Catherine S. Blakespear

This document outlines strategic pathways for implementing Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in California, drawing lessons from global best practices and subnational experiences. It proposes nine key recommendations, including anchoring GRB in core budget processes, establishing strong leadership and collaborative structures, institutionalizing GRB through legal and procedural frameworks, and building robust gender data systems. The pathways also emphasize a phased implementation, continuous capacity building, integrating GRB across the full budget cycle, engaging local entities, and framing GRB as a broad governance and equity tool, with the vision of positioning California as a national leader in equitable and accountable public finance.

This document, the Girls Agenda, outlines actionable, equity-driven policies to ensure every girl in California feels safe, supported, and empowered to imagine a future without limits. Developed by the Youth Advisory Council, it addresses key issues across three main pillars: Education & Workforce Development, Health & Access, and Safety & Prevention. The agenda aims to combat systemic inequities and emerging challenges, guiding future policy actions to foster a gender-equitable society for California's girls and youth.

The meeting included updates and discussions on various committee activities, including Governance, Strategic Planning, International Partnerships, Fundraising, and Policy. The Policy Committee presented a slate of bills for approval. Updates were provided on the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), including the selection of the 2025-26 cohort and proposed updates to the YAC structure. Staff also gave updates on AB 1356. The Executive Director discussed upcoming events, DEIJB training, and the Commission's 60-year anniversary. Updates were provided on SB 24 and the Equal Pay Pledge social media campaign.

The commission discussed the fiscal year budget, including personnel, operating costs, and local assistance funding. Committees and subcommittees were reviewed to align commissioners' skills and expertise. Staff provided updates on generating systems and workplans for 2024, interviews for new positions, the College Student Right to Access Act, and the State Advisory Committee on Sexual Assault. Grantees are progressing with their work, and efforts continue on the Equal Pay Pledge. The Executive Committee supported the breast pump tax bill, and various bills inspired by the blueprint are awaiting the Governor's signature. Plans are underway to celebrate the Commission's 60th anniversary.

The California Blueprint for Women's Pandemic Recovery focuses on addressing the economic needs of women and girls as critical to the state's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women, particularly women of color, and recommends policy interventions to address systemic inequities in the workforce, improve access to social safety net programs, and support the care industry. The plan emphasizes the importance of investing in women's economic well-being and ensuring their representation in leadership roles to build a more equitable and resilient economy.