BPW/MA activities include those in support of our vision and mission. Each year a legislative platform is adopted (see below). In addition, members participate in other activities such as Equal Pay Day.
Equal Pay Day, April 9,2013- Where’s my 23 cents? (go to Pay Equity organization for more details)
Equal Pay Day symbolizes the pay gap between men and women. It is a Tuesday as that is the day of the week when women’s wages catch up to what a man made the prior work week. Also, the day takes place in April as this is the time of the year when women’s wages catch up to a man’s prior calendar year wages.
BPW members recognize the day by holding events to educate those of the continuing pay gap.
2012-2013 Legislative Platform
The Massachusetts Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Supports Legislation and Education for:
CIVIL RIGHTS:
Ensure equal rights and remedies for all women at all phases of their lives. Support affirmative action. Eliminate sexual harassment, violence against all women, and all forms of discrimination or media exploitation of women and children.
HEALTH:
Advocate and support reproductive choice and full access to all services and education in the areas of reproductive health and family planning. Lobby for funds for research for and protection of all health care needs specifically affecting women.
ECONOMIC EQUITY:
Ensure pay equity and equal educational and economic opportunities for all women. Promote measures that will ensure family work/life balance. Promote affordable, quality dependent care, and housing to help ensure economic self-sufficiency for all women. Monitor Social Security pension reform legislation to be clear that it provides fair and equitable benefits to women.
LEGISLATIVE ACTION REQUIRES:
Concentrated efforts to introduce bills on each of the above issues; effective and focused lobbying by our state and local legislative committees/membership for support in influencing enactment of such legislation; and monitoring of policies, bills and proposals that impact our Legislative Platform.