We’re fighting for women and girls all across Massachusetts.

The MCSW is an independent state agency legislatively created in 1998 to provide a permanent effective voice for women and girls in Massachusetts. The Commission consists of 19 volunteer commissioners appointed by the Governor, the House Speaker, the Senate President, and the Caucus of Women Legislators, and 11 regional bodies. The Commission strives to advance the rights and opportunities of women and girls and help them move towards full equality in all areas of life. From our programs to our policy advocacy, it takes all of us to make change. Enjoy some of our favorite highlights of Program Year 2023-2024 below.

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary

“We are thrilled to celebrate the 25^th anniversary with the MCSW, an incredible organization that continues to ensure that all women and girls in the Commonwealth thrive. MCSW has and will continue to put their boots to the ground, with 19 volunteer commissioners, 11 regional bodies, and dedicated staff and interns who continue to advocate for full equality in all areas of life for women. We are thankful for their tireless dedication and look forward to honoring the past, present, and future of all women across the Commonwealth.”

Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll

On behalf of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), we’re incredibly grateful to the many state and regional commissioners, past commissioners, current partners, as well as government, nonprofit, and corporate leaders from across the Commonwealth who joined us to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Our hearts are so full from sharing in sisterhood with all of you.

The speaking program featured a historic fireside chat between current Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Kim Driscoll, and former Lieutenant Governor Jane Swift, the first woman to perform the duties of the Governor of Massachusetts. The fireside chat was moderated by award-winning journalist Lauren Melendez from NBC10 Boston. The event also included a hilarious comedy performance by Tooky Kavanagh and live music from Boston-based toritori.

If you weren’t able to join us, you can still watch the full livestream to get in the spirit! There’s also still time to make a contribution to raise funds for youth programming, support outreach to women, and sustain MCSW’s mission to improve the status of women and girls for the next 25 years and beyond.

Our mission of elevating women and girls would not be possible without the support of upstanding individuals and organizations like all of you. Thank you to all our donors, commissioners, and staff that made this historic evening celebrating 25 years of advancing women and girls across the Commonwealth possible. 

“It is hard to imagine today with all but one of our Constitutional offices held by a woman just how hard the fight for women’s political representation has been in the Commonwealth. The MCSW has been fighting for representation and for what that means for the women of Massachusetts for a quarter century and their impact has been profound and crucial.”

Former Massachusetts Governor Jane Swift

Commonwealth Heroines Class of 2023

The Commonwealth Heroines Celebration is an opportunity to recognize the women who don’t always make the news but who are truly making a difference in their communities, businesses, or volunteer endeavors. We work with legislators across the state to nominate incredible women in their districts for their contributions to their community and the Commonwealth.

Here at the MCSW, we are so deeply honored to stand in the presence (literally stand, because there were so many guests celebrating the Commonwealth’s Heroines that it was standing room only!) of these incredible women. Thank you one and all for joining us, and congratulations to the Class of 2023! Our state is a little brighter with each of you in it! #CH23

MCSW Advocacy Day 2023

Advocacy Day is an event held annually by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) to rally for legislation that advances the rights and opportunities of women and girls across the Commonwealth.

The Commission discusses key findings from the previous year in collaboration with regional Commissions, reports findings collected from public hearings hosted during the year throughout the Commonwealth, and lays out our legislative priorities for the coming session. Attendees also hear from the Commission Chair, Regional Commission Chairs, and State Legislators. The event includes time for members of the Commission and supporters to visit legislators to discuss priority legislation.

Advocacy Day 2023 was a huge success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for MCSW Advocacy Day 2023! Here’s a sneak peak of just a few of the amazing moments we shared together fighting for our future. We loved handing out cookies with QR codes that link to all of our legislative priorities! We were honored to have so many young people, elected officials, regional and state commissioners, and coalition partners from across the state gather to raise our voices, to be represented, and to advocate for our communities.

Top News Coverage:

Boston Globe: Students participate in Beacon Hill advocacy day for women’s commission

WGBH News: Advocates push for pregnancy care measures on Beacon Hill

State House News Service: Women’s Commission Lays Out Session Priorities

Top Event Highlights:

1. State and Regional Commissioner came together from all across the state
2. More than 200 people joined us for MCSW Advocacy Day 2023!
3. Governor Maura Healey addressed the crowd with inspiring remarks
4. MCSW Executive Director Shaitia Spruell showing off our 2023 Legislative Priorities cookie!
5. Berkshire County Commissioner Laura Cabrera brought her daughter to Advocacy Day, seen here shaking hands with Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier
6. Members of the MetroWest Athena Council share their legislative priorities during the morning speaking program at Advocacy Day. (Bottom Right)
7. Eastern Regional Commissioners Linda Champion and Soumia Aitelhaj join State Commissioner Mary-dith Tuitt and Executive Director Shaitia Spruell for a brief pose after the morning speaking program.

Watch this exciting highlight reel for a sneak peak at just a few of the amazing moments we shared together fighting for our future. We loved handing out cookies with QR codes that link to all of our legislative priorities! We were honored to have so many young people, elected officials, regional and state commissioners, and coalition partners from across the state gather to raise our voices, to be represented, and to advocate for our communities. Thank you to everyone who joined us for MCSW Advocacy Day 2023, and a special thank you to Stephanie Houten Multimedia for this amazing recap video!