The Iowa Commission on the Status of Women has the following powers and duties:
- Study the opportunities for and changing needs of women and girls in this state.
- Serve as liaison between the Office on the Status of Women and the public, sharing information and gathering constituency input.
- Recommend administrative rules.
- Recommend legislative and executive action to the governor and general assembly.
- Establish advisory committees, work groups, or other coalitions as appropriate.
Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice
Not enough people are aware of the extent of women's contributions to society, whether past or present. To highlight women's heritage and recognize their contributions, the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW) established the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame in 1975. Each year the ICSW and the Governor welcome four women into the Hall of Fame, paying tribute to them and setting them forth as role models for others. As of 2023, 193 women will have been inducted into the Iowa Womenβs Hall of Fame and 34 individuals will have been awarded the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice.
Each year, the commission approves the induction of four women into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice by a committee composed of three commissioners, the chair of the commission (ex-officio) and two public members. The selection committee reviews all of the submitted nominations and selects the individuals to be inducted. The commission then reviews and votes to approve the suggested nominees to be inducted into the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame.
Please fill out the applicable nomination form with supporting materials and send them to women@iowa.gov by April 1 each year. If you have questions, please contact the Office on the Status of Women at women@iowa.gov or 515-281-4470. Scroll down to see the forms under "Related Files" below.