This month, I had the honor of convening our second Gender Equity Summit– a powerful day dedicated to profound and urgent conversations about women's health and safety. We were joined by a remarkable community of leaders—government officials, philanthropists, advocates, experts, and direct service providers—all united around centering women’s lived experiences and breaking down silos to advance a shared vision of a safer, healthier, and more equitable California for every woman and child.
One of the day’s most thought-provoking discussions centered on the importance of a sense of community and belonging for women’s mental health and well-being, whether it's for pregnant mothers, survivors of assault and trafficking, Native communities who are overcoming intergenerational trauma, or those combatting gender-based violence. Experts also illuminated the pathways through which these experiences become embedded in our bodies and communities, disproportionately affecting women who bear the invisible mental load that includes caring for the emotional well-being of others.
A theme that resonated throughout the day was the undeniable connection of mental well-being and physical health, and the power of innovative solutions that are grounded in creative collaborative partnerships.
In California, we have both the opportunity—and the responsibility—to lead the way in advancing protections for women’s health and creating models that uplift every community. Because women’s health is our public’s health and women’s safety is our public’s safety.
To every speaker and attendee: thank you for sharing your vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment to centering women’s health and ending a culture of violence against women. The work continues, and we know that here in California, we can build on this momentum to create a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.
#WomensHealth #GenderEquity #PublicHealth #PublicSafety #CaliforniaForAll
