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San Mateo County Supervisors have directed the County Executive to create a staff position and implement the Women and Children Action Plan, which aims to create the most equitable community where these populations can thrive.
The plan addresses gender inequalities through four key policy areas: reducing the wealth gap, increasing access to quality child care, preventing domestic violence, and expanding reproductive health and health care freedom.
“I want to point out that these issues are not limited to women. They affect men and people of all genders. If we address the barriers to equity that women themselves have identified, we can improve the lives of all of our residents. For example, we know that every dollar spent on early childhood education produces nearly two dollars in immediate economic benefits directly in our community,” said Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
The official said that this staff position and the action plan will boost economic prosperity for the entire county.
Women in San Mateo County face systemic gender-based inequalities, particularly women of color. Of the 18,000 single-parent households in San Mateo County, the majority are headed by women who struggle to meet basic needs like housing, child care and transportation.
“We learned many lessons from the pandemic, but one of them was a reminder of the role women play in our economy and the unique economic challenges they face,” said Supervisor Dave Pine, who also sponsored the resolution.
“And while child care challenges affect all parents and caregivers, lack of access to quality child care impacts women and women of color the hardest,” she stressed.
It is noteworthy that despite progress made over several decades, women's economic health remains poor. For example, for every dollar of wealth owned by a single man, single women own 82 cents, while single African-American and Latina women own just 9 cents.
“We want someone in this position who will not only recommend policy changes, but also hold the county accountable,” Pine said. “We hope that creating such a position will help break down the barriers that hold too many women back.”
In October, the Commission on the Status of Women presented its report “Financing the Future” to the Board, calling for significant action to address these disparities.
The report recommended measures to create a more equitable and prosperous future, with a special focus on vulnerable and low-income women, which the Action Plan for Women and Children now seeks to implement.
In turn, a roadmap is established through four interconnected policy areas such as reducing the wealth gap, expanding affordable housing options, increasing participation in programs such as CalSavers and CalKIDS to help women build long-term wealth, support financial literacy and career guidance programs, and increase access to quality child care services.
Additionally, implementing the San Mateo County Child Care Plan, a coordinated strategy currently in development and funded by Measure K and philanthropic resources; declaring child care an essential safety net; improving affordability, domestic violence prevention, and advocating for domestic violence prevention policies and survivor advocacy.
The County Council will also serve to coordinate programs and initiatives in the County, including education campaigns, to prevent domestic violence and support survivors by funding shelters and services; recommend policies deemed necessary to make the County a safer place where people can live free from domestic violence; expand reproductive health and health care freedoms; and address gaps in funding and access to abortion, gender-affirming care, and other critical health services.
While also seeking to promote awareness campaigns, advocate for state and federal legislation to support women's rights and gender affirmation in healthcare.
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