Survey seeks input on women’s issues in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird wants feedback from the women of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

The Commission on Women and Gender is asking all women 19 and older to share their concerns about the community on issues like transportation, housing, employment and discrimination.

The survey is used as a measuring tool to identify the challenges women are facing in areas of discrimination, abuse and access to health care.

The results could lead to more programs and partnerships with other nonprofits in the area.

Commission Chair Kathie Uhrmacher hopes women participate so they can ultimately effect change in policy.

“I think for women in our community, it is a way for their voices to be heard,” she said.

Previously, the survey was conducted every 10 years, but in recent years, it was decided that the survey should be done more often.

“When we did the survey before, we realized that there were so many things that women were going through, that there were so many changes happening related to basic needs, economics, education and reproductive rights,” Uhrmacher said. “We said to be able to get a good handle on these things, we should be doing this every other year.”

Over the years, results have changed, and women have expressed that they face a multitude of abusive actions more routinely.

“In looking at past surveys’ results, we are receiving more answers on discrimination and harassment,” Uhrmacher said.

She also said the accessibility and affordability of health care are a problem. The treatment of women of color while receiving health care had also consistently come up within the survey.

This led the Women’s Foundation of Lincoln & Lancaster County to create a women’s health TV series that addressed those issues.

The results of the survey are compiled and shared with the mayor’s office and other government agencies.

The hope is that they will serve as a catalyst for change and lead to resources to address the challenges.

The Women’s Voices survey can be taken now through winter, with the results out in spring. Survey participants will be entered to win a $50 gift card after completion.

To take the survey, visit lincolnwomen.org.