International Gender Equity Cultural Exchange
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has worked with several partners to facilitate ongoing opportunities for international cultural exchange meetings focused on the needs of women and girls around the globe since 2019. As these events continue to grow and expand, we have narrowed our focus to increasing economic equity, utilizing a gender lens in public policymaking, women, peace and security efforts, and ending violence against women and girls internationally.
Building Bridges of Support Around the World for Women and Girls
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls meets regularly with delegations from across the globe comprised of policymakers, leaders, activists, and community leaders whose work is focused on expanding equity and opportunity for women and girls in their home country. Staff and Commissioners work with partner organizations to arrange direct meetings with delegations as appropriate to discuss common issues and challenges, share solutions, and collaborate on shared goals.
History
In 2019 the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls established a relationship with the Northern California World Trade Center (NorCalWTC) which helps companies develop their international business through education, resources, and connections.
Global Ties Sacramento, a division of World Trade Center Northern California evolved and established a regular relationship with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, connecting Commissioners and staff with delegations visiting Sacramento through the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to gain insight into cultural, political, and economic differences and similarities around the world.
As the Commission leaned in to the opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange, opportunities arose to collaborate through the Open World Program through the Congressional Office for International Leadership in connection with the Sacramento City College Global Studies Program, and through the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the office’s dedication to International Affairs work that presents opportunities for gender-focused exchange.
The Open World Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) administers the first and only international exchange agency in the U.S. Legislative Branch that is completely controlled by Congress. In 1999, Congress authorized the creation of Open World as a Legislative Branch agency that offers bipartisan support to Members of Congress in creating cultural exchanges for Eurasian leaders to witness democracy building in action. The founders of Open World were united in the belief that widespread, direct contact between American leaders and those of other nations would greatly benefit all involved.
The Commission has taken a similar approach in creating it’s international gender-based cultural exchange program. It is the result of several years of dedicated effort and collaboration started by Commissioner LTC Erica Courtney, a certified NATO Gender Advisor and Women, Peace, and Security expert, and Executive Director Darcy Totten. It is overseen by the Commission’s International Partnerships Committee, consisting of Committee Chair Commissioner Kawser Amine and Commissioner Nisha Devi Rodrigo. The program exemplifies the power and potential of women-led diplomatic efforts designed to further connection and collaboration across boundaries of distance, culture, resources, language and understanding.
Together, we are building a better world for women and girls.
Collaboration Partners
If you are a global exchange or government-based diplomatic exchange program interested in organizing a delegate meeting with the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls please contact info@women.ca.gov
International Memorandums of Understanding
Occasionally, countries with existing Memorandum of Understanding’s with the State of California who have a specific interest in gender equity will also request meetings or even separate Memorandum of Understanding’s with the Commission dedicated to collaborative gender equity work. The Commission has a current Memorandum of Understanding’s with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States designed to further our collaborative efforts promoting gender equality in the workplace, at home, and in society at large. This agreement includes a focused effort to raise awareness of the importance of a gender-perspective within policymaking and entrepreneurship in California and to foster women’s participation in the regional economy. The agreement was formalized on May 4, 2021.