March brings Women’s History Month, a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture, and society, and has been observed in the United States since 1987. The National Women’s History Month’s theme for 2024 is “Women who advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion”.

Women’s History Month brings recall of Iowan, Carrie Chapman Catt, a suffragist, and political leader. She played a pivotal role in securing women’s right to vote and the passage of the 19th amendment. Other Iowa women who broke glass ceilings included Edna Griffin an African American Civil Rights activist, and Peggy Whitson an astronaut and biochemist. Lt General Michelle Johnson from Spencer, Iowa led the United States Air Force Academy as Superintendent from 2013-2017.

March 8 is International Women’s Day. A global celebration of the economic, political, and social achievements of women. This was recognized for the first time on March 8, 1910, as a protest of child labor, sweatshop working conditions, and as a demand for women’s suffrage. Sponsored and recognized by the United Nations in 1975 the resolution stated, “To recognize the fact that securing peace and social progress and the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms require the active participation, equality, and development of women; and to acknowledge the contribution of women to the strengthening of international peace and security”.

When thinking about International Women’s Day, I recall my 10-day mission trip to Nigeria for the Methodist Church many years ago. As a nurse I was fortunate to be selected to aid in promoting health for Nigeria’s females and new babies. We took baby layette packs made by the various women’s church groups from across the conference. A cloth diaper, a soft flannel receiving blanket, and two safety pins. Providing these to new Mother’s was like Christmas morning in a house full of those who had been waiting for Santa Claus. The strong young woman, Precious, who was our guide, arranged for visits to several outlying birthing centers/clinics. She had a vision for the women of Nigeria. She expressed a desire for them to have fewer children, thru birth control measures, and to become an equal financial partner in her family.

Last week I learned of Iowa Senate Bill 2096 passing out of the Senate and being approved by the House, it felt like a major backslide for women of Iowa. The bill will nullify what was enacted in 1987. The bill repeals gender balance requirements for appointive bodies. The bill seems very unnecessary as if after searching for 3 months and gender balance is not ascertained, a male may be appointed to the vacancy.

According to the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics, Director Karen Kedrowski said Iowa’s law passed in 1987 and was held up as a model nationally to accurately represent the population. Gender-balanced boards have increased from 13% for municipalities and 12% for counties to 61% and 62% respectively, but despite the state law, she said only 60% of Iowa boards are still gender balanced.

This bill was requested and promoted by Governor Reynold’s in her State of the State message.

This is a major set back for all Iowa women. Women make up 50 per cent of the population, but their values, views, experiences, and voices will no longer be assured on boards and commissions for the State of Iowa, Counties, and Municipalities.