Department of Public Works 2007 Gender Analysis Updates

Department of Public Works

2007 Gender Analysis Update

On March 28, 2007, the Department of Public Works presented a CEDAW Gender Analysis Update to the Commission on the Status of Women. The following draws directly from the Minutes of that meeting:

In 1999, the Department conducted a gender analysis of the Department of Public Works (DPW) per the U.N. Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Ordinance, adopted inSan Francisco in 1998. Dr. Fred Abadi, Director of the Department of Public Works provided the Commission with an update of the CEDAW implementation with the Department of Public Works. He began with an overview of the department and its 1500 employees. Dr. Abadi highlighted some progress in workforce composition, noting an overall increase of 17% women in the miscellaneous professionals category, but recognized that the recruitment of women was an on-going process. Among internships, many of which leveraged into full-time positions, women accounted for 40%. In the Project Pull apprenticeship program, Dr. Abadi noted a female participation rate of 45%.

 

DPW Equal Employment Opportunity Programs Manager Janie White discussed employee town halls that attracted participants from 14 different bureaus and 4 program areas. She is also concerned with the recruitment of women in non-traditional fields and stated that such recruitment required early intervention.

 

Deputy Director of Operations Mohammad Nehru provided details of various workforce development programs. A Supervisor's Academy, composed of a 12- week course has been convened. Already, 4 classes of 12 - 15 participants each have participated in the program. DPW has also initiated a manager training program. Last November, DPW graduated its first class in the apprenticeship program. Executive Director Murase reported that, based on feedback from the Commission's CEDAW Committee, DPW has changed the location of the apprenticeship program to increase accessibility to participants who may have childcare issues.

 

Raquel Smith, President of the DPW Women's Enrichment Group, reported that since the first meeting of the group last summer, it has grown from a dozen women to over 70, and is open to men as well. Discussion has focused on promotional opportunities for women. The group established a monthly "Honorship Award" to recognize the achievements of women staff. Notes from the 7 meetings of the group were provided to the Department.

 

Commissioner Marks asked about the number of women participating in the apprenticeship program. Deputy Director Nehru responded by stating that between 25% - 32% of each class were women. Commissioner Shorter requested budget information and the allocation of resources by gender at DPW. Douglas Lake, DPW Manager of Budget and Finance stated that he will be working with CEDAW Policy Analyst Ann Lehman to provide this information at a later time. Commissioner Munter noted that while recruitment of women to non-traditional positions was important, retention was also key. Commissioner Evans asked how flexible schedules were administered. Dr. Abadi responded that requests for flexible schedules are considered on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Lee requested a gender breakdown of participants in the Supervisor's Academy. Dr. Abadi responded that roughly 20% were women.

 

Commissioners thanks Dr. Abadi and his staff for their presentation. Executive Director Murase recognized Christine Falvey, DPW Director of Office of Communications and Public Affairs, for her dedicated efforts in pulling the CEDAW update together.