MARCH 2026 EDITION

Here at the MCSW, our scholarship program is funded by people like you who believe that when you invest in women and girls, you change entire communities. In honor of the 2026 IWD Theme: 'Give to Gain," consider making a contribution to the MCSW to ensure these crucial programs can continue.

Welcome to the Girls Empowerment Leadership Initiative – also known as GELI!

Get ready to UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL at the 2026 GELI Summit! If you’re a fierce female between 14-22, this is YOUR moment to shine. Learn new leadership skills, develop new connections, and build alliances to advocate for girls’ issues. Engage in civic leadership training that promotes the well-being of all girls in MA.

This isn’t just an event – it’s your launchpad to becoming an extraordinary change maker in policy, leadership, and community impact. We hope you join us at this year’s groundbreaking GELI Summit!

Save the Date:
The 2026 GELI Summit will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

We're thrilled to announce that registration is now open! Join us.

Essex County Ginsberg Initiative Creates Digital Zine for Girls

Here at the MCSW, we believe in uplifting the work of the next generation of women leaders here in the Commonwealth. Many of our 11 regional commissions have created youth councils that center the voice and unique experiences of women in their local communities.

The Essex County Commission on the Status of Women's youth council, the Ginsberg Initiative, has created their first ever digital magazine! Be sure to check it out and share widely with anyone you know who might be interested. Click here to learn more about ECCSW and get involved!

Join the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW), the Plymouth County Commission on the Status of Women (PCCSW), and the City of Brockton's Women's Commission for an upcoming hybrid public hearing focusing on issues affecting women and girls in the Commonwealth – this time at Massasoit Community College in Brockton!

Your input on issues that matter to you directly informs the MCSW legislative agenda and policy priorities. Join us and make your voice heard.

The event is free and open to the public and will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Residents, legislators, and other community stakeholders from Berkshire County and across the Commonwealth are invited to attend, and testimony is open to any member of the public, including elected officials. We’re asking anyone interested in issues that impact women, children, and families to share their experiences, to learn from one another, and create change, together. Register to indicate any language or accessibility needs you may have. More event information and registration can be found on our webite.

What: Hybrid Public Hearing 

When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Where: Massasoit Community College

One Massasoit Blvd. Brockton, MA 02302

On a mission: Lynners advocate for all

Brenda Ortiz McGrath, left, and Ivanna Solano, both of Lynn, pose for a portrait in Lynn on Wednesday, Feb. 4. McGrath and Solano are both commissioners (representing Lynn) of the Essex County Commission on the Status of Women (ECCSW) were featured in an article uplifting the incredible work of this regional body. Read the full story and learn more about how to get involved!

In the News

MCSW Seeking Regional Commissioners 

MCSW is seeking candidates to serve on the following Regional Commissions:

• Berkshire County CSW
• Bristol County CSW
• Cape Cod and the Islands CSW
• Hampshire-Franklin CSW
• MetroWest CSW

We always accept applications on a rolling basis for all of our regionals! For more information and to apply: MCSW Regional Commissions.

For additional questions, contact Tina Games, Regional Commissions Director.

Above Photos: Members of the MetroWest CSW's Athena Council gathered on Saturday, February 14th at the Medway Public Library for a panel discussion with area healthcare providers on issues of concern to high school girls in the MetroWest region.

It’s Women’s History Month – and our regional commissions have a lot planned to honor and celebrate the women in their towns and cities. Several of them are hosting, co-hosting, or attending International Women’s Day events throughout the month of March. Whether it’s community surveys, public hearings, speaker panels, listening sessions, legislative breakfast meetings with elected officials, or collaborative events with community partners – our regional commissions continue to be focused on their primary goal of serving the women and girls in their communities through educational programming, legislative advocacy, and community resources.

Here's a quick glance at what’s happening across Massachusetts through the work of our 11 regional commissions:

• The Berkshire County Commission is hosting a public hearing on Saturday, March 28th at the Berkshire Athenaeum Public Library in Pittsfield from 2:00-4:00 pm with childcare, refreshments, and Spanish translation provided. They are also hosting a personal self-defense class in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and will welcome a new commissioner this month.

• The Bristol County Commission is continuing to monitor the results of their community survey which was launched and distributed in early January in partnership with several organizations that serve women and girls in the county. They are also making plans for a series of spring events in collaboration with community partners – and will be traveling to Boston to attend Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day on March 19th.

• The Cape Cod and Islands Commission will be co-hosting the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast in Hyannis on April 7th in partnership with several women-serving organizations across the Cape, including the Cape Cod League of Women Voters and WE CAN. They will also be welcoming two new commissioners this month.

• The Eastern Regional Commission will be co-hosting an event this spring that focuses on one of their key legislative priorities and will feature several speakers on the topic with opportunities for attendees to ask questions. ERCSW will also be welcoming three new commissioners this month – and plans to attend Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day on March 19th.

• The Essex County Commission will be joining local community leader Therese Melden for Cabot’s Community Conversation on the topic of “Childcare to Elder Care: The Challenge Families are Facing.” ERCSW Commissioners will also be joining members of their Ginsburg Initiative at Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on March 19th.

• The Hampden County Commission will be hosting a legislative breakfast on Monday, March 23rd at the Holyoke Community College MGM Arts Institute where they will be presenting their regional priorities and engaging with state legislators and community partners. HCCSW is also planning a public hearing in June – and will be bringing on a regional intern to assist with social media and community outreach.

• The Hampshire-Franklin Commission prepared a report to send to state legislators on the feedback they received during their community conversation with constituents in Franklin County at Greenfield Community College. They are also actively recruiting for upcoming vacancies and will be interviewing candidates this spring.

• The MetroWest Commission will be hosting their annual International Women’s Day Event on Sunday, March 8th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in Wellesley at the MassBay Community College with a theme of “Give to Gain.” Their keynote speaker will be State Auditor Diana DiZoglio. MWCSW Commissioners will also be joining members of their Athena Council at Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on March 19th.

• The Plymouth County Commission is attending Mass Now’s Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day in Boston on March 19th – and participating in the annual International Women’s Day Breakfast at Simmons University on March 6th. They continue to distribute their recently updated resource guide to regional libraries, senior centers, and community centers and through their community partners. PCCSW will also be welcoming two new commissioners this month.

• The Upper Middlesex Commission is planning a series of listening sessions across the region to engage with community members, local leaders, and state representatives on issues of concern for women and girls in the region. They are also in conversation with the Somerville Women’s Commission and are discussing potential collaborations.

• The Worcester County Commission is planning to launch a community survey this spring and will be working with community partners to distribute it across the county. They will also be welcoming two new commissioners this month – and beginning a conversation regarding the formation of a youth advisory council.

Join the Metrowest Commission on the Status of Women for an International Women's Day Event you won't want to miss!! Auditor Diana DiZoglio will preside over some fun, networking, laughs, inspiration, and more, with the Radiant Legendary Comedian @whatsonvisface the Trailblazer @wearefihri, the Incredibly Talented @whitco.photography and Local Authors Including @miss_raemi Collaborating With One Of Our Vendors @wellesleybooks! Join them for an all ages, all allies welcome event for an incredible time with exceptional women!

Please note that due to extreme blizzard conditions, ongoing snowstorms, and parking constraints, we have decided to change the event location.

New Event Location:

MassBay Community College – Wellesley Hills Campus

Atrium, 2nd Floor

50 Oakland Street

Wellesley, MA 02481

Visitor parking is available across campus on the right after the main entrance.

Please plan accordingly and allow extra travel time. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you there!

Vermont Works for Women (VWW) in partnership with the Vermont Women’s Fund and the Vermont Commission on Women are thrilled to launch the Women, Work, and Wages Spotlight Report – a powerful tool for understanding the economic realities facing women across our state. Developed in collaboration with researchers and community leaders statewide, the spotlight report offers essential, Vermont-specific data provided by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s State Policy Action Lab (State PAL). The report underscores the indispensable role women play in driving Vermont’s economy and strengthening our communities.

The Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy (CWPPP) advances greater diversity in public leadership to promote more equitable and just public policies that serve all. The CWPPP at the University of Massachusetts Boston invites women of color, gender-expansive people of color, youth and young adults, allies, and supporters to a powerful, transformative public convening. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks with your registration. The evening reception features light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar, all included. If you would like to volunteer at this event, please reach out to cwppp@umb.edu to sign up. You will receive a discount code on your registration.

📣 POSTPONED: MENSTRUAL EQUITY ADVOCACY DAY 📣

Due to the storm this week, Mass NOW is postponing the Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day to Thursday, March 19th!

The speaking and advocacy training portion of the event (10am-1pm) will be hosted at Carrie Nation, right down the street from the State House. Then, after lunch we will walk to the State House to meet with legislators.

It is very important that if you are able to attend on the new date, you RSVP by March 6th!

Join MassNOW and members of the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition (MME) from across the Commonwealth for Menstrual Equity Advocacy Day.

Hear from inspirational speakers and learn firsthand how to advocate effectively! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from activist and legislator speakers and meet with your legislators to take action for menstrual equity legislation including…

• H.4611 / S.2640: The I AM Bill 
• HB3318 / S.2156: Increased access to menstrual products in public buildings
• S.2641 / H.2375: Ingredient Disclosure requirements for menstrual products

Don’t miss out on this opportunity, register at massnow.org today!

Learn how to submit an application for the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Grant Program offered by the Attorney General's Office!

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) is pleased to announce the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs Grant Program for the Summer 2026 cycle. The AGO requests proposals that fund one or more youth summer jobs that advance positive public health outcomes in Massachusetts communities and meaningful professional development opportunities for young people. Applicants must provide grant-funded youth employees with access to structured professional development opportunities, including, but not limited to, career-readiness training, financial literacy education, and professional certifications. Before applying, applicants should review the full list of grant requirements in the Request for Proposals. An informational webinar was hosted on February 18th. Please find the webinar recording here.

The deadline for the Healthy Summer Youth Jobs grant applications is on Friday, March 13th at 5:00PM.

For more information and guidance on applying, please review the Request for Proposals on the grant website.

As you may know, four of our top priority bills are now before the Ways & Means Committee for consideration — and your voice can help move them forward through this critical stage.

• H.3433: An Act Relative to the MCSW > HWM  
• S.1118 / H.1921: An act relative to sexual harassment - Protects against sexual harassment and abuse of power in investment relationships.
• S.1119 / H.1922: An act relative to fair investment - Ensures equitable access to capital so every entrepreneur can compete and succeed.
• H.1922 (Nguyen) > JT Comm on the Judiciary 
• S.1119 (Friedman) > SWM
• POB aka Parity on Boards
• H.3398: (Nguyen & Shand) An Act to promote diversity on public boards and commissions > HWM 
• S. 2160: (Lewis) An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions > SWM 
• OML/Remote Meetings 
• H.4831: An Act to modernize participation in public meetings > HWM 
• S.2205: An Act updating the Open Meeting Law to support remote participation > SWM 

Please take a moment to email your legislator and respectfully ask them to report these bills favorably (Sample Email Here). Thank you for helping advance policies that promote accountability, fairness, and equitable access to capital.

We’re testing the launch of our new Take Action Hub with one of our key pieces of priority legislation known as Parity on Boards (H.3398/S.2160): An Act to ensure gender parity and racial and ethnic diversity on public boards and commissions.

It's easy to sign our petition in support of #POB! This new tool enables you to add your (private) address information and directly contact your local legislators with a custom message in support of this bill. Add your personal flair or send the message as is - but either way, we encourage you to add your name in support of Parity on Boards in Massachusetts.

When the nation is rolling back protections for increasing diverse representation on public boards & commissions, we here in Massachusetts will set the standard for the nation by doubling down on policies that enhance economic development and increase representation for all. And so, we ask you to add your voice to ours. Sign our petition. Tell your Legislators you support Parity on Boards!

Need more information? Visit the Parity on Board website and download the fact sheet. Want to join the Parity on Boards coalition? Email mcsw@mass.gov today!

Join us at any of our FY26 monthly committee meetings!

Legislative & Public Policy Committee:

First Tuesday of every month, 5:30 - 6:30pm

Program & Planning Committee:

Second Tuesday of every month, 4:00 - 5:00pm

Finance Committee:

Second Wednesday of every month, 3:00 - 4:00pm

Executive Committee:

Third Tuesday of every month, 4:30 - 5:30pm

Full Commission Meeting:

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 4:30pm - 5:30pmV

MCSW State Commissioners

Mary-dith Tuitt, Boston

Chairwoman

Christine Monska, Auburndale

Vice-Chairwoman

Audrey Hall, Framingham

MCSW Treasurer

Dr. Kimberly Shea, Winchendon

MCSW Secretary

Program and Planning Committee Chairwoman

Tanisha Arena, Springfield

Finance Committee Vice-Chair

Giselle Byrd, Boston

Program and Planning Committee Vice-Chair

Carol Campbell, Amherst

Divya Chaturvedi, Wilmington

Finance Committee Secretary

Whitney Dodds, Worcester

Guimel DeCarvalho, Natick

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Chair

Melissa Ferretti, Buzzards Bay

Natascha George, Boston

Allison Goldberg, Marblehead

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Vice-Chair

Shela Levante, Pittsfield

Dr. Aisha Miller, Mattapan

Program and Planning Committee Secretary

Lise OIney, Wellesley

Legislative and Public Policy Committee Secretary

Heather Panahi, Wellesley

Dr. Candace E. Pérez, Lynn

Dr. Emily Wilson, Plymouth

The Office of Economic Empowerment - Economic Empowerment for Women

The Office of Economic Empowerment provides several programs geared toward women of the Commonwealth, covering financial literacy, wage equality, and more.

Under Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) focuses on creating and implementing programs and initiatives that give women the tools to succeed at home and in the workplace. They provide quality workshops and opportunities for women to learn strategies for financial success and free resources.

Mass 2-1-1: This online directory is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help to pay your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals' parents, and families.

Massachusetts Girls in Trades was launched in 2015 by a partnership of educational, governmental and union organizations with a shared goal of supporting and encouraging female career and technical education students and alumnae to pursue careers in the building trades. Directory of Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers in Massachusetts.

Find LGBTQ Youth Resources: A comprehensive list of LGBTQ resources for youth throughout the state of Massachusetts, updated frequently, from our partners at Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth.

Resources for Immigrants in Massachusetts: The Attorney General’s Office recognizes the value of our diverse communities and serves all Massachusetts residents, regardless of immigration status. Learn more about the rights afforded to immigrants under state law and resources available to immigrant communities.

Local Women’s Commissions

There are currently 11 local Women’s Commissions that represent various cities and towns in the Commonwealth. While these Commissions are independent of MCSW, the Commission serves as a resource and partner for local commissions:

• Boston Women’s Commission
• Brockton Mayor’s Commission on Women’s Issues
• Brookline Commission for Women
• Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women
• Chelsea Commission on the Status of Women
• Melrose Commission on Women
• Newton Commission on the Status of Women
• Somerville Commission for Women
• Springfield, MA Commission on Women's Affairs
• Worcester, MA Advisory Committee on the Status of Women