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.