The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) will host its 41st Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31. The virtual event brings together advocates, allies, policymakers and emerging leaders to empower, engage and mobilize Marylanders around issues affecting women and girls.
This year’s theme, “Beyond 2020: Advocating with Strength for Equality and Justice,” will focus on moving beyond the struggles of 2020 with vigor, determination and empowerment.
The opening session, “Women on the Front Lines,” will include a panel discussion with women who have worked in education, healthcare, business and retail fields throughout the COVID-19 health crisis. The women will share their challenges, struggles and accomplishments while working under extraordinary demands and pressures.
“Women have been hit hard by this pandemic and through it all have made tremendous contributions and have courageously served on the frontlines,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The CFW Legislative Briefing is an opportunity to recognize their valiant work, reflect on everything that happened in 2020 and then develop an attainable plan to remove threats to equitable rights, responsibilities and opportunities for everyone.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of breakout sessions addressing topics such as economic and social justice, safety and security, healthcare and education. Participants will hear from members of the Maryland General Assembly, community leaders who influence policymaking and representatives of organizations that advance the status of women and girls such as the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, the Job Opportunities Task Force and EveryMind.
Middle and high school students are encouraged to participate in the forum and attend the WLB Emerging Leaders sessions, which are interactive workshops that focus on civic engagement and pathways to leadership.
The regional event is the longest-standing women’s legislative event in Maryland.
Registration is available on the event registration website. For more information call 240-777-8300 or visit the CFW website. Follow the event using the hashtag #MoCoWLB via Twitter and Facebook.
