Pennsylvania. Commission for Women

The Pennsylvania Commission for Women (PACW) was created by Executive Order 1975-3 and signed by Governor Milton J. Shapp on February 27, 1975. The Commission's objective was to develop and carry out policies "to help insure that women had full and equal opportunities as citizens of the Commonwealth and to increase State government's effort to eradicate sex discrimination against women in Pennsylvania." The Commission was also tasked with being a strong advocate for the rights of women, to raise awareness, and to educate the public on issues concerning women. The PACW was comprised of "at least fifteen but not more than twenty-one members appointed by the Governor and shall function in an advisory capacity to the Director." Members served one or two year terms and served without salary. The commission director was appointed by the Governor and reported directly to him, advising on matters affecting women. To raise awareness for and to educate the public on issues concerning women, the Commission would regularly give speeches to groups such as the League of Women Voters, local chambers of commerce, and college audiences in Pennsylvania. Members of the Commission also made media appearances and contributed opinion editorials to newspapers, prepared news releases and provided background information to the media. The Commission compiled complete research data on women by collecting statistics on women in the family, labor force, education, and other categories. The PACW published a quarterly newsletter Women's News, which provided information on legislation and other data and events of particular concern to women. They also published pamphlets and brochures on topics such as sexual harassment, day care options, and divorce. Each brochure and pamphlet advised women of their legal rights and provided a list of state services, programs, and agencies to assist them. The Commission participated in and worked closely with associations and coalitions of women's groups throughout Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region. In this capacity, they provided information and training for local organizations in a statewide conference for local commissions for women. The PACW also founded More Women Candidates, a non-partisan organization which developed educational programs to increase the number of women candidates for public office. In this capacity, the Commission also committed to a ten-year project from 1981 to 1991 in order to track the number of women in elected office. The project collected, reported, and publicized the number of women elected to public office at all levels of government. The Pennsylvania Commission for Women continues its mission as an agent of change and empowerment for the Commonwealth's women. It has also expanded its scope and is an ardent advocate for health care, business, and human rights legislation concerning women. Governor Edward G. Rendell signed the most recent Executive Order to continue the PACW's work on June 22, 2003. Governor Rendell appointed twenty-six members to the Commission and named Leslie Stiles as Executive Director. Cited: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Governor's Office, Executive Order 1975-3. Establishment of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, February 27, 1975.