenand girlsof all backgrounds to be articulate about their needs and concerns. • Make a personal commitment to join others in brainstorming and implementing solutions.

9. Education • Business and policy leaders need a clearer picture of the realities and consequences of their actions or inactions. • Because we need to reach all women companies providing resources and services must better understand the realities and complexities of this very diverse segment of the population and be willing to meet them where they are. • Women must understand that their actions and decisions today directly affect the quality of tomorrow. • Girls must learn from the past and challenge the future…seizing and creating opportunities for economic equity and security.

10. Partnerships • Business with Business - developing exemplary policies, practices and programs that help workers prepare for their financial future. • Financial Organizations with Women’s Organizations – delivering innovative tools and implementing effective strategies and programs to reach women everywhere regarding their financial future. • Government with Women’s Organizations and organizations primarily serving women – working as collaborators on laws and public policies affecting the economic security of women, especially those approaching retirement.

11. In Delaware… State Treasurer Jack Markell has been a leader in promoting financial literacy and skills for women and children. www.state.de.us/treasure/

12. 3 Noteworthy Initiatives • The Delaware Money School, financially supported by , offers more than 500 free personal finance classes annually on a wide range of topics including retirement, divorce financial planning and long term care. Most for free. • Purse to Portfolios - a unique conference designed to give women the necessary tools to attain financial confidence and expertise. More than 1500 attended the October 21st conference • Financial Literacy Conference and Special Reading List for Children - provides a half-day session that includes entrepreneurship and the list contains more than 50 age-specific recommended readings for children.

13. Delaware Commission for Women Provides leadership, advocacy and resources on issues of economic empowerment, civil rights, women’s health, violence prevention and women’s recognition

14. Opportunity Together we have the opportunity, through the effective use our collective power, expertise and resources, to shape and improve the quality of life for women who might otherwise live their retirement years in poverty. What reason is acceptable for not doing all that we can? THANK YOU