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Federal Women’s Program Special Emphasis Program

Federal Women’s Program (FWP) is a special emphasis program established in 1963 to enhance employment and advancement of women. Executive Order 11478 (signed 1969), brought the FWP into the overall Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and placed it under the stewardship of the Director of EEO.

Federal Women’s Program

The Federal Women’s Program (FWP) is a special emphasis program established in 1963 to enhance employment and advancement of women. Executive Order 11478 , signed in 1969, brought the FWP into the overall Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program and placed it under the stewardship of the Director of EEO.

The program seeks to:

  • Ensure that Federal agencies institute, plan, and take affirmative steps to provide equal opportunity to women applicants and employees in all areas of employment (recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and awards).
  • Provide a means for women to communicate their concerns to management.
  • To ensure that agencies meet the requirements of the EEO laws, Executive Orders, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.
  • To advise management of their FWP responsibilities, the status and progress of the program, and the concerns of women in their organization.

The Federal Women’s Program is designed to:

  • Ensure that the women receive equal treatment in all aspects of employment.
  • Increase the number of women employed in all professional, administrative, technical, clerical, and other categories, series, and grade levels.
  • Provide opportunities to participate in training, career development, and leadership programs.
  • Encourage the participation of women in all NRCS-sponsored programs and activities.
  • Provide a network of professional support for women.
  • Provide mentoring support to women in the workforce.
  • Educate all NRCS employees by raising the level of awareness of women’s workplace issues

National Awareness and Observances

March - Women's History Month
Annually, since 1987, the United States has designated March as Women's History Month in celebration of women's contributions to history, culture, and society.

March 8th - International Women's Day
A global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women since March 8th, 1911.

August 26th - Women's Equality Day
A day designated in 1973 as the day to commemorate the 1920 certification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote.

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program is available to assist employees with personal, family, and work-related issues and concerns that could affect their health, well-being, and productivity. This service is confidential. We encourage employees to stay healthy and well through use of the EAP services and tools below:

  • Up to six counseling sessions for each new issue or concern you present, no matter how small or large
  • Outside referral when deemed necessary
  • Free financial services
  • Free legal services (first hour)
  • Access to podcasts, webinars, assessments, work and life information on the Federal Occupational Health (FOH) website (Go to foh4you.com and click on Enter Site.)


Get help through the EAP by calling 1-800-222-0364. You can also learn more about EAP on myFPAC (this link is only accessible to USDA employees).

Sexual Harassment Information

Sexual Harassment – What Is It? (25.28 KB)

 

 

 

USDA Anti Harassment Policy 042921 (912.5 KB)

 

 

 

2018 FAC Sexual Harassment Statement (417.68 KB)

 

 

 

Resource Links

Ashlynn Dunn

Federal Women’s Special Emphasis Program Manager

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