SCC Office of Women's Policy

Join us as a sponsor for the 2026 Women's Equality Day Breakfast Fundraiser, hosted by the County of Santa Clara Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

This year we celebrate Power and Community - the strength of our collective voice and our shared belief that meaningful, lasting change happens when we act together.

This event raises funds for CSW’s Mini‑Grant Program – investments in bold, community‑driven projects and events that support leadership development, civic participation, economic stability, educational access, and health and well‑being—addressing inequities and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential at every stage of life.

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Ready to lead and make a difference?

🌟 The Latina Coalition Silicon Valley is officially accepting applications for the Leadership Development & Engagement Initiative (LDEI): An ELLA Program Expansion!

This 5-month expansion of the ELLA program is designed specifically for Latina leaders (ages 19-29) who are ready to dive deep into civic engagement and influence policy in housing, climate, and transportation.

Program Details:
• Duration: June – October 2026
• Format: 100% In-person sessions
• Focus: Leadership retreats, policy sessions, and networking
• Final Project: Community Benefit Project & Graduation

Why Apply?
Elevate your leadership skills
Build lasting connections with a powerful sisterhood
Tackle real community issues through civic action

Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 5th
Apply Here: bit.ly/LDEI-ELLA

Full and partial scholarships available!

Questions about the program? Reach out to Marinez at [email protected]

In recognition of Second Chance Month, the Office of Women's Policy (OWP) and the Office of Diversion and Reentry Services (DRS) hosted a screening of “APART,” a documentary about three mothers, their four children and how the 18 years these mothers spent in prison impacted them and their families.

OWP's Ketzal Gómez joined a panel discussion on motherhood behind bars, our nation’s punitive approach to drug addiction, and the rebuilding of families after incarceration. Ketzal, along with Rebecca Cardenaz with DRS, Angelina Ramos and Yesenia Velasquez with California Youth Outreach, and Jennie Brook with Sherriff's Office Elmwood Programming shared data, reflections, and expertise around what is most helpful for women who are incarcerated, alternatives to incarceration, the importance of second-chances, and how we can support people leaving the carceral system and re-joining their families and communities.

Thank you to everybody that joined us for this important discussion.

If you are a woman on your reentry journey, or know of any women who are, consider joining the bi-weekly support group offered by DRS. They offer a safe space to build connection, find support, and access services. [email protected]

Please save the date for the County of Santa Clara Commission on the Status of Women's annual Women's Equality Day event! For the first time, this event will be hosted in South County.

More information to come. Early-bird tickets go on sale in June!

Sign up for OWP's newsletter to ensure you get all the details!

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The County of Santa Clara has two r**e crisis centers, the YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley serving Central and North County, and Community Solutions, serving South County. They are part of a coordinated network of nonprofit domestic violence service providers along with Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, AACI, and Maitri.

Safe Chat Silicon Valley (SafeChatSV.org) is a confidential tool that anyone can access to find resources for survivors of sexual assault, as well as those that have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The online chat platform will connect you with an advocate for support.

Consider any of these resources if you or somebody you care about has experienced sexual assault.

Women working full-time, year-round, earned just 81 cents for every $1 paid to white, non-Hispanic men. When including all women earners—full-time, part-time, and seasonal—the number drops to 76 cents. This gap is even wider for women of color, mothers, disabled women, and LGBTQIA+ workers.

Women of color face the largest gaps in pay compared to men. From food, to childcare, to health care – closing the wage gap is a huge step towards making things more affordable for them and their families.

When Santa Clara County was named the Feminist Capitol of the World, women’s rights in America progressed in historic ways. A focus on legal and economic independence moved forward legislation that empowered women in government, workplaces, and all aspects of their lives.

Three landmark national policies were passed that gave women the right to their own money, their own education, and the bodily autonomy that allowed the freedom to plan their lives.

In ’72, Title IX opened the doors for women to higher education, law schools, and medical programs.

In ’73, Roe v. Wade established reproductive choice as a fundamental right.

In ’74, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act gave women the legal right to build credit and pursue financial independence.

One those national policies is now gone, and another is being used to divide women.

Roe was overturned in 2022. In 2026, Title IX is being used to target transgender women all over the country, including at San Jose State University.

Here in Santa Clara County, we are a sanctuary for reproductive autonomy. We are maintaining human rights for all women and protecting their ability to participate fully in all aspects of education and recreation.

We are fighting back.

When Santa Clara County was named the Feminist Capitol in the 70s, it was because our leaders were among the first to benefit from these national gender equity laws.

Today, we hold that title because our leaders are the first to defend those rights.

Here in the Feminist Capitol of the World, our legacy is still being written. The County of Santa Clara’s female supermajority Board of Supervisors are prioritizing policies that expand behavioral and medical care access and quality, increase access to housing, strengthen community safety and reform criminal justice, enhance support for children and families, promote sustainability, and bring an intersectional and equitable approach to community needs.

They are working not only to protect and preserve vital safety net services, they are expanding and strengthening services where they are most needed.

The Board is supported by a diverse, female majority workforce here at County of Santa Clara - over 66% of County employees are women.

This diversity in representation means that the needs of our residents who are women, immigrants, unstably housed, members of the disability community, limited-English proficient, members of the LGBTQIA community, survivors of gender-based violence, and represent other marginalized groups, are elevated and prioritized in local policy decisions.

Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors proclaimed March as Women’s History Month. Santa Clara County is home to a long and proud legacy of women whose advocacy transformed California. Women’s History Month is a time to raise awareness and champion gender equity in Santa Clara County, where all residents are invited to celebrate the determination, achievements, and contributions of women to the growth and strength of our nation, state, and county.