NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed seven new Commissioners and one new Honorary Commissioner to the Commission on Gender Equity. The Commission, launched by Mayor de Blasio on June 24, 2015, is an advisory body that works across City Agencies to help achieve the Mayor’s commitment to reduce gender-based inequity and build a safer, more inclusive and economically mobile city for women and girls. Today’s appointees are a diverse group of leaders, including longtime women’s rights advocates, civil servants, clergy and FDNY’s first female Battalion Chief.

First Lady Chirlane McCray continues to serve as the Honorary Chair of the Commission. Writer, lecturer and feminist leader Gloria Steinem, and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who recently launched the Young Women’s Initiative, will continue to serve as Honorary Commissioners along with activist, writer and lecturer Robin Morgan.

“This Commission is working to promote inclusion, so that all New Yorkers – regardless of sex, gender or sexual orientation – have the opportunity to achieve economic mobility and pursue their highest ambitions,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These newly appointed Commissioners, whose qualifications are backed by years of experience in a variety of fields, will help lead our Commission in creating a safe, fair and equitable city.”

“Today’s appointees helped break many gender barriers, including at the FDNY. They are fighters in the struggle to keep women safe and healthy, improve the lives of families and tap the too-often-overlooked leadership potential of women and girls across New York City. We’re lucky to have them,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “Outdated gender roles continue to limit New Yorkers and our city. That’s why the Commission has set a lofty goal – the full inclusion of women and girls, economically, socially and politically. I look forward to working with the new Commissioners to achieve it.”

“The Commission on Gender Equity will help pave the way for greater access, opportunity, and success for all New Yorkers, regardless of gender,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “Together with the New York City Council’s Young Women’s Initiative, these efforts will continue to break down barriers to education, healthcare, the workplace and civic life. I thank the newly appointed commissioners, including YWI co-Chair Danielle Moss Lee, for their commitment to this crucial goal. I look forward to working with these experts to empower women across our city.”

Download full press release below.