By Shane Goodman shane@dmcityview.com

Struggle for equality

Female elected officials break through wall, but find journey a challenge

Patty Judge. Lisa Heddens. Mary Lundby. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell. Jo Oldson. Cindy Winckler. These are some of the women who have earned the trust of the voting public to become elected officials in our state. But their journey was no easy task.

Sunday marks the 87th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” This has proven to be easier said than done, but a great deal of progress has certainly been made.

It is difficult now to imagine a time when women could not run for office. But, not that long ago, women also could not vote or even own property.

There are now 34 female legislators, a record number, who occupy 22 percent of the seats in the Capitol. With women now making up the majority of the voting public, the gender tide is slowly turning. But despite the recent increase of women in the Legislature, several female members say there are still barriers that remain to women taking office. Reporter Sean Miller takes a look at this struggle and shares firsthand experiences from those involved. You will learn some interesting facts, like Iowa being only one of five states that has never elected a woman to Congress. And that our state is one of only two in the nation that has never elected a female governor.

Thanks for reading.

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