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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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The Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy (CWPPP) advances greater diversity in public leadership to promote more equitable and just public policies that serve all. CWPPP offers an online graduate certificate in Gender, Leadership & Public Policy that is linked to a Master of Public Administration degree, conducts cutting edge intersectional policy research, and hosts interactive public events.
CWPPP is based in the McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies in UMass Boston`s College of Liberal Arts. Register now: UMass Boston Alumni Online Community – In This Moment: Women of Color Driving Change for Equity
Mar 23
Last call to register for our Plymouth County Commission on the Status of Women public hearing next week! Join us online or in person at the Brockton Campus of @massasoitcc Community College on 3/24/26 to let us know what issues matter most to women, children, and families in Plymouth County and beyond. Register by EOD Friday: https://bit.ly/mcswplymouth
Mar 19
#InCaseYouMissedIt ✨
MCSW Commissioners came together from across the Commonwealth for a retreat at Bentley University, hosted by the Center for Women and Business. The retreat created space for connection, reflection, and collaboration as commissioners continue strengthening the work being done to support and advance women and girls across Massachusetts.
Mar 17
One week away! Join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and the Plymouth County Commission on the Status of Women for an upcoming hybrid public hearing focused on issues affecting women and girls across the Commonwealth.
Community voices matter. This is an opportunity for residents, legislators, and community stakeholders to share experiences, discuss key challenges, and help inform policy priorities that impact women, children, and families.
Mar 17
Hampden County CSW is bringing community and leadership to the table!
Join us for our upcoming Legislative Breakfast as we engage Hampden County’s elected officials, local municipal leaders, and legislators in meaningful conversations around the priorities and issues shaping our communities this year. This is an opportunity to connect, listen, and work together toward solutions that move Hampden County forward.
Mar 16
Last two weeks to register for the 2026 Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) Summit!
If you’re a fierce young woman between 14–22, this is your moment to unleash your potential. Build leadership skills, connect with other young leaders, and learn how to advocate for issues impacting girls across the Commonwealth.
Know a young woman who would benefit from this experience? Share this opportunity and encourage her to apply.
Registration closes in two weeks. Don’t miss it: www.masscsw.org/GELI
Mar 16
Want to get involved? We`re seeking youth and adult volunteers for our in-person Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) 2026 Summit this April 23, 2026 at @uofmass. Food and training provided. If you`re interested in volunteering, register as a general volunteer or email mcswprograms@mass.gov. #girlslead #nextgenleaders
Sign up here via link in bio or at https://bit.ly/GELI2026
Mar 10
Join the Metrowest Commission on the Status of Women for an International Women’s Day Event you won’t want to miss!!
Auditor Diana DiZoglio will preside over some fun, networking, laughs, inspiration, and more, with the Radiant Legendary Comedian @whatsonvisface the Trailblazer @wearefihri, the Incredibly Talented @whitco.photography photography and Local Authors Including @miss_raemi Collaborating With One Of Our Vendors @wellesleybooks ! Join them for an all ages, all allies welcome event for an incredible time with exceptional women!
Please note that due to extreme blizzard conditions, ongoing snowstorms, and parking constraints, we have decided to change the event location.
New Event Location:
MassBay Community College – Wellesley Hills Campus
Atrium, 2nd Floor
50 Oakland Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
Visitor parking is available across campus on the right after the main entrance.
Please plan accordingly and allow extra travel time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!
Mar 6
This month, MCSW Commissioner Heather Panahi celebrates #WomensHistoryMonth by uplifting her time as a @metrowestcsw commissioner, and the foundational role she played in forming the youth council, the Athena Council. Read this month`s featured guest piece in the March 2026 edition of the #MCSW Monthly. #womenshistory #ourhistory
https://masscsw.org/2026/02/27/invest-in-the-women-and-girls-of-massachusetts/
Mar 3
Nothing for us without us. #WomensHistoryMonth
Mar 2