>>31697316Beginning in the 1960s women began to question their status and role in society as they moved into the workforce in increasing numbers and found themselves confined to traditional female jobs. As a result, in 1967, Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson appointed the Royal Commission on the Status of Women to "inquire and report upon the status of women in Canada, and to recommend what steps might be taken by the Federal Government to ensure for women equal opportunities with men in all aspects of Canadian society."
Women themselves formed the Calgary Status of Women Action Committee in 1974 and the Alberta Status of Women Action Committee in 1975. Both groups share the mandate of being non-profit, charitable organisations committed to strengthening the social, political and economic position of women through education and action. CSWAC has also acted as an umbrella organisation for other feminist groups. In particular, CSWAC has nurtured the HERLAND Feminist Film Festival.
