An urgent topic that we’ve discussed on previous podcasts, is COVID-19’s disproportionate impact on women, especially women of color. Sectors like education, health services, childcare, and hospitality have been some of the most disrupted and as a result more than 2 million women nationwide have left the labor force entirely since the start of the pandemic. In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Eric spoke with Gabrielle Jackson, who chairs the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. Along with Pattie Hallberg, the vice-chair, and Lizzy Ortiz, a member of the commission. We talked about policies to support women and girls through the pandemic and beyond. This is that conversation.