About Us
WHO WE ARE:
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 1995. Its purpose is to eliminate barriers to achievement for women through research, education and communication, recognize and honor women who have made significant contributions toward improving the status of women and other citizens of Okaloosa County. The OCCSW has 15 members, including some appointed by County Commissioners as well as representatives from various women’s organizations. The OCCSW founded the Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame, which annually honors outstanding county women from past to present in displays at the Okaloosa County Commission offices, the Niceville City Council Chambers and the Crestview Courthouse.
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Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame nominations accepted May 6 through July15.
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Okaloosa County Women’s Hall of Fame induction and reception will be August 23, 2021.
Monthly OCCSW meetings are open to the public. The day, time and location are the fourth Monday at 5:15 PM, Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, 34 Miracle Strip Pkwy, SE, in Fort Walton Beach, unless otherwise indicated.
OUR HISTORY:
The Commission on the Status of Women was established by the United Nations in 1946. The goal was to prepare recommendations and reports to promote women’s rights in political, economic, civil, social and educational fields.
The President’s Commission on the Status of Women was established in the U.S. by President John F. Kennedy in 1961 and chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt.
Today there are Commissions on the Status of Women across the country. Committees were formed to examine topics such as the Equal Rights Amendment, Employment Policies and Provision of Social Services for Women. In 1963, one of the recommendations was that each state form a similar commission.
In 1963 one of the recommendations was that each state form a similar commission. In 1964, Florida Governor Farris Bryant established the Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women to study laws and regulations pertaining to women in Florida. Commissioners throughout the state were appointed to be on the Governor’s Commission.
The Governor’s Commission started the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 1982 to recognize and honor those women who, through their works and lives, have made significant improvements of life for women and all citizens of Florida.
The Florida Commission was established by the Florida Legislature in 1991 under the leadership of Governor Lawton Chiles. The mission of empowering women in achieving their fullest potential, to eliminating barriers to that achievement, and to recognizing women’s accomplishments. The members of the Commission come together to research, analyze and make recommendations to the Governor, Cabinet and Legislature, on issues facing women and families in Florida. The Commission is composed of 22 members and meets quarterly as a full Commission, and more frequently as committees to address a broad range of issues.