Terms of reference

The Committee:

• Gives advice and creates actions for carrying out the Gender Equality Strategy
• Brings to City Council matters it identifies needed action
• Deals with any matters which may be referred by Council
• Creates an annual work plan with specific objectives by no later than March of each year, in consultation with its Council and staff liaisons
• Creates an annual report to Council on the status of implementing the Gender Equality Strategy

The Gender Equality Strategy expresses the City of Vancouver's commitment to gender equality. This strategy builds upon existing policies and initiatives, and outlines additional steps to promote equality between women and men, and challenge gender discrimination.

• Read the Strategy

Subcommittees

• Increased Leadership, Representation and Participation of Women and Girls
• Economic Equality and Opportunity for Women and Girls
• Create a Safe City for Women and Girls
• Ensure that Gender is Mainstreamed

Meeting frequency

The committee meets four times each year. The committee does not meet in August.

Time commitment

Outside of regular meetings, one to 2 additional hours a month is spent on email and other correspondence, meetings, research and networking. Optional membership on a sub-committee requires an additional one to 2 hours every month. Preparation time for all meetings is required.

Attendance requirement

Members may miss no more than four consecutive meetings wthout obtaining leave of absence from the committee. Membership will be terminated following the fourth such absence.

Membership

The committee welcomes members:

• Of all ages, genders, city neighbourhoods, racial origins, income levels and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• Who live or work in Vancouver, or have a significant body of experience with Vancouver issues.
• Who can show relevant experience OR knowledge, abilities and skills.

Being nominated by a community group working on related issues is an asset. Being able to speak a second language is an asset.

The committee consists of both voting and non-voting members. Up to 12 voting members are appointed by City Council for 3-year terms. Members may be reappointed.

Non-voting members include the following:

• A serving City Council member (1 member)
• A staff liaison (1 member)
• A Park Board liaison (1 member)
• A School Board liaison (1 member)

Members

Terms expire 7 December 2014

• Kamal Basra
• Genesa Greening
• Jarrah Hodge
• Ingrid Kolsteren
• Fiona McFarlane
• Margarita Pinillos
• Erica Pinsky
• Rhonda Sherwood
• Marion Smith
• Bif Walker
• Wendy Williams
• Julie Wong

Liaisons

• City Council: Councillor Andrea Reimer 
• Park Board: Commissioner Niki Sharma
• School Board: Trustee Sophia Woo 
• Staff: Jennifer Dawkins, Fire and Rescue Services 

In addition to the regular meetings listed here, the Committee also meets several times per year for informal working sessions. Please contact the Meeting Coordinator for more information. 

2014 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2013 meetings, agendas, and minutes

2012 meetings, agendas, and minutes

• View minutes and agendas from meetings prior to 2012