San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women

09/03/2026

We mourn the loss of Gloria Steinem, a pioneering journalist, feminist, and lifelong advocate for women’s equality, who died at age 92 yesterday.

For many of us, Gloria Steinem was more than a voice for change—she was a reminder that our voices matter, our stories matter, and our dreams belong in every room where decisions are made.

Through her writing, activism, and leadership, she helped open doors and challenge barriers that had limited women’s opportunities. Her legacy reminds us that progress is built one voice, one story, and one act of courage at a time.

May we honor Gloria by continuing to raise our voices, lift one another up, and create a future where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive.

Rest in power, Gloria. Your voice changed the world—and it will continue to echo through generations. 💜

She challenged sexist assumptions, helping women develop a sense of self-worth and gain a measure of equality at work, at home and in society at large.

08/26/2026

The lack of affordability can show up in many different ways in San Mateo County: unaffordable child care, high rent, and community services being reduced.

Yesterday the Commission on the Status of Women convened a panel of community leaders to mark Women's Equality Day and discuss what we can do to address cost-of-living challenges that can discourage us from creating solutions.

We had an incredible panel of Karen Pace of Ravenswood Early Learning Center, Laura Bent of Samaritan House, and Kalimah Salahuddin of the REACH Coalition; all moderated by the amazing Erin Baldassari from KQED. Thank you for sharing your stories and insights that inspire us to participate in our democracy and right to vote. We were also surprised to have Supervisor Lisa Gauthier join us to introduce her "the Importance of Voting" video at the conclusion of the event.

Thank you to the Commission for planning this event and for all the attendees who showed up after a long day. Your vote matters!

County of San Mateo - Government

08/26/2026

Today is Women's Equality Day, the day the 19th Amendment was passed and allowed women the right to vote (the Voting Rights Act of 1965 then allowed all women to be included).
The County of San Mateo - Government recognized the day with a Proclamation and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier premiered a Voting video about the importance of voting.

Your vote matters.

08/19/2026

Now registering for the County’s annual Civics 101 Academy!

Have questions about local government? Want to learn from and interact with department heads and other County leaders? Then Civics 101 is for you! Application deadline is August 26

The Civics 101 Academy is a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances and initiatives. The Academy will cover topics such as health, the justice system, public safety, human services, elections, parks, libraries, public finance, sustainability and more, and participants will have some fun along the way!

• Refreshments are served, and participants receive a completion certificate.

• Class meets at County Government Center in Redwood City
on nine consecutive Wednesday evenings, starting Sep. 2.

Want to join the 2026 cohort? Learn more and apply:

The Civics 101 Academy is a free course that provides an in-depth look at County programs, services, finances and initiatives. Participants learn from and interact with department heads and other leaders about topics such as health, public safety, human services, elections, parks, libraries, public....

08/18/2026

One week before Women's Equality Day! Get your tickets today!
https://www.smcgov.org/csw/womens-equality-day

Through a thought-provoking panel conversation, each leader will share a specific program or initiative addressing affordability in San Mateo County—and what it takes to turn community priorities into meaningful action.
We hope you can join us!
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🗓️ Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
📍 Burlingame Community Center in
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➡️ Get Your Ticket Today: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../from-voice-to-vote...

08/15/2026

For folks looking for activities where you can connect with other people!

Jenny Baquing once struggled to make friends. Her craft nights now draw hundreds of attendees eager for new connections.

08/14/2026

More tips for students getting ready to go to college!

Big thanks to the San Mateo County STEP program and it's manager, Iris Tan, for creating this handy guide!!

08/12/2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Heading off to college is exciting, but it also involves new adult responsibilities. That makes it a great time to start getting comfortable with credit, building

08/11/2026

The San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women is proud to announce our speakers for our upcoming 'From Voice to Vote - Affordability at the Ballot Box' - event:
🔸 Erin Baldassari - Senior Editor,
🔸 Laura Bent - Chief Executive Officer, .smc
🔸 Kalimah Salahuddin - Community Advocate and Co-Founder, REACH Coalition
🔸 Karen Pace - Executive Director, Ravenswood Early Learning

Through a thought-provoking panel conversation, each leader will share a specific program or initiative addressing affordability in San Mateo County—and what it takes to turn community priorities into meaningful action.

We hope you can join us!
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🗓️ Date: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ Time: 4:30PM - 6:00PM
📍 Burlingame Community Center in

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➡️ Get Your Ticket Today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-voice-to-vote-affordability-at-the-ballot-box-tickets-1994587202014

08/08/2026

About half of adult workers who are living in poverty are employed full time; poverty rates tend to be higher among service and agricultural workers.