Female legislators from throughout Massachusetts promoted gender equality legislation and urged females to get involved in government at a State House conference yesterday.
“It’s great to see so many women here,” said Rep. Ruth Balser (D-Middlesex).
Balser said she supports women’s rights issues, especially the elimination of gender discrimination in insurance policies and the passage of the Contraceptive Equity Bill.
“Many health insurance companies do not cover contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy,” she explained. “These treatments are important to women’s health.”
Rep. Ruth Provost (D-Plymouth) said one of her top priorities is providing equitable health care services for both genders.
“Many companies do not provide the same coverage for men and women,” she said. “That needs to change.”
She also expressed support of unemployment eligibility for victims of domestic abuse.
“They need emergency help while getting back on their feet,” she said.
Provost is also co-chair of the Caucus of Women Legislators. She said the group of female senators and representatives strives “to promote the economic status and self-sufficiency of women and to foster women’s involvement in all levels of government.”
According to Provost, the key to making female voices heard in government is getting more females involved.
“There are not enough of us,” she said. “There are only 49 women in the Legislature. We can do better. We should do better.”
Rep. Kay Khan (D-Middlesex) agreed that more women should be part of the legislative process.
“We’re definitely in the minority,” she said. “We make up only 25 percent of the legislature, while we’re 51 percent of the overall population. We need to even things out.”
Rep. Alice Wolf (D-Middlesex) said she hopes to see more women running for office in the future.
“We need more women — women have a lot to contribute,” she said.
She encouraged attendees to get involved in their communities at whatever level is comfortable for them.
“You have a lot to contribute to your community,” she said. “If you don’t want to run for office, be a part of the planning board, zoning board, even your local PTA.”
Women of all ages and cultures attended the forum hosted by the American Association of University Women-Massachusetts. The Association, formed in 1881, is the oldest women’s organization in the country with a national membership of over 150,000.
“Our mission has stayed true since 1881,” said Lillian Colavecchio, Policy Chair of the Association. “We are dedicated to promoting equality for women and girls, lifelong education opportunities and positive societal change.”
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