The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: CEO Communications
ceocom@ceo.oc.gov
2026 Status of Women and Girls in Orange County Report Now Available
Santa Ana, Calif. (March 11, 2026) – The County of Orange (County) has released the 2026 Status of Women and Girls in Orange County report (Report). This publication represents the first comprehensive assessment of the conditions of women and girls in Orange County (OC) in more than three decades and establishes a countywide baseline to support data‑driven policy and program development.
On March 12, 2024, the Orange County Board of Supervisors established the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (Commission) restoring a dedicated advisory body tasked to provide annual reports and ongoing support for the first time since the original Commission was dissolved in 1991.
“By establishing the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, we reaffirmed the County’s commitment to listening to data and lived experience. This inaugural report is more than a benchmark — it’s a data driven roadmap. It equips the Board and our community partners to target resources, close gaps, and ensure that women and girls in every OC neighborhood can thrive,” said Chair Doug Chaffee, Fourth District.
The report was led by the Orange County Commission on the Status of Women & Girls and produced by the County Executive Office staff. The report compiles the most current data and includes comparisons in order to better understand shared experiences and unique differences among women and girls within OC. The report examines topics developed by the Commission including mental health, economic equity, financial security, education, and leadership; equipping policymakers and community members with insights to identify gaps, allocate resources effectively, and measure progress over time.
“This baseline is a great start to empower the Board to measure real progress for women and girls,” said Vice Chair Katrina Foley, Fifth District. Women and girls in Orange County outperform statewide averages across key measures, from voting and education to workforce participation and health coverage. Future reports must expand data tracking, including teen pregnancy rates, access to women-specific healthcare, including birth control, breast cancer screenings, and menopause resources, to ensure policymakers have a clearer picture of where progress and gaps remain. I’d also like to see specific recommendations for board initiatives.”
Women and girls in Orange County demonstrate notable strengths across several key indicators within each of the topic categories which include:
- Economic Equity & Financial Security
- Education
- OC Girls Education
- Leadership & Representation
- Housing & Households
- Child & Dependent Care
- Healthcare
- Mental Health
- Violence & Domestic Abuse
The Report highlights both the strengths of women and girls in our communities and the challenges that persist — particularly around economic pressures, representation, safety, and the rising cost of living.
“This inaugural report underscores notable strengths — lower unemployment and higher earnings among OC women, and strong academic outcomes for girls — while keeping us focused on closing the gaps that remain,” said Supervisor Janet Nguyen, First District. “These highlights help us reinforce what’s working and remove barriers so every family in Orange County can thrive.”
“While the data shows countywide improvement, from higher educational attainment to household income gains, it also shines a light on the very real challenges families face in areas such as housing and childcare costs. As we go forward, we can build on this effort to focus more directly on specific county communities and target solutions where our efforts are needed most,” said Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District.
“The report’s strengths in employment, earnings, and school performance reflect the dedication of families, educators, and employers across Orange County. Our task now is to translate these highlights into measurable progress in leadership representation, safety, and affordability for women and girls,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.
For more information, access to the 2026 Status of Women and Girls in Orange County report and future updates, please visit: cob.oc.gov/boards-commissions-committees/orange-county-commission-status-women-and-girls.
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