Hearings and Reports

The Cook County Commission on Women’s Issues hosts an annual public hearing to address issues faced by women and girls in Cook County. The primary purpose of the hearing is educational.  The plan is to use the information gathered to develop a set of recommendations for action by the County Board and other interested parties. The Commission issues a Public Hearing Report based on information presented by speakers and research which offers both insight and recommendations for change, including recommendations for how County government may assist or participate in facilitating necessary change.
 

Public Hearing Reports

PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2011
THE MATURE WOMAN: NAVIGATING LIFE’S CHALLENGES TO LIVE, SURVIVE AND THRIVE

The Commission chose to examine how life decisions and available options affect the quality of life for women as they age. The hearing addressed challenges and solutions unique to aging women; some of the topics covered were how to ensure and assure physical and mental well being, how to effectively manage changing familial responsibilities, and how to make sound and secure economic decisions for present and future stability.

Program     List of presenters

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PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2010
WOMEN AND GIRLS SEX AND SEXUALITY: HEALTH AND HARMS

The members of the Commission on Women’s Issues in choosing this public hearing topic decided that a serious analysis was needed at how violence, low self esteem, inadequate health care and educational gaps negatively impact women and girls’ thoughts and perceptions about sex and sexuality.  The Commission also wanted to examine how to best address and reverse these harms by looking at programs which promote and encourage the positive physical, mental, emotional and sexual well-being of women and girls

Program     List of presenters 

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PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2009
HOUSING: A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT

The Commission chose to scrutinize as how such issues as mortgage lending practices, the current foreclosure crisis, and the increase in evictions have a disparate impact on women, as well as how other policies, practices and laws may affect a woman’s ability to attain and retain housing, a basic human right. 

Program     List of presenters

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PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2008
ECONOMIC STATUS OF WOMEN IN COOK COUNTY: STRATEGIES FOR ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT

The Commission took a particular interest in gathering local statistics that depict the current status of women in Cook County, as well as the essential issues that impact the economic well-being of women. 

Program     List of presenters 

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PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2007
THE REALITIES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN COOK COUNTY: STRATEGIES FOR ENDING THE EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

The Commission selected this topic because of the increased attention the media has given to human trafficking, which suggests that a significant, if not a majority, of victims are women and girls. Furthermore, the city of Chicago has been labeled a national hub for human trafficking because its large airport, central geographic location, and elaborate transportation infrastructure make it an ideal port of entry. 

 

The Commission recruited speakers to provide testimony on the impact that trafficking has upon women and girls, the extent of local involvement, and strategies for change.  Speakers included survivors and individuals representing government agencies, community-based organizations, and law enforcement.

 

2007 Human Trafficking Flyer

 

2007 Public Hearing Report

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PUBLIC HEARING REPORT - OCTOBER 2005

GIRL VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
In October 2005, the Cook County Commission on Women's Issues, in partnership with GIRLS LINK, held its annual public hearing on the topic of "Girl Violence and Aggression: Problems and Solutions.
 

The Commission heard testimony from a range of speakers including girls, academics, government officials and girl-serving organizations. Speakers presented information on the compled causes of girl-on-girl violence, prevention measures, and recommendations for change.

 

This report is based on the information presented by the speakers at the hearing, current research and literature on girls and violence, and the Commission's work with various County agencies.
 

Hearing Report - Girl Violence and Aggression: Problems and Solutions
Auguest 2006 (girls_violence_Aug2006.pdf)

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2005-2006 Annual Report  of the Cook County Commission on  Woman's Issues  

Throughout 2005 and 2006, the Commission continued its work by focusing on both the persistent concerns affecting the health, safety and economic well-being of the women and girls of Cook County, as well as emerging and overlooked issues facing those women and girls. This report provides an overview on this activity.

2005-2006 Annual Report of the Women's Commission
February 2007 (2005-2006_annual_report.pdf)