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 FWP Manager (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 the activity of the Federal Women’s Program inside of agencies. We would greatly appreciate it if you are an FWPM/SEPM and would sign up to be included in FEW’s FWP Database.

Click here to Submit

Pertinent Executive Orders:

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