August 23, 2007

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced a Certificate of Tribute to honor Women's Equality Day on August 26, 2007.  The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote, but also calls attention to women's continuing efforts toward full equality.

"The past year has been a time of great triumphs and great setbacks for the women of Michigan," said Judy Karandjeff, Executive Director of the Michigan Women's Commission.  While the passage of Proposal 2 poses grave challenges to the future of equality in Michigan, we have also seen success with the Civil Rights Commission ruling on Contraceptive Equity.  However, even with success, we must be reminded that there is still much more work to do to achieve equality for women." 

Issues at the forefront of the women's equality movement include affirmative action, domestic violence, education and pay equity.  Over the past few years both the Governor and the Women's Commission have been actively involved in addressing these issues, including the release of a policy agenda for women.  

Numerous organizations are hosting events to commemorate Women's Equality Day in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Detroit.   More information on these events and other initiatives are available at the Women's Commission's website at http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr-mwc.

Michigan residents are encouraged to celebrate Women's Equality Day at several events scheduled at locations throughout Michigan, including:

-   Aug. 25th, from 1:00PM - 3:00PM, at the Greater Muskegon Woman's Club, (280 W. Webster Avenue in Muskegon).  Hosted by Shoreline Victorian Ladies and Greater Muskegon Women's Club.  Contact: karinc1146@yahoo.com for more information.

-   On Aug. 26th, from 2:00PM - 4:00PM, at the Michigan Women's Historical Center, (213 W. Main in Lansing).  Celebrate the 87th anniversary of women's right to vote. Ticket price: $20 before the event, $25 on the day.  For more information or a registration form, visit  http://www.aauwmi.org or call  (517) 484-1880.

-   Aug. 26th, from 5:30PM - 8:00PM, at Detroit NOW (9214 Dwight in Detroit).  Detroit NOW honors feminists on Women's Equality Day.  Tickets are $30.  For more information call (313) 273-7400.

-   On Aug. 27th, from 5:00PM - 6:30PM, at the YWCA of Kalamazoo, (353 E Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo).  For more information visit, http://www.ywcakalamazoo.org.

The Michigan Women's Commission (MWC) was created in 1968, and has since set forth to improve the quality of life for Michigan women.  The MWC serves as a referral agency for Michigan women and helps them to navigate federal, state and local resources.  Over 100 women contact the MWC each month via e-mail, letter, phone or fax requesting information ranging from how to start a small business to how to get help for domestic violence situations.

For more information on the Michigan Women's Commission, call 1-517-373-2884 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/mdcr-mwc.