Plank 3 of the National Plan of Action urged greater federal support for women entrepreneurs, requesting full integration in business-related government activities and a greater share of awarded contracts. To further uplift businesswomen, the resolution also advised both the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration to include women in federal regulations pertaining to disadvantaged groups and minority business …

Plank 8 of the National Plan of Action first directed President Jimmy Carter to enforce anti-discrimination laws at all levels of education, including athletic and scholarship programs. To address the needs of women of color, it next recommended an expansion of bilingual vocational training. Finally, the resolution solicited state school systems to take action against stereotyping in curriculum, educator training, …

Plank 9 of the National Plan of Action outlined ways to increase the number of women in political office, judgeships, and policymaking positions with the ultimate goal of equal representation at all levels of government. By the time of the National Women’s Conference, only 99 women had served in Congress (38 of whom were appointed to fill the seat of …

Plank 10 of the National Plan of Action directed the “vigorous and expeditious” enforcement of all laws, executive orders, and regulations prohibiting sex discrimination in employment. It further encouraged greater opportunity for women in professional, managerial, and technical jobs, drawing attention to the particular needs of women of color. Commissioner Dorothy Haener, a representative of United Auto Workers, moved the …

Plank 11 of the National Plan of Action was just seven words: “The Equal Rights Amendment should be ratified.” The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that guaranteed equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex. Congress introduced some form of the amendment in every session between 1923 and 1970, but a resolution …

The National Plan of Action included three planks pertaining to women’s health care. Plank 12 on health recommended a national health program that included benefits for reproductive and mental health services. It also called for the licensing of midwives as health specialists and safeguards against hazardous drugs. Plank 14 on insurance advocated for legislation prohibiting the denial of coverage for …

Plank 13 of the National Plan of Action directed state and federal laws on marital property and inheritance to operate under the principle that “marriage is a partnership in which the contribution of each spouse is of equal importance and value.” It further recommended social security coverage for homemakers as well as the creation of training and counseling programs for …

Plank 16 of the National Plan of Action directed communications industries to employ women in all job categories, especially policy-making positions, and expand technical training opportunities. It also recommended affirmative efforts to expand “the portrayal of women to include a variety of roles and to represent accurately the numbers and lifestyles of women in society.” Commissioner Sey Chassler moved the …

Minority women organized themselves into separate caucuses representing African Americans, Latinas, Asian Americans, American Indians, and Pacific Islanders. Delegates across all five groups charged that the suggested resolution on minority women failed to adequately address their varied needs and agendas. Joining forces to establish a united Minority Caucus, a coalition drafting committee feverishly worked through November 19 and into the …

Plank 23 of the National Plan of Action called for the elimination of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, then referred to as sexual or affectional preference, in areas such as employment, public facilities, and the military. When the IWY Commission first drafted an agenda, it did not include a sexual orientation resolution. After 30 of the 56 state …