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Welcome to the new Commission web site. This site is designed with
our mission in mind --
"To increase the knowledge of the rights,
responsibilities and interests of women and girls in New Mexico and to
preserve women's history and contributions to our state".
If you
cannot find what you are seeking, please contact the Commission either
by
email
or call 800-432-9168. It would be a pleasure to serve
you.
The Commission was created by state statute (28-3-2)
in 1974, and signed into law by Governor Bruce King. There
are 15
Commissioners appointed by the Governor who serve as the
Board of Directors. Staff members and independent contractors
provide statewide services from offices in Albuquerque and Las
Cruces.
The state statute summarizes the Commission's mandates as the
following:
-
Conduct statewide studies on the status of women
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Act as a clearinghouse and referral service on the issues that
impact women
-
Recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in
public and private employment
-
Promote methods of enabling women to develop their skills,
continue their education, to be retrained, and to assume
leadership roles
-
Collaborate with public and private entities working with women
-
Conduct periodic statewide conferences to apprise women of their
rights and opportunities, and to learn about their needs and
problems
-
Secure recognition of women's accomplishments and contributions to
New Mexico
In 1978, Section 28-3-7 through 28-3-11 specifically created an Office for
Displaced Homemakers within the agency. This office is required to
conduct research and planning for programs that would meet the needs
of displaced homemakers.
The legislation was created because of an increasing number of
persons in New Mexico who were displaced due to the dissolution of
marriage, death of a spouse or other loss of family income after
having fulfilled the role of homemaker. The resulting effect was a
greatly reduced income, high rate of unemployment, lack of work
experience, discrimination, and limited to no opportunity to receive
financial assistance, health insurance or pension plans. As a
resolution, the legislature set out to provide research and planning
for programs to serve displaced homemakers.
In 1998, TeamWorks work participation program for adult
women was established. In accordance with state legislation (House
Bill 2), funding
from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant
federal funds was designated to the Commission for this purpose. The
TeamWorks program has served women transitioning from welfare to the
world of work. It was created using best practices models around the
nation as well as Displaced Homemakers Office at the Commission.
TeamWorks holds offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.
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