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Welcome

The NM Girls Institute is a program of the NM Commission on the Status of Women.  The Commission is charged "to increase the knowledge of the rights, responsibilities and interests of women and girls in New Mexico and to preserve women's history and contributions to our state". If you cannot find what you are seeking, please contact the Commission at 800-432-9168. It would be a pleasure to serve you.

The Commission was created by state statute (28-3-2) in 1974, and signed into law by Governor Bruce King. There are 15 Commissioners appointed by the Governor who serve as the Board of Directors. Staff members and independent contractors provide statewide services from offices in Albuquerque and Las Cruces.

The state statute summarizes the Commission's mandates as the following:

1. •Conduct statewide studies on the status of women
   

2. •Act as a clearinghouse and referral service on the issues that impact women
   

3. •Recommend methods of overcoming discrimination against women in public and private employment
   

4. •Promote methods of enabling women to develop their skills, continue their education, to be retrained, and to assume leadership roles
   

5. •Collaborate with public and private entities working with women
   

6. •Conduct periodic statewide conferences to apprise women of their rights and opportunities, and to learn about their needs and problems
   

7. •Secure recognition of women's accomplishments and contributions to New Mexico
   

Download: NM Girls Institute Position Paper

In 2003, the Commission embarked on adding programming specifically for girls to their program. 2004 marked The Year of the NM Girl and was followed by conferences, an Emmy-Award winning documentary, publications specifically for teenage girls, research projects and six town halls.  The overwhelming need for statewide programming for girls in the state prompted the Commission to approach the NM State Legislature for program funding to launch the NM Girls Institute.

The Commission is committed to providing proactive direct services to girls, ages 15-18, by offering them a safe and supportive environment to learn about issues and develop skills that will help them become successful New Mexico women.