Hi John, it's Sen. Liz Bennett with the Iowa Senate Democrats. 

In honor of March being Women's History Month, we would like to highlight some of the incredible women in Iowa's history over the next four Wednesdays. Chip in to support more female decision-makers in the State Senate >>

Today, we would like to highlight the accomplishments of Carolyn Pendray, the first woman elected to the Iowa General Assembly.  

Pendray made Iowan history as the first woman elected to the Iowa House (1929) and Senate (1933).

During the 4 terms she served in Iowa's General Assembly, she fought vehemently for gender equality while also supporting bills that reformed Iowa's education system, inheritance law, and property rights. 

Other notable achievements include: 

📌Collaborated with fellow Democrat, Ada Garner, to push for Iowa to ratify the child labor amendment in the U.S. Constitution.

📌Orchestrated the first ever physical division between lobbyists and legislators and strengthened ethics practices within Iowa's local government. 

📌Co-sponsored a bill with Republican member, Linus Forsling, to recognize the woman's right to be the legal head of household. 

Pendray was a trailblazer who paved the way for more female representation in our state's local government.

John, the battle for progress is a marathon, not a sprint. Reflecting on our history, it's incredible to see the strides we've made – from the days when Pendray stood as the sole woman in Iowa's local government to now, where half of IA's Dems are women!

But our work isn't done yet. Will you join us in platforming more female legislators and continuing the good fight for gender equality in the State Senate?

Thank you always, 

Sen. Liz Bennett

IA Senate Dems

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