Join the Youth Advisory Council

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is seeking new members for our Youth Advisory Council, which supports the mission of the Commission by providing a youth perspective on state policy and practice. This unique opportunity to help shape public policy is open to girls ages 14-20 living in California. Members will be asked to attend, virtually or in person in Sacramento, 6 meetings each year, approximately 2 hours each, and engage in approximately 4 hours of advocacy, outreach, or support each month. Meetings take place on weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and applicants must be available during business hours to be considered. 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.

Applications are due by November 18, 2024. You can download the application here.

Please join us for the premiere screening of RATIFIED on Monday, October 14, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles. This powerful documentary highlights the 100-year struggle for constitutional gender equality and tells the inspiring story of the bi-partisan, multi-racial, and multi-generational effort that led to Virginia becoming the 38th state to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, and the crucial role of Black women leaders in the fight for gender equality.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A panel co-hosted by the Commission and the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, featuring Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04); Commissioner Catalina Chacón; Vote Equality founder Kati Hornung; and moderated by the Commission’s Executive Director, Darcy Totten.

Learn more.

Register here.

Join the Commission on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., for an impactful conversation moderated by Commissioner Dr. Rita Gallardo Good with panelist Lilia Garcia-Brower, CA Labor Commissioner and Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, as we discuss strategies to support Latinas in the workforce. We will explore the Latina pay gap, pay equity, workers’ rights, occupational segregation, career development opportunities, and critical legislation that impacts and protects Latinas in the workforce.

Register here.

Upcoming Events

Learn More About the Women’s Well-Being Index

On September 4. 2024 the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and the California Budget & Policy Center (Budget Center) unveiled the 2024 California Women’s Well-Being Index (WWBI). This updated Index, the first since 2020, provides a crucial look into the well-being of women across the state.

This update results from the strategic partnership between the Budget Center and the Commission, which aims to enhance and refresh the Index to reflect the current needs of women in California. By pooling their expertise and resources, these organizations have created a comprehensive tool and outreach plan to analyze women’s well-being and support the development of effective, equitable policies.

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.

Commission Meetings 2024

Notice and the agendas are available on our website here and contain a new Zoom link and dial in number for each meeting. Please mute the web stream audio on your electronic device (i.e. computer, tablet, smartphone) when listening or speaking on the phone. View all Commission Posts and search our directory for local women’s commissions.

February 6, 2024                April 2, 2024    

April 22, 2024                            June 12 , 2024                               

August 6, 2024                                            

December 3, 2024

Contact Us

Sacramento

925 L Street #345
Sacramento, CA 95814 USA

+9164965770

info@women.ca.gov

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Joelle Gomez, Commission Chair

Joelle Gomez

Commission ChairView Chair Bio
Darcy Totten, Interim Executive Director

Darcy Totten

Executive DirectorView Darcy's Bio
Governor Gavin Newsom

Gavin Newsom

GovernorGovernor's Website