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Get Involved, Influence Change: How Massachusetts Women Can Serve on Public Boards and Commissions

MCSW’s Mission: 

Our mission at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is to center all women in positions of leadership. The Commission exists to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Massachusetts.  

When Women are at the Table

When women are at the table, they unlock the potential for more thoughtful and inclusive solutions that uplift our communities and advance towards a more inclusive and equitable future. That’s why it is important to have women be part of public boards and commissions to contribute diverse perspectives and ensure that decision-making reflects the needs and experiences of the entire community. Their participation helps challenge existing biases, address gender-specific issues, and promote inclusive practices that benefit all citizens. By encouraging and supporting women’s involvement in these roles, we can build stronger, more representative institutions that truly reflect the diversity of our society. 

Why I do this Work

At MCSW, my role as the Spring & Summer 2024 Marketing & Communications Intern has allowed me to channel my deep passion for women’s rights into meaningful action. It’s important to me to amplify important issues and encourage women and girls from all walks of life, to share their voices and experiences which is exactly what I have been able to be a part of here at MCSW. By crafting social media posts and writing marketing tools, I work to ensure that these important issues and efforts for change receive the attention they deserve. Being part of this dedicated team not only aligns with my personal values but also fuels my drive to creating lasting change and empowering women. By advocating for broader participation and visibility, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman’s perspective is valued and impactful.

That’s why I wanted to share information on how women can get involved and step into leadership roles. As a part of my internship, we created a resource for women to learn more about how they can serve on public boards and commissions. I am driven by the belief that diverse representation in decision-making roles leads to a more effective and equitable outcomes for everyone. By providing clear, accessible information on how women can get involved, I hope to inspire and empower more women to step into these crucial roles, ensuring that their perspectives and insights contribute to the betterment of our society. This work is a vital step towards MCSW’s mission by achieving greater gender equity and creating a more inclusive and representative governance system.  

Here is our handy one-pager you can download that we made to encourage all women across the state to step into positions of leadership. For more information or if you have any questions, please email mcsw@mass.gov.  

Dafne is a class of 2026 undergraduate student at Emmanuel College studying Communications & Media Studies with a double minor in Political Communications & Film. She served as the Marketing and Communications Intern at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) for the 2024 school year.