Celebrating 50 Years of Impact, Leadership, and Legacy

A Historic Journey

In 1923, Susan Fitzgerald (D–Jamaica Plain) and Sylvia Donaldson (R–Brockton) broke new ground as the first woman elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Their courage and trailblazing spirit opened the doors for generations of women leaders to follow.

More than 50 years later, in April 1975, fourteen pioneering women representatives came together to form what would become the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators—today, the longest-running bipartisan and bicameral women’s caucus in the nation.

These founding members—Representatives Carol Amick, Doris Bunte, Eleanor Campobasso, Genevra Counihan, Mary Fantasia, Ann Gannett, Mary Goode, Barbara Gray, Iris Holland, Marie Howe, Elizabeth Metayer, Elaine Noble, Lois Pines, and Karen Swanson—built a coalition grounded in camaraderie, collective power, and shared vision. Their initial goal was to pass a state Equal Rights Amendment, but they laid a far broader foundation: a caucus dedicated to advancing policies that would uplift women across the Commonwealth.

A Legacy of Unity and Progress

From the very beginning, the Caucus was about unity over division. Members supported one another in floor debates, offered each other speaking time, and gave their full attention when a woman rose to speak, regardless of party or policy stance.

Now, fifty years later, the Caucus has grown in size, prominence, and influence. It stands as a beacon for women in leadership and a catalyst for meaningful policy change that continues to make Massachusetts a more equitable, competitive, and inclusive place for women and families.

members of the women's caucus board of directors (193d Session ) in April 2023 meeting with governor Maura Healey and lt. governor Kim Driscoll.

Honoring the Past. Shaping the Future.

As we celebrate this 50-year milestone, we honor the women who came before us, uplift those who lead today, and prepare the path for those yet to come. The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators remains committed to its mission: to enhance the status of women and champion equity at all levels of government.

50th Anniversary Celebration Highlights

Throughout 2025, the Caucus is commemorating this historic anniversary through a year-long celebration, organized by a subcommittee led by Representative Jessica Giannino and the Caucus Executive Committee.

Social Media Campaign: #MAWomenLegislators

To honor the 241 women who have served in the Massachusetts Legislature (in stark contrast to the thousands of men), we’ve launched a powerful campaign on social media. Each post highlights:

• The legislator’s name & district

• Notable achievements

• Fun facts and historical context

Follow along and share their stories. Let’s ensure the world knows and celebrates their contributions.

Signature Events

Press Conference (March 26, 2025)

Speakers included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Senate President Karen Spilka, Caucus Co-Chairs Senator Robyn Kennedy and Representative Christine Barber, Assistant House Minority Leader Kimberly Ferguson, and 50th Anniversary Subcommittee Chair Representative Jessica Giannino.

Special Play Performance (April 1, 2025)

The Caucus hosted “Representation and How We Get It,” a powerful performance about Julia Ward Howe and the fight for women's representation. It was a moment to reflect on our wins and rally around the work still ahead.

Women Legislators Reunion (Fall 2025)

We’ll be bringing together all current and former women legislators for a celebratory reunion—an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and reignite our shared purpose.