Women's Rights Leaders Champion Gender Equity at Borough Hall

By David Brand

Members of the New York City Commission on Gender Equity will convene at Queens Borough Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to discuss how Queens residents can prevent, reduce and eliminate gender-based violence.

The session will include remarks from survivors of gender-based violence and city officials. The commission said the session will guide community organizations, business owners, faith-based leaders and nonprofits on how they can participate in November’s “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign.

The commission was established through a 2015 executive order issued by Mayor Bill de Blasio and codified into law by the city council. The permanent body works with the communities to end discrimination and inequity against girls, women, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

“The Commission on Gender Equity works with city agencies to develop and implement inclusive policies and practices that advance gender equity for girls, women, and transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers,” said Commission Executive Director Jacqueline Ebanks. “We aim to create a city where all New Yorkers have opportunities to be economically secure, have access to quality and affordable health care and full autonomy over their reproductive lives, and live safely in their homes, at their places of work, and in their communities.”

The Commission leading the city’s participation in the annual global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which lasts from Nov. 25 to Dec. 10.

The campaign challenges violence against women and drives community solutions to the issue.

The United Nations reports that one in three women worldwide experience gender-based violence.