LA County Supervisors Explore Creation of Gender Equity Office

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has taken steps toward establishing an Office of Gender Equity. This development follows a motion introduced by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. The motion received approval with a 4-0 vote, as Supervisor Kathryn Barger was not present.

The proposed office aims to advance gender equity and eliminate discrimination within county government. Supervisor Horvath emphasized the need for a centralized entity to coordinate these efforts, stating, “For too long, our gender equity work has been siloed without a central entity responsible for coordinating and advancing this work. An Office of Gender Equity would help change that.”

The board has tasked the county’s Chief Executive Office, Department of Public Health, and County Counsel with preparing a report within 60 days. This report will include recommendations for the office’s location, information on existing supportive programs and resources, and a timeline for its establishment. An amendment proposed by Supervisor Holly Mitchell was included to ensure the office’s work does not overlap with existing county entities. Mitchell noted, “I’m just asking that we pause, understand what’s happening, identify the gaps that would help clarify what work needs to be done, and determine if an office should be established.”

This motion comes after the county’s Women and Girls Initiative ended in 2024. Initiated in 2016, the initiative aimed to analyze and respond to gender-based issues and inequities. Horvath highlighted the importance of a permanent solution, especially during times when the rights, healthcare, and safety of women and gender-nonconforming individuals face threats. She conveyed, “This is about making gender equity part of how government operates, not a short-term initiative.”