Mayor Fischer creates task force to help develop Commission on Gender Equity

Mayor Greg Fischer today announced the creation of a task force to develop a Commission on Gender Equity to advance key areas of women’s equity. Led by Metro’s Office for Women, a small team of Metro leaders will host three public meetings to collect input from the community, and will then develop a report on the scope, focus and structure of the commission.

“Women make up more than of half of our city’s population, and drive the success of our city and its residents,” Mayor Fischer said. “While strides have been made, women in our community still face challenges, including in economic, public safety and other areas. This commission will work to reduce those barriers and ensure policies advance our goals for a more equitable Louisville.”

“We are announcing this at the end of Women’s History Month to signify that gender equity is a priority every day,” said Gretchen Hunt, Executive Administrator of the Office for Women. “We want to work with the community to make sure we prioritize the needs and experiences of women who have been historically marginalized.”

The first public meeting is scheduled for April 27, at 7 p.m. at the Southwest Library. Virtual meetings will also be available. For more information, contact Gretchen Hunt at 502-574-3536 or [email protected].

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About the Office for Women:

Louisville Metro Government’s Office for Women was created in 1991 to raise the status of women in the city through education, advocacy, and legislation. Its areas of focus include gender-based violence, human trafficking, education, housing, social and economic well-being, autonomy and civic engagement.

During his tenure, Mayor Greg Fischer has worked through the office to champion for policy changes and programs that directly improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable women in our community – ranging from eviction prevention to education to decreasing maternal and child morbidity through the Healthy Babies Louisville Initiative. In 2021, he signed an ordinance providing paid parental leave for Louisville Metro Government employees welcoming a child by birth or adoption, and in 2022, he elevated and relocated the Office for Women to reside within the city’s Office of Equity in order to streamline and amplify efforts to seek equity across our community. Mayor Fischer has a strong track record of hiring, promoting and working alongside strong women leaders, and women have had key roles in his administration, from deputy mayor to leading departments impacting equity, economic development, resiliency, and technology, to name just a few.