Everett celebrates Women’s History Month

  The commemoration of Women’s History Month by the City of Everett – themed Project F.O.R.W.A.R.D. – is grounded in Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) agenda to engage, educate and elevate in order to create a stronger Everett for everyone. With guidance and direction from First Lady Stacy DeMaria, this month will focus on ways to strengthen the economic progress of women throughout their lives. That includes the assurance that women-owned businesses have the tools and support necessary to equitably access opportunities to work with the city government.

  March’s activities will include support from several key City of Everett departments. The Procurement Department will host an educational session that provides key information for becoming a city vendor. Additionally, because of the mayor’s focus on expanding opportunities for women and girls to explore career and business opportunities that have been historically male dominated, this month the city will highlight and promote such opportunities through a Girl’s Day focused on public safety and trade careers. Girl’s Day will happen at the Everett Recreation Center. The March Lunch and Learn session will include a panel discussion with women who have successfully navigated male dominated career fields. Finally, the City of Everett will recognize women whose everyday lives and professional pursuits are strengthening and reinforcing the efforts for women’s advancement and equity through featured online profiles and a networking event to culminate the month’s activities.

  In both its 2021 annual report and report on the status of girls in the Commonwealth, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women noted as a key finding the persistent vulnerable economic reality of women. Both reports assert that the financial inequity women face in Massachusetts is directly linked to the systemic oppression of girls and women. If women in Massachusetts are ever to reach pay equity, opportunities must be created and reinforced that bridge the gaps that long standing gender inequality has created in both the education and economic empowerment of women.

  The DeMaria Administration has consistently championed the advancement of women. Women hold key positions on his executive team and are a significant percentage of those employed in City Hall. Coupled with the mayor’s three-point DEI platform – Engage. Educate. Elevate. – the events and activities during the month of March will highlight best practices already underway and further address the economic vulnerability of women. Please check the city’s website (www.cityofEverett.com) or follow on social media: Facebook @Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Instagram @MayorCarloDeMaria and Twitter @Mayor_DeMaria.