DOSW June 2026 Newsletter

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Summer has officially arrived! With warmer weather, longer days, and school out for many children, this season brings new opportunities to connect with family, friends, and community. Whether you're traveling, enjoying local events, or simply taking time to recharge, we hope your summer is filled with joy, connection, and meaningful moments.

This month, there is much to celebrate and reflect upon. June marks several significant milestones in the ongoing pursuit of equity, justice, and inclusion, including Juneteenth, Pride Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, and Gun Violence Awareness Month. We recognize Immigrant Heritage Month by honoring the contributions of immigrants who enrich our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy, and shape the vibrant cultural fabric of San Francisco. We also recognize Gun Violence Awareness Month by reaffirming our commitment to safer communities and honoring the lives of those impacted by gun violence. As we observe Juneteenth this upcoming Friday, we honor and reflect on the continued pursuit of freedom and opportunity. This observance serves as both a commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States and a celebration of the progress that has been made, while also reminding us of the work that remains to build a more just society. Please join in celebrating Black culture, resilience, and community at San Francisco’s fourth annual Juneteenth Parade and celebration, along with several events supported by the Human Rights Commission, this Saturday, June 20.

As we celebrate Pride Month and honor the resilience, contributions, and leadership of LGBTQ+ communities, we also uplift efforts to protect their rights and dignity. Building on San Francisco's longstanding role as a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals, last month Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission, the Office of Transgender Initiatives, and DOSW, introduced legislation to expand the Fair Chance Ordinance—extending legal protections to individuals facing gender-based discrimination or criminalization in other states related to abortion care, gender-affirming care, or drag performance. Please join us for the upcoming Pride Month Fair Chance Ordinance rally that Supervisor Mahmood will be hosting on Thursday, June 18 at 9:00 AM on the front steps of City Hall.

We also want to highlight Supervisor Danny Sauter's STROLLER Act, which proposes expanding eligibility for paid family leave by reducing the employment requirement from six months to 90 days.

Lastly, as the City moves through the height of budget season, we presented the combined budget for the Agency for Human Rights at the Board of Supervisors Budget & Appropriations Committee. As proposed, DOSW's budget will remain the same as last year, while the Human Rights Commission has absorbed some cuts. We encourage the community to stay engaged and informed as key decisions are made that shape services and priorities across San Francisco. As a reminder, public comment day will take place on June 24, starting at 10:00 AM and going all day. This is our community's opportunity to share their perspective on the City's budget priorities and needs, and we encourage you to share your voice. Commenters will have one minute each to share remarks, and language translation will be available until 6 PM. Comments can also be submitted in writing in advance to the Clerk of the Committee, Monique Crayton, at monique.crayton@sfgov.org.

FCO Rally June 18

Fair Chance

Ordinance Rally

We are thrilled to support the proposed updates to San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance that will expand housing and employment protections for individuals that who were criminalized for seeking reproductive healthcare related to contraception, abortion, gender affirming care, and for drag performers. Please join us on Thursday, June 10 at 9:00 AM on the steps of City Hall.

Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support. Cheers to Summer!

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

Commission Meetings

At the regular meeting on May 27, 2026, Commissioners discussed and voted on changes to the COSW bylaws, progress on the Women’s Agenda, and updates on state legislation. A presentation was also given by students from Children’s Day School on menstruation and equity. A closed session also took place.

The June meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held next week, on Wednesday, June 24, 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