In the first year of its existence, this Commission has made an honest and sincere effort to listen to the voices of the women of the Commonwealth.  To this end, we have held open hearings in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke and Alexandria. We have heard from activist groups, the more conservative women's organizations, professional and service clubs, and church groups. We hope that we have learned from them.

The reports which follow represent dedicated efforts on the part of the four major Committees under which the Commission operates:  Education, Employment, Opportunity Development, and Social Services. The Chairman wishes to commend the Commission members, as well as the consultant members, for their enthusiastic cooperation and effort.  As Governor Holton remarked in his address to the Commission, Virginia is indeed fortunate in the caliber of the volunteer efforts of her citizens.

The existence of a Commission on the Status of Women is important and vital to the Commonwealth.  As a member of the Interstate Association of Commissions on the Status of Women, we have an opportunity to exchange ideas with the more than fifty Commissions currently active and to initiate action at the National level.  Your Chairman is currently serving on the National Board of this organization as a representative of the Southeast Region.

We hope that in the following reports, the Governor, the Legislature, and the citizens of Virginia will find food for thought and blueprints for action.

/s/ Doris E. Kean, Chairman