Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley recently hosted a pivotal event, the Roundtable on the Status of Women and Girls. This strategic discussion brought together influential women leaders from diverse backgrounds, including Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce (AVCC) President-Elect Sonia Chavez. Together, we explored the complex challenges, ongoing progress, and opportunities for advancement for women and girls across our county.
Key Themes and Insights
Supervisor Foley, the only woman serving on the Board of Supervisors, opened the dialogue by acknowledging the unique obstacles women and girls face. This set the stage for an in-depth discussion across multiple generations, from passionate high school students to experienced seniors in life.
In commemoration of Women’s History Month, the discussion delved into critical areas:
- Mental Health and Wellness: Participants emphasized the disproportionate impact of mental health challenges on women and girls. The conversation explored resources, support systems, and strategies for addressing the growing crisis of depression and anxiety, especially among LGBTQ+ youth.
- Economic Mobility: Access to affordable, quality childcare emerged as a linchpin for women’s participation in the workforce. Additionally, roundtable attendees identified the need for increased career development programs, targeted training, and advocacy for pay equity across all sectors, particularly in industries where women are underrepresented.
- Expanding the Focus: The discussion touched on additional issues affecting women and girls, including disparities in education access, navigating healthcare systems, and the unique needs of older women as they age.
To ground the discussion in facts and trends, Supervisor Foley presented key takeaways from several crucial reports:
- California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls 2023 Report: This highlighted both positive trends and ongoing concerns, such as women’s empowerment alongside the lingering challenges of underpromotion and the gender pay gap.
- First 5 Orange County’s 2023 Status of Children: This report revealed both successes, such as increased health insurance access, and alarming trends like decreasing academic standards, rising absenteeism, and child poverty.
- Orange County Health Care Agency’s Community Reports: These reports provided valuable local data on health disparities, including troubling rates of obesity, mental health needs, and rising drug-induced deaths.
The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce believes a thriving community is an inclusive one. We support the advancement of women and girls through networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and advocacy for policies that champion equality. For more detailed key findings from this event, visit the OC Government’s official site to learn more.
Join The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce
If you represent a business or would like to get involved with our business and community leaders, we welcome you to join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is dedicated to growing our local economy and connecting like-minded Aliso Viejo residents through professional relationships.
We hope that you’ll visit our sign-up page, fill out a form, and join our Chamber as we work together to promote and serve our community. There are so many benefits for members!