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TextAugust 26 is Women's Equality Day
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Contact for News Media: Amy Carlini, Communications Director Department of Family Services 703-324-7758, TTY 703-222-9452 Amy.Carlini@fairfaxcounty.gov 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 500 Fairfax, Virginia 22035-1102 August 22, 2011 |
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Fairfax County Commission for Women Calls Attention to Housing Needs and Breast Cancer Awareness
From July 2010 to March 2011, 158 eligible families were turned away from Fairfax County's shelter for victims of domestic violence, Artemis House, due to a lack of space.
Within the past year, 35 percent of Fairfax families who were homeless said the cause was domestic violence.
On Friday, August 26, the Fairfax County Commission for Women will observe Women’s Equality Day by pledging to renew its efforts to empower women and girls, and to call attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality.
In addition to researching affordable housing options for victims of domestic violence, the Commission is also collaborating with George Mason University's Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education to provide breast cancer education and awareness. In October, a Breast Cancer Awareness Month reception will be held along with a proclamation release from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.
Women’s Equality Day was designated by Congress in 1971 at the request of Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY). The date, August 26, was selected to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote in 1920. This year marks the 91st anniversary of the amendment.
Established in 1971, the Fairfax County Commission for Women has been an active voice for women and girls in areas such as domestic violence, educational equity, and progress in the workplace. The Commission meetings are open to the public. See the schedule and locations.
To learn more about the Commission for Women, its members, current projects and opportunities to help, please visit the Fairfax County Commission for Women's web page or contact the Commission’s liaison, Sandy Bromley, at 703-324-9494, TTY 711.
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Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-5870; TTY 711.
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