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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Yesterday the MCSW staff and interns gathered for our monthly in person staff meeting, which had a holiday flair this month! Grateful to be in community with all of you throughout 2025.
Dec 9
Meet one of our previous MCSW Scholarship recipients, a lifelong Brockton resident, devoted single mom, and proud parent of a U.S. Marine. With nearly two decades in Brockton Public Schools, she’s now working toward her teaching credentials to continue uplifting the students she serves.
This scholarship helped her take the next step toward becoming the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree, honoring her mother’s legacy and investing back into her community
Dec 5
We’re celebrating 25 years by investing in the next generation of women leaders. 🎓✨
The MCSW Scholarship Program will award five $5,000 scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year to students enrolled in Massachusetts public higher education. Apply by January 2, 2026.
This Giving Tuesday, support the MCSW Scholarship Fund and help women across the Commonwealth pursue their education and thrive
Dec 2
Giving Tuesday is tomorrow!
Join us in celebrating Chisom Ifejiofor, one of five MCSW Scholarship recipients! She’s a dedicated nursing student at Roxbury Community College, committed to providing compassionate care and improving health outcomes for underserved communities.
Growing up in a third-world country with limited access to healthcare shaped her desire to give back, especially to women and children who face the greatest barriers.
Chisom shared, “I’m so grateful to CSW and the warm sense of belonging they create. The scholarship has been of great help as it supported me through my program. Thank you for all you and the Commission do for women like me, I am forever grateful.”
She dreams of opening a free maternity clinic in her community to ensure that every woman receives the care she deserves, regardless of financial circumstances
Support students like Chisom by investing in the MCSW Scholarship: https://masscsw.org/donate/ro
Dec 1
This month, the #MCSW Executive Director @shaitiaspruell reflects back on an incredible year and looks forward to all that 2026 has in store. Read this month`s featured guest piece in the December 2025 edition of the #MCSWMonthly via link in bio or on our website! https://masscsw.org/2025/12/01/may-your-holidays-be-merry-and-bright/
Dec 1
Today we recognize Native American Heritage Day and honor the rich heritage, contributions, and resilience of Native American communities.
We join in acknowledging their lasting influence and the importance of uplifting their history and voices
Nov 28
Wishing a warm and restful Thanksgiving to all who celebrate.
We acknowledge that this day holds different meanings for everyone, and we also recognize the National Day of Mourning and the resilience of Native American communities
Nov 28
Giving Tuesday is one week away!
Join us in celebrating Alyda Yim, one of five MCSW Scholarship recipients! She’s an Occupational Therapy student committed to helping others gain independence and improve their quality of life.
As a first-generation college student, she draws strength from her mother’s journey from Cambodia, whose resilience inspires her to work hard through every challenge. Balancing OT school and three part-time jobs, she stays focused on her goals with the support of her family, her two sisters, her father, and her two fur babies.
She hopes to specialize in women’s pelvic health to empower and advocate for women across Massachusetts.
Support students like Alyda by contributing to the MCSW Scholarship Fund:https://lnkd.in/ebSxhuR7
Nov 25
We’re testing the launch of our new #TakeActionHub with one of our key pieces of priority legislation known as @parityonboard (H.3398/S.2160): An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions.
It`s easy to sign our petition in support of #POB! This new tool enables you to add your (private) address information and directly contact your local legislators with a custom message in support of this bill. Add your personal flair or send the message as is – but either way, we encourage you to add your name in support of Parity on Boards in Massachusetts.
When the nation is rolling back protections for increasing diverse representation on public boards & commissions, we here in Massachusetts will set the standard for the nation by doubling down on policies that enhance economic development and increase representation for all. And so, we ask you to add your voice to ours. Sign our petition. �Tell your Legislators you support Parity on Boards!
Need more information? Visit the Parity on Board website and download the fact sheet. https://pob.masscsw.org/
Want to join the Parity on Boards coalition? Email mcsw@mass.gov today!
Sign the petition via link in bio or via our website!
#TakeAction #YourVoice #Legislation #Change #Community
Nov 25
Join us in celebrating Emanuelle Zeni, one of five MCSW Scholarship recipients! She’s a first-generation Latina studying Political Science at Worcester State University, passionate about advocating for women, racial minorities, and the disability community.
We’re celebrating our inaugural scholarship winners from last year to raise awareness about our scholarship program. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are open until Friday, January 2, 2026.
Help support students like Emanuelle by contributing to the MCSW Scholarship Fund: https://masscsw.org/donate/
Nov 21