INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS.

Women in public administration became an elusive subject compounded by the uniqueness and individuality of the women in public administration. The author of this article was asked to serve as editor of a symposium on women in public administration. The manuscripts selected for inclusion only sample the complexities of the subject, the diversities, and the heterogeneity of those having an interest in and a commitment to advancing the cause of women in public administration. All, however, project a positive stance rather than negative rhetoric. The restrictions of available space resulted in the exclusion of several articles that hopefully may be published at a later date. Criteria for selection became one of balance in presentation and the extent to which each complemented the substance or significance of the others. An article by Mary Lepper presents a timely overview on the status of women in the United States and their search for justice and equity. Affirmative action processes are weighed against other means of ending the unequal position of women in employment.