Office for Women's Rights Subject Files

Series

Identifier: 8401-01

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, memoranda, briefings, surveys, reports, research materials and legislation relating to OWR projects as well as issues of concern to OWR. Topics include non-traditional careers for women (including firefighting and blue-collar trades), women and minority business enterprises (WMBE), affirmative action, sex discrimination and issues involving pregnant employees (limited duty, disability). Other topics include child care, domestic violence, chemical and alcohol dependency, and juvenile prostitution. Also addressed are issues of concern to the lesbian and gay community, particularly domestic partnerships, discrimination and bias/hate crimes. OWR's participation in fairs and celebrations is also documented, including Women in the Trades Fair, Take Our Daughters to Work Day and the 75th anniversary of Women's Suffrage.

Dates

Creation: 1971-1996

Creator

Seattle (Wash.). Office for Women's Rights (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Office for Women's Rights was originally established in 1970 as the Women's Division of the Office of Human Resources in the Executive Department. Its mission was the promotion of equality for women in Seattle and the monitoring and enforcement of ordinances relating to equal employment and housing, and to provide staffing to the Seattle Women's Commission. In 1980, OWR was reorganized and its enforcement function was transferred to the Human Rights Department. OWR then assumed a broader role in advocacy, education and outreach, and policy development regarding women's issues. In 1997, OWR was abolished and its functions were incorporated into the Office of Civil Rights.