Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Barbara Gray: Role Model for Female Lawmakers



          Former State Representative Barbara Gray passed away last Friday at age 87. Gray led an influential career on Beacon Hill well before the modern women’s movement for political parity began. In founding the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, she was a huge driver behind the gender equality movement in government. Gray is remembered as being an “undaunted advocate for a range of social-service causes.”

          Gray’s passion for leadership and dedication to her personal goals while in office should serve as an example for all elected officials today. She represented Framingham in the State House of Representatives from 1973-1996. Representative Ellen Story, who served with Gray in the legislature, described her saying: “She wanted to go full-speed ahead on whatever the issue was.”

          Gray was a life-long advocate, beginning her career in Framingham as a leader on many issues. While working as a legislator, she spoke out about abortion rights, gay rights, protections for victims of abuse, conservation, and recycling legislation. Gray also wrote a biography, pictured above, “A Woman’s Ways and Means.”

          The MWPC would like to continue the work Gray began so many years ago. Our women in the legislature today can use Gray’s passion for change and advocacy as an inspiration to act passionately about their own set of issues. Thank you to Gray for all that she did in paving the way for women in politics; her efforts have a direct effect on the work we do today. Read more about Barbara Gray here.
Posted by MWPC at 12:22 PM

Friday, March 28, 2014

What We've Been Reading...

We hope you have all had a wonderful week. Here is what we have been reading!


The Huffington Post, in an effort to wrap up women’s history month and celebrate Gloria Steinem’s 80th birthday, has compiled a list of things women can do today in 2014 that we could not do in 1914. Just one hundred years ago, women could not have equal access to job listings, accuse husbands of rape, or seek damages for sexual harassment. The list highlights less publicized victories for women that deserve more prominent recognition. We are thankful to all who achieved these gains for women in the face of inequality.


A recent study by the IMF has revealed that women are underutilized in the workforce. They also found that those employees who do not get paid or get underpaid are predominantly women. The study projects that if women were working in the same proportion of men, the GDPs across the globe would benefit. Increasing women’s role in the workforce throughout the world is not just a moral or philosophical cause; it is an economic necessity.

Yesterday, English actor and comedian Ricky Gervais expressed his disapproval of Hollywood’s treatment of women in film and television. He especially finds issue with women in comedies. Gervais commented, “Even in Hollywood, women are usually air heads or if they're ambitious they're straight away cold and need to be taught a lesson. They need to show that getting a man is more important than getting a career. Or they're just props for men to do funny things...People think that men rule the world but they don't, really.” Thanks for pointing out this type of negative messaging, Ricky!
Posted by MWPC at 1:32 PM

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Happy Birthday to Gloria Steinem!




The MWPC wishes a very special Happy 80th Birthday to the mother of feminism, Gloria Steinem!

In a time when women had no voice, Steinem stood up for the rights of women. She rose to national prominence as the leader and media spokeswoman for the women's liberation movement in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. She co-founded the National Women's Political Caucus, and the feminist-themed magazine Ms., among countless other accomplishments. For the last 40 years, Steinem has dedicated her life to campaigns furthering progress on a number of issues including the Equal Rights Amendment, equal marriage, and access to abortion.

 She has courageously battled stereotypes so women everywhere have access to equal economic opportunities, and become powerful forces in the 21st century. Women everywhere owe a debt of gratitude to her for leading the way and most importantly, never giving up the fight. 

 Back when women in the the public spotlight tended to shy away from publicly celebrating their birthday after 30, Steinem used it to her advantage. Starting at age 40, she has thrown a birthday party every 10 years that doubles as a fundraiser for various organizations around the globe. This year she’ll hold a “This is what 80 looks like” benefit for the Shalom Center in Philadelphia. 

 What other plans does she have to celebrate her birthday? “First, get out of Dodge”, she tells the New York Times, “Second, ride elephants in Botswana.” After all she’s done for women around the world, she deserves it!


"The future depends entirely on what each of us does every day."
- Gloria Steinem
Posted by MWPC at 3:17 PM

Friday, March 21, 2014

What We've Been Reading...

Happy Spring MWPC Friends!

Hillary Clinton is in the news once again, but this time for not being news. That’s right, according to an article posted by Politico earlier today, many analysts believe that by waiting to announce her decision to run for President in 2016 she is effectively freezing the rest of the Democratic 2016 field. As the predicted democratic frontrunner, her decision to run will likely dictate the decision of other strong contenders. If she decides withholds her decision for too long and then decides not to run, she risks leaving the party with little time to find an alternative. However, supporters of Clinton say this is not the case at all. By staying quiet, the press remains focused on Clinton, allowing other possible contenders time to prepare for the election without media speculation. The public can hope to hear a final decision from Clinton sometime after November midterm elections.
The president addressed students at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida yesterday regarding women’s economic prospects in 2014. Obama deemed 2014 “the year of action” for his administration. The Chief Executive talked up his efforts to improve women’s economic opportunities, hoping to encourage Congress to take action on the many issues affecting women today. Read what the president detailed here.

While Mr. Obama speaks about women’s issues domestically, the rest of his family begins their “Good-Will Tour” of China. Michelle Obama, along with her daughters Sasha and Malia and her mother, were hosted today by China’s “first lady” Peng Liyuan. This New York Times article outlines the First Lady’s plans for her trip, as well as the differences in culturally acceptable behavior of women in power. Even on the first day of the Obama’s trip, it is clear that their female presence will promote interesting discussion about the role of women as international diplomats between China and the US.  

All of the articles we’ve read this week were accessed online, and reached thousands of people via email and social media sources. Technology has had a tremendous impact on the virality of the feminist movement, and has helped us achieve things that were unthinkable fifty years ago when Gloria Steinem first took hold of the women’s liberation movement. Like all things, though, the growth of technology has shown itself to be a double-edged sword for feminism. While technology provides the tools for women to be more aware and empowered, it is also continually used as a means of deprecation. Women currently do not have a big enough seat at the table when it comes to technological development, and thus cannot control the way technology is used against them. Read the rest of the CNN article analyzing both sides of the argument here.
Posted by MWPC at 1:38 PM

Woman of the Hour: Karen Charles Peterson


Voting in the primaries on April 1st? Not sure who to vote for? The answer is simple for State Representative for the 5th Suffolk House District. Only one woman can do the job, and the MWPC is proud to endorse her: Karen Charles Peterson.
Here are ten reasons why Karen Charles Peterson is our candidate…

  1. She is committed to public safety and decreasing crime in the district.
  2. Karen understands the importance of education in producing the future leaders of the community, and pledges to do all she can to turn around schools in the 5th Suffolk District if elected.
  3. We can depend on her to reform the Department for Children and Families.
  4. She wants to work with others to improve the economic vitality of the Dudley Street corridor, Uphams Corner, and Fields Corner.
  5. She doesn’t make empty promises.
  6. Karen is a lifelong resident of the 5th Suffolk District and understands the concerns of the residents.
  7. Years of government experience as a city council aide, and as chief of staff in a number of state agencies.
  8. She has been endorsed by former Nelson Merced, former Representative for the 5th Suffolk District.
  9. Building higher levels of civic engagement is a top priority on her agenda.
  10. She has an AWESOME campaign song - http://tinyurl.com/phdhe24
Posted by MWPC at 11:44 AM
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)