A letter of transmittal from the Citizen's Advisory Council on the Status of Women (CACSW) to President Nixon introduces the 1972 third annual report. The central thrust of the report is the recommendation for equal status for women directed to Federal agencies throughout 1972. A detailed discussion of the legislation includes: (1) the Federal and State Equal Rights Amendments, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendment, (3) Title VII of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, (4) Equal Pay Act, and (5) Executive Order 11246 to develop and implement affirmative action programs. The progress of women's achievement of equal employment in Federal government, Civil Service, and military service positions is reported. Recommendations on credit and manpower training and a report of the public service activities of the council conclude the report. A 57-page appendix includes: (1) lists of women in government, (2) sections on women's rights in the 1972 Republican and Democratic platforms. (3) states and organizations supporting the Equal Rights Amendment, (4) CACSW Report of need for studies of sex discrimination in public schools, including a bibliography, (5) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex, and (6) CASCW recommendations on credit, manpower training, and household arts. (MW)