New York (State). Division for Women

CURRENT FUNCTIONS: The Division has a number of responsibilities including: providing advice to the governor on a range of issues relating to women; working with agencies to ensure women's interests are considered in the formulation of public policy; and to act as an advocate on issues affecting women. The Division recommends, reviews, and monitors proposed legislation, State policies and procedures, and programs. It also collects and disseminates data on the condition of, and opportunities for women.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY: In 1967, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller established a Women's Unit within the Office of the Secretary to the Governor to serve as an information clearinghouse for State departments dealing with issues of specific interest to women. The unit resulted in part from recommendations of a 1966 Governor's Conference on Women. The status of the unit and the resources available for its work were upgraded by Governor Hugh Carey in Executive Order 8 of 1975, which established the Women's Division in the Executive Chamber. The order defined specific powers and duties of the new Division. Governor Mario Cuomo continued the Division and further charged it to organize an Interagency Task Force composed of the respresentatives from all departments and agencies. The Director of the Division serves as a member of the Governor's Cabinet.

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