IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Economic Crisis and the Road to Recovery
2009 Stimulus Act
In 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment (Stimulus) Act to support the country in its recovery from the economic crisis. The Department on the Status of Women is particularly concerned with ensuring that women inSan Francisco are able to benefit from this new funding. On March 25, the Commission held a public hearing to address this issue, and the Department has collected a number of resources to support women during these challenging economic times. On December 7, the Board of Supervisors hosted a hearing on this topic in partnership with the Department.
- Summary of the December 7, 2009 Board of Supervisors Hearing on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on Women and Girls
- Overview of March 25, 2009 Hearing on the Impact of the Economic Crisis on Women and Girls
- Transcript of the March 25, 2009 Hearing
- Stimulus Act Resources
- Women's E-News Article: Women Need to Know their New Jobless Benefits. The bad news is that so many people are losing their jobs. The good news, says Mimi Abramovitz, are 3 new rules about jobless benefits in the Stimulus Act that are bound to help women and correct a major gender bias.
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United Ways Bay Area Guide for Hard Times - This guide was developed to help people through the hard times – whether you can’t find a job, you have a job but you can’t get enough hours and pay per hour to make ends meet, or you just lost your job or anticipate losing your job and you need some help in the transition period. Getting the services you need, getting on top of limited financial resources and knowing your rights can all help you during these stressful times.
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Mayor's Office of Housing: The Mayor’s Office of Housing has received a special Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) allocation of $9.8 million dollars to prevent families from losing their homes to foreclosure under the 2008 Housing Assistance Tax Act. This funding provides homeowners with a vehicle to refinance sub-prime loans into traditional 30 year loans that they can afford. In addition, the funding can be used by first time homebuyers to purchase bank owned and short sale properties.
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The Department of Labor, including the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is busy ensuring women receive the benefits of ARRA 2009 funds. Visit the Department of Laobr website for information about upcoming events, workshops, forums, and webinars related to employment rights.
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The California Budget Project analyzed the impact of the Great Recession on women. Take a look at their policy brief, "How the Other Half Fared" (external link).
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The Center for American Progress released "How to Make the American Recovery Act Work for Women" in July 2010.
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In anticipation of large numbers of Californians losing unemployment insurance, Western Center on Law and Poverty worked with legislators and department leadership to design a flyer of resources for unemployed people (pdf).
OTHER RESOURCES: Women's Employment and Economics
Recruitment of Women in Non-Traditional Fields
Despite laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment, women are still underrepresented in traditionally male dominated occupations. T he San Francisco Department on the Status of Women offers these recruitment strategies and resources, compiled from a list of organizations whose focus is on increasing the number of women in non-traditional occupational areas.
Recruitment of Women in Non-Traditional Fields Brochure
Please note: The resources included are geared toward employers, but some also include listings for job seekers.
Sexual Harassment Information and Resources
Sexual Harassment: Frequently Asked Questions
How to Create a Workplace Free of Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment Resources
Discrimination/Sexual Harassment Information for Employees of the City and County of San Francisco
Work-Life Balance
Work-Life Policies and Practices Survey Report
