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Health & Fitness

Meeting with Women Business and Civic Leaders of Boston

Today I met with a group of prominent women business and civic leaders who share my vision that independent leadership and willingness to make the tough choices that are crucial to building a stronger future for Boston.

I am thrilled and honored to have the support of these women leaders, who have done so much to make Boston a more equitable place for women and a better city for all Bostonians.

The issues facing women business owners and executives are, in key respects, the same as the issues facing the business community in general, like the need to have access to a skilled, talented, well-educated workforce. However, more can be done to support women business owners, close the gender pay gap, and ensure that more women wind up in leadership roles.

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There simply aren’t enough women in board rooms, corner offices, and among the ranks of small business owners. As mayor, I would build on efforts begun earlier this year by the Menino administration to support working women. Specifically, I will:

  • Lead the way on gender equity at City Hall, making sure women are proportionally represented in the cabinet and senior roles throughout city government, while also making sure that women in city government receive equal pay for equal work;

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  • Work to expand child care that is affordable for all families while ensuring that the quality of care will not be compromised at a reduced cost, both by working with existing programs and creating incentives for Boston­-based businesses to offer high-­quality and affordable childcare services.

  • Continue Mayor Menino’s “Women on Main” initiative to better connect the city’s women business owners and entrepreneurs. Just 30 percent of Boston’s businesses are owned by women. Connolly will also continue the Women’s Workforce Council, which includes executives, entrepreneurs, industry and workforce leaders, and young women focused on tackling challenges facing working women.

  • Support young women and girls through programming to connect young women with established businesswomen for advice and support, including workshops to teach young women tangible skills for negotiating fair pay. Connolly will also encourage connections between high schools, colleges, and women leaders in the workforce in order to give girls and young women the skills necessary to succeed.
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