Gender Equity Programs with the LA County Women and Girls Initiative

By Jacob Evangelista | Edited by Danielle Bissonnette

In Los Angeles County and beyond, transformative initiatives are reshaping health, equality, and justice. The Los Angeles County Safe-Haven Access Program (SHAP) ensures reliable reproductive and sexual health care for all, coordinating services from training to travel support. Simultaneously, the Sexual Assault Council unites diverse stakeholders to support survivors and advocate for prevention. Globally, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) promotes equal rights, echoed locally through Gender Impact Assessments (GIA). GIA mandates County-wide assessments and equity goals, aiming for completion by 2024. This post explores how these efforts combine to create a more inclusive and supportive community.

1. LA County Safe Haven Access Program (SHAP)

The Los Angeles County Safe-Haven Access Program (SHAP) is a coalition that ensures reliable reproductive and sexual health care for residents and visitors. SHAP maintains a centralized care system and coordinates services from comprehensive training to travel support supports travel. 

2. Sexual Assault Council

The Sexual Assault Council in L.A. County unites service providers, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to support sexual violence survivors and advocate for prevention. It focuses on enhancing coordination, education, and policies for a unified response.

3. United Nations Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women

The Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is an international treaty aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal rights for women. It requires ratifying countries to enact protective laws and report progress. WGI applies CEDAW by promoting gender equality in its roles as an employer, service provider, and partner.

4. Gender Impact Assessments (GIA)

The GIA, passed on November 15, 2022, requires all County departments to assess diverse needs, set gender equity goals, and report progress annually. Covering over 100,000 employees and ten million residents, this major initiative aims for completion by June 2024, in line with CEDAW.

Learn More About WGI and These Programs Here:

Safe Haven Access Program: https://ceo.lacounty.gov/wgi-our-priorities/

Sexual Assault Council: 

https://lacounty.gov/sexual-assault-awareness-month/

CEDAW and Gender Impact Assessments:

https://ceo.lacounty.gov/about-wgi/