Celebrating Women

Authors: Ayesha M. Wilson and Elizabeth Johnson

Women do not simply impact our society but are fundamentally at the core of our society. Often overlooked and historically hidden, while women have positively influenced society, these contributions have been and continue to be received without reciprocation. Seeing as March is Women's History Month, we take this time to celebrate the women in our lives who should be recognized every day of the year. It's critical to raise and listen to women’s voices, two actions long withheld in society. 

We highlight the women of Cambridge and Greater Boston who are using their power and voice to amplify, uplift, and listen to women's voices in our communities. State Representative and current Public Health Committee Chair Marjorie Decker exemplifies raising one's voice by passing legislation that expands public safety, climate change mitigation, and repealing the family welfare cap. This legislation demonstrates how the act of Representative Decker raising her voice creates tangible benefits for all of Massachusetts. 

Not only is there a need to raise women's voices, but also intentional efforts to listen and understand what is being said. Cambridge City Councillor E. Denise Simmons shows this understanding as she's not only the country's first Black and openly lesbian mayor, thus using her national platform to impact change for many, she also emphasizes that her activism comes from a local place by listening to the community through weekly walk-in hours and frequent Town Hall style meetings. Councillor E. Denise Simmons founded the Gold Leadership program at YWCA Cambridge which is now in its 11th year. Gold continues to provide after-school programming for girls of color in Cambridge to grow their leadership skills and learn about women of color who, throughout history, have fought for the rights of others. 

We see that uplifting women’s voices can also uplift the voices of others through Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. Mayor Siddiqui can often be seen at our local schools reading to children, speaking at ceremonies, or just lending an ear. Whether it be during City Council meetings or at national conferences, Mayor Siddiqui consistently centers her work around amplifying the voices of those who are underrepresented, including people of color, the youth, and women. 

Finally, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley continues to make history and emphasizes how women's impact on their communities cannot be underestimated. The impact these women have comes in the strength that they hold. The strength to be the mothers, the daughters, the doctors, the teachers, the scientists, the students, and much more. The strength to champion the community even when some's interpretation of "the community" doesn't include them or their rights. The strength to fight, to listen, and to uplift all voices. 

Photo: City Councillor E. Denise Simmons & YWCA Cambridge Executive Director, Cassandra Ling