§ 20-6. Powers and duties.

(a) In general.

The Baltimore City Commission for Women shall undertake the activities described in this section.

(b) Referral system.

The Commission shall:

(1) develop an information and referral system for all services in the City related to women; and

(2) recommend other services when a need for them is determined.

The Commission shall serve as the focus and forum for the identification and amelioration of the unique problems faced by women in our society and on any practice of discrimination or prejudice that exists because of gender.

(d) Research and education.

(1) The Commission shall:

(i) conduct research, policy analysis, and public information and education programs and activities to assist in addressing the needs of women; and

(ii) institute and conduct other programs, meetings, and conferences to promote equal rights and opportunities for all women.

(2) These programs and activities shall address the special needs of women related to race, age, national origin, religious preference, disability, sexual preference, physical characteristics, marital status, reproductive health, and economic status.

(e) Monitor workforce.

The Commission shall:

(1) review and monitor the conditions of women in the workforce in Baltimore City;

(2) make recommendations promoting equal pay for work of equal value and equitable representation by women in all job levels; and

(3) direct attention to the problems facing women in the workforce.

(f) Advise and counsel.

The Commission shall:

(1) advise and counsel the residents of Baltimore City, the City Council, the Mayor, and the various departments and agencies of the City, state, and federal governments on all matters involving women's lives; and

(2) recommend programs and legislation it considers necessary and proper to promote and ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal access to services for all persons regardless of gender.

(g) Evaluate policies and programs.

The Commission shall review and evaluate the impact of existing and proposed policies and programs and legislation affecting women.

(h) Seeking to remove inequalities.

The Commission shall work to remove inequalities due to discrimination or prejudice on the basis of gender in housing, recreation, employment, education, community services, criminal justice, financing, credit, insurance, and related matters.

(i) Monitor board and commissions.

The Commission shall monitor City government so as to ensure the equitable representation of women on all City boards and commissions.