The Ontario Women’s Directorate (OWD) was established in 1983 as a central advocacy agency within the Ontario government. The directorate’s aims were to advance women’s equality, increase women’s economic security, and end violence against women. The OWD worked with other government agencies to develop policies and legislation on women’s issues. It published public education and information resources on women’s issues, and provided consultation services to employers. In January 2017, the Ontario Women’s Directory became a stand-alone ministry called the Ministry of the Status of Women.