Statewide Women’s Policy Conference held in Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Women from across Tennessee learned about legislation affecting their lives at the Statewide Women’s Policy Conference.

The Mayor’s Council for women hosted their first Statewide Women’s Policy Conference. It was in response to recent research out of Washington, D.C. ranking Tennessee poorly in several categories involving women, including political participation and health and well being.

Nearly 400 women from across Tennessee spent their day in Chattanooga at the Statewide Women’s Policy Conference.

“We are talking about the myriad of issues that have been affecting woman’s lives and we are starting to take responsibility for fixing it,” said Carol Berz, the conference chair.

Women learned about current legislation affecting their lives and new policy initiatives impacting their future.

Different organizations, like the empower women PAC, had information booths set up at the conference.

“Our group of local women, who realize from research that Tennessee ranks low in woman’s participation in politics and in government and so we formed this to help encourage and facilitate women to run for office in the local area Hamilton County,” said Lisa Crowder, Empower Women PAC.

With the Me Too movement and other women’s right’s issues at the forefront, women say people are finally taking notice.

“This year is going to be the year that women seemed to have found their voice and have decided that if we want positive change then we have to step up and make that happen and so I am supper excited that we are engaging and doing the work that needs to be done to make life better,” Crowder said.

Second Life Tennessee is an anti human trafficking organization and representatives were at the event.

“We focus on prevention policy and direct survivor services,” said Megan Nichols with Second Life Tennessee.

Women say this conference left them inspired.

“I think it is really unique and awesome that a bunch of women can come together and encourage each other and tell each other that they are not alone in this,” Nichols said.

Organizers say they plan on making this conference an annual event.