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About

Our Mission

The mission of the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is to work to improve the lives of women and girls in San Luis Obispo County by advocating for equal rights and collaborating with agencies and programs that support the health, socioeconomic and professional well-being of women and girls in our community.

Improving the Lives of Women and Girls

The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls is an official advisory board to the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors charged with helping our local officials understand the issues facing women in our community and advocating for policies to support them. The commission consists of 3 appointees from each of the five supervisorial districts. We encourage anyone who is passionate about women's issues to join us in our activities and projects. Find out how to join the Commission here.

Our principal vehicle for collecting feedback from local women is our annual Women's Issues Survey. The survey polls women on such issues as:

  • Discrimination

  • Affordable Housing

  • Childcare

  • Mental Health and Healthcare

  • Violence/Domestic Abuse

  • Financial Security

  • Sexual Harassment

Results of the survey are presented every spring to the Board of Supervisors as part of our annual report, and help direct the goals and actions of the Commission to enhance the quality of women's lives.  

Past projects include:

  •  Helping Girls and Women PERIOD. Partnered with ECHO (El Camino Homeless Organization) to hold a "drive by" feminine hygiene drive for homeless women and girls. The drive produce a year's worth of hygiene products for the shelter and was shared with other shelters throughout the county.

  • Cal Poly University Women in Business: Defining Her Future Conference. Educated attendees on resources available in the County.

  • Women's Way to Wealth.   Hosted a half-day workshop to educate and empower women to build financial security. Topics included credit reports, wills and trusts, budgeting, investments and insurance.

  • SLO Women's March Call to Action Alley. Hosted a table to share information and capture survey responses. 

  • Collaborated with AAUW (American Association of University Women) on a free community healthcare forum and free movie screening of "Equal Means Equal." 

One of the Commission's most engaging projects is the Women's Wall of Fame Awards and Luncheon, which honors inspiring women who are making a difference in our community. Read more details on this event here

The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm via at the County Government Center (via Zoom since Covid-19). All are welcome. Meetings occasionally includes a guest speaker from a local agency or organization. Speakers are used to educate the Commissioners, leverage partnerships with other groups, open up dialogue and gain a better understanding of the needs of women and girls in our communities.

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History of the Commission

The San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women was established by resolution on May 5, 1975 by Board of Supervisors Heilman, Willeford, Kupper, Mankins and Krejsais. In 2021, Girls was added to the Commission's title. The Commission is aligned with the California Commission on the Status of Women and the National Association of Commissions for Women, and sends one or more delegates to the annual state and national conferences.

Support the COSWG

The COSWG currently receives no regular funding from the County and relies on grants and donations to carry out its mission. Please help us support women and girls in SLO County!

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