HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0992.001 2018-2020 PI cakyl 6i
Children's Action
Building Codified voice for H w i`i's children
COUNTY CLERK
COUNTY OF HAWAIII
Council of the County of Hawaii Ti ;�
RECEIVED
July 7th 2020
Data! JUL 0 7 2020
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Testimony in Support of Resolution 680 20, "SUPPORTING AND URGING EQUITY, INCLUSION,AND
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE PRINCIPLES INTO COVID-19 RELATED RECOVERY INITIATIVES FOR
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HAWAII COUNTY"
Dear Chair Aaron Chung, Vice Chair Karen Eoff, and Honorable Members:
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in strong support of Resolution 680 20,which would establish
the Hawaii County Council's support for a feminist economic recovery from COVID-19.This measure
recognizes the disproportionate impact of economic and social turmoil caused by the COVID-19 crisis on
women,and resolves to counteract gender inequality through the recovery process.
Due to existing gender norms and inequities, COVID-19 has affected women's physical safety and
financial security around the world and here at home.A recovery plan that is not explicitly feminist will
likely perpetuate inequalities, as observed during the Great Recession of 2008.
Women in Hawai'i make up two-thirds of our front line workers.They are the majority of the workforce
in child care and social services (78 percent) and healthcare (74 percent). And in April, more women
filed for unemployment. Some news organizations are calling this recession a "shecession" because of
how it is uniquely impacting women. When schools and child care facilities closed, it was women who
felt the additional stress of being expected to simultaneously give care and work.These are not
coincidences but rather, the latest chapter in how we undervalue women and their work.Adopting the
feminist economic recovery plan is a first step in committing to passing policy that upholds the dignity
and value of women and their contributions.
This measure is an important commitment to women's equality that will serve as guide to the county,
state,and nation. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Resolution 680 20.
Mahalo,
Kathleen Algire
Director of Public Policy and Research
Comm. ®.—�--.�. -- -
850 Richards Street, .Suite 201 - Honoluku, H1 96813 e 808-531-5502 Ref. o: YJ lit.
to ww.hawaii-can,org-info@hawaii-can.org Ref. Date 2920