The Council on the Status of Women was established as an Advisory Committee in the Executive Branch of Government. The Code of Virginia outlines the purpose and duties of the council.

• § 2.2-2630. Council on the Status of Women; purpose; membership; terms; chairman.
  • The Council on the Status of 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 identify ways in which women can reach their potential and make their full contribution to society and this Commonwealth as wage earners and citizens.
  • The Council shall consist of nineteen members, to be appointed by the Governor from the Commonwealth at large. Appointments shall be for terms of three years, except appointments to fill vacancies, which shall be for the unexpired terms. A majority of the membership of the Council shall constitute a quorum.
  • The Governor shall appoint the chairman of the Council. (1970, c. 685, § 9-116; 1972, c. 632; 1985, cc. 448, 497; 1991, c. 563; 2001, c. 844.)
• § 2.2-2631. Powers and duties of Council. The Council shall have the following powers and duties to:
  1. Determine the studies and research to be conducted by the Council;
  2. Collect and disseminate information regarding the status of women in the Commonwealth and the nation;
  3. Advise the Governor, General Assembly and Secretary of Health and Human Resources on matters pertaining to women in the Commonwealth and the nation;
  4. Establish and award scholarships pursuant to regulations and conditions prescribed by the Council; and
  5. Review and comment on all budgets, appropriation requests and grant applications concerning the Council, prior to their submission to the Secretary of Health and Human Resources or the Governor. (1985, c. 497, § 9-116.1; 2001, c. 844.)
• §2.2-2100. "Advisory" definition:
  
  A board, commission or council shall be classified as advisory when its purpose is to provide advice and comment to an executive branch agency or office. An advisory board, commission or council serves as a formal liaison between the agency or office and the public to ensure that the agency or office understands public concerns and that the activities of the agency or office are communicated to the public. An advisory board, commission or council does not serve a regulatory or rule-making purpose. It may participate in the development of public policy by providing comment and advice.