Los Angeles County Explores Creation of Office of Gender Equity

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved a proposal introduced by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. This motion aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing an Office of Gender Equity. A report on this is expected within 60 days.

Supervisor Horvath’s motion was approved with a unanimous vote of 4-0. Supervisor Kathryn Barger was absent during the vote. Horvath emphasized the need for a central entity to coordinate gender equity efforts. She stated, “An Office of Gender Equity would help change that.”

County agencies like the Chief Executive Office and the Department of Public Health, in collaboration with County Counsel, have been tasked to prepare the report. The report will explore potential locations for the office within the government, existing programs that could support it, and a timeline for its development.

An amendment by Supervisor Holly Mitchell was also accepted. It focuses on ensuring that the new office’s work doesn’t duplicate efforts already underway elsewhere in the county. Mitchell remarked on the importance of understanding current efforts and identifying resource gaps before establishing the office.

This initiative follows the conclusion of the county’s Women and Girls Initiative in 2024. This earlier initiative sought to address gender-based disparities since its inception in 2016.

In a related email, Horvath stressed the importance of a permanent entity dedicated to gender equity. She cited ongoing challenges faced by women and gender-nonconforming individuals concerning rights, healthcare, and safety. According to Horvath, integrating gender equity into government operations is essential, calling it more than just a temporary initiative.