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Celebrating the Class of 2025 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
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We’re grateful to our next GELI Role Model Sponsor, the @womensfundsouthcoast, for supporting and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
Your partnership helps make spaces like #GELI possible, where young women are empowered to lead and grow.
Apr 30
Denim Day began in 1999 through Peace Over Violence as a way to raise awareness around sexual violence and challenge harmful narratives, including victim-blaming.
Observed on the last Wednesday of April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it was inspired by a case in Italy that sparked global conversation and protest.
Today, Denim Day continues as a collective moment to stand in support of survivors and promote a more informed, compassionate dialogue.
Apr 29
We are proud to thank our very first GELI Role Model Sponsor, the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, for your commitment to empowering and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in our mission. #GELI2026
Apr 28
Thank you to all of our wonderful attendees and volunteers who attended the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) 2026 Summit! Because of you, the day was a great success filled with fun and learning. Please take a moment to fill out our GELI survey and let us know how we can improve future events and opportunities.
A special thank you to all of our:
– Event Sponsors
– Presenters & Speakers
– Volunteers & Local Leaders
– State and Regional MCSW Commissioners
– MCSW Staff
…And to our generous hosts at UMass Amherst @uofmass!
GELI 2026 was made possible by our generous sponsors. Join us in extending our gratitude to Role Model Sponsors:
– Women`s Fund of Western Massachusetts @womensfundwmass
– Women`s Fund SouthCoast @womensfundsouthcoast
– Wayside Youth & Family Support Network @waysideyfsn
– Related Beal @relatedbeal
And a very special thank you to our Advocate Level Sponsors:
– @winc_womenincommunity
– UMass Pre-College Program @umassprecollege
– Emerald Queen Productions @msmary_tuitt
– Country Bank @country_bank
And last but certainly not least, thank you to all of YOU, our GELI summit participants, for taking the time out of your spring vacation to be here with us. We hope you experienced an amazing day filled with learning, growth, and connecting with your peers from across the state. Keep what you learned in your hearts and minds and tell a friend or two. Stay plugged in with us online! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or sign up to get our monthly newsletter!
Take our survey: https://bit.ly/GELI26survey
Sign up for our newsletter or follow us on social: linktr.ee/MassCSW
Apr 27
What a great day at #GELI2026!
We are so grateful and we can’t wait for the professional photos taken throughout!
Share your moments and tag the MCSW!
Apr 24
The MSCW extends our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors for their generous support of GELI 2026.
Your commitment to advancing equity and uplifting communities plays an essential role in making this experience possible. We are truly grateful for your partnership and continued investment in empowering future leaders!
Apr 21
Registration for the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative (GELI) is now officially closed and we are so excited to announce our official GELI Summit 2026 agenda!
Get ready to unleash your potential through powerful conversations, leadership development, and meaningful connections with young women across Massachusetts. This year’s summit is designed to inspire, empower, and equip you with the tools to advocate for yourself and your community!
#GELI2026 #YoungWomenLead #UnleashYourPotential #WomenInLeadership
Apr 15
This year marks the 9th Annual Black Maternal Health Week, taking place April 11–17,
2026. To honor nine years of movement-building, we at the MCSW are joining @BlackMamasMatterAlliance to uplift Black-led leadership and advance a future
Rooted in Justice and Joy.
Learn more and join the movement at
blkmaternalhealthweek.com.
#BMHW26 #RootedInJusticeAndJoy #BlackMamasMatter
Apr 14
Midwife advocacy is happening TODAY!
Join the Bay State Birth Coalition and partners at Beacon Hill in Boston from 9:30 AM–1:30 PM for Midwife Advocacy Day.
Apr 14
MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women @metrowestcsw Chair Odessa Sanchez celebrated International Women’s Day with Girl Scouts from the MetroWest region at Mass Bay Community College @massbaycc in Wellesley on March 8.
The Girl Scouts proudly wore uniforms representing the last 75 years, honoring decades of leadership, service, and empowerment!
Apr 9