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 love #GELI because we know how powerful young women can be – especially when they’re given the tools to lead and grow. The next generation is in good hands with these incredible young women! We’d also love to give a special thank you to our #GELI2024 videographer @stephaniehouten! #nextgenleaders #girlslead
Jul 30
When we talk about the Commonwealth Heroines, we sometimes say that they don’t always make the news, but they always make a difference. In this instance, the Class of 2024 has CERTAINLY made the news! If you were featured in your local newspaper, be sure to share the story with us by DM or by emailing mcsw@mass.gov. Join us in congratulating the Class of 2024! #CH24 #CommonwealthHeroine #MCSW #WomenLeaders
Jul 29
The team here at the #MCSW is thrilled to be celebrating the two-year anniversary of our Communications & Marketing Director @ellenmftw! We’re incredibly grateful for all of the work she invests into the commission to keep us looking and feeling good. #womenleaders #TeamMCSW
Jul 25
The @women_nacw is *literally* in the house! Did you know that the Chairwoman of the @masscsw also serves as the Chairwoman of the National Association of women’s commissions, representing states from all across the country? With their 2024 Conference “Strength of Sisterhood: Through Time” kicking off this weekend in Boston, we were honored to connect with so many amazing local women leaders at last nights welcome reception, sharing best state practices on a federal level for advancing the rights of all women and girls. Join the conference this weekend or learn more at: bit.ly/NACWConference2024 #womenleaders #NACW #MCSW
Jul 25
Our class of 2024 Commonwealth Heroines hail from all across the Commonwealth. Here is another amazing snippet of the incredible #CH24 awardees – this time from #Worcester county! We’re proud to be able to uplift these incredible local women from the class of 2024!
Jul 24
We know one thing – no matter what field the #nextgen leaders will enter, using your own voice will always be important. We’re thrilled to have been able to hold #GELI2024 for women & girls to come together and share their voices and experiences.
Jul 23
Here are just a few of our #MCSW 2024 Commonwealth Heroines! Join us in spreading the news about these amazing women from all across the state! #CH24
Jul 17
Our Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative creates a space for girls to share their thoughts and know their voice matters. #GELI is a way to help us guide policy recommendations to legislators and government agencies that will directly address inequities impacting women and girls to enhance opportunities for them in all aspects of life. Thank you to all who joined us for #GELI2024, you’ve helped us work towards our mission here at #MCSW!
Jul 16
Thank you @bostonglobe for highlighting the urgent need to protect #LGBTQ families and all families in Massachusetts by passing the MA Parentage Act (MPA H.4672) this session. @massparentage #mapoli Read the editorial: www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/25/opinion/ivf-surrogacy-parentage-massachusetts-law.
Jul 15
“More than 100 women across Massachusetts have been honored as ‘Commonwealth Heroines,’ including residents of Lynn, Lynnfield, Marblehead, Peabody, Saugus, Swampscott, and more” said @itemlive
On June 14th, we honored more than 125 incredible women from all across the state of Massachusetts! We’re so grateful to be able the amplify the amazing work these women have done for their communities. Read more about some of the heroines that were nominated at: https://itemlive.com/2024/06/18/heroines-honored-by-the-commonwealth/ #CH24 #MCSW
Jul 12