Federally Empolyed Women's 38th National Training Program Training Today, Leaders Tomorow

The Unique Relationship Between Federally Employed Women (FEW) and The Federal Women's Program (FWP)

The Federal Women's Program

The 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 CR/EO 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.

Federally Employed Women

FEW is a private, non-profit membership organization concerned with many of the same issues addressed by the FWP. FEW and FWP are not in conflict. They have mutual goals and objectives including the elimination of sex discrimination and issues impacting the career advancement of women. Anyone may become a member of FEW by paying dues. FEW has local chapters nationwide and abroad and is governed by a Board of Directors. As a private organization, FEW works as an advocacy group dedicated to furthering the advancement of women in government. This includes lobbying on legislation and meeting with management officials in federal agencies to demonstrate support of the FWP, to encourage officials to support the program, and to obtain insight into the effectiveness of the agency’s FWP at all levels. FEW is not a labor organization and does not “represent” employees in an official bargaining capacity. However, FEW officers can meet with management officials to discuss matters that fall within their fields of expertise. Managers and EEO officials may join FEW and may hold chapter, regional, or National office. There is no conflict between being an employee of the federal government, automatically covered by the FWP, and joining FEW. In fact, many find membership in professional organizations like FEW to be a career-enhancing affiliation.

Working Together

National FEW, through its Executive Committee, maintains a relationship with OPM, EEOC, and department and agency heads providing input as requested or appropriate on all personnel policies and affirmative actions to promote equal employment. The most important relationship is the one with the FWP. FEW was the major advocacy group for the implementation of the FWP. In 1970 only six agencies had full time FWPMs, even though the program was begun in the federal government in 1967. A relationship agreement signed by FEW's National President and the Director of OPM describes the objectives and goals as being in concert. Because of their common mission and vision, employees charged with FWP responsibilities have good reason to work with FEW officers and members to develop goals and objectives for agency implementation of issues identified in their Annual EEO Reports and other program initiatives designed to meet the agency’s unique needs to ensure equality of opportunity for women.