The Commission on the Status of Women is the only city department that is mandated to work on issues that effect women, young teen women and girls. Analyze emerging trends for women, young teen women and girls, report and make recommendations to Mayor and City Council.

The Commission assists in assuring to all women the opportunity for full and equal participation in the affairs of City government and promotes the general welfare of women in the Los Angeles community. The Commission is authorized to:

• Inform and advise the Mayor and City Council of the needs and problems of women in the City of Los Angeles, with special emphasis given to women in City government.
• Investigate problems and conditions affecting women adversely.
• Recommend programs which offer to women in the City of Los Angeles a greater opportunity and ability to pursue life choices without discrimination.
• Propose methods of alleviating inequities in pay and job opportunities between men and women.
• Promote awareness of changing life patterns, opportunities and responsibilities of women.
• Maintain an active liaison with citizen groups concerned about identifying and removing obstacles to the development of a woman's full potential.

The Commission was mandated by Ordinance to implement the Convention to Eliminate All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), in March 2000. Human Trafficking is Article Six of CEDAW. The Southern California Regional Rescue & Restore Unity Coalition is an organization open to agencies, the community and law enforcement who work on human trafficking.

For more information regarding the Los Angeles City Commission on the Status Women and their programs, please visit www.lacity.org/CSW.