In Puerto Rico, Senator Nitza Morán has introduced a bill to create the State Women’s Council, an entity that would advise the governor on public policy matters affecting women. The council’s functions would include advising the governor, developing recommendations and proposals, coordinating interagency efforts, and convening working groups. The bill, Senate Project 1533, aims to give permanence to this effort, ensuring that advice on women’s issues is a stable function of the Puerto Rico government, rather than depending on circumstance.
The governor would select a number of women leaders from private, academic, community, or non-profit sectors, as well as up to five additional individuals, to serve on the council for staggered three-year terms. The council would also include the Secretary of State, agency heads or their representatives, and the first ladies of municipalities or their representatives, as well as senators and representatives.
Morán’s proposal does not indicate that Governor Jenniffer González has requested the creation of this council, which could be established by executive order.