Local News
Group works to improve status of women

Tuesday April 4, 2006
By Danielle Hittle - The Rhinelander Daily News staff

If the women of Wisconsin collectively were to receive a report card, according to The Institute for Women’s Policy Research and The Status of Women in Wisconsin publication (2004), it would hardly be“satisfactory.” Wisconsin received an average grade of C- in indexes that measure status of women in the state.

There is, however, an economic initiative, founded by Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, to raise the grade for women in Wisconsin. It is called Wisconsin Women Equal Prosperity. “WW=P has evolved into a broadband movement whose very existence catalyzes progress for women in diverse situations, inviting citizens to make their own contributions toward raising the grade for Wisconsin’s women.” Wisconsin Women Equal Prosperity, a nonpartisan initiative, targets four key issues: economic sufficiency; health, safety, and well-being; educational achievement; and leadership and political participation.

The Northwoods Regional Solutions Network (NRSN) is one of approximately twelve statewide networks promoting economic growth. They meet the fourth Wednesday of every month and encourage women and allied men “of all ages and stages” to attend. “The idea is not to focus on the problems (but on) what’s working,” said Brenda Halminiak. Halminiak serves on the Board of Directors for WW=P and is a member of NRSN. “We identify a need and fill in the gap.”

According to Kris Adams Wendt, Northwoods Regional Solutions Network member, this group tends to be more relaxed than other regional groups, but it gets a lot done. Second to Milwaukee, it is one of the most active networks in the state. The network held a Spring Financial Festival and sponsored a Rhinelander School District School Board Public Forum recently. The group also provides mentors for women looking for assistance. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 26, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Express.