FRAMINGHAM, MA - Governor Deval Patrick recently signed legislation establishing the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women. The legislation was filed by Senator Karen Spilka at the request of women in the MetroWest area and organized by the United Way of Tri-County.

The MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women will consist of nine commissioners appointed by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women who will represent the strength and diversity of the region in regard to geography, age, professional background and personal experience. The commissioners will share a common commitment to the improvement of the status of women in the MetroWest area.

Victoria A. Budson, chair of the MCSW, stated: "The newly formed commission will provide insight to identify the challenges and opportunities for women of the Metrowest region with the goal of improving the lives of women, their families, and communities. I am confident the commissioners appointed to serve on the Metrowest Commission on the Status of Women, each with her own skills and base of knowledge, will be able to move us toward this goal."

Per its enabling legislation, the Commission will be charged with conducting an ongoing study of matters concerning women within the MetroWest area. The Commission is mandated to report its findings to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women annually and to recommend solutions to the challenges facing the women and girls of the MetroWest area.

"This commission will amplify the voices of women and girls in the MetroWest region and identify specific ways to advance women’s rights here and across the state," Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) said. "We are promoting equality and opportunity for all women in our communities and helping to inspire the next generation of female leaders in the Commonwealth."

There are currently five women’s regional commissions across Massachusetts, which include, Berkshire County, Bristol County, Cape Cod and the Islands, Essex County, and Worcester County. Additionally, there are nine independently-functioning municipal commissions across the Commonwealth with which the MCSW and regional commissions maintain a working relationship.

The creation of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women augments these well-established commissions and broadens the reach and scope of organizations committed to improving women’s access to opportunities, rights, and equality in all areas of life. "Building a better community for women in MetroWest begins with understanding the issues facing women in our region," said Jen Maseda, Senior Vice President of United Way of Tri-County. "Greater women’s representation and involvement in advisory commissions like the newly established MetroWest Commission, corresponds with a more equitable distribution of community resources, advancing programs related to health, financial stability, nutrition, and education."

For additional information or to request information regarding the application process, please contact The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women at 617-626-6520 or online at mcsw@state.ma.us.

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