Interdepartmental Committee and Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women

On behalf of the Interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women and
the Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women, we are honored to
submit to you this second annual report, in accordance with Executive
Order 11126, as amended. The pace of progress in achieving "full
partnership" for American women has been even swifter in 1965 than in
1964. Advances are outlined in the Introduction and detailed in the follow-
ing sections of the report.

In addition to our appreciation of your great leadership, we are grateful
to the many individuals and organizations whose efforts over the last fifty
years have contributed so greatly to the achievements of the past few years.

OUNCIL: Miss Margaret Hickey, Chairman, Mrs. Ellen Boddy. Mrs. Mary E. Callahan, Dr. Henry David, Mrs. Elizabeth Wickenden Goldschmidt, rs. Anna Roosevelt Halsted, Miss Dorothy Height, Mrs. Viola H. Hymes, Mr. Maurice Lazarus, Dr. Richard A. Lester, Miss Margaret Mealey, Dr. Rosemary ark, Miss Marguerite Rawalt, Mr. Edward A. Robie, Mrs. Mary Roebling, Mr. William F. Schnitzler, Dr. Anne Firor Scott, Dr. Caroline Ware, Dr. Cynthia Wedel ⚫ Executive Secretary, Mrs. Catherine East

INTRODUCTION

The Nation's concern for the status of women translated rapidly into action during 1965.

Goals had been established earlier by the President's Commission on the Status of Women. They had been reaffirmed and carried forward by the Interdepartmental Committee on the Status of Women and the Citizens' Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Forty-five State Commissions had been appointed by the end of 1965-12 more than in 1964. The entire climate of public opinion was conducive to direct and positive results. On a nationwide scale, public and private programs advanced the status of women, including the implementation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, forbidding discrimination in employment--a milestone of progress.

Through 25 reports to as many Governors, the 1,200 State Commission members analyzed the role of women in every aspect of national life. They uncovered the need for more educational and training opportunities for women. They promoted day care centers, homemaker projects, and vocational counseling. They recommended updating labor standards for women workers and action with respect to equal pay and antidiscrimination legislation. Ways of improving laws relating to civil and political status were suggested. They stressed programs for aiding the disadvantaged. They encouraged the participation of women in volunteer activities and in all facets of public life.

A summary of the second national conference of the State commissions in Washington, D. C., appears in the publication Progress and Prospects. Sponsored by the Interdepartmental Committee and the Citizens' Advisory