Cristine Swanson Wilson
"For
many young women in the '60s and '70s, it came with a sudden
flash of knowledge
that things were not as they should be. She saw it not so much
for herself personally but in global terms and sought to change things
for all of us."
—Roxanne Conlin, 1985
Cristine
Swanson Wilson's innovative spirit and hard work made the Iowa
Women's Hall of Fame a reality. Wilson served on temporary Governor's
commissions on women that evolved into the Iowa Commission on
the Status of Women in 1972, the first permanent state agency
for Women's concerns. As its first chair, Wilson fought for passage
of anti-discriminatory laws in housing, credit, education, employment,
and insurance; recognition of homemakers' contributions in inheritance
tax determination; a model, progressive rape statute; provision
for state funding and licensing of childcare centers; creation
of a process by which more women could be appointed to state
boards and commissions; and creation of the Iowa Women's Hall
of Fame. As a Women's movement pioneer, Wilson helped to found
the Iowa Women's Political Caucus and served as the first woman
chair of the Polk County Republican Platform committee. Her remarkable
achievements have contributed to Iowa's recognition nationally
as a state characterized by equality and justice. In 1982, the
Commission established a Medal for Equality and Justice in her
name, which is awarded to Iowans whose life and work illustrate
such service and dedication. She was inducted into the Iowa Women's
Hall of Fame in 1989.
UPDATE: Wilson
died in 1991.
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