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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.
Prioritize Wellness
Sometimes, amid all the holiday hustle and bustle, we find ourselves craving a moment of stillness. Particularly during the holidays, women add a layer of stress to an already demanding schedule. Vice-chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Nisha Devi Rodrigo offers some tidings of comfort and joy—and guidance.
“We’re caregivers and organizers, balancing family traditions, work obligations, and community commitments,” Rodrigo says. “Our younger girls often feel the pressure of school, social expectations, and their own responsibilities. What should be a time of celebration and rest can often take a toll on physical, emotional, and social well-being.”
During this season, prioritizing wellness is essential.
“Women are conditioned to devalue stillness. If the pattern is stress and constant movement, there cannot be a moment of peace. During this holiday season, stop, take a breath, and prioritize stillness.”
Nisha Devi Rodrigo, First Vice 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.
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.
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.
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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