Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
MCSW Mission
The mission of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Massachusetts. The Commission stands for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the full enjoyment of life for all women throughout their lives. The purpose of the commission is to advance women toward full equality in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for women.
The Commission is Empowered to
- Study, review and report on the status of women in the Commonwealth
- Inform leaders of business, education, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of issues pertaining to women
- Serve as a clearinghouse for information on issues pertaining to women
- Identify and recommend qualified women for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions
- Promote and facilitate collaboration among local women's commissions and among women's organizations in the state.
Meetings
All Commission meetings are open to the public. Please call to confirm the time and location of the meeting.
The full Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. (except during November and December when the meetings will be on the second Wednesday, and February when the meeting will be held on the third Wednesday) at the Charles F. Hurley Building, 307C, 19 Staniford St, Boston.
We welcome your questions, comments, ideas and participation. If you would like more information or want to be on our mailing list, please contact us.
Massachusetts Women's Information Network (MassWIN)
The MCSW is pleased to provide this interactive, online resource and referral network for access to information, services, agencies and organizations for Massachusetts' women and their families.
Please click here to access the website.
Contact Us
- Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
- The Charles F. Hurley Building, 19 Staniford St. 6th Fl. Boston, MA 02114-2502
- Phone: 617-626-6520, TTY: 711-617-626-6520, Fax: 617-626-6530
- Email: mcsw@state.ma.us
- Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Us
The Commission consists of 19 volunteer commissioners, who are appointed by one of four appointing authorities. The Governor, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the Caucus of Women Legislators.
FY 2012 Commissioners and Officers
- CHAIR, Victoria A. Budson, Wellesley
- VICE CHAIR, Stephanie L. Everett, Mattapan
- SECRETARY, Lucy Harty, Florence
- TREASURER, Marianne C. Fleckner, Westford
- Hanishi Thanawalla Ali, Westborough
- Carmen Arce-Bowen, East Boston
- Linda Cavaioli, Worcester
- Chris Chanyasulkit, Brookline
- Marisa A. DeFranco, Esq., Middleton
- Donna Finneran, Mattapan
- Kathleen Freeman, Wayland
- Laurie Giardella, Nahant
- Elizabeth Hart, Malden
- Joanne Fitzgerald McCrea, Salem
- Angela Menino, Hyde Park
- Ruth Nemzoff, Brookline
- Mary-dith E. Tuitt, Mattapan