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Commission and Youth Advisory Council meeting agendas, Zoom links, dial-in number, and other information are available here and are included on each calendar listing.
A MORE EQUAL FUTURE
One of California’s most influential voices for the state’s nearly 20 million women and girls turns 60 this year. Established as an independent state agency in 1965, the commission has been a steady, non-partisan force for promoting pay equity, employment opportunities, access to education, safety and other areas critical to advancing the interests of women and girls in California.
Each commissioner brings a different perspective to the commission’s work. Commission Chair Dr. Rita Gallardo Good is passionate about women’s empowerment and youth leadership. Her expertise is in ensuring equal access to education for marginalized students, women, and girls to enable career advancement, economic upward mobility, and pay equity.
Together with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the commission supported the California Equal Pay Pledge initiative to encourage businesses to close the gender pay gap in California. Gallardo Good says she is proud of the progress the commission helped to make.
“After a year building awareness, many businesses and corporations signed onto the pledge,” Gallardo Good says. “We felt it was a good step forward… we made strides.”
Dr. Rita Gallardo Good, Chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
Celebrating 60 Years of Impact
For 60 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has served as a vital voice for equity, access, and justice. Throughout its history, the Commission evolved to meet the challenges of the time – from advocating for the rights of homemakers and women entering the workforce, championing some of the strongest equal pay protections in the nation, overseeing a groundbreaking Equal Pay Task Force, advocating for paid family leave and caregiving support; supporting access to menstrual products for students, eliminating the Pink Tax, and expanding healthcare access through the College Student Right to Access Act; the Commission has consistently championed the rights and provided opportunities to enhance the well-being of women and girls. Learn more.
GIRLS TO THE FRONT
Folk “wisdom” proclaims that girls are sugar, spice, and everything nice. Other stereotypes and outdated notions abound. But some girls aren’t buying those overplayed notions— rather, they are out to change the world.
Nicole Kim and Sriya Srinivasan, are two teen leaders serving one-year terms on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) for the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. The Commission created the council in 2022 to give the state’s youth an opportunity to become involved in California’s public policy efforts.
“What matters most isn’t perfection, but passion—the willingness to learn, speak up, and show up for others. The Youth Advisory Council gives you the mentorship, resources, and confidence to amplify your voice, and every single perspective is valuable. If you care about your community, you already belong here.”
Nicole Kim, Chair, Youth Advisory Council for the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
About the Commission
For nearly 60 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. Established as a state agency with 17 appointed commissioners in 1965, the Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education, and equal representation in the military, and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
All references to “women and girls” include gender-expansive individuals, cis women and girls, trans women and girls, nonbinary individuals, gender-nonconforming individuals, genderqueer individuals, and any women or girl identified individuals.
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