Leading Women’s Rights Activists Cite Record of Championing Women’s Rights

New York, NY – February 7, 2019 – The National Organization for Women – New York City endorses Melissa Mark-Viverito for Public Advocate, citing her longstanding commitment to women’s issues and the wellbeing of New Yorkers.

“Former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito is a strong ally with an unmatched record fighting for the people of New York City” says NOW-NYC president Sonia Ossorio. “She has the track record and tenacity to be an effective advocate leader for all of us. She will fight for our rights and take every opportunity to stand up for equality and justice.”

NOW- NYC highlighted the following of Mark-Viverito’s initiatives as decisive for their endorsement:

As the former NYC City Council Speaker and as a Councilmember, Melissa Mark-Viverito: 

• Established the $20 million Young Women’s Initiative which created a contraception fund, worked to provide services for immigrant survivors of domestic violence, developed a women’s development leadership program, and required city agencies to have gender equity liaisons.

• Co-founded the 21 in ’21 Initiative, a movement to encourage more women to run for office right here in NYC

• Passed legislation to reform and strengthen NYC’s Human Rights Law and Human Rights Commission

• Passed legislation to protect and improve affordable housing and supported efforts to stem the homelessness crisis and keep women and children off the streets.