The idea of forming the San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women begins with Carol McPhee, a housewife and mother in San Luis Obispo County, inspired by the egalitarian feminist movement of the early 1970s. She sought out like-minded women who were energized by the national momentum of the movement. Alongside Mary Gail Black, a political activist, she organized women from across the county to launch a political campaign aimed at establishing a local Commission on the Status of Women. This effort reflects the grassroots activism that was a hallmark of the feminist movement during that era, emphasizing the power of community organization and political advocacy to address women's issues at the local level.

The San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women was Established on May 5, 1975 by Resolution Number 75-347. The presiding Supervisors who voted on adopting the resolution were
Supervisors Heilman, Willeford, Kupper District 3, Mankins District 4 and Kresja. The vote was not
unanimous. The vote was AYES: Kuper, Willeford, Krejsa and Noes: Heilmann and Mankins.
By 2021 the Commission determined that it was timely and critical that the commissions name
designation be expanded to more completely embrace the entire scope of the COSW to include girls; and the Commission recognizes that National and State organizations are increasingly including “Girls” intheir designations, and in their Commission membership to address their unique perspectives and role in our society; and on August 10, 2021 by Resolution Number 2021-165 the Commission on the Status of Women will now be recognized as San Luis Obispo County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

 

STATE
The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls was established in 1965 by Governor Gerald “Pat” Brown, following President John F. Kennedy's 1961 order to create the President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW), chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt. The PCSW’s first report in 1963, "American Women in 1963"; highlighted the need for continued efforts toward women's equality, especially for women of color.

The California Commission was initially an advisory board for the Legislature and Governor, focusing on state policies affecting women and girls. It became a permanent, independent state agency in 1971 under Governor Ronald Reagan. The term "Girls," was added to its name in 2012 to reflect its commitment to supporting females through all life stages.

As an independent, nonpartisan state agency, the Commission addresses systemic issues impacting California's female population. It conducts public hearings, legislative briefings, and research, advising state leaders and the public on women’s equity issues. Historically, it held town hall meetings across California to engage with local communities on priority concerns. After budget cuts following the Great Recession, the Commission was removed from the state budget in 2012 but
was reestablished in 2013 with minimal resources. However, since 2014, the Commission has grown significantly, launching new programs and reinforcing its role as the only state agency solely focused on women’s issues. It continues to serve as a vital bridge between local communities and state government.

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NATIONAL
During the inaugural meetings of the United Nations General Assembly in London in February 1946,
Eleanor Roosevelt, a delegate from the United States, read an influential open letter addressed to “the women of the world.” In this letter, she urged governments to encourage women globally to engage more actively in both national and international affairs, recognizing the need for women's participation in peace and reconstruction efforts following World War II.

Key Developments:
1. Establishment of the Sub-Commission on the Status of Women:
     o A few days after Roosevelt address, the Sub-Commission on the Status of Women was
established under the Commission on Human Rights.
     o This was in response to advocacy by many women delegates and NGO representatives
who felt a dedicated body for women’s issues was necessary.

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Transition to the Commission on the Status of Women:
-On 21 June 1946, the Sub-Commission was elevated to become the Commission on the Status of
Women (CSW).
-It became a full-fledged commission under the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), with the
mandate to:
     o Prepare recommendations and reports on promoting women’s rights in political,
economic, civil, social, and educational fields.
     o Address urgent issues requiring immediate attention concerning women’s rights.

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Advocacy by Bodil Begtrup:
-The first chairperson of the Sub-Commission, Bodil Begtrup from Denmark, played a crucial role
in advocating for this transition to a full commission.
- She emphasized that women issues needed to be studied internationally and given proper
social importance, highlighting the historic opportunity to address these matters.
Evolution of Organizational Structure:
- Initially, the Section on the Status of Women was created within the Human Rights Division of
the United Nations Secretariat to support the Commission’s activities.
- In 1978, it became the Division for the Advancement of Women.
- Finally, in 2010, it was consolidated into UN Women, which now serves as the principal global
entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

This progression underscores the growing recognition of women’s rights as a fundamental human rights issue within the international community and reflects the United Nations ongoing commitment to gender equality.