On Wednesday, August 31, the Matahari Women Workers’ Center will host the conversation, “Uplifting Women Workers & Families: Cambridge & Somerville Candidates’ Roundtable.”

Candidates who have confirmed their participation in the roundtable:

• Candidates for 2nd Middlesex District Senate seat: incumbent Senator Pat Jehlen and Cambridge City Councillor Leland Cheung

• Candidates for the 26th Middlesex District House seat: incumbent Representative Tim Toomey and attorney and community organizer Mike Connolly

Key community leaders from Matahari and other local organizations will come together just over a week before candidates face off in the September 8 primary election. Workers, including nannies and au pairs, will share personal stories highlighting priority issues for women workers and families in Cambridge and Somerville. Issues include defending the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, winning paid time off for all workers, and protecting immigrant families. Read what the Cambridge Day  had to say about the roundtable.

Claudia V., a Somerville resident, nanny, and Matahari member-leader says, “We’re excited to share our experiences directly with the candidates. Women workers, particularly domestic workers, allow others to go to work, pursue graduate degrees, and contribute to the local economy. We want to make sure that the workers who make this possible are treated with dignity and respect. As an au pair in the state, I was exploited, cut off from communication with my family, and retaliated against when I spoke up for my rights. Sadly, my story is not unique. We want to ensure that the candidates hear these stories and that we find out how they will work to protect us and our families if elected.”

About Matahari Women Workers’ Center: Matahari is a Boston-based women’s community organization working to end gender-based violence and exploitation. Founded in 2002, Matahari is a leading force in advancing the rights of domestic workers, immigrant families, and survivors of violence and exploitation. Matahari is a steering committee member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Domestic Workers.

“Uplifting Women Workers & Families”

Matahari Women Workers’ Center To Bring Together Cambridge & Somerville Candidates for State Legislature for a Roundtable Conversation

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

7:00 p.m. at CIC Cambridge, 1 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02142, 5th floor