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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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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 @hampdenccsw! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/HampdenCSW
Oct 14
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 @essexwomen! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/EssexCSW
Oct 13
Today, we honor the histories, cultures, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples while recognizing the injustices they continue to face. 💜
Oct 13
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 @easternregionalwomen! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/easternregionalCSW
Oct 9
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 @ccicsw! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/CapeandIslandsCSW
Oct 8
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 @bristolcountymacsw! Apply today to join the team: https://bit.ly/bristolCSW
Oct 7
Happy October! This month marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in this month`s featured guest piece, Commissioner Kim Shea not only shares her story as a breast cancer survivor, but also her personal journey from housing instability to currently serving as the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences at Mount Wachusett Community College. "For me, advocacy is not a professional responsibility. It is a personal commitment born from experience, resilience, and a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to thrive." – Dr. Kim Shea
Read her full guest piece in the October 2026 edition of the #MCSWMonthly newsletter via our website or at:
https://masscsw.org/2026/10/07/sharing-our-stories-to-make-lasting-change/
Oct 7
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