DOSW July 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we move further into summer, we recognize Disability Pride Month—an observance that honors the diversity, achievements, and contributions of people with disabilities. As we continue our work to support women, girls, and gender-expansive people across San Francisco, we invite you to take a moment for mindful reflection on how each of us can advance equity, uplift our communities, and contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate city.

Looking ahead, we are beginning preparations for our August Commission on the Status of Women meeting, which coincides with Women's Equality Day. On this special occasion, we invite you to join us as we formally honor the late Commissioner Andrea Shorter.

Women's Equality Day commemorates the ongoing pursuit of gender equity and the progress made toward ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women. In terms of our work towards those goals, we have wrapped up consultations with nearly all city Departments regarding their Equity Plans under the Women's Agenda for San Francisco, and look forward to sharing updaes and progress reports are we support the implementation of these Equity Plans.

On this Women's Equalty Day, it is fitting that we take this opportunity to celebrate the late Commissioner Andrea Shorter, who dedicated 20 years to the Commission on the Status of Women. Throughout her distinguished career, she championed voting rights, marriage equality, juvenile and criminal justice reform, and support for survivors of domestic violence, while building coalitions that strengthened civil and human rights across our city and beyond. The Commission meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 26, at 5:00 p.m. in San Francisco City Hall, Room 408. We would be honored if you could join us as we recognize and celebrate the Andrea Shorter's remarkable legacy at the meeting.

Lastly we want to highlight District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter's proposed legislation to expand eligibility for paid family leave by reducing the employment requirement from six months to 90 days. This is an important step to help make San Francisco more family friendly, and we need your support. Please join us this upcoming Thursday, July 16, at 9:00 a.m. on the Polk Street steps of San Francisco City Hall for the Rally for Expanded Paid Family Leave as we demonstrate our collective commitment to advancing policies that support working families, caregivers, and gender equity in San Francisco. We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Dr. Diana Aroche
Executive Director and Department Head
San Francisco Department on the Status of Women

Commission Meetings

At the regular meeting on June 24, 2026, the Commission received a presentation from Community Forward on findings from their recent Women’s Needs Assessment survey of women experiencing housing instability and homelessness.

The July meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held next week, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Room 408 at City Hall.

Commission on the Status of Women Meeting Information

If you have any questions, please email dosw@sfgov.org or call the office at 415-252-2570.

Link to DOSW Resources
https://www.sf.gov/department-on-the-status-of-women-resources