Advancing Systems. Expanding Equity. Transforming Futures.
Advancing gender, racial, and economic justice requires more than direct service. It requires shifting the systems, policies, and narratives that shape women’s lives across the SouthCoast.
Our Advocacy Approach
Our work centers three core commitments that guide how we pursue meaningful, lasting change.
Community-driven insights
We lift up the voices and experiences of women, youth, and gender-expansive people, ensuring their perspectives guide our advocacy, research, and grantmaking.
Collaborative action
We partner with community organizations, coalitions, regional leaders, and statewide networks to advance shared priorities and expand opportunity across the SouthCoast.
Nonpartisan, equity-centered systems change
We support efforts that expand equity, access, and opportunity for women, girls, and gender-expansive people — especially those most impacted by racism, sexism, economic injustice, and other structural barriers.
What We Advocate For
Our advocacy efforts focus on issues that align with our mission.
Our priorities identified through community research and youth leadership, including:
- Economic security and living-wage pathways
- Access to education, childcare, reproductive care, and workforce opportunities
- Safety, dignity, and freedom from gender-based violence
- Disability justice and intersectional inclusion
- Youth leadership, civic engagement, and community representation
- Data visibility and improved systems for understanding the needs of women and girls on the SouthCoast
Regional and Statewide Leadership
The Women’s Fund contributes to advocacy efforts across the Commonwealth by partnering with regional coalitions and statewide networks focused on gender equity, economic mobility, and community well-being. Our team and youth leaders regularly engage with:
- The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
- The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth
- SouthCoast community coalitions focused on education, housing, economic justice, and gender equity
- Local institutions working to improve outcomes for women and families
- Philanthropic partners committed to systems change
- Youth leadership networks through the Young Women’s Initiative
Through these partnerships, we help shape conversations on education access, economic mobility, reproductive justice, disability inclusion, and the evolving needs of women and girls in our region.
Youth-Led Advocacy
Through the Young Women’s Initiative, youth leaders conduct research, publish policy briefs, participate in legislative education, and advocate for issues identified by their peers. Their insights directly influence WFSC’s priorities and help guide policy conversations at the local and state levels.
Our role is to amplify their work, connect them with decision-makers, and ensure youth voice remains central to regional equity efforts.
Research That Drives Policy
Our advocacy is grounded in data and community-based research, including:
- The Young Women’s Initiative policy brief
- WFSC’s Economic Blueprint for Women
- Research on economic security, program access, and community needs
- Partnerships with UMass Boston and regional research institutions
This research helps policymakers, donors, and organizational partners understand the barriers facing women and families — and the solutions that can drive systemic change.
How We Take Action
Our advocacy efforts include:
- Legislative education and nonpartisan issue awareness
- Community forums and listening sessions
- Publishing research briefs, data snapshots, and policy summaries
- Convening partners to align strategies and share insights
- Participatory advocacy and leadership training for youth
- Public awareness and storytelling campaigns
- Supporting nonpartisan civic engagement and access efforts
Join Our Advocacy Efforts
Change happens when communities raise their voices together. You can support our advocacy work by:
- Joining our mailing list for advocacy updates
- Attending community briefings and public forums
- Partnering with us on research or policy projects
- Supporting the Young Women’s Initiative
- Investing in WFSC’s systems-change work
Our vision is a SouthCoast where all women and gender-expansive people can thrive, lead, and live with dignity and opportunity. Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to make that vision real.
