This featured guest piece is an excerpt of our November 2024 newsletter.

Dear MCSW Community:

With the national election upon us, the stress is palpable. Billions of dollars are being spent to win our votes—a clear reminder of just how valuable our votes are.

Throughout history, voting has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights. Voting opens the doors to influence legislation which directly impacts our lives, from reproductive rights to workplace equality and so much more. Influencing legislation is a big part of the work we are so passionate about here at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW). As an MCSW State Commissioner appointed by Senate President Karen Spilka, I am honored and proud to do this work to advance the rights of all women and girls across Massachusetts. She is a champion of women’s rights, along with the impressive team of women in the corner office leading this great Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We make history in so many ways.

Women have made significant strides in political representation at all levels, but it’s still not enough. When women vote in their communities, when they run for office and serve, when they engage with their communities, they help prioritize issues like equal pay, affordable childcare, access to healthcare, and protections against domestic violence, which has lasting impacts on the lives of women and families.

My journey has been one of discovery and growth, fueling my passion to fight for equal rights for women. Through various experiences—personal, educational, and professional—I have come to understand the profound impact of gender disparities on individuals and communities. These experiences have shaped me into the passionate feminist I am today, driving my commitment to advocacy and change. I share a little of my story with you in the hopes that it inspires you to make change in your corner of the world, as well.

A Preventable Tragedy

My journey began with a heartbreaking experience: my mother’s preventable death at just 31 years old. She was hospitalized for breathing difficulties, yet her symptoms were dismissed because she was a young woman. Delays in testing led to her death from a treatable infection. This tragedy opened my eyes to the devastating effects of age and gender bias in healthcare—a stark reminder of how systemic inequities can cost lives.

Early Lessons in Discrimination

As a child, I faced gender discrimination in elementary school. Despite frigid temperatures, girls were forbidden from wearing pants, while the boys were bundled up in warm clothing. Together, the girls approached the principal and were eventually granted permission to wear pants to school. It was a small victory, but it taught me the power of collective action. Later, in high school, I encountered another barrier. The curriculum tracked girls into “Home Economics” while boys were directed to “Woodshop.” This division reinforced stereotypical gender roles and limited our potential. It was a clear indication of how deeply ingrained these biases were, pushing me further into advocacy as I entered the workforce.

Workplace Inequities

My professional experiences in the male dominated advertising agency business in New York City revealed systemic inequalities in the corporate world early in my career. Despite having the same qualifications, young women were often relegated to administrative roles, while their male counterparts were fast-tracked into management training. One particularly disheartening moment occurred after I interviewed for a radio news reporting job. The man who would have been my boss praised my qualifications, stating that I was “highly qualified and perfect for the job.” He then revealed a shocking rationale for his decision: he felt I would be a “threat to his marriage,” and therefore, he couldn’t hire me. I felt disbelief, anger, and ultimately, a profound sense of powerlessness. This disparity highlighted the need for change; it was emblematic of a systemic issue that affects countless women across various industries. By confronting these issues head-on and raising awareness, we can challenge the discriminatory practices and biases that limit women’s potential in the workforce.

Advocating for Change

When I applied for a Regional Management position at a large media company, I was disheartened to discover that the job offer I received came with a salary 20% lower than that of my male predecessor. This disparity was not just a personal affront; it was a glaring example of the gender pay gap that continues to affect women in the workplace still to this day.

As I ascended to Executive Management, I found myself in a position of both pride and responsibility, becoming the first woman to hold such a high-level role in my company. However, this achievement came with its own set of challenges, particularly when I decided to start a family. When I requested maternity leave, I was confronted with a startling reality: the company had no maternity policy in place for Executive Management. Despite the protections offered by the relatively new Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which ensured my job was secure during my absence, I was faced with the expectation that I would work unpaid from home. This situation highlighted a significant gap in the company’s approach to supporting women in leadership roles and raised critical questions about equity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Upon my return to work, I formally requested retroactive pay for the time I had worked unpaid. This request was not merely about financial compensation; it represented a stand against the outdated norms that often leave women in precarious positions when balancing career and family. My persistence paid off when the company ultimately agreed to my request and adopted a new maternity leave policy.

Moving Forward Together

These are among the many experiences that have fueled my commitment to advocate for gender equality. I am proud to say that there have also been many rewarding victories along the way. I believe in the power of sharing our stories and supporting one another in the fight against injustices. Together, by using our voices, we can continue to challenge the status quo and create a more equitable world for everyone.

The MCSW recently released a statement encouraging every one of you to vote. If you haven’t already, please vote in this national election. At the MCSW we believe that every individual has the right to be heard, and that empowerment begins with participation. Therefore, we urge you to always use your voice!

In Solidarity,
Audrey Hall
MCSW State Commissioner