Join us every month for an interview with one of the commissioners of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW) to learn more about how and why they got involved in women's advocacy. Each month we will focus on a different commissioner. 

This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sean Bagniewski, commissioner and member of the ICSW's Public Policy committee to talk about himself, his work, and the "why" behind the work that he does with the Commission.

How long have you served on the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women?

This is my first year serving on the Commission and I’m enjoying it thoroughly.

What was one of the things that called you to serve on this specific Commission?

I was raised by a bunch of strong women. I come from pretty humble circumstances and my mother and grandmothers raised me. I know the issues they faced with family leave and with equal pay. My mother currently serves as the deputy director for the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence and she’s responsible for my love of public service. I feel very responsible to help make things better because of all of them.

What is one accomplishment you've been proud of since your start on the Commission (or one thing you’ve been proud to be a part of in your work outside of the Commission)?

I’m proud that the Commission is refocusing on a legislative package for the next session of the General Assembly. I look forward to talking with legislators about the good work of the Commission and what we think can be priorities for the coming year.

What is an issue that affects women and girls that you are passionate about?

Equal pay for equal work is important to me. Well over a majority of Americans are concerned that women make 70 cents on the dollar for the same job as a man. For young women, I’m passionate about getting more of them interested in science, technology, engineering, and math. We have several decades of bias to get over, but I’ve been amazed that women are already filling up more community college and college classes. That’s a good thing for all of us.

What do you do in your spare time (if you have any)?

I’m the father of an amazing baby, Teddy. I serve as the president of the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association and Des Moines Neighbors. I’m also active in local politics and serve on the board for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.

The History of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women

In the 1960s, a recommendation was made by the U.S. Commission on the Status of Women, established by President Kennedy, that Governors set up Commissions on the Status of Women in their states. In 1972 the Iowa General Assembly voted to create the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women (ICSW), making it statutory.

In 1986, a state government reorganization placed the ICSW as a division within the newly-created umbrella agency, the Iowa Department of Human Rights (DHR). 

Until 1987, there were 24 members of the ICSW. In 1987, legislation passed to require nine public members (appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate), four non-voting ex officio legislative members, and the director of the DHR, ex officio. 

In 2009, legislation passed to restructure the ICSW to require seven public members and the director of the DHR, ex officio, which is the structure that exists today. Around that time, the Office on the Status of Women (Office) was created to house the staff to support the work of the ICSW. 

In partnership with the Girl Scouts, the Iowa Department of Human Rights' Office on the Status of Women hosts an annual event for girls in grades 7-12 throughout Iowa called Capitol Girls. On February 9, 2017, girls from across Iowa will convene in Des Moines at the Iowa State Capitol to learn about the workings of the Iowa General Assembly and will have an opportunity to meet with the Lt. Governor, female legislators, and other key government leaders to learn about how state laws and budgets are developed and passed.

It's not too late to register! Visit the Girl Scouts website to register (go to the month of February 2017 and click on "Capitol Girls", then fill in your information) or email us at women@iowa.gov with questions.

Students and Teachers/Organizations: 
Compete for a chance to win prizes!

To celebrate Women’s History Month in March, the Iowa Department of Human Rights’ Office on the Status of Women (with financial support from the Friends of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women) is hosting its 2nd annual Women’s History Month video contest to celebrate women’s history.  Entries are open to students in grades 5-12 and schools/organizations that work with students in grades 5-12.

Video Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 1st, 2017

Materials:

1. Click here for a printable set of 2017 guidelines.
2. 2017 application form
3. A signed release form for every person appearing in the video (students/adults)
4. A signed copyright transfer agreement (completed by teacher/school admin/adult)