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The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is a state-established body charged with reviewing the status of women in Massachusetts and offering recommendations regarding policy that would improve access to opportunities and equality.
Learn more about the MCSWLegislative Agenda
The Commission recognizes the need for women to gain not only an equal share, but become equal participants in the areas of economics, health-care, civil rights, education and business development. The MCSW endorses and tracks legislation to achieve these goals.
S.947/H.1713
upcoming events and meetings
See all eventsMCSW Programs
As part of our mission to advance women and girls toward full equity in all areas of life, the MCSW provides several programs to promote rights and opportunities for all women and girls across Massachusetts.
Regional Commissions
We have 11 Regional Commissions throughout the state, which exponentially expand the reach of our work.
- 1 Berkshire County
- 2 Bristol County
- 3 Cape and Islands
- 4 Eastern Regional
- 5 Essex County
- 6 Hampden County
- 7 Hampshire-Franklin
- 8 MetroWest
- 9 Plymouth County
- 10 Upper Middlesex
- 11 Worcester County
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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the MCSW reflects on Dr. King’s enduring call for justice, equality, and dignity for all. His vision of an inclusive society grounded in fundamental rights continues to guide our work to provide a permanent and effective voice for women and girls across the Commonwealth.
Jan 19
Please join us in welcoming our new Commissioner, Shela Levante, appointed by the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators.
We are pleased to have her join the Commission and look forward to her service and contributions!
Jan 16
Please join us in welcoming our new Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women Commissioners, all nominated by Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano state:
Whitney Dodds LMHC, LPC,
Melissa Ferretti
Lise Olney
Emily Wilson
We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the leadership, expertise, and perspective they will bring in advancing equity and advocacy across the Commonwealth.
Jan 13
Join the National Association of Commissions for Women for a conversation with the U.S. Women’s Caucus to connect with leaders advancing human rights and gender equity in the United States and internationally. Members gain access to resources and tools to support advocacy for policies that promote gender equity at the city, county, and state levels.
Attend the upcoming event on January 28 at 1:00 PM PST, 3:00 PM CST, 4:00 PM EST to meet U.S. Women’s Caucus leadership and learn how your commission can drive meaningful change.
Speakers include Pam Perraud, President of the U.S. Women’s Caucus, and Susan Lee, Past President of the U.S. Women’s Caucus.
Jan 9
On December 1, Hampden County Commissioners Nicole Esposito, Vanessa Martinez, Rachelle Hannoush, Magdalena Gomez, and Nicole Coakley welcomed community members to a Financial Education and Investing Workshop at the YWCA in Springfield, bringing people together to learn, grow, and build confidence around financial wellness.
Jan 7
Interested in advancing the rights and opportunities for women and girls in your region?
Join the MCSW and the Marine Technology Society (MTS) for a discussion about what it takes to advance women’s leadership in Marine Science and Technology.
Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9l0rd6ivShOIVMFnJ_eStw#/registration
Jan 6
Happy New Year! #MCSW Chairwoman @msmary_tuitt reflects back on an incredible year and looks forward to all that 2026 has in store. She encourages all of us to take action this year. Read this month`s featured guest piece in the January 2026 edition of the #MCSWMonthly! https://conta.cc/495vSNA
Jan 6
Final hours to apply, the MCSW Scholarship closes tonight!
In honor of our 25th Anniversary, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is investing in the next generation of women leaders across the Commonwealth. Five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded for the 2026–2027 academic year.
This is the last chance to apply or share with someone who should not miss this opportunity
🔗 Apply now before the deadline: https://masscsw.org/scholarships/
Jan 2
Happy New Year from the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women🎊
As we enter the year ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to being a permanent and effective voice for women and girls across the Commonwealth, advocating for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights, and the full enjoyment of life for all women and girls.
Jan 1
Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate!
Observed from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration honoring African heritage, unity, and community through the seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba.
Dec 31