About Us
The Commission
On March 18, 1975, a motion was introduced to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to prepare a draft ordinance to establish an independent County Commission for Women. A 15-member commission was created to represent the special interests and concerns of women of all races, ethnic and social backgrounds, religious convictions, sexual orientation and social circumstances.
As part of his statement, Supervisor Edmund D. Edelman said: "Although women represent a majority of the County's population, tradition and prejudice, along with social, political and economic restrictions have resulted in women being denied by virtue of their status of being women, certain basic human rights. The denial of these fundamental rights has created inequities in economic, political, legal and social status, thereby preventing the development of women's individual potential and the ability to contribute as fully as possible to the economic and cultural well being of the County of Los Angeles.
In view of the long standing tradition of according women an inferior status in society, nothing less than a concerted effort at all levels of government will remove the barriers of discrimination and prejudice and result in true equality."
The Mission
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women seeks to represent the interest and concerns of women of all races, ethnic and social backgrounds, religious convictions, sexual orientation and social circumstances.
The Commission is mandated to:
- Advise the Board of Supervisors, County departments and agencies on needs of women and matters relating to discrimination and prejudice on account of sex, marital status and sexual orientation.
- Recommend programs or legislation to promote and ensure equal rights and opportunities for women.
- Research and Investigate conditions which allegedly discriminate against women and disseminate results of investigations.
- Provide a coordinating function for County departments, community groups and organizations concerned with women's rights.
The Vision
The Los Angeles County Commission for Women will advocate for the lives and well being of women through building strong collaboration, sharing available resources, and educating and empowering through participation in the legislative process.
Standing Committees
The following Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees are charged with executing the approved initiatives, on behalf of the Commission.
Ad Hoc's
- Executive Committee (EC)
- Women of the Year (WOY)
Committees
- Education
- Health
- Policy and Legislation (PNL)
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
- Sexual and Gender Diverse Women and Girls (SGDW)
Affiliations
(A partial listing)
- The Alliance of Black Women Organization
- Association of California Commissions for Women
- California State Commission on the Status of Women
- California Partners to End Domestic Violence
- Common Threads/Sweatshop Watch
- The Feminists Majority Foundation
- L.A. County Domestic Violence Council
- L.A. County – Office of Women’s Health
- The Appointments to Boards and Commissions Institute
- formerly the L.A. Women’s Appointment Collaboration
- League of Women Voters
- National Association of Commissions for Women
- National Committee on Pay Equity
- Peace Over Violence
- formerly Los Angeles Commission on Assaults Against Women
- Women Against Gun Violence
- Women Entrepreneurs Network
- Women in Action Lobby Day