Commission On The Status of Women – Boston, MA

Commission Purpose and Advocacy

Advancing Equity for Women

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) is an independent state agency established to advance women and girls toward full equity in all areas of life. Located in the McCormack Building at 1 Ashburton Place, the Commission serves as a permanent, effective voice for women across the Commonwealth. It was created by legislation in 1998 to review the status of women and offer policy recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and other state leaders. The Commission is composed of 19 volunteer commissioners appointed by the Governor, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the Caucus of Women Legislators. Their work focuses on critical issues such as the gender wage gap, access to healthcare, protection from violence, and economic empowerment. The MCSW empowers women through advocacy, education, and legislative initiatives, striving to ensure that all women—regardless of race, age, ability, or socioeconomic status—have the opportunity to thrive 👩‍⚖️.

Programs and Regional Engagement

The Commission is not just a policy body; it actively engages with the community through Regional Commissions. These county-level bodies allow the MCSW to address specific local needs and gather grassroots input from women across the state. The MCSW hosts public hearings and “listening sessions” to hear directly from constituents about the challenges they face. Key programs include the Commonwealth Heroines awards, which recognize unsung leaders in local communities, and the Advocacy Day at the State House, where women gather to lobby for priority legislation. The Commission also produces research reports on topics like the impact of COVID-19 on women and girls, providing data-driven insights to policymakers.

• Legislative Advocacy: Drafting and supporting bills that improve women’s rights.
• Regional Commissions: Supporting local boards in counties like Bristol, Essex, and Plymouth.
• Public Hearings: Gathering testimony from residents on systemic barriers.
• Policy Research: Publishing studies on the economic and social status of women.
• Information & Referral: Connecting women with resources for legal and social support.

Visiting the McCormack Building

The MCSW office is located on the 16th floor (Suite 16211) of the John W. McCormack Building at 1 Ashburton Place, directly adjacent to the State House. As a major government office building, security is strict. Visitors must enter through the main lobby and pass through security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks. A valid government-issued photo ID is required to check in at the security desk and receive a visitor badge. Visitors should dress professionally. While the staff is available to answer inquiries, it is recommended to schedule an appointment or contact the office via email or phone for specific requests, as the Commission’s work often involves off-site hearings and meetings.

Transit and Accessibility

One Ashburton Place is highly accessible by public transportation. The closest MBTA subway stations are Government Center (Blue and Green Lines), Park Street (Red and Green Lines), and Bowdoin (Blue Line). The building is located at the top of Beacon Hill, so visitors walking from Government Center will encounter an uphill walk or stairs. The facility is fully ADA compliant, featuring accessible entrances and elevators. There is no on-site parking for the public; visitors driving to the office are advised to use the Center Plaza Garage or other nearby commercial parking facilities, which can be costly.