Community Forum Recap: Co-Creating Solutions
November 25, 2025
OLYMPIA – On November 14, the Washington State Women’s Commission convened a group of community partners for our 2025 Community Forum. Attendees included representatives from community centers, health clinics, labor unions, civic engagement organizations, sexual assault and domestic violence service providers, and state agencies. Together, they spent the day sharing lived experience, professional expertise, and on-the-ground insight to identify the barriers preventing women from accessing health, safety, and economic well-being.
The goal was clear: co-create and align on community-driven policy priorities for the 2026 legislative session and beyond.
Across conversations, a consistent theme emerged—communities are navigating overlapping challenges and growing uncertainty, and they are seeking sustainable, equity-centered solutions that reflect real needs.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in breakout discussions to identify the most urgent issues facing women and families in their regions. Several key themes rose to the surface:
Safety & Support for Survivors
Participants voiced growing concerns around tech-based abuse, uneven enforcement of victim rights, and the ongoing funding crisis for community-based victim services. Many described how shrinking resources, long waitlists, and inconsistent responses leave survivors without the support they need. The message was clear: survivors deserve timely, trauma-informed, and consistent protection.
Economic Well-Being & Workforce Barriers
We heard from childcare advocates, unions, and community members about the continued strain on care-focused professions, the barriers facing the childcare workforce, and the challenges that formerly incarcerated women face in securing stable, fair employment. Attendees highlighted how low wages, limited advancement pathways, and rural workforce shortages continue to shape women’s economic security.
Health Access & Community Stability
Local health centers and state agencies emphasized the need to protect access to essential programs, including food assistance, reproductive healthcare, insurance affordability, and rural clinic services. These supports are critical to keeping families healthy and stable.
A Commitment to Continued Collaboration
What made this forum particularly powerful was the unwavering commitment to collaboration—even in the face of a significant statewide budget deficit. Every organization present, from grassroots cultural groups to state agencies, showed up ready to listen, problem-solve, and work in partnership. Their insights will directly guide the priorities we bring into the upcoming legislative session as we continue advancing equity and opportunity for all women and girls in Washington.
Thanks to all who attended. We look forward to the next!