Studies show women in Santa Barbara County still lag behind men in terms of income rates and holding elected positions. To discuss this issue, Congressmember Lois Capps will host a forum featuring influential Santa Barbara women — SBCC President Dr. Lori Gaskin (who will moderate), SBCC History Department Chair Danielle J. Swiontek, Orfalea Foundation Vice President Catherine Brozowski, and Women’s Economic Ventures CEO Marsha Bailey — this Saturday afternoon.

Despite the fact that society has taken strides toward gender equality, work remains to be done, Capps believes. Though more than 50 percent of voters in the county are women, only 30 percent of elected officials are females. And although overall education levels are higher for women, they earn 81 cents to the male’s dollar (and make up 39 percent of the work force) in the county.

“We must empower women to be leaders in our community — in our classroom, in our homes, in politics, and in our businesses,” Capps said. The event will be held Saturday from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Santa Barbara City College’s Wake Center (300 N. Turnpike Ave.).

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