Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women mobilizes to protect women, girls from regressive policies of feds

Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women is committed to protecting women and girls from harmful and regressive policies implemented by the current federal administration.

“The Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women unequivocally opposes the federal administration’s assault on women’s rights and opportunities,” said Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women Chairwoman Jennifer Stotter in a commission annoucement. “We are witnessing deliberate attempts to roll back hard-won protections in education, economic security, health care access and workplace equity.”

The commission — a statewide government agency working toward equality for women and girls in Hawaiʻi by acting as a catalyst for positive change — is mobilized in collaboration with Hawaiʻi legislators, community organizations, health care providers, educational institutions and business leaders to develop a comprehensive framework to protect women and girls.

“Our commission is taking decisive action to ensure that federal policies designed to marginalize women will not succeed in Hawaiʻi,” Stotter said.

This multi-faceted approach includes exploring legislative options to offset federal funding reductions, expanding state programs and fostering public-private partnerships, as well as raising awareness about resources and legal rights.

Research has shown that everyday instances of sexism can negatively affect women at all levels, including matters of physical and mental health.

The commission identified specific federal actions of concern including:

• Cuts to educational programs that support women and girls.
• Rollbacks of workplace discrimination protections.
• Restrictions on health care coverage affecting women’s comprehensive health needs.
• Systematic dismantling of diversity initiatives instrumental in advancing women in the workforce.

Commission officials — working with state agencies and community organizations — are developing countermeasures in response to preserve these essential protections.

Key areas of commission focus include:

• Expanding child care subsidies and family leave policies.
• Creating state-level protections for equal pay.
• Strengthening safety net programs for immigrants and other vulnerable populations.
• Preserving Title IX protections against discrimination and sexual violence.
• Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives aimed at undoing effects of past discrimination (e.g., by combating biases, eliminating unjustifiable barriers and cultivating pluralism) in education, public and private sectors.
• Ensuring comprehensive health care access includes reproductive and maternal health services.
• Reinforcing anti-discrimination protections in employment.
• Enhancing sexual harassment prevention and reporting mechanisms.
• Promoting women in leadership positions throughout industries.

Advocacy efforts already found success in addressing harmful and abrupt withholding March 31 of Hawaiʻi’s Title X federal family planning grant funds by U.S. Health and Human Services with the Hawaiʻi Senate and House budget committees approving a $6 million state investment in family planning services.

“While the federal administration continues to target policies that support women’s advancement, Hawaiʻi will stand firm in its commitment to gender equity,” said Hawaiʻi State Commission on the Status of Women Executive Director Llasmin Chaine in the announcement. “These federal actions represent a coordinated effort to undermine women’s rights, but we are equally determined to maintain the progress we’ve made and continue moving forward. No woman in Hawaiʻi should lose opportunities or protections because of regressive federal policies.”

If you were negatively impacted by recent federal actions, despite your protected rights as a woman and want to share your experience to expand the commission’s strategic efforts, reach out via email at dhs.hscsw@dhs.hawaii.gov.