The Seattle Women's Commission was established in 1970 to provide advice to the Mayor, City Council, and other departments regarding women's issues. The Commission's mission is to establish goals, priorities, and immediate action objectives in alleviating discrimination against women. The Commission originally gave direction to the Seattle Women's Division of the Office of Human Resources in the Executive Department. A reorganization in 1973 created the Office of Women's Rights which provided staff support for the Commission. In 1996, OWR was merged into the Office for Civil Rights which now provides staff and support to the Commission.