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Federal Women’s Program

The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) was established in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Executive Order 11375 and added sex as a prohibited form of discrimination. The FWP has a primary responsibility to identify barriers to the hiring and advancement of women and to enhance employment opportunities for women in every area of federal service. Guidance for the FWP was originally provided by the Civil Service Commission (now OPM). In 1978 the program responsibility was transferred to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The FWP is an integral part of the overall Civil Rights/Equal Opportunity Program. Each federal agency has at least one FWPM, and many agencies have established a network of managers, representatives, and committees throughout their headquarters and field locations. The FWPM acts as the agency’s contact point, source of information, and advisor to the head of the agency in matters involving the employment and career advancement of women. In field locations, FWPMs may also be appointed and serve in a similar role or as an extension of the National FWPM. All federal employees are served by the FWP, and there is no formal membership.

FEW is gathering information about Federal Women's Program.
If you are an FWPM and would like to be included in FEW's FWP Database,
click here.

Executive Order 11375
Amending Executive Order No. 11246, relating to equal employment opportunity
Signed: October 13, 1967
Federal Register page and date: 32 FR 14303; October 17, 1967
Amends: EO 11246, September 24, 1965
Supersedes in part: EO 11478, August 8, 1969

FWP STRATEGIC PLANNING TEAM:

The FEW members voted to close the FWP Resolution at the 2011 NTP and develop a new initiative within the FEW strategic plan with focus on FWP. Members who compose the FWP Strategic Planning Team include:

• Debra Hobbs – Chair
• Melvie Hall-Bellinger - Co-Chair
• Michelle Crockett   
• Arlena Fitch-Gordon
• Wanda Killingsworth
• Janet Kopenhaver
• Jeri Peterson
• Janet Picha
• Georgia Thomas
• Sue Webster

FWP TASKFORCE ACTIVITIES:

ISSUE PAPERS:

• FWPM Worklife Training
• Federal Women’s Program (FWP) - History and Current Status
• Roles and Responsibilities for FWPMs/SEPMs
• Criteria for Appointing FWPMs/SEPMs
• Better Management of Federal Women's/Special Emphasis Programs
• A Guide for FWPMs and SEPMs

MEETINGS:

The Taskforce meets via conference call. Other meetings take place as well. Minutes/results of these meetings are below.