Statutory Authority

With bipartisan support and companion Senate Bill 6583, the legislature passed House Bill 2759 on March 5, 2018, highlighting the importance of equal opportunity for all citizens. The legislature acknowledges that women face unique challenges. For economic, social, and historical reasons, women experience disadvantages or isolation from the benefits of equal opportunity. The legislature believes addressing women’s issues and improving the well-being of women will have a positive impact on society at large. As the primary voice for women in state government, the Women's Commission works to ensure women's needs and interests are met in public policy and government programs.  

On March 15, 2018 House Bill 2759 was signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee, establishing the Washington State Women’s Commission.

Mission

The Washington State Women’s Commission is committed to improving the life of every woman by ensuring equitable opportunities and removing systemic barriers through engagement, advocacy, and public policy, while being inclusive of our diverse populations.

Vision

Every woman and girl is healthy, safe, prosperous, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Purpose

The purpose of the Women’s Commission is to improve the well-being of women by enabling them to participate fully in all fields of endeavor, assisting them in obtaining governmental services, and promoting equal compensation and fairness in employment for women.  The Commission also addresses issues relevant to the experiences of women, such as domestic violence, childcare, sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, equal compensation, job opportunities, and the specific needs of women of color. 

Membership Composition

The Women’s Commission is comprised of 13 members. Nine are voting Commissioners appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Governor considers nominations for Commissioner based on maintaining a balanced and diverse distribution of ethnic, geographic, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, and occupational representation.

The remaining four seats are Legislators who serve as non-voting advisory members:

• Two members of the Senate, one from each of the two major political parties, appointed by the President of the Senate, and
• Two members of the House of Representatives, one from each of the two major political parties, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

All Commissioners shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor, but in no case may any member serve more than three years without formal reappointment by the governor. All Legislators shall serve for a two-year term and the position of any legislative advisory member shall be deemed vacated whenever such member ceases to be a member of the house from which the member was appointed.