Annually, the ICSW researches and submits a program of legislative priorities to the Governor and the General Assembly in the areas of aging issues and long-term care, economics, education, health, insurance, violence against women, welfare reform, justice, and government. The ICSW also advocates for women's interests at the federal level, testifies on behalf of women at legislative hearings, and monitors pending legislation for its impact on women.

As is legislatively mandated, the ICSW administers grant funds to programs that provide services to Iowans in Transition. It also administers grant funds for training on issues of violence against women.

The ICSW works on a number of projects that seek to advance the status of women. The ICSW:

• Collects employment related information and works toward pay equity.
• Administers a Challenge Grant to address the needs of females in the juvenile justice system.
• Serves as a clearinghouse on programs and agencies operating to assist women and publishes and disseminates information relating to women.
• Strives to equalize women's participation in policy-making positions by accepting appointment resumes for state boards and commissions and by instituting a database of women and minorities who wish to serve on corporate boards of directors.
• Recognizes Iowa women through the Iowa Women's Hall of Fame and the annual Write Women Back Into History Essay Contest, for students grades 6-9. The ICSW also awards the Cristine Wilson Medal for Equality and Justice.

Iowa Commission on the Status of Women
Department of Human Rights
Lucas State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319