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Celebrating the Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2024
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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We need your input! In 2021, the MCSW released a report on the impact of COVID-19 and related recommendations to improve the status of all women of color here in the Commonwealth. As we reflect on the 5 years since COVID, we’re releasing an updated survey and holding a public hearing to hear from you regarding issues that women of color face here in Massachusetts. Register now and join us: https://bit.ly/mcswwoc
Dec 19
Thank you for joining the @masscsw and partners for a virtual public hearing focusing on the impacts of issues relating to health and healthcare here in the Commonwealth. We heard powerful testimony on the impacts of lack of access, shortages of healthcare professionals, the need for in-person services in rural areas, and other key issues facing women, children, and families across the Commonwealth. In case you missed it, you can watch the full recap video via YouTube.
Have something to say about women`s healthcare issues? It`s not too late! We invite you to share your feedback and thoughts with us. We value your input and would be grateful if you would take our brief exit survey: https://bit.ly/mcswhealthcaresurvey
We look forward to seeing you again soon! Watch via link in bio or at: https://youtu.be/U4N4UMCbDc0?si=Lq80n9NBuC8UVvOW
Dec 16
Twice a year, we host a convening for our 11 regional commissions. Local leaders from across the state come together both in person and online to learn from one another, share best practices and insights, and report out on activities for the year. Many hosted legislative breakfasts, local listening sessions, and continued their efforts to uplift young women as the next generation of women leaders here in the Commonwealth with their Athena Youth Councils and more. Cheers to a great year – and looking ahead to 2025 and the launch of the new 194th Legislative Session and beyond!
Dec 9
MCSW State Commissioner Sonia Shah welcomes the holiday season by reflecting back on 2024 and the impact this year will have on our lives for many more to come. Read this month`s featured piece from the December 2024 edition of the #MCSW Monthly!
Read via link in bio or at: https://masscsw.org/2024/12/03/charting-a-path-forward/
Dec 3
BOSTON — Massachusetts could become the next state to allow elected officials and political candidates to tap into campaign funds to cover childcare costs.
A proposal tucked into an outside section of the $4 billion economic development bill sent to Gov. Maura Healey by lawmakers last Thursday would, if approved, allow candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for state and local campaign related childcare expenses.
Supporters of the measure, who have pushed for years on Beacon Hill to approve the changes, say allowing candidates to use campaign funds for childcare will help diversify the field of candidates who run for elected office.
#CFFC #campaignfinancereform
Nov 20
Mentorship opportunity! The @unitedwayofcentralma is seeking 30-35 mentors to guide students through key financial concepts. This opportunity is open to all women, including graduate students, early-career professionals, executives, and others. No experience is necessary, as training will be provided. Link to Register: https://tinyurl.com/DScholar2425
Nov 19
Join us this Wednesday evening for a virtual hearing centering women`s healthcare. Register now for the MCSW Virtual Public Hearing: Impact of Health Issues on Women and make your voice heard!
Register via link in bio or at: https://bit.ly/MCSWvirtualhealthhearing
Nov 18
"Massachusetts lawmakers are primed to pass a long-sought change to state law that would allow politicians to cover child care costs using their campaign accounts, removing a barrier for working parents, particularly women, hoping to vie for state or local office.
The measure is among the hundreds of policy riders lawmakers tacked on to a nearly $4 billion economic development bill that is expected to pass the state Legislature on Thursday. Advocates and lawmakers have pushed the proposal for at least seven years, arguing that the ballooning costs for child care in Massachusetts make it difficult for many women to even consider running — either for a seat in a Legislature that remains disproportionately male or one of their local offices."
“We know that moms take the brunt of house work, the child care work. Even if they’re working moms, even if they’re career politicians, they still have to be moms,” said @shaitiaspruell, executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women @masscsw. “This will absolutely increase the number of women running for office — and hopefully the women IN office.” Full #mapoli story via @bostonglobe!
Nov 14
Today’s the day, it’s #ElectionDay – and MCSW wants YOU to vote! Countless women through history have fought for our right to vote. If you have not already voted, you may vote in person at your polling place from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. TODAY, November 5, 2024.
Find your polling place at www.WhereDoIVoteMA.com
If you encounter any issues, @866ourvote can help.
Call or text 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).
Nov 5
MCSW Commissioner Audrey Hall uses the power of her voice to share her journey and urge us all to vote for equality. Read this month`s featured guest piece in the November Edition of the #MCSW Monthly e-newsletter! #vote https://masscsw.org/2024/10/31/the-power-of-women-voting/
Nov 4