Featured News
Celebrating the Class of 2026 Commonwealth Heroines
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
Follow us and stay up-to-date
Join us in congratulating #MCSW Commissioner Dr. Aisha Miller, who received an award from her alma mater, the @universityofhartford. She received the Impact on Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement award, a testament to her dedication.
Oct 2
Last week, MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell participated in a panel as part of the Staff Mentoring Program Orientation hosted by Seble Alemu, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators (@ma_womenscaucus). Two of our Regional Commissioners participated in the presenting as well (though they were presenting in their professional capacities, Ariana & Zainab, serve on the @essexwomen Commission and @umcsw.ma, respectively).
The MA Caucus of Women Legislators empowers women in government and advances women’s economic status and equality across the Commonwealth.
Through their State House Staff Mentoring Program, female-identifying legislative staff build meaningful relationships that deepen institutional knowledge, strengthen belonging, and foster collective resilience. They are thrilled to welcome the 2026–2027 cohort and grateful to all guest experts and participants who helped launch another year of women supporting women in public service. Learn more about their work: https://www.mawomenscaucus.com/
Oct 1
Want to make sure your community`s priorities show up in the data that state government and community organizations use to make decisions about funding, services, and public policy? The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is currently conducting a Community Health Equity Survey (CHES) to get residents` input about the state of health care in their communities. Have your voice heard when it comes to your health care needs!
The survey data that`s collected helps to quantify health and social needs unique to different communities, identify opportunities to address inequities, and prioritize how resources are allocated. Your experiences and ideas will help guide decisions about programs and resources in your community. The survey is available in 11 languages, easy to take, and anonymous.
Go to mass.gov/HealthSurvey to learn more and to take the CHES survey.
Sep 30
Your #MCSW is in full swing for FY27! We met in person as a team to review the program calendar for the year ahead and to welcome our new slate of interns for the year. We’re looking forward to working together as we close the 194th Legislative Session and welcome in new 2-year cycle of the 195th, which begins in January. #TeamMCSW
Sep 21
Shana Tova! 🍎🍯
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is one of Judaism’s holiest days. It is a time for reflection, renewal, and looking ahead to the year to come. Wishing all who celebrate a year filled with peace, joy, and health.
Sep 11
Happy September! This month, our newly elected #MCSW Chairwoman @christinemonska looks forward to all that FY27 has in store, while centering the needs and insights of women and girls across the Commonwealth at the heart of everything we do. Read this month`s featured guest piece in the September 2026 edition of the #MCSWMonthly newsletter!
Read the full featured guest piece via our website or at: https://masscsw.org/2026/09/08/centering-what-matters-most/
Sep 8
Today is Primary Election Day in Massachusetts. Polls are open 7am – 8pm across the Commonwealth today. Your voice matters — make it count!
Find your polling place here: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/
Nonpartisan voter information: https://www.vote411.org/massachusetts
Sep 1
The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women @metrowestcsw celebrated the work of their youth advisory group, the Athena Council, discussed achievements from FY26, and elected new MWCSW officers at their Wellesley retreat at Barton Community Room this summer. Congratulations and best wishes for another great year ahead! #TeamMCSW
Aug 28
In 1973, Congresswoman Bella Abzug, one of just 16 women serving in the U.S. House of Representatives at the time, championed legislation designating August 26 as Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote.
Women’s Equality Day honors the generations of women who endured opposition, sacrifice, and hardship in the long fight for the vote. It ensures that their courage, persistence, and determination—and the history of the movement they built—are remembered and recognized.
It is also a reminder that the pursuit of equality did not end with the 19th Amendment. Women’s Equality Day calls us to reflect on the progress that has been made and the work that remains to achieve full equality, including the ongoing effort to secure recognition of the Equal Rights Amendment. #ERAnow #womensequalityday #suffrage
Aug 26
Ariana Contreras, a Regional Commissioner with the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women @essexwomen, presented at the first Lynn City Council’s Women & Gender Equity Committee on July 7. Contreras informed the committee members of the important work for women and girls conducted by the regional commissions and shared the “We Are Here” magazine, highlighting important issues for girls in Essex County, by ECCSW’s Youth Advisory Council, the Ginsburg Initiative. Read the digital zine via link in bio.
Aug 25