New commission seeks to empower women and girls in Pike County
The Pike County Commissioners, at their meeting August 3 in Milford, passed a resolution approving the creation of the Pike County Women's Commission as a county committee.
The commission will work towards the advancement of women and girls "of all backgrounds in Pike County", the resolution states. It will serve as an advisory group to the Pike County Commissioners for the purpose of evaluating the concerns and needs of the female population of the county and to make recommendations on how to address them.
In addition, the new commission's purpose is to "encourage and empower girls and women to think larger and bolder," acknowledge their work in the advancement of the female community as well as highlight the achievements of women in Pike County, and to "give boys and men a fuller understanding of women's abilities and rights."
The resolution further states that the Pike County Women's Commission will advocate and raise awareness issues such as mental health and women's health, financial independence and the prevention of violence against women. It will also seek to acknowledge women's local history in Pike County and empower women both at home and in the workforce.
A thousand dreams
The women's commission was first proposed by Christa Caceres, a Pike County resident of 17 years. "I'm absolutely thrilled that Chairman [Matthew] Osterberg and commissioners [Anthony] Waldron and [Ronald] Schmalzle offered their leadership to bring this commission to fruition," she said at the meeting. Caceres also serves as president of the Monroe County chapter of the NAACP.
"On behalf of the women and girls of Pike County I just want to thank you all," Caceres said. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step, and in this case a journey of a thousand dreams begins today."
"As the founding member and chairwoman, it is my hope that this committee will serve as a launching pad of dreams and goals for both the women and young ladies of Pike County." Caceres said in an interview, pointing out that women make up about half the county population.
"We want young families to remain here and not abandon the area, and we believe the future workings of the commission is a small step in the direction of retention and growth for Pike County." She continued. "We can begin to do that by investing time, attention and resources for these residents."
Caceres said she has observed that access to quality healthcare throughout the county has been difficult for both men and women.
"Most importantly, women often lack either the resources or information to improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. We felt that a committee made up of women with distinct and unique backgrounds would bring value and provide a platform for our younger women residents to serve with us," she said. "We want to provide these young ladies with an opportunity to grow in areas of leadership and accountability, to be able to identify and magnify their strengths while working as a committed team side by side with us."
Krista Gromalski, newly-named Chief Clerk and Shannon DeVuyst, county Communications Director, are also assisting in setting up the commission. Gromalski said that bylaws must still be formed.
Represent across Pike
The commission hopes to begin work in 2023.
Osterberg said that Caceres and Gromaski will be recommending names of others who may wish to volunteer to serve; it is hoped there will be representation from all 13 municipalities, he said. Osterberg stressed that this commission will not be "political."
The plan is to have one woman from each municipality and two young women who serve as Junior Commissioners from each of the three school districts. Caceres stated that the selection process won't start until later this year with an official kickoff expected in early 2023.
Subcommittees will be formed to focus on specific areas needing attention, Caceres said. While modeling on some of what successful Women's Commissions have done across the nation, she said the Pike County commission will be tailored to need of local women and girls.
Some examples of project ideas would include the "Unsung Heroine’s Award," Caceres said, recognizing women in each municipality who have made vital but seldom recognized contributions to their communities, families and professional endeavors.
Business trainings, forums and webinars aimed at informing and inspiring women and girls and special events centering women and children to empower and encourage positive development in our community are also proposed. The commission will interact with other organizations.
Historical examples
Osterberg acknowledged at the meeting the significant contribution of women in Pike County history. He cited two examples: Cornelia Bryce Pinchot and Dorothy Stroh Tisdale.
Pinchot (1881- 1960), wife of Gifford Pinchot, was a fierce women's activist who advocated for women's right to vote and other rights of women including in the workforce. She ran three times for United States Congress and announced her candidacy for governor to succeed her husband in 1934.
Tisdale (1905-1964), a Milford resident, was only 20 when she graduated from Dickinson Law School in 1925. She soon started a law practice in Milford and became Pennsylvania's first female district attorney when she was elected in Pike County in 1935.
Osterberg later commented that women are not always recognized for their accomplishments or given equal treatment to their male counterparts. The commission, which he called a "work in progress," can give women a "stronger voice" and be recognized for what they do, he stated.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Pike County forms commission to empower women and girls
