News from the Office on the Status of Women - December 2017

iowa department of human rights

December 2017

News from the
Office on the Status of Women

December 10 is International Human Rights Day

The Iowa Department of Human Rights works to protect and promote human rights inherent in all persons regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex/gender, or any other status.

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This date marks the first time in which countries from across the world agreed upon the meaning of "human rights". According to this document, human rights include the following:

  • Dignity, liberty, equality, and brotherhood
  • A right to life, including the prohibition of slavery
  • Freedom of religion, speech, opinion, and thought
  • A right to food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was instrumental in the creation and adoption of this declaration. In 1948, she chaired the United Nations Human Rights Commission. When urging the United Nations to adopt the declaration, she stated "We stand today at the threshold of a great event both in the life of the United Nations and in the life of mankind. This declaration may well become the international Magna Carta for all men everywhere." 

Around the world, activities and events are being held to celebrate Human Rights Day. One way to celebrate is to learn about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To read the declaration, click here.

Eleanor Roosevelt UN


Pictured above: Eleanor Roosevelt, holding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.


Women's Rights are Human Rights: Where to Go for Help if you are Sexually Harassed at Work

Sexual harassment in the workplace - where can I go for help?

For Employers: Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment

For women, the experience of workplace harassment is not uncommon. In fact, approximately 1 in 4 women have experienced harassment in the workplace. 

According to a study performed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, there are measures that employers can take in order to prevent and adequately address workplace harassment. These measures include:

  • Committed and engaged leadership;
  • Consistent and demonstrated accountability;
  • Strong and comprehensive harassment policies;
  • Trusted and accessible complaint procedures; and
  • Regular, interactive training tailored to the audience and the organization.

To learn more about how to be an effective leader in preventing workplace harassment, click here.


Grants Available, provided by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) within the U.S. Department of Justice is looking to financially support organizations that work to eliminate gender-based violence. For further details about the grants, check out the information below.

Grants for Underserved Populations

The OVW has grants available for activities or organizations that serve victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and dating violence. Organizations that support underserved populations of victims will be given priority for these grants. 

The registration deadline to obtain this grant is December 29, 2017 and applications are due on January 26, 2018. To learn more about the grant, click here.

Grants for Training & Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities

The OVW is also looking to provide grants for training and services that work to end violence against women with disabilities. The OVW supports services that are accessible, safe and effective for women who have disabilities. 

The registration deadline to obtain this grant is January 5, 2018 and applications are due on January 26, 2018. To learn more about the grant, click here.

Grants to Provide Legal Assistance for Victims 

Funds are available for civil and criminal legal assistance for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Grants can be used to provide victims with access to appropriately trained legal representation for the broad spectrum of legal issues survivors encounter, such as child custody issues, campus administrative or protection/stay away orders, immigration, administrative agency proceedings, and assistance related to human trafficking. 

Who is eligible to apply? Private nonprofit entities, publicly funded organizations, tribal and territorial organizations, and tribal governments.

The registration deadline is January 5, 2018 and applications are due on February 1, 2018. To learn more, click here.


In the News: Women and girls in Iowa, the nation & the world

Women's Health

Gender-based Violence

Breaking Barriers and Leadership

Business, the Workplace and our Communities

International News


Upcoming Events/Seminars

Note: If you have an event taking place for women in Iowa that you would like to see added, please send it to women@iowa.gov.