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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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Thanks, Madeleine! We`re grateful for the hard work and dedication of Madeleine McCarthy, our Regional Operations Coordinator here at the #MCSW. For a year now, Madeleine has worked closely with our 11 regional commissions to support their efforts to advance rights and opportunities for all women and girls across the Commonwealth. #TeamMCSW
Oct 6
Have a passion for making a difference in your community? Do you care about issues impacting women and girls? We’re seeking applicants to join our @berkshirecsw Regional Commission! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/BerkshireCSW
Oct 6
The Plymouth County Commission on the Status of Women @plymouthcountymacsw hosted a round table discussion at the Hanover Senior Center, focused on “Women, Aging, and the Issues That Matter.“ They had a robust discussions on topics like fear of technology, downsizing, housing and affordability, the need for sidewalks in Hanover for safety and health reasons, and finding community when you don’t drive. Thank you to State Representative @joanmeschino for joining the conversation to better understand the issues facing women in our communities.
Oct 5
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