UMass Boston

CWPPP aims to promote diverse women’s leadership to achieve more just, equitable, and responsive public and institutional policies and meaningful inclusion through the Gender, Leadership and Public Policy (GLPP) graduate certificate programs; applied research on electoral representation and intersectional public policy analysis, relating to the economic, health and social well-being of women and families; and public convenings that mobilize community and women’s political participation.

In our work we employ an anti-racist and intersectional approach taking into account persistent systemic inequities relating to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, socio-economic status, sexual preference, religion, and other identities.

The center serves as a resource for women by providing:

EDUCATION:  The Center hosts the Gender, Leadership, and Public Policy online or on-campus graduate certificate program. This award-winning, "first-in-the-nation" graduate program has served more than 800 alumnae as a springboard to new and enhanced careers, advanced graduate study, and increasingly effective political activism. GLPP certificate students can apply for and continue into a Master of Public Affairs (MPA)-GLPP track program, and earn an MPA degree in only one additional year. 

RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS: Our research is designed to make a difference in the lives of women and their communities while also drawing the attention of policymakers to issues which directly affect women's lives. We also produce policy briefs for policymakers on a wide range of subjects.

EVENTS:  The Center conducts a range of public service programs open to both the university community and the general public. Panel discussions, debates, films and conferences focus on women's political leadership and empowerment, and on social issues of special concern to women.