It’s that time of the year again! We are conducting our annual survey on status of gender equity in Iowa.
While nonscientific, the results illustrate current opinions and experiences that women have across Iowa in and outside of work.
The results also help to inform us on what topics Fearless should cover throughout the year. There are multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions where you can leave comments. People of all gender identities are encouraged to take the survey.
In an effort to receive honest answers, respondents are welcome to share answers anonymously or with their name. Results and select comments will appear in future Business Record and Fearless coverage.
Here are a few examples of questions we have asked and answers we have received in the past:
We asked: What are the biggest challenges, obstacles or barriers that you and other women face outside of work?
“Access to health care and the right to make decisions about our own bodies are fundamental, yet OB-GYN care in Iowa has been deteriorating. According to the Des Moines Register, a third of Iowa’s 99 counties are considered maternity care deserts — meaning they lack OB-GYNs, birthing hospitals or birthing centers. Furthermore, with the rollback of DEI efforts, the erosion of transgender rights and the potential loss of vaccine options, it’s clear that Iowa is no longer prioritizing the well-being of its people, particularly women and the LGBTQ+ community.”
“I am not a woman, but I feel the factors influencing inflation are a barrier for all of us. The rising food prices. The fluctuation in fuel prices. The cost of day care. The lack of affordable housing. These are all barriers that need to be addressed.”
“I believe the single largest factor we face is centered on work-life balance as it relates to societal procreation. Assuming we desire to perpetuate our species, how will we create a more fairly balanced role assignment? Whoever chooses that role is faced with some level of ‘work outside the home’/career participation. I think it’s pretty fair to say women still have the unique gift of bearing them, but ‘who will attend to the needs of child raising?’ is still a challenge for many to resolve.”
We asked: What, if any, policy or legislative changes do you think would help women?
Local level:
“Create better housing opportunities.”
State level:
“Right to make health care decisions.”
Federal level:
“Implementing paid family leave for all parents, equal pay legislation, protections for reproductive rights, workplace discrimination laws, measures to address violence against women.”
This year’s survey will remain open through Jan. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Thank you for participating in this survey, and thank you for the role you play in empowering Iowa women.
