Host Legislative Luncheon

(COLUMBIA, SC) For the first time since its inception in 1971, the South Carolina Commission on Women (“SCCW”) together with the Alliance for Women met with members of the General Assembly’s Women’s Caucus Thursday to discuss the upcoming legislative session and present initiatives in three core policy areas to improve the status of women in South Carolina: health & well-being, economic autonomy and political participation. First Lady Jenny Sanford hosted the group at the Governor’s Mansion.
 

Dr. Lilly Filler, Chair of the SCCW, made a presentation on the recently FDA-approved Human Papilloma Virus (“HPV”) vaccine, Gardasil. “The impact of this vaccine on women’s health in South Carolina should be a focal point this legislative session. Not only could we save the state over $25 million a year in HPV costs, but more important is the possibility of eradicating cervical cancer.” The Center for Disease Control says 80 percent of women will have had HPV by age 50.


Dr. Linda Salane, Executive Director of the Alliance for Women presented recommendations from a year-long Think Tank on Women Entrepreneurs. “The fastest way to help women close the pay gap is to encourage the effective entry of women-owned businesses into the marketplace and to encourage existing women entrepreneurs to develop plans to increase their markets and profits. We can achieve this by expanding the scope of existing state programs, such as SC-BOS.”

Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk (D-Kershaw), a member of the Women’s Caucus and attendee at the luncheon spoke highly of the event. “I am excited by the commitment exhibited by the SCCW-Alliance partnership to bring about change that will positively affect not just women, but the entire state. This partnership and its new initiatives, with legislative support, give us hope that we can make needed progress in this state, especially for women.”

Representative Nikki Haley (R-Lexington), also a member of the Women’s Caucus and attendee at the luncheon, was impressed by the partnership’s presentation. “The quality of life for all South Carolinians depends on improving the status of women, and this type of coalition is a step in the right direction.”

In 2003, Governor Sanford created an Advisory Committee to Study the Commission on Women. In their report to the Governor in 2004, the Advisory Committee recommended that a public-private partnership be established. Columbia College came forward to join forces with the Commission on Women and on August 31, 2004 Governor Sanford and the President of Columbia College, Dr. Caroline Whitson, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect.

The unique association between the SCCW, a program under the Governor’s Office, and the Alliance for Women, a 501(c)(3) under Columbia College is the first public-private partnership in the nation created to administer a state’s Commission on Women.

Contact:               
Dr. Lilly Stern Filler, Chair                                  
South Carolina Commission on Women                                                                       
803-734-160 www.govoepp.state.sc.us/sccw
                
Dr. Linda Salane, Executive Director
The Alliance for Women
803-786-3729
www.allianceforwomen.net