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Massachusetts leads the nation in human talent, yet data shows a lack of representation of women and people of color on state boards and commissions. An Act to Promote Diversity on Public Boards and Commissions (HD.633/SD.934) would work to promote diversity in leadership and governance that broadly reflects the demographics of our Commonwealth.
We need more diverse representation in leadership and governance that more accurately represents the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts has a robust pool of talented women and people of color candidates who are ready to serve. The data shows we have a long way to go in order to reach gender parity and increased representation of people of color on our state boards and commissions.
As our state and community continue to grow economically and culturally, enacting this legislation will bring about major change across our leadership. We need more diverse representation in positions of power and governance that broadly reflects the ever-evolving makeup of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Public boards and commissions impact policies and initiatives of our education, health and human services, housing and economic development, labor and workforce development, public safety, and more. Without the promotion of various viewpoints and voices to inform these critical decisions, our government and society will continue to marginalize those historically underserved and underrepresented.
Parity on boards and commissions will bring inclusion of thoughts, lived experiences, and ideas to better serve a wider variety of citizens.
As our state and community continue to grow economically and culturally, enacting this legislation will bring about major change across our leadership. We need more diverse representation in positions of power and governance that broadly reflects the ever-evolving makeup of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Public boards and commissions impact policies and initiatives of our education, health and human services, housing and economic development, labor and workforce development, public safety, and more. Without the promotion of various viewpoints and voices to inform these critical decisions, our government and society will continue to marginalize those historically underserved and underrepresented.
Parity on boards and commissions will bring inclusion of thoughts, lived experiences, and ideas to better serve a wider variety of citizens.
A HISTORICAL LACK
OF REPRESENTATION IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
In Massachusetts, women and people of color account for 52% and 28% respectively, of the state’s population and positions of leadership, but are substantially underrepresented in the ladder.
AN INEQUITY BETWEEN GENDER AND POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP
In recent studies, statistics show that among the 50 most prominent public boards and commissions in the state of Massachusetts, women only represent 22% of the CEOs, 34% of the board chairs, and 39% of the board members.
UNDERREPRESENTATION OF WOMEN WITHIN KEY EDUCATION BOARDS
Women are underrepresented on our education boards, which is a concern given that women account for 75% of K-12 teachers, 94% of childcare workers, and 57% of all higher education students.