Women's organizations experienced increasing difficulties during the 1980s. As a result of general improvements in conditions for women, interest diminished. The government also began to establish bodies tasked with the protection of women's rights. When the Norwegian Women's Public Health Association (Norske Kvinners Sanitetsforening), the largest member organization, withdrew its support in 1988, it became obvious the Women's Council could no longer maintain its interests. In 1989, it was decided that the organization should close with effect from 1 January 1990. The following women headed the organization from 1904 to 1989: