In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives/DC Commission for Women is issuing a call for papers and health materials in anticipation of its 2009 Washington Women’s Wellness Conference with a theme is "Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Communities."

The purpose of the conference is to provide an educational forum for women's health stakeholders to discuss the major issues from obesity, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes that impacts women and girls across their lifespan, including racial and ethnic disparities, prenatal care, and the needs of elder women. The conference is scheduled for April 30, 2009.

With the support of the Office on Women’s Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives in the District of Columbia is hosting a one-day conference for women in the District of Columbia to gain awareness, resources and connections to take action for their personal and community wellness. 

In keeping with the goals and objectives of the office, the conference addresses the following issues:

1. Supporting and advocating women’s issues through research and community involvement; to establish public and private partnerships to address women’s issues in Washington, DC;
2. Promoting, encouraging, and providing advisory assistance to women’s organizations and institutions focused on empowering women in the Washington, DC;
3. Conducting studies and holding public forums on issues affecting women in conjunction with the DC Commission for Women;
4. Promoting access and bring awareness to issues facing women in Washington, DC and available District Agency resources;
5. Providing leadership by taking action to impact legislation that will protect and support women.

The conference aims to share information and connect healthcare providers, public health leaders, public policymakers, private employers, state agency officials, community partners, and consumer advocates who shape, implement, and assess women's health policies, programs, and practices in the District of Columbia. Local service providers are encouraged to submit papers, resources or healthcare items to distribute to District residents. All women are encouraged to attend.

Event Registration:

Online Registration is now closed.

Submit "Healing Ourselves, Healing Our Communities" papers and health materials to: Towan.Isom@dc.gov

The DC Commission for Women is a 21-member Commission representing the city’s eight Wards; and is reflective of the race, ethnic background and age of the city’s female population. Its members are appointed by the Mayor, with recommendations from Commission members, and confirmed by the DC City Council. The Commission’s Health and Human Services Committee will be working closely with the Office to ensure that Conference finding are disseminated to the community at large.