 Mental Health and the Invisible Load Women Carry
Every day, women across California hold families, workplaces, and communities together. We often do it quietly, without acknowledgment, and often at the expense of our own well‑being. We know this mental load well: constant planning, remembering, anticipating, and smoothing the edges of life for everyone around us. It is real work. And too often, it is invisible.
As we close out this season and look ahead to Summer, I want to say something clearly: your well‑being matters. The fatigue so many women feel is not a personal failing. It is a reflection of inequitable systems that force them to carry extra weight without acknowledging it.
Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is necessary for the health and well-being of all of us. Women are the cornerstones of our communities. Caring for ourselves is critical.
But women should not have to shoulder this alone. Mental health is not an individual responsibility; it is community care. Families, workplaces, partners, neighbors, and institutions all have a role to play in easing the load so women (half the population) can also thrive.
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls remains committed to that goal. Through policy, advocacy, and partnership, we are working to ensure that women and families have the support they need, from mental health resources to paid family leave, from affordable access to community‑based programs that strengthen connection and reduce isolation, to access to play and participation in healthy activities.
As you move through the coming weeks, I hope you give yourself permission to pause and enjoy the opportunities for outdoor time with friends and family, for rest and play, and time to focus on your own well-being.
Together, we can build a California where women are not just surviving, but living full, healthy, supported lives.
Darcy Totten
Executive Director
 Youth Advisory Council Application Period Now Open!
The Commission is excited to announce that Applications for the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Council Youth Advisory Council are now open until July 15, 2026. Any girls residing in California between the ages of 14-20 are encouraged to apply to be considered. The Youth Advisory Council provides young Californians with a meaningful platform to engage with the Commission’s legislative work and help shape and elevate policies that impact their lives. Through this council, youth have the opportunity to connect with other youth across the state, develop advocacy and leadership skills, obtain hands-on experience with California’s policy process, participate in mentorship, and have transformative conversations about the needs of our state’s young people.
Information on the application process, eligibility, timeline, presentation slides, a video with helpful tips, and requirements for submission can be found on our website.
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Girl Scouts State of the Girl Report
Join the Commission and California Girl Scouts for the 2026 State of the Girl Report Launch and Celebration at the State Capitol on June 23 at 2:00 PM.
This exciting event will unveil key findings from a new statewide report highlighting the experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing girls across California. Hear from Girl Scouts, community leaders, and advocates as they discuss the issues impacting girls today and ways to support their success. Following the report launch, girls can participate in hands-on activities hosted by the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
 Quarterly Convening May Update
This month, the Commission hosted its second quarterly policy convening along with the California Legislative Women’s Caucus. Attendees heard updates from Assemblymember and Commissioner Gail Pellerin, Sulema Landa from the Caucus about the CLWC’s legislative priorities for the current session, Caroline Bruister from the Marin Women’s Commission, and Katherine Squire from the statewide Commission on CCSWG’s 2026 priority and co-sponsored legislative package. Local commissions also shared additional updates on their work and discussed how to collectively support these important priorities. For those unable to attend, the meeting recording and presentations are on our website.
Legislative Update
In May, all legislation authored this session also underwent the Appropriations committee process and all remaining bills were presented and voted on on the floor.
The Commission continues to support various important proposals related to supporting childcare needs, access to healthcare, reducing gender-based violence, education, and many other areas. The Commission’s Executive Committee further voted to support several additional bills, which can be found on our website.
Partners and supporting organizations may write in to support the Commission’s co-sponsored bills by submitting letters to the California Legislature Position Letter Portal or by contacting your local elected representative.
 Save the Date: 2027 Women and Girls’ Advocacy Day
Please join the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls for the 2027 Women and Girls’ Advocacy Day in Sacramento!
At this inaugural Women’s Advocacy Day, you’ll connect with State legislative leaders and our Commissioners, statewide organizations supporting women and girls, local city and county women’s commissions, youth, and organizations from across California, and hear from leaders fighting for the future of women and girls. Together, we’ll advocate for policy priorities that ensure women and girls have a stronger, safer, and more equitable future in California.
Throughout the day, you’ll meet with members of the Legislature, engage in meaningful conversations about the issues shaping our communities, and network with organizations to share your mission, goals, and vision for the future. This event is designed to build connections, strengthen collaboration, and elevate the voices of those working every day to advance gender equity across the state.
Stay tuned for more information throughout the year, including event theme, policy priorities, hotel details, agenda updates, and additional opportunities to get involved.
Space is limited so RSVP today to secure your spot!
Equal Rights Advocates Annual Gala
Join the Equal Rights Advocates at their Annual Gala on June 2 in San Francisco at 11:30 AM for 90 minutes of inspiration, courage, and hope. You’ll hear from fellow lawyers and activists, from survivors, from folks like you who believe in the basic rights of all people - no matter their sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or immigration status - to work, study, and live with safety and dignity. Get your tickets.
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 One Small Thing: Supporting Moms
On Mother's Day this year, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a letter recognizing One Small Thing Day in the State of California because supporting moms before, during, and especially after pregnancy is essential to the well-being of children, families and our state.
The "One Small Thing" campaign continues to show how simple gestures can help new mothers and families feel seen, supported, and connected. Partners across California came together to bring "One Small Thing" to life in the Los Angeles community, including Chrissy Teigen, Office of the Surgeon General, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, Black Infant Health Los Angeles, and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos led a discussion with a troop of Girl Scouts about the importance of maternal health and the Girl Scouts then created coupon books and maternity care kits to distribute to local moms and members of the community. What's your one small thing?
 For Years, We Have Been Kept Silent
The crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls is a national epidemic. Stemming from historic traumas suffered by tribal communities, Native Americans suffer violence and abductions at disproportionately high rates.
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls can be a force for change in this dire situation, says Catalina Chacon, the commission’s only Native American member.
California is home to 109 federally recognized tribes, the highest number of any state, and has the fifth-highest Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) caseload in America, according to Chacon. Read more.
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Golden State Start: Free Diapers to Newborns
California is launching a first-in-the-nation program to provide free diapers to every newborn, easing costs for families and supporting infant and maternal health.
Beginning this summer, every newborn delivered in a participating California hospital will receive 400 high-quality diapers at no cost to the family at the time of discharge. Learn more about Golden State Start
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Women's Foundation California Solís Policy Institute Legislative Reception
The Commission was honored to co-sponsor the Women's Foundation California Solís Policy Institute (SPI) Legislative Reception, where we connected with California changemakers and this year’s SPI State fellows in celebrating their powerful, community rooted policy work. The reception celebrates SPI’s work from protecting the privacy and safety of immigrants and the people who serve them, to expanding midwifery care in underserved regions, to ensuring young people, especially LGBTQIA+ youth and youth of color, can access sexual health resources without barrier or shame.
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Engaged California: Artificial Intelligence
Governor Gavin Newsom is launching a new statewide initiative, Engaged California, inviting public participation in shaping AI policy. Working alongside the Office of Data and Innovation, Engaged California is designed to ensure Californians have a direct voice in how AI is governed and integrated into public services. Californian residents are encouraged to participate and can sign up and find more information at engaged.ca.gov/ai.
Joint Open House Celebration
In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we were happy to connect with community members during our joint open house with California Commission on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs. We were pleased to share our mission and priorities and learn more about local organizations serving the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Community.
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 Tipping Point: Online violence impacts, manifestations, and redress in the AI age
This publication examines how online violence against women in public life is becoming more technologically sophisticated, more invasive, and more damaging in the age of artificial intelligence.
Gender (In)Justice?
Global Justice 50/50’s inaugural Report Gender (In)Justice? is the world’s first independent, systematic assessment of gender equality, fairness and equity across 171 organizations active in global law and justice.
The State of the Vagina Report 2026
Conducted by O Positiv Health, this report a data-driven perspective on how systemic gaps in women’s healthcare manifest and how improving vaginal health can meaningfully strengthen women’s health as a whole.
From Anticipation to Reality: One Year In
Alliance for Girls has released a new report, From Anticipation to Reality: One Year In, documenting the growing and coordinated threats facing nonprofits that serve girls and gender-expansive youth across the Bay Area and Los Angeles County.
California Coffee Conversation with Lisa Wrightsman
Join California Women Lead for their next Coffee Conversation on June 9 at 9:00 AM for Building Belonging Through Sports: Leadership Community, and the Impact of Street Soccer USA with Lisa Wrightsman, Managing Director of Street Soccer USA, Sacramento.
Discover how sports can create connection, confidence, and lasting community impact. Through stories, leadership insights, and real examples from Sacramento, Lisa will explore how building a sense of belonging through soccer can transform lives, strengthen communities, and inspire meaningful partnerships. Register for the virtual event.
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Sexual and Gender Diverse Women Curriculum
The Sexual and Gender Diverse Women Curriculum (developed by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women from a California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls grant) is now available. It is designed to support providers, advocates, and service organizations in delivering more inclusive, culturally responsive, and affirming care to women and gender-diverse individuals across sexual and gender identities
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 Learn About Some May Heritage/Awareness Topics
 Commission in the News
The status of women and girls in California, with Darcy Totten
For Years, We Have Been Kept Silent
Commission Reaffirms Commitment to Safeguarding Medication Abortion Access During Continued Court Challenges
Court Decision Limiting Access to Essential Reproductive Care Endangers Women
Valladares' public safety package advances to Senate floor
California Surgeon General announces partnership with Chrissy Teigen, Girl Scouts to support new mothers
First California Women’s Economic Summit Sells Out, Underscoring Demand to Invest in Women Entrepreneurs
California bill seeks to re-introduce grizzly bears
California
LegCon 2026: ‘These Are Not Easy Votes’: Pro Tem Limón Talks Budget Realities with County Leaders
California senate leaders launch major offensive to combat “triple threat” of wildfires, insurance, and utility costs
Health and Safety
Advocacy group sues Trump administration over access to abortion for veterans
Attorney General appeals Pennsylvania court ruling that recognized abortion access as a right
Violence against women remains high — particularly for marginalized groups
The Supreme Court keeps abortion pill mifepristone available by telehealth
Workforce, Education, and Employment
Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can’t explain why they pay what they pay
For Black Americans, wealth offers scant protection from pregnancy risks, scholar finds
One Million Followers, Still Underpaid: The Black Creator Pay Gap
Women in the News
Driving the Vote for Equality: ERA Dispatches From Arizona and California
Centering Indigenous Voices: Fowler invites visitors to rethink land, culture & responsibility
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