To work in a bipartisan fashion through legislation and advocacy to advance the interests of all Illinois women through state, local, and federal initiatives.

Since 1979, women members of the Illinois General Assembly have come together to discuss significant issues. The Conference of Women Legislators, now known as COWL, was organized to encourage female legislators from both side of the aisle to work in a bipartisan fashion, through legislation and advocacy to advance the interests of all Illinois women through state, local, and federal initiatives.

Today, the members of this growing, vital organization report that COWL is a sure way to have a voice in Springfield. It is a positive arena for change by serving as a forum for Illinois women legislators to join with colleagues to provide opportunities through workshops and roundtables to discuss issues of concern in the state.

As a nonprofit organization, COWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. This provides an opportunity to share information on issues such as the budget, health care, child care, elder care, education, business, and economic development, crime prevention, and the environment.