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Women’s and Gender Issues

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Survey on gender equity in Iowa: Caregiving, workplace bias and financial resources identified as top issues

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Fearless podcast recap: Gender dynamics of negotiation

When women negotiate they’re often labeled, perhaps called too direct or too soft. How can women gain confidence in negotiating, and what can be done to overcome stereotypes that create barriers for women during negotiation? …

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Fearless podcast recap: What’s going on with child care in Iowa?

Child care is often framed as just a women’s or family issue. 

But advocates want people to know: It’s an economic issue. It’s a workforce issue. It’s a community development issue. 

“Even if you don’t …

Ella Schmit

Fearless podcast: Three tips for women who want to make history

All too often, we celebrate women who change history while looking in the rearview mirror. 

Women scientists and mathematicians have their world-changing work credited to their male colleagues. Women activists are ridiculed and prosecuted in …

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Five lessons in self-confidence from the recent Fearless podcast episode 

The 2023 Girls’ Index Report from Ruling Our Experiences, which studies girls’ unique experiences in the U.S., revealed only 55% of girls feel confident. This dropped from 68% in the 2017 report. 

Confidence and self-doubt …

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Nominations open for 2026 Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award

Young Women’s Resource Center has opened nominations for its 2026 Louise Rosenfield Noun Visionary Award, which recognizes a Greater Des Moines community leader dedicated to empowering girls and women. The award honors advocates, activists and …

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NAWBO Iowa to honor three women at 2025 Celebration of Excellence

The National Association of Women Business Owners Iowa Chapter will recognize three Iowa women at its 2025 Celebration of Excellence on Dec. 2 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Glen Oaks Country Club in …

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Iowa Women’s Foundation awards $400,000 in grants at annual luncheon

The Iowa Women’s Foundation announced $400,000 in grant funding awarded to 13 organizations at its annual luncheon on Nov. 5. According to a press release, grant-making is one of IWF’s five pillars of sustainable change, …

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Molina Healthcare of Iowa awards funding to EveryStep for innovative Suitcase Clinics

EveryStep announced last week it received funding from Molina Healthcare of Iowa to launch its new Suitcase Clinics initiative, which seeks to reduce health disparities among women in Polk, Dallas, Madison and Warren counties. The …

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Meet 6 inspiring Iowa women in this year’s Fearless publication