ProgressOhio

Columbus, Ohio--Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed an executive order establishing the Ohio Council on Women and Girls yesterday at Momentum 2010--the Ohio Women's Summit.

The council will work to advance the status of women and girls particularly in the areas of economic development, education, and health care.

"I am pleased to announce the creation of this council, which will bring together voices from across state government to help develop a coordinated policy response to issues that affect women and girls," Strickland said. "Over the past decades, women have carved out opportunities in politics, business and society that will impact women and girls for generations to come, but we still have work to do. This council will play a vital role in helping engage individuals, organizations, and communities across the state to further strengthen the role of women in our society."

The council will meet quarterly and include representatives from across state government, who will work on a policy that responds to issues that have a distinct impact on the lives of women and girls. The Ohio Council on Women and Girls will make recommendations to the governor on legislation and other policies affecting women and girls; support public outreach efforts; and work in partnership with non-profit organizations, local governments, and others.

Hundreds of Ohio women and girls gathered over the past two days to promote their status in the areas of education, economics, and health. Momentum 2010 included opportunities for girls and women to network, learn, foster collaborations, and come together on women's policy priorities.

Momentum 2010 included a host of speakers including Governor Strickland, First Lady Frances Strickland, Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama Valerie Jarrett, Pulitzer Prize winning writer and Cleveland Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz, and diversity and inclusion expert Audra Bohannon.

Additional information on Momentum 2010 is available at OhioWomen2010.org.

The full text of the executive order can be found here