The July 12 editorial, “Help women get back to work,” reinforces what we have long known to be true: The pandemic not only forced women from the workforce but it also laid bare the cracks in the foundation of our economy. While we wait for sweeping public policy change, let’s also turn our attention to the steps employers can take right now to narrow the wage gap and drive equity for women at work.
Boston-area companies are leading the way, in partnership with the City of Boston. Based on research from more than 250 Boston-area employers, we know the evidence-based practices that work, including flexibility, gender-blind application evaluations, readily promoting women, and offering paid leave regardless of gender.
The signers of the Boston Women’s Workforce Council’s talent compact are committed to driving equity for women. We call on others to join them to accelerate progress toward creating workplaces that work for everyone. As we begin to call workers back to offices, it is urgent that we rethink the way things were and implement a new normal.
Kimberly Borman
Executive director
Boston Women’s Workforce Council
Boston