The Minister responsible for the Status of Women () oversees the Status of Women Secretariat under Manitoba's Department of Families. Since 1982, the Executive Council of Manitoba has included a minister responsible for the Status of Women; however, the position is not a full cabinet portfolio and has always been held by a minister who holds other cabinet responsibilities. The current Minister is Rochelle Squires, who is also the provincial Minister of Families. Through the Minister, the independent, arm's-length Manitoba Women's Advisory Council (MWAC) advises the Government of Manitoba on matters regarding the status of women. Status of Women Secretariat The Status of Women Secretariat (Manitoba Status of Women, MSW; ) is responsible for promoting "gender equality and the equal participation of all women in society;" improving "the economic, legal, social and health status of women;" and contributing "to ending exploitation and violence against women." MSW concerns itself with the current status of Manitoba's women in such key areas as education, employment, health, and violence against women, as well as providing the public with information on how women are fairing in such areas. History In 1972, the Women's Bureau was created within Manitoba's Department of Labour in order to provide information and assistance to working women or those planning to enter the labour force. In 1984, the Bureau was restructured, renamed Manitoba Women's Directorate, and tasked with supporting the Minister responsible for the Status of Women. The Directorate would work to influence government decision-making to facilitate the integration of women's concerns in public policy and legislation; conducted research and policy analysis of women's issues, as well as raising awareness for such; worked with government departments and community members to promote measures meant to help women achieve equality; and generated government initiatives that reflected priorities of Manitoba women. Between 2008 and 2009, employees of the Women's Directorate were consolidated with those of the Manitoba Women's Advisory Council (MWAC) as part of the Manitoba Status of Women Division. Whereas MWAC would continue working as a distinct entity, the Women's Directorate was subsumed within the new division. In 2012, the Directorate, along with the Women's Advisory Council, came under the jurisdiction of the newly-formed Department of Family Services and Labour. Manitoba Women's Advisory Council The Manitoba Women's Advisory Council (MWAC) is an independent, arm's-length organization that advises the Government of Manitoba on matters regarding the status of women, through the Minister responsible for