The California Commission on the Status of Women & Girls was established in 1965 to identify and work to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices and conditions that affect California's women and girls. The Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education and equal representation, the military and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy and strategic partnerships.

The 17 member Commission includes three State Senators, three Assemblymembers, the State Labor Commissioner, and ten appointed public members (seven by the Governor, one by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, one by the Senate Committee on Rules and one by the Assembly Speaker).