 As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of transformation, resilience, and collective action at the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. This year marked a continuation of the Commission’s evolution, building on decades of advocacy and innovation while celebrating 60 years of service to California. Together, we navigated pivotal moments, embraced growth, and confronted the persistent challenges facing women and girls in today’s shifting federal landscape. The urgency of our mission has never been clearer: to ensure that every woman and girl, regardless of race, gender identity, age, ability, geography, or lived experience, has the opportunity not just to survive, but to thrive.
Throughout 2025, the Commission advanced its mission through advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement. Highlights included hosting the Convening of local women’s commissions, connecting with local women’s commissions, celebrating 10 years of the California Fair Pay Act with partners Equal Rights Advocates and the bill’s author, our former Chair the Honorable Hannah Beth Jackson, contributing to the Mount Saint Mary’s University Report on the Status of Women and Girls in California, mentoring new leaders at Girl Scout Day at the Capitol and other girl centered events, building skills for women leaders with California Women Lead, amplifying the voices of women veterans at the Veterans Leadership Summit, spotlighting pay equity, celebrating California’s 175th and the Commission’s 60th anniversaries, connecting on core gender justice issues including pay equity with the Office of the First Partner and the California Partner’s Project, and deepening global connections through international partnerships.
The Commission also continued to advance essential policy solutions. In 2025, the Policy Committee reviewed and recommended positions on hundreds of proposals, ultimately supporting 16 pieces of legislation that advanced to the Governor’s desk and co-sponsoring two proposals. Among these was SB 642, authored by Commissioner Senate pro Tempore Monique Limón and co-sponsored with the California Employment Lawyers Association and Equal Rights Advocates, which strengthens the California Fair Pay Act. Signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, SB 642 represents a significant step forward toward pay equity. Other supported bills addressed critical issues, including sexual assault protections, student safety, paid family leave, rural healthcare access, and culturally competent services for LGBTQIA+ communities.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, local women’s commissions, community organizations, the Governor and First Partner, the Legislature, Commissioners, and the dedicated staff of the Commission. Your trust and partnership drive our progress. We are looking forward to opportunities to continue our collaboration in 2026!
Darcy Totten
Executive Director
 2025 Report on the Implementation and Effectiveness of California Laws on Anti-Reproductive Rights Crimes
The Commission's 2025 Report on the Implementation and Effectiveness of California Laws on Anti-Reproductive Rights Crimes has been posted online. This report is the result of legislation (AB 1356, Bauer-Kahan) requiring the Commission to convene an advisory committee of experts to produce two reports to the state legislature. In the report, the advisory committee outlines findings and associated recommendations to strengthen protections for health clinic providers and patients.
2025 College Student Right to Access Act Report
The Commission's 2025 College Student Right to Access Act Report is available online and includes:
- Data on student health centers across University of California and California State University campuses
- Procedure volume by campus
- Campus-level expenditures for program implementation
- Costs for medication abortion pills and services
This report is required by the College Student Right to Access Act, authored by former Commissioner and Senator Connie Leyva. In 2025, the Commission partnered with system and state leaders to address local access challenges, and begin the development of tailored outreach materials, including a student-friendly FAQ brochure.
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 January 2026 Commission Meeting
The January Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026. The meeting notice will be posted online closer to the meeting date
2026 Youth Advisory Council Meeting
The next Youth Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7. The meeting notice will be posted online closer to the meeting date.
Apply for Camp Cinder!
Applications are open for Camp Cinder, CalFIRE’s free four-day firefighting camp in San Luis Obispo or Redding. Camp Cinder is led by a team of women firefighters who offer girls ages 15-17 hands-on training in climbing, water-rescue basics, hose work, and fire-service skills.
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 Prioritizing Wellness is Essential
Taking time to rest, practicing mindfulness, and setting healthy boundaries help women and girls sustain their energy and fully participate in the season’s joys. Equally important is remembering that wellness is not something we must carry alone. Sharing responsibilities can ease burdens while creating opportunities for connection. Doing things together, whether preparing meals, decorating, or managing family activities can be both fun and restorative, reminding us that we are part of a larger village of support. Get some tips to prioritize wellness during the holiday season.
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Happy Holidays!
We hope you and your families have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2026!
The Commission office will be closed on December 24-26 and January 1.
Farewell to our Special Projects Manager
After three years of dedicated service, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls bids a heartfelt farewell to our Special Projects Manager Jen DeGrossa. Jen was instrumental in administering the College Student Right to Access Act, the Women’s Recovery Response Grant program, and steering the AB 1356 Health Clinic Safety Advisory Committee, ensuring that critical initiatives were carried out with care and impact. She also played a pivotal role as a coordinator and contributor to our successful Convening of Women in November, helping to bring together voices and leaders from across the state.
Her commitment, professionalism, and passion for advancing equity have left a lasting mark on the Commission’s work. We will deeply miss her presence and contributions, and we extend our warmest wishes as she embarks on her next chapter.
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 A Screening of The Class
Join The Campaign for College Opportunity on January 13 at 5:30pm at the Crest Theater in Sacramento for a free screening of The Class, followed by a live conversation with the cast and creators. This event is an opportunity to learn from students whose real-life stories underscore the urgency of equitable college access and the role of policy in shaping their futures.
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2026 CA Women Lead Winter Reception
Our network partner, California Women Lead, will be hosting their 2026 Winter Reception on February 9 at 5:30pm at the Mix. More details will be shared in January.
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 Commercial Data Practices for Reproductive Privacy
The National Partnership for Women and Families released research outlining the legal, reputational, and operational risks posed by commercial data practices for reproductive privacy and provides clear, actionable steps employers can take to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers. It is more important than ever for companies to evaluate partnerships and practices and strengthen their policies regarding the collection, storage, management, and sharing of data, especially sensitive health data.
 Apply for the California Competes Tax Credit
The California Competes Tax Credit is an income tax credit available to businesses seeking to relocate, stay, or grow in California. The next application period runs from January 5 -26, 2026. To learn more about credit, participate in the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development’s (GO-BIZ) upcoming webinar on January 7, 2026 at 9:30am. Register for the webinar and learn more about their various business programs on their website.
Building Playhouses for the Community
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento hosted its first Jingle Build on Giving Tuesday in November. The Commission team built a one-of-a-kind, “Under the Sea” playhouse! From painting sea creatures and inspiring quotes from women scientists to assembling the structure, our team helped create a space where kids can use their imagination, be inspired, and experience joy. These playhouses will be donated to local children for the holidays. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento for inviting us to spend the day helping our community.
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She Shares Mentorship Mixer
Mentors and mentees closed out the year at the SheShares mixer, reflecting on lessons learned, celebrating achievements, and strengthening connections across the community. The event highlighted the power of mentorship in advancing women’s leadership and fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond the program.
Applications are now open to become a mentor or mentee in the 2026 She Shares Mentorship Program. Interested participants can apply online to join this dynamic network and continue building pathways for women’s growth and success.
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 Learn About Some December Heritage/Awareness Topics
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
World AIDS Day
International Human Rights Day
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