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The public is invited to join Pasadena’s Commission on the Status of Women for the release of its 2015 “Status of Women” report at a free reception and panel discussion from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Pasadena Central Library, Donald R. Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.

Panelists discussing the report findings include representatives from Peace Over Violence, the Pasadena Police Department, Union Station Homeless Services, the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CAL VET) and the U.S. Department of Labor. For event information and to RSVP, call the Human Services and Recreation Department at (626) 744-4386.

The 2015 report will be released in time for Women’s History Month to raise awareness about women’s needs and challenges. Copies of the report will be available at the event while supplies last. The report will be posted online starting March 4. Look for the link on the City’s website at www.cityofpasadena.net/HumanServices.

The report highlights four key areas and challenges that Pasadena women face, including:

• Employment and Earnings – The annual gender earnings gap is $0.91 for women ages 16 and older who work full-time. When including the salaries of part-time workers, the annual gender earnings gap is significantly larger at $0.79.

• Housing and Homelessness – Thirty percent of households are headed by women with no spouse present; women constitute 35 percent of the homeless population; and women constitute 23 percent of the unsheltered homeless adult population.

• Women Veterans – Women make up only 8 percent of the veteran population but constitute 12 percent of the homeless veteran population.

• Domestic Violence – Women are victims in 84 percent of the domestic violence cases filed.

The report also includes Los Angeles County statistics on human trafficking, with California reporting 16 percent of human trafficking cases between 2008 and 2012, the highest in the nation, and the county reporting 1,300 trafficking victims between 2010 and 2012.

The annual report was produced by Pasadena’s Commission on the Status of Women in partnership with Mount St. Mary’s University. The Commission includes nine women appointed by the Pasadena City Council. During the past 30 years, the Commission has provided pertinent information regarding issues affecting women and has made recommendations on local programs and legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for Pasadena girls and women.

Event sponsors include Assemblymember Chris Holden, the Pasadena Police Department, Union Station Homeless Services, Peace Over Violence, CAL VET, Pasadena City College, YWCA Pasadena-Foothill Valley, All Saints Church, American Association of University Women, National Women’s Political Caucus, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, Women At Work, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (Eta Lambda Omega Chapter), League of Women Voters, Pasadena, and the Junior League of Pasadena.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow the city on Twitter @PasadenaGov, www.twitter.com/pasadenagov, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofpasadena. Or call the Citizen Service Center, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (626) 744-7311.