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.
Contact
UH CSW
Office of EEO/Title IX
1960 East-West Road
Biomed T311
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 956-7077
uhcsw@hawaii.edu
Joint Statement of Solidarity & Commitment to Nondiscrimination
The Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ Equality (“LGBTQ+ Commission”) and the Commission on the Status of Women (“CSW”) celebrate the ways that our differences make life at the University of Hawaiʻi richer. Further, we honor that our shared humanity demands common dignity.
Both Commissions recognize that uplifting our most vulnerable community members is our shared kuleana. We welcome people of all genders and sexual orientations to UH.
We understand that some of our community members, including those who are women, māhū, and/or LGBTQ+, feel anxious, afraid, or alone right now. During these difficult times, please know that we stand with you and we will continue to oppose discrimination in all its forms, including discrimination based on gender identity and expression.
The Commissions advocate for safe and welcoming UH campuses, free from discrimination of any kind. UH policy prohibits sex and gender-based discrimination. If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct, such as discrimination or harassment based on sex or gender, we encourage you to connect with UH resources. Confidential support is also available. Additionally, clubs and centers across UH provide community, safe spaces, and advocacy.
The LGBTQ+ Commission and CSW aim to cultivate a culture of equality, acceptance, and respect at UH by hosting awareness events, organizing conferences, and conducting studies. We meet regularly to discuss gender equity issues that impact UH students, faculty, and staff.
You can help make a difference! If you’re interested in becoming an LGBTQ+ Ally or Advocate, please reach out to your campus’ LGBTQ+ commissioners for more information on how you can help make a difference. If you would like to join CSW or attend one of our meetings, please email us at uhcsw@hawaii.edu.
What We Do
The University of Hawaiʻi President’s Commission on the Status of Women is committed to improving the support, well-being, development, and advancement of all women in the university community by actively promoting a safe working and learning environment free of sexism and discrimination through policy, advocacy, and education. (Revised Feb. 20, 2019)
CSW meets regularly to discuss issues impacting women in the university community and to collaborate on initiatives designed to bolster gender equity. CSW meetings are open to the public. To learn more about attending a CSW meeting, email uhcsw@hawaii.edu.
CSW Meeting Schedule for 2024-2025
All meetings held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom Video Conference, unless otherwise noted.
- August 15, 2024 (Strategic Planning Session, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
- September 16, 2024
- October 28, 2024
- November 18, 2024
- January 27, 2025
- February 24, 2025
- March 24, 2025
- April 21, 2025
- May 19, 2025 (Location and time TBD)
Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to connect with a CSW member and/or to attend a CSW meeting to share their thoughts and concerns about the needs of the university community.
CSW Membership
The Commissioners consist of faculty, staff and students appointed by the President of the University of Hawaiʻi, with representatives from our 10 campuses and system offices.
University of Hawai’i Faculty, staff, and students are invited to apply to join CSW as a Commissioner or Associate Member.
Commissioners
Sarah Moriarty, Co-Chair, UH Mānoa
Jessica Shaffer, Co-Chair, UH Community Colleges System
Corey Adler, Leeward Community College
Kelsie Aguilera, Leeward Community College
ʻIolani Brosio, UH Maui College
Darsh Davé, Kapiʻolani Community College
Courtney Domingo, UH System
Farrah-Marie Gomes, UH System
Carol Hoshiko, Kapiʻolani Community College
Tiffany Kasoga, Leeward Community College
Melissa Matsuura, UH Mānoa
Judy Oliveira, UH Community Colleges System
Jade Paul, UH Hilo
Chassidy Sakamoto, UH Mānoa
Wendy Sora, UH Mānoa
Shelley Sutter, Kauaʻi Community College
David Uranaka-Yamashiro, Honolulu Community College
Janice Yamada, UH System
Associate Members
Celia Bardwell-Jones, UH Hilo
Mari Ishii, UH Community Colleges System
Haydee Jutz, UH Mānoa
Jamie Newalu, UH Mānoa
Kristen Urata, UH Mānoa
Liaisons
Teresa Bill, UH Mānoa Women’s Center
Llasmin Chaine, Executive Director for the Hawai‘i State Commission on the Status of Women
Christine Chun, UH Community College Compliance EEO, and Title IX
Shaunda Makaimoku, UH Hilo Office of Equal Opportunity
Christine Quemuel, UH Mānoa Student Equity, Excellence, and Diversity (SEED)
Celia Remillard, UH West Oahu Human Resources Office
Ex–Officios
Jennifer Rose, UH System President’s Designee & Director of the UH System Office of EEO/Title IX
Goals
Education and Advocacy
The Commission fosters 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 women’s issues and topics in the curriculum.
Safety
The Commission works to promote and improve healthy and safe campuses, where women can work and study without fear or concern for their physical, mental, and emotional
well-being.
Advancement
The Commission celebrates the achievement and recognition of women throughout the university community. The Commission also encourages the inclusion of more women in higher level administration, senior faculty and policy-making positions.
Equity
The Commission seeks the equitable integration of women in all areas of study and employment, emphasizing ideals of inclusion and respect at all levels of the organization.
Compliance
The Commission advocates for full compliance with all state and federal laws regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity for women.
CSW Initiatives
CSW actively works to support gender equity at the University of Hawaiʻi through a variety of initiatives, such as:
- Hosting Conferences
- Conducting Surveys
- 2015 Survey on University Clerical Workers’ Career Experiences and Aspirations
- 2013 Survey on Child Care Needs Assessment
- 2010 Survey on Sexual/Relationship Violence Survey
- 2008 Faculty Pay Equity Study
- Compiling Resources
