Seattle Women's Commission sets 2025 priorities: gender‑based violence, reproductive health and affordable housing

The Seattle Women's Commission briefed the Housing and Human Services Committee on Feb. 12 about its 2025 priorities: preventing gender‑based violence (including planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup), safeguarding reproductive health services and improving affordable housing access for women and families.

Co‑chair Emily Rose Barr said the commission will advance policy recommendations, advocacy and public awareness, and will participate in community events such as the Seattle‑King County Clinic and the Housing Washington conference. The commission said its reproductive‑health work seeks to raise awareness about local service reductions and hospital mergers that can reduce access, and it asked the Council for collaboration on communications and policy responses.

On gender‑based violence, the commission said it will develop prevention and awareness activities and partner with media and community leaders to elevate local providers. On housing, the commission plans to advocate for increased affordable housing in the city budget and to collaborate with housing organizations that serve women and families.

Council members offered support and encouraged the commission to submit a list of bills it would like the city to track; the commission said it will identify legislative priorities and present them to Council for possible inclusion in the city's legislative agenda. The commission also requested help coordinating proclamations and events for annual observances such as International Women’s Day and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The commission said it will convene in early March to develop a legislative and event plan and asked for continued Council access and collaboration.