Virginia Anderson

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

On January 8^th, I represented young women professionals on a panel hosted by the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women.  I learned a lot of interesting facts about women in Iowa from their survey completed in 2005 & published in 2006.

Females make up the majority of the state’s population at 50.8%.  Women represent an estimated 47.3% of the total workforce in Iowa.  Median earnings for Full-time male employees who worked year-round in Iowa were $39,275 while the median earning for women were $29,384.  After the 2006 election, women comprised 22.7% of the Iowa General Assembly and Iowa women made up 33.5% of all of the state’s elected county officials. Iowa and Mississippi are the only two states that have never elected a women to Congress or as Governor.  Think about these facts in your community. 

After attending this forum, I believe young women professionals need to keep pushing to stay involved in their communities throughout their entire lives.  My experience is that, often, young professional women stop their community involvement when they have children, and we need to look at that. Here is my advice on how to accomplish this:  1) Most women are born with a little attitude, I encourage you to keep that little voice inside contained - loose the attitude.  2) Business is Business, Personal is Personal – Don’t let your business dealings affect your personal relationships outside of the office and vice verses 3) it doesn’t have to stop when the children come, get them involved with you.  4) Plan ahead so you don’t get burned out.  5) Just get out and do it. 

What is your experience on women’s roles in your community?