Overview
Formed in 1972 at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa campus, the commission expanded to include systemwide representation in 1986. An early statement of its general objective expressed the intention of “raising the consciousness of the campus community regarding the status of women” within the university system.
As part of its reorganization in 1986, the commission developed a more comprehensive mission statement which continues to guide its work. Over the years, the UH Commission on the Status of Women has addressed a wide variety of issues of relevance to the personal and professional well-being of female students, staff and faculty—working in and for Hawaiʻi’s state system of higher education.
Childcare, students on welfare, gender equity in athletics, campus safety and security, equitable practices in hiring, pay, promotion and tenure, access to resources, women’s presence in higher administration, recourse for sexual harassment, development of curriculum in women’s studies, compliance to the mandates of affirmative action and equal opportunity—these issues and more are part of the commission’s history as well as its ongoing agenda for action.
Goals
- Information: The commission serves as a conduit for information between the administration and the total university community on issues that have particular relevance for women. It advises the president on the issues and needs of women in the UH System.
- Education: Both within and outside the university, the commission strives to foster an awareness, understanding and recognition of the potential, contributions, special challenges and many roles women play in a university community. It encourages the development and maintenance of curriculum in women studies.
- Safety: The commission works to promote healthy and safe campuses, where women can work and study without fear or concern for their physical well-being.
- Advancement: Through its activities, the commission promotes the advancement and recognition of women. It encourages women to seek advancement and recognition throughout the university community.
- Equity: The commission seeks the equitable integration of women in all areas of study and employment. It seeks equitable compensation and treatment for women at all levels of the organization, and in all phases of their lives.
- Full Participation: The commission encourages full compliance with state and federal laws on affirmative action and equal opportunity for women such as Title IX. The Commission on the Status of Women also works to include more women in higher level administration, senior faculty and policy-making positions.
- Acceptability: The commission strives to affect policies which will enable both men and women to succeed equally in professional and personal development within the university community.
