The current Virginia Commission on the Status of Women was appointed by Governor Holton in July, 1973. Since more than two thirds of the members are new to the Commission, it was voted at the first full meeting of the Commission held September 22nd, 1973, that the Commission's report to the Governor and the Legislature would be a Chairman's report.

We feel that the Commission has moved forward in service to the women of the Commonwealth since its first full report made in December 1971, particularly through its sponsorship of two Congresses of Women's Organizations. The reports on these are included in the following pages.

The Commission has for the period of its existence been hampered by limited funds which have precluded carrying to completion many of the projects undertaken. We are hopeful that the Governor and the Legislature will look favorably on the current budget request of the Commission, which we consider an absolute minimum if the Commission is to function as an agency of Virginia's government. We are grateful to the Hon. Otis L. Brown, Secretary of Human Affairs, for his help and encouragement, and to the Department of Finance for patience and assistance.

The Chairman would like to thank all of those who gave dedicated assistance to the Commission as members or Consultants from 1970 to 1973, and to welcome those recently appointed by Governor Holton as Commissioners.

Your Commission hopes to play an increasingly active role in the affairs of the Commonwealth and your Chairman feels that she can pledge for each Commissioner, dedication to the tasks at hand.

/s/ Doris E. Kean, Chairman
Virginia Commission on the Status of Women