Utah. Governor's Committee on the Status of Women

The informal Governor's Committee on the Status of Woment in Utah began with the appointment of seven committee members by Governor George Dewey Clyde on 21 January, 1964. The temportary advisory committee was established to study areas of concern to ensure that "women make their proper contribution toward family, state, and national welfare."

ADMINISTRATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY: Appointments were for a period of one year from the time of organization (with a possible extension for a second term). One woman, referred to as a member at large, was designated as chairman of the non-partisan committee. The others were each designated chairman of one of six subcommittees and charged with studying a different area of concern.

Shortly after the committee was organized, members decided to combine their efforts in some areas of study. Each subcommittee was comprised of the chairman and at least two other individuals. Twenty-five subcommittee members participated in gathering material for committee reports.

A year following its initial organization, newly elected Governor Calvin L. Rampton decided to continue the committee until July 1, 1966. In reappointing the seven original committee members, Governor Rampton charged them to submit annual reports by July 1, 1965, and July 1, 1966.

Two years after the informal Governor's Committee on the Status of Women was dissolved, Governor Rampton, in 1968, officially established a permanent Governor's Advisory Committee on Women's Programs (UTSVH01760-A) by executive order.

FUNCTIONAL HISTORY: The objectives of the Governor's Committee on the Status of Women were: (a) bring together the varied information regarding the status of women in Utah and compile the accumulated data for constructive action; (b) identify the conditions which characterize women's functions in a democratic society in order to permit them to make a maximum contribution toward family, state, and national well being; and (c) propose implementing legislation to carry out the committee's recommendations.