OLYMPIA, WA – Washington State Women’s Commission releases its third ever Biennial Report. The report outlines the Commission’s work over the past two years to ensure that the needs of women and girls are prioritized in state government through effective and responsive policies and programs.

In June of 2018, Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 2759 into law, establishing the Washington State Women’s Commission within the Office of the Governor. The Commission is tasked with gathering data and providing policy recommendations to the legislature and executive branch regarding issues disproportionately impacting women to expand equitable opportunity and dismantle system barriers.

The 2023-2024 Biennial Report serves to:

• Outline the critical issues challenges faced by women in Washington, particularly in the realm of economic equity.
• Summarize the data the Commission has gathered regarding:
  • Washingtonians’ experience with the complex causes of pay inequity.
  • Gender diversity of public companies corporate boards in WA since the enactment of the Women On Corporate Boards Act in 2022.
  • The outcomes of our first Activate 3.8 Pay Equity Tour events
• Highlight our approach to improving wraparound services and workplace conditions for women through policy. 
• Identify our policy agenda for the 2025 Legislative Session and other priorities for the Commission over the next few years.

In the face of evolving federal and state landscapes, Commission Chair Vicki Lowe and Commissioner Quinn Dalan affirm: “We remain committed to ensuring every woman and girl in Washington state has freedom to make decisions impacting their reproductive health as it is the intersection of health, safety and economic stability.” 

With the inauguration of Governor Bob Ferguson, WSWC enters an exciting new phase in its mission to advocate for the needs of Washington women and girls.

View the full report.

ABOUT THE WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN’S COMMISSION

The Washington State Women’s Commission (WSWC) is an executive branch cabinet agency in the Office of Governor Inslee serving as the primary voice in government for Washington women and girls.  Signed into law in 2018, WSWC develops policies and initiatives to address critical issues that disproportionately affect women, including childcare access and affordability, domestic and gender-based violence, equal pay, health care access, and intersectional inequities.  Through strategic listening and collaboration, we represent the 3.8 million women and girls across the state.