PRESS RELEASE:

County of Orange Advances Gender Equity and Women’s Empowerment

Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee Spearheads the Establishment of the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

Santa Ana, CA. (March 12, 2024) – Today Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee spearheaded the establishment of the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls by introducing a resolution, which was approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The Commission will be tasked to publish an annual report to the Board of Supervisors and the general public. The report will inform the Board and all Orange County residents about the status of women and girls each year. By highlighting the critical issues affecting women and girls in the report, the Commission will advance equity for women and girls on a local level.

“I am pleased to have brought this item forward during Women’s History Month and create the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “This Commission will serve as a vital platform to monitor, advise, and promote the well-being of equal status of women and girls in Orange County, and be pivotal to help the County of Orange foster an environment with brighter, more equitable futures for all.”

The Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls will conduct comprehensive research into the status of women and girls throughout Orange County. Through strategic partnerships, the Commission aims to facilitate and utilize demographic studies to gather insightful data, which will serve as the framework to inform its priorities and initiatives for the upcoming year. In addition, the Commission will conduct qualitative analyses to study the actual experiences of Orange County women and girls to evaluate gender inequities in areas such as health, employment, and representation in sports.

The County of Orange previously had a Commission on the Status of Women from 1975-1991, which focused on issues such as childcare, transportation, legal rights, and other barriers of entry for women in the county. The newly established Commission will continue the work to advocate for the welfare and rights of women and girls in the community.

To learn more about the County of Orange’s boards, commissions, and committees, visit www.cob.ocgov.com/boards-commissions-committees.

Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee represents the Fourth District, which includes the Cities of Brea, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Stanton, portions of Anaheim, and unincorporated communities. 

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