For almost four years, Lift IOWA has worked to be a resource for women and men committed to advancing female leadership and business ownership throughout the state. Lift IOWA also supports efforts to increase the presence of women on boards, commissions and in political office.
Each year, we see progress. In 2017, Iowa had its first female governor. Almost 70 companies signed on to the EPIC Corporate Challenge, pledging to increase the number of women in executive-level positions throughout the state. Iowa Women Lead Change committed to bring more men into the conversation, because, as the organization’s 2018 theme states, we are "better together."
While change often takes time, at the national level, the past year arguably felt like a turning point for women’s issues. In January 2017, more than 4 million people turned out for what could be the largest single-day demonstration in American history — the Women’s March. The march set the tone for the year to come, and was followed by numerous allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace, a growing #MeToo movement and highly publicized examples of the gender pay gap brought to light. A record number of women also are throwing their hats in the political ring and running for office this year.
But will the momentum continue? Will the events from the past year translate to positive change?
In our third annual Lift IOWA survey, we hope to put a finger on the pulse of this momentum and where our readers believe it is headed.
The Business Record for several years has conducted a similar annual survey of business leaders, which has been helpful in showing how attitudes and perceptions of the state of the local economy and other issues are changing.
It is our hope you will consider taking our online survey and also consider adding your comments when you feel it's appropriate. The survey will remain open through 11:59 p.m. March 5. Results and select comments will appear in a future edition of the Business Record.
After each question is an opportunity to leave a comment. These aren't mandatory, but we welcome comments and we will publish select responses in the Business Record. Please include your personal info if you wish your comments to be considered for publication.
Thank you for participating in this survey, and thank you for the role you play in helping Iowa companies and residents move the needle on female leadership.
- Megan VerHelst, Lift IOWA contributing editor