Welcome to the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women (OCSW).  We are a non-partisan state Commission, and we help enable women to make their maximum contribution to society. We do not provide direct services; instead, we inform and educate the Legislature, Executive, and Oklahoma citizens about women’s issues. We partner with other organizations and agencies statewide to provide resource information, expertise and input on women’s issues.

OCSW provides leadership and direction. We celebrate the successes of Oklahoma women and encourage women in leadership. Our Appointments Project (TAP), located under membership, directly assists women who apply for appointments on state boards and commissions.

Our LINKs  establishes a registry of Commission recognized Oklahoma professional associations and organizations for the advancement of women.

Through the work of its members, OCSW helps Oklahoma women live healthier, more productive and prosperous lives. OCSW hosts the following events:

• biennially, the Oklahoma  Women's Hall of Fame; 
• Community Conversations, coordinated with other distinguished partners; 
• annually, the Kate Barnard Award, awarded  to honor women in public service who have made a difference in Oklahoma; and 
• annually, the Guardian Award, which is given to a legislator who has championed legislation for women's issues. 

Our meetings are open to the public and are held on the fourth Thursday of each month, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Current meeting locations are listed below. During the month of September there will not be a meeting due to the Women's Hall of Fame Ceremony and Induction. The event is free and open to the public. If you would like to attend, we ask that you RSVP at ocswadmin@omes.ok.gov

 We are currently seeking underwriters, sponsorships, and Friends of the Commission contributions for the OWHOF. For additional information, please follow the link → 2018 Sponsorship Form

2018 KATE BARNARD HONOREE

The Honorable Melissa McLawhorn Houston, Commissioner of Labor

The Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women honored Melisa McLawhorn Houston, with Kate Barnard Awardsd at the Oklahoma Judicial Center on Thursday, February, 22. The Kate Barnard Award iwas established n 1998 to honor outstanding women in public service whose leadership has benefitted Oklahoma women and families. Nominees are from the ranks of elected or appointed salaried public officials in Oklahoma. Melissa McLawhorn Houston serves the State of Oklahoma as Commissioner of Labor. Houston is an experienced administrator with extensive knowledge of state government and considerable experience in state agency operational management, public policy, legislative process, and budgeting.  

From left to right:  Kitti Asberry, Executive Director, Denise Castelli, OCSW Commissioner, Honoree, Melissa McLawhorn Houston Commissioner of Labor, Dr. Maria Trapp-Braly, OCSW Chairman, Linda Haneborg, OCSW Commissioner.

Thank you to our sponsor

The OCSW would like to thank our  Sponsor, F & M Bank for sponsoring the 2018 Kate Barnard Awards Ceremony and Luncheon. F & M Bank is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions and out-standing community support. To read about F&M Bank, follow the link → https://www.fmbankok.com/

OCSW Celebrate the Impact Women in Oklahoma Have Made Over the Years

The Celebrating Women Luncheon hosted by Governor Mary Fallin was held Tuesday, October 31, 2017 at the Phillips Pavilion, located on the Governor's Mansion grounds. The event was held to honor women who are Champions for Women. This years honoree was Nancy Miller, veteran  television series producer of Against the Wall, Saving Grace, Leaving L.A., The Closer and Any Day Now. Miller set Saving Grace in her hometown of Oklahoma City that profiled an Oklahoma woman. Miller’s body of work features mostly female-centric shows. The award is presented to individuals, corporations, organizations and/or institutions that promote the advancement and empowerment of women in Oklahoma.

                Governor Mary Fallin (Left)  and Nancy Miller (Right)  

  A Message to our sponsor

The OCSW would like to thank our Premium Sponsor, Hall Capital for sponsoring the 2017 Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame. To read more about Hall Capital, click the link: http://hall-capital.com/