Daly City is taking a significant step towards enhancing women's rights and representation by proposing the establishment of a Women's Commission. During the City Council meeting on December 9, 2024, city staff presented a proposed ordinance to add Chapter 2.6 to the Daly City Municipal Code, which aims to create this commission.

The initiative, driven by Mayor Jasmine Manalo and supported unanimously by the council, reflects the city's ongoing commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment. The proposed commission will serve as an advisory body to the council, focusing on improving the quality of life for women in Daly City by identifying their needs and advocating for policies that address issues such as economic opportunities, healthcare access, and violence against women.

Daly City has already demonstrated its dedication to women's rights through various legislative actions and programs. The city has adopted principles from the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and has implemented training programs to maintain a harassment-free workplace. Currently, women make up 37% of the city's workforce, and the proposed commission aims to further amplify women's voices in local governance.

The ordinance outlines a structure for the commission, which will consist of five members appointed by the city council, with meetings scheduled for the fourth Thursday of each month. The commission's duties will include making informed policy recommendations, fostering community programs that celebrate women, and creating a registry of women-owned businesses in Daly City.

If the ordinance is approved in a second reading scheduled for January 13, 2025, the city council will begin appointing members to the commission, with the first meeting potentially taking place as early as February 27, 2025. This initiative aligns with the city's broader goals of promoting equity and ensuring that women's issues are prioritized in local decision-making.

As Daly City moves forward with this proposal, it sets a precedent for other cities in San Mateo County, where no women's commissions currently exist. The establishment of a Women's Commission in Daly City could serve as a model for similar efforts across the region, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community for all residents.