Virginia Council on Women
About the Council
The Council on Women (the "Council") is established as an advisory council, within the meaning of § 2.2-2100, in the executive branch of state government. The purpose of the Council shall be to advise the Governor on matters pertaining to women and ways to improve their educational, professional, cultural, and governmental status within the Commonwealth.
The Council shall consist of 21 members from the Commonwealth at large and one of the Governor's Secretaries as defined in § 2.2-200, ex officio with full voting privileges, all to be appointed by the Governor. Appointments shall be for terms of four years, except appointments to fill vacancies, which shall be for the unexpired terms. The ex officio member shall serve a term coincident with his term of office. A majority of the membership of the Council shall constitute a quorum.
STEAM-H Essay Contest
The Virginia Council on Women (Council) will provide one merit-based and one need-based scholarship to high school seniors in each of the five geographic regions across the Commonwealth through a STEAM-H essay contest.
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Healthcare Equity Committee
The Healthcare Equity Committee was created to take a closer look at the issues affecting women’s healthcare in Virginia. The subcommittee develops recommendations on what the state government can achieve to improve access to quality healthcare for women and families across the state since its establishment in August 2013.
Workforce Equity Committee
The Workforce Equity Committee is committed to creating and cultivating workforce equity for all women of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The increased amplification and elevation of diverse women will be achieved in a variety of ways including through partnerships and mentorship programs to ensure women have access to healthcare, childcare, and pay equity.
Community Engagement Committee
The Community Engagement Committee plans events and engagements that elevate the Council's visibility in the community and enhance the lives of women across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Education Equity Committee
The Education Equity Committee is focused on ensuring equity in all levels of education for women and encouraging women to become more involved in STEAM-H related fields. The Committee's most notable contribution is their annual STEAM-H Essay Contest. Each year, the Council awards a scholarship to a high school senior girl planning to pursue a STEAM-H major at an institution of higher education. Today, the contest continues and the Council has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to high school girls across the commonwealth since its establishment in 2012.
STEAM-H Essay Contest
STEAM-H stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Healthcare. Each year, the Virginia Council on Women (Council) provides one scholarship in a need-based category, and one scholarship in a merit-based category, to a female high school senior in each of five geographic regions across the Commonwealth. Award amounts may vary and are determined by the Council annually.