In February, 1965, Governor Harrison appointed nineteen persons to the Commission on the Status of Women.

In March, 1965, the organizational meeting of the Commission was held, at which time the Governor charged the Commission to make a study of the status of women in Virginia and to make a report, including recommendations, to the Governor and the General Assembly by February 1, 1966.

The members of the Commission appreciate the opportunity given to study the status of women and to suggest ways in which women may reach their potential and make their full contribution, as wage earners and citizens, to society and this Commonwealth.

This is a social document containing social concepts and attitudes in a changing world. We believe they represent the best thinking today of our doctors, educators, administrators and social workers. The statements made in this report are not new and have been advanced many times before. The report calls for more discussion and research in many areas.

This is not an exhaustive report, nor in any sense a final judgment on the problems that exist. Even the recommendations which propose legislation do so in the most general terms. We recognize that any such legislation must be carefully studied in terms of specific items to be included and costs involved. This was considered to be beyond the scope of this Commission.

The Commission and the women of Virginia look with confidence to our Governor and the General Assembly for help in improving the present status of women.

Respectfully submitted,

Martha Bell Conway
Chairman, Commission on the Status of Women