Our Purpose of the CSW

CSW's function is to advise the County Board of Supervisors on all issues that affect the lives of  women and girls and to investigate and to advocate for the equal participation and treatment of women and girls in Santa Clara County.

The Commission is composed of 15 individuals who are interested and actively involved in issues that affect women. Each Board member appoints three individuals to represent their district on the Commission. Each Commission member is appointed for a 3-year term and can be re-appointed for two additional consecutive terms.

Key Strategic Collaborations & Projects

CSW works closely with various County programs and commissions in order to effectively address and advocate for women’s concerns. Some of their primary collaborators include:

• The Office of Women’s Policy
• The Human Relations Commission
• The Domestic Violence Council

CSW also actively supports community efforts that serve to educate the public regarding the concerns of women and girls and to promote their well being. Some of CSW’s most current efforts include:

• Local implementation of CEDAW (the U.N. Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (http://www.womenstreaty.org)
• Advocacy for equal access to services and resources for women inmates in Department of Correction Facilities.
• Support of the Women’s Action Network’s efforts to develop a women’s center in Santa Clara County.
• Research on girls in the juvenile justice system.
• Research on the impact of budget cuts to women and their families.

Please visit the County Boards & Commission’s page for more information

Women's Equality Day Breakfast

CSW presents an annual Women's Equality Day Breakfast to celebrate the many important contributions made by women in Santa Clara County.This year will mark the 88th anniversary of women having won the right to vote and we intend to celebrate the occasion in grand style on Friday, September 5, 2008.  The event will be held in the San Jose City Hall Rotunda. Please see details in the document below:

Women's Equality Day Breakfast 2008

The Commission on the Status of Women is excited to hear about your event or program.  CSW sponsors many events and programs throughout the year, both collaboratively and financially.  For more information on how to apply for sponsorship, please refer to the "Process for CSW Sponsorship Requests" document below: