Progress beyond politics

Christine Grant winces a bit when tagged as an 'icon” or 'legend.” But the first women's athletic director at the University of Iowa freely admits to being a champion for Title IX.

It is in that vein that a group of Iowa women, known primarily for a focus on gender equity in politics, will honor her with the 2014 'Equity for Women” award.

Women in sports face many of the same kinds of barriers as women in politics. Both play in an arena designed by men. Men have defined the rules, and still call the shots. Title IX did for women's sports what the 19th Amendment did for women in politics. It gave women a chance to play the game.

Grant was an early supporter of 50-50 in 2020, because she knew the importance of having women in policy-making roles. The goal of electing a woman to the Governor's office and to have half the Iowa Legislature and U.S. congressional delegation held by women in 2020 is significant. But, as Grant says, 'It's doable - and long overdue.”

Women make up 53 percent of the population and vote in greater numbers than men. But passion for the movement is not solely for a more accurate demographic reflection. Organizers believe women's experiences and perspectives, combined with the qualities men bring to the table, will result in better government.

While speaking with a group of potential women candidates this spring, Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal discussed how women from both political parties worked to break an impasse on health care legislation. He said, 'Some women have the ability to put their egos aside and get the job done.”

Women in every field encounter similar barriers, and champions for women's rights exist in them all. All of their struggles are important, and a victory for one is a victory for all.

' Jean Lloyd-Jones of Iowa City is a former Iowa lawmaker and current member of the board of directors for 50-50 in 2020. Comments: j.hall.lloyd@gmail.com or (319) 390-2532.