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<br />e F. Commission on the Rights of Women <br /> Nancy Dunn has a Bachelor of Arts and was a child care administrator for 12 <br /> years. Ms. Dunn is presently a professional volunteer for the Women1s <br /> Commission and a full-time mother. <br /> Ms. Dunn said the Women's Commission has had a very busy and productive year. <br /> The commission's main goals were networking with other women's agencies in <br /> the community, increasing the commission's visibility, and promoting <br /> recruitment to City boards and commissions of protected classes. <br /> Ms. Dunn said the prevention of crimes against women and children became a <br /> major focus for the commission. It became an issue of concern to the <br /> commission when it reviewed statistics on crime from the Department of Public <br /> Safety. There was a 52-percent increase in reported rapes in Eugene in 1987. <br /> In addition, there was a GO-percent increase in the utilization of services <br /> from WomenSpace. To promote awareness of crimes against women and children, <br /> the Women's Commission co-sponsored Victim's Assistance Week, submitted <br /> several articles and editorials to local publications, and submitted a crime <br /> resolution to the City Council which was referred to the Public Safety <br /> Advisory Committee, where it stalled. <br /> Ms. Dunn said the Women's Commission established a group to work on issues of <br /> crimes against women. The work group has three main projects: researching <br /> ordinances regarding harassment; advising and reviewing legislation provided <br />e by the Department of Public Safety; and planning an event that would <br /> facilitate networking between local agencies that serve victims. <br /> Ms. Dunn said the bulk of the commission's time has been spent on public <br /> educational forums. The commission held forums dealing with women and AIDS <br /> and the feminization of poverty last year. Both of these events were quite <br /> successful. <br /> Ms. Dunn said the commission also responded to individual concerns about <br /> discrimination complaints within the community. The commission plans to <br /> continue to do this next year. The commission's other goals include <br /> preparing a video tape of the women and AIDS and feminization of poverty <br /> events (which will be shared with other community organizations as <br /> requested), and advising the City Council on the budget. <br /> Mayor Obie asked if the Women's Commission has explored child care issues and <br /> whether it has any recommendations about how the City can playa greater role <br /> in child care. Ms. Dunn said while the commission has not spent much time on <br /> child care, it is an issue of concern. She said she has been in contact with <br /> the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) <br /> and other groups who are exploring child care issues. Ms. Dunn said the <br /> commission would be willing to look into the issue. Mayor Obie said he is <br /> concerned about the lack of quality, affordable child care for low-income <br /> families. <br />- MINUTES--Eugene City Council December 12, 1988 Page 6 <br />