Cambridge, MA (PRWEB) December 09, 2014
In an effort to help close the wage gap between working men and women, Abt Associates has joined 100% Talent: The Boston Women’s Compact, a first-in-the-nation, public-private partnership to make Boston the best city in the country for working women. As a Signatory of the 100% Talent, Abt joins Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s initiative to make Greater Boston the first area in the United States to eliminate the gender-based wage gap by attracting, retaining, and engaging women at all levels in Boston-area corporations.
“I applaud Abt for taking action and becoming a signatory of the Boston Compact to eliminate the gender-based wage gap and to ensure that women are engaged at all levels of business,” said Mayor Martin Walsh. “The Compact will help Abt recognize areas for improvements and to take concrete steps towards positive change. I look forward to partnering with Abt as a signatory of the Compact and to continue the growth they have begun.”
Abt Associates boasts a longstanding reputation in creating and valuing a diverse work environment to foster innovation and creativity; becoming a 100% Talent Signatory furthers that commitment and opens doors to collaborate with other Boston businesses working to do the same.
“Advancing women in the workplace is a key part of our commitment to diversity in our company, and we are proud to add our name and values to this innovative initiative,” said Abt President and CEO Kathleen Flanagan. “We look forward to working with Mayor Walsh and other Signatories to meet the goals of 100% Talent.”
100% Talent is an initiative of the Boston Women’s Workforce Council. The Council is a partnership between the City of Boston under the Walsh Administration and the School of Management at Simmons College. Cathy E. Minehan, Dean of the School of management, serves as Chair of the Council. By signing 100% Talent, businesses agree to take concrete, measurable steps to eliminate the gender wage gap, remove the visible and invisible barriers to women’s advancement, and ensure that 100% of the talent pool is used.
Christina M. Knowles, Executive Director of the Council, said: “I commend Abt Associates for continuing their deep commitment to diversity and equality by joining 100% Talent. As Abt Associates knows, companies who ensure that women are paid fairly and advance through the ranks are not only doing the right thing in terms of equality for women, but these companies have the competitive edge in today’s business world. Abt’s commitment to its employees fosters the innovative environment that Abt Associates is known for throughout the globe, and we are thrilled to have them on board.”
For more information on 100% Talent and the Boston Women’s Workforce Council, visit: http://www.cityofboston.gov/women/workforce/compact.asp
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About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates is regularly ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms and one of the top 40 international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. http://www.abtassociates.com