WGI About WGI

About us

The mission of the Women and Girls Initiative is to establish Los Angeles County as a leader in creating opportunities and improving outcomes for all women and girls and implement the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Two joyful women embrace, smiling brightly in a vibrant community gathering, celebrating connection and inclusivity.

WGI Strategic Plan Phase 1

Four overlapping circles labeled "Equitable Workplace," "Economic Mobility," "Inclusive Services," and "Community Empowerment.

Strategic Plan: Phase I

The Woman and Girls Initiative Strategic Framework was developed during Phase I to address issues raised in the 2016 board motion that created WGI. Specifically, the board motion directed WGI to use a gender lens when the County acts as an employer, service provider, and partner. Read WGI’s 2018 – 2021 Strategic Framework here.

During Phase I, WGI examined several significant gender inequities and made recommendations based on data, community convenings, meetings with County departments, key stakeholders, and the experience of the WGI Governing Council members. These reports look at women’s experience at work, economic mobility, and health, among other critical areas. Read WGI’s reports and recommendations on our Resource Page.

Town Hall Series: Covid-19 Impact on Women and Girls

In 2020 and 2021, WGI led a series of town hall meetings across the county and made recommendations to help track the County’s efforts during COVID-19, and the economic recovery plan that followed. The following videos outline the questions that emerged and helped shape the ongoing work of WGI:

Strategic Plan: Phase II

In March 2021, the WGI began the development and roll-out of a county-wide Gender Impact Assessment (GIA) Program to implement CEDAW and advance gender equity. Gender impact assessments are a tool and methodology that help the County improve its understanding of people’s different needs, experiences, and opportunities – which vary based on gender, race/ethnicity, age, and other social-demographic variables. See our GIA Fact Sheet.

The GIA Program was formalized by the Board of Supervisors on November 15, 2022. Read the GIA Board Motion here. The GIA Program has successfully embedded gender equity goals, strategies, and metrics within all 38 County departments/ affiliates and enhanced gender data maturity and progress across the following areas: services, workforce, leadership, and family-friendly policies and practices.

To help departments apply a gender lens to their operations, WGI created a comprehensive framework, curriculum, and virtual training focusing on the County’s priority areas. Additionally, WGI provided departments with bi-weekly coaching to help them identify gender gaps and develop strategies with measurable goals. In April 2024, all 38 County departments/affiliates completed the GIA Program, achieving the following:

Data Collection: Enhanced processes to collect and analyze gender-disaggregated data
GIA Mission Statements: Established commitments to gender equity aligned with the department’s strategic plan
Gender Equity Goals: Identified and started implementing gender equity goals across the following areas: services, workforce, and leadership
Family-Friendly Policies: Assessed and improved family-friendly benefits and support structures.

With Los Angeles County employing over 100,000 people and serving a population of over ten million, the GIA Program constitutes one of the largest efforts in the country to mainstream an intersectional gender lens into government operations.