HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-29-22 Public Comment - N. Stein - Public Comment on Resolution 5394 -- 4_5 Commission MeetingFrom:Nathan Stein
To:Agenda
Cc:Stephanie McDowell
Subject:Public Comment on Resolution 5394 -- 4/5 Commission Meeting
Date:Tuesday, March 29, 2022 1:44:07 PM
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Please see the below public comment from Bridgercare Executive Director Stephanie
McDowell (cc'd here) in support of Resolution 5394 with amendments!
Bridgercare is proud to support Resolution 5384, Establishing Bozeman as a City for CEDAW(Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women).
CEDAW was adopted by the United Nations in the seventies and aims to protect women from
violence and discrimination in all aspects of life. The United States has yet to ratify the CEDAW, so it is
vital that our community step up to affirm our commitment to the principles of equality and justice
that the Convention represents.
Bridgercare is a nonprofit reproductive and sexual healthcare clinic for south central Montana; ourmission is to provide excellent, affordable care and education for every person in our community,regardless of identity or economic status. We serve many women who struggle with violence andeconomic insecurity, and we believe that the principles and priorities enshrined in the CEDAW, ifaffirmed by our local government, will result in real, positive change for many of our patients, as wellas our friends and neighbors throughout the Bozeman community.
That said, we believe that the current draft resolution before the Commission can and should be
improved. Stronger language is necessary to recognize the traumatic impacts and barriers for
survivors of gender-based violence, advance health, safety and economic security, and lastly, to
analyze data each year to create an intersectional analysis on the status of women and girls with
annual Action Plans based on our City's Equal Pay Resolution requirements. These changes will both
bolster our community’s commitment to equality and justice and ensure that citizens and
commissioners alike have a roadmap to create lasting, positive change.
Thank you.
Nathan Stein (he/him)
Development Assistant | Bridgercare
P 406-587-0681 x135
nstein@bridgercare.org
www.bridgercare.org
Want to get involved?! https://bridgercare.org/waystohelp/