WOMEN'S BUREAU, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

AUTHORIZATION:

Public Law 66-259, 29 U.S.C. 11-16.

OBJECTIVES:

To provide input in the development of policies and programs affecting the employment of women; to expand training and employment opportunities for women and promote their entry into better paying jobs, especially in new technology and nontraditional occupations; to establish linkage with national and community organizations, business and industry, trade unions, research foundations, academic and Federal, State, and local government agencies for cooperative projects that address the employment and supportive service needs of women; and to develop publications and disseminate information on women's economic status, employment rights, and job options.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Advisory Services and Counseling.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Technical information, including program models and advisory services that aid in the development of training and employment programs serving women; in the establishment of support systems such as work/family support systems; and in planning and developing career opportunities.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Any individual or group located in the United States or its territories.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Individuals (particularly women) and groups.

Credentials/Documentation:   None.

APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication Coordination:   Not applicable. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Requests for information or advice may be made to the appropriate Department of Labor, Women's Bureau regional office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, or to the Headquarters Office listed under the Information Contacts section of this program.

Award Procedure:   Not applicable.

Deadlines:   None.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Not applicable.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   Not applicable.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Not applicable.

Audits:   Not applicable.

Records:   Not applicable.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   16-0165-0-1-505.

Obligations:   (Salaries and Expenses) FY 99 $7,802,000; FY 00 est $8,824,000; and FY 01 est $9,596,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   Not applicable.

PROGAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

During fiscal year 1999, the Women's Bureau conducted and co-sponsored several major projects on key workforce issues such as women's rights, job opportunities and training, child care, welfare reform and pay equity. The following are examples of the Bureau's accomplishments: the Women's Bureau, along with the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration and key women's organizations, developed a model conference on pay equity, social security, health care, and pensions. The Bureau's Business-to-Business Mentoring Initiative on Child Care marked a successful year of linking business mentors with employers interested in implementing family-friendly policies and programs, impacting a combined workforce of over 600,000. The Bureau also planned and executed the National Women Veteran's Art Search, which encouraged women to identify themselves as veterans when seeking employment. The winning artwork will be depicted in a poster that will be distributed to One-Stop and Employment Services offices nationwide. WORK AND FAMILY - Through its clearinghouse -- the National Resource and Information Center (NRIC)--and the Internet, employees, employers, and interested constituents were able to access program, publication and resource information on specific topics such as dependent care, alternative work schedules, flexible benefit plans, and worker's rights. SINGLE HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS AND DISPLACED HOMEMAKERS-- In cooperation with Women Work! The National Network for Women's Employment (formerly the Displaced Homemakers Network), the Bureau continues efforts in support of customized training and technical assistance for strengthening services provided to displaced homemakers and other women experiencing workplace transition. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM -- The Women's Bureau participated in preparations for "Women 2000: Beijing Plus Five" outreach efforts, in cooperation with the President's Interagency Council on Women and other organizations. The events were designed to provide an opportunity to examine major issues affecting women, children and families in the U.S. and globally. Additionally, through cooperative efforts between the State Department and the Labor Department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs, the Women's Bureau works closely with the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women; the InterAmerican Commission of Women of the Organization of American States; and the Working Party on the Role of Women in the Economy of the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development (OECD). The Bureau also maintains an extensive international visitor briefing program, hosting women from delegations all over the world.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

The Bureau revised its popular series on women's rights in the workplace, featuring brochures on sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and pay, age, and disability discrimination. Several facts sheets were also updated and released, including 20 Facts on Women Workers, and Earnings Differences Between Women and Men.

INFORMATION CONTACTS: