The mission of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is to provide a permanent effective voice for women and girls across Massachusetts. The Commission stands for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the full enjoyment of life for all women and girls throughout their lives. The MCSW was legislatively created in 1998 as an independent state agency seeking to advance equ
ality for women across the state, and to promote their rights and opportunities. The commission consists of 19 volunteer commissioners who are appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Caucus of Women Legislators. For more than 25 years now, the Commission and our regional bodies have worked to advance the rights and opportunities of all women and girls across Massachusetts, and advance an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, color, s*x, age, disability (seen and unseen), genetic information, s*xual orientation, gender identity, parental status, marital status, socioeconomic status or background. Under MA Chapter 3, Section 66 of the Massachusetts General Laws the MCSW is empowered to:
• Study, review and report on the status of women in the Commonwealth
• Advise executive and legislative bodies on the effect of proposed legislation on women
• Inform leaders of business, education, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of issues pertaining to women
• Provide referrals and serve as a resource of information on issues pertaining to women;
• Identify and recommend qualified women for positions at all levels of government
• Promote and facilitate collaboration among local women's commissions and among women’s organizations in the state
• Serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with issues affecting women.
