Dear Caucus Members, Legislative Colleagues, & Partners,

As we reflect on an eventful and impactful month, we also mourn the loss of our beloved member, Representative Carol A. Doherty.

In early February, we hosted our Annual Meeting, where we heard from Secretary Kate Walsh, renewed our Task Forces, and set the Caucus strategic priorities for the 194th Sessions. We remain committed to elevating women’s economic opportunities and eliminating barriers, addressing racial and gender disparities in health care, and empowering women in government.

Our collaboration with the American Heart Association for the Annual Go Red For Women event at the State House brought together legislators and staff to spotlight racial and gender disparities in heart health.

We were equally proud to host the “It’s Your World, Change It!” Journey Day with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass. Over 60 young leaders experienced an immersive exploration of leadership, legislative, and advocacy processes and participated in a debate simulation on the House floor.

In honor of Black History Month, this newsletter features event highlights, photos, and personal narratives from our Black members.

Looking ahead to March and Women’s History Month, we’re excited to kick off our 50th Anniversary with a press conference on March 26 at 11:00 AM at the State House Library.

Thank you for your continued support.

Our Executive Director, Seble Alemu, is always available to collaborate and connect.

Sincerely,
Senator Robyn Kennedy & Representative Christine Barber
MCWL Co-Chairs

The MCWL Strategic Priorities were determined through an inclusive and extensive process with our membership. These topics will be our overarching focus for the 2025-2026 legislative session. We will support these through legislative advocacy and a variety of other tools.

Only 16 Black women have served in the state Legislature throughout Massachusetts' history, a striking reflection of persistent disparities in representation. This Black History Month, we amplify some of our Black legislator members' leadership and how their identities shape, empower, and inspire their service to our communities.

Annual Meeting

The Women’s Caucus Annual Meeting was a remarkable success, highlighted by an inspiring presentation from Secretary Walsh. Her thoughtful insights illuminated the key issues impacting women across the Commonwealth, leaving us both informed and energized.

Our meeting also showcased the impactful work of our Task Forces. The Justice-Involved Women, Pregnancy & Birth Equity, Sexual Violence, and State Budget Task Forces presented their ongoing initiatives, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to advancing women’s issues in Massachusetts.

A key milestone of the event was the unanimous acceptance of our 193rd session budget report and the strategic priorities proposal for the 194th legislative session. This decisive action underscores our collective dedication to progress and accountability.

Go Red for Women Event

In collaboration with the American Heart Association, we co-hosted the Annual Go Red for Women event at the State House to spotlight heart health and address critical gender and racial disparities in care.

Legislators and staff proudly wore red to honor the fight against heart disease, the leading cause of death among women. We were thrilled to see vibrant social media engagement, with posts sharing vital facts about heart health.

It's Your World, Change it! A Journey Day at The State House

We were happy to host the “It’s Your World, Change It!” Journey Day at the State House in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. This incredible biennial event brought together over 60 young leaders for an immersive exploration of leadership, legislation, and advocacy. The day was filled with hands-on learning, including a House session simulation that gave participants a firsthand look at the legislative process.

A heartfelt thank you to Anne Ziaja and Carla Moran for generously sharing their years of expertise and making this experience truly memorable. We are also profoundly grateful to our incredible panelists and special guests, whose insights and engagement left a lasting impact on the next generation of changemakers. Special appreciation goes to Representative Christine P. Barber, Representative Kate Donaghue, Senator Liz Miranda, Imène Bouziane Saidi, Dr. Kathryn A. Bethea-Rivera, April English, Monica M. Roberts, Stacey O. LeMay, Shaitia Spruell, and Mary-dith Tuitt for their invaluable contributions.

Sexual Violence Task Force (SVTF) Virtual Briefing

The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Sexual Violence Task Force recently hosted a virtual briefing, An Overview of Services for Survivors of Sexual Violence in Massachusetts. Representatives from Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance, and Saheli shared insights on the critical services they provide to survivors across the Commonwealth. This briefing served as an important opportunity for legislators and staff to connect with local service providers and strengthen efforts to support survivors. As we prepare for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, we encourage continued engagement with these essential organizations.

Events Coming Up

• Register here for an International Women’s Day Panel and luncheon! This event aims to unite diverse leaders from all over Massachusetts and the globe to discuss women’s leadership and ways to advance opportunities for all women and girls. It will take place on Tuesday, March 4th, 2025, at 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA, from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. 

• The 27th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast will occur on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Simmons University, 300 Fenway, Boston, MA. This event brings together feminist organizations from the greater Boston area to celebrate women's collective power.

• The United Nations Association of Greater Boston (UNAGB) celebrates International Women’s Day on March 11, 2025, with an evening of thought-provoking dialogue and meaningful connections at Empowering Environments: Women Leading Change in Our Communities. Following the panel, UNAGB will host a special networking reception at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, providing an opportunity to continue the conversation and foster new connections. Register here.

• In celebration of the Women's Caucus' 50th anniversary, join us for the Inaugural Press Conference on March 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the State House Library.

• State House News highlights our Go Red for Women event, where lawmakers raised awareness about heart disease and its disproportionate impact on women, particularly women of color. Read the full article here: State House News – Lawmakers Go Red for Women's Heart Health

• During Black History Month, we recognized our Black American members of the Caucus.

• February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Month, aimed at raising awareness about teen dating violence and promoting resources to prevent and address abusive relationships among adolescents.

• In light of National Heart Health Month, we focus on raising awareness about cardiovascular health, encouraging individuals to take steps toward a healthier heart and reduce the risk of heart disease. Our annual Go Red for Women event marked another critical milestone in this ongoing effort to increase awareness and inspire action.

• International Month of Black Women in Arts celebrates the contributions of Black women in the arts, highlighting their work across disciplines and the ongoing effort to amplify their voices in the creative.

• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter for updates.

• Representative Carole Fiola is recognized as the 2024 MassBio Legislator of the Year for her unwavering dedication to supporting the biotechnology industry, which has contributed to the growth of the Massachusetts economy and addressing critical health challenges.