Women

The Somerville Commission for Women was created in March 1988 by City ordinance. The SCW’s bylaws state that the Commission’s purpose is “to act as a centralizing force in the City of Somerville to ensure the equal status of women in educational, economic, political, health, legal, and social spheres including the provision of information, referrals and guidance… [and] to take any action considered appropriate by the SCW to ensure the equal status of women of every race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, national origin, ability, age and sexual orientation.” The committees are the heart of the Commission. Currently: Stopping the Violence, Public Relations, Employment and Empowerment. Commissioners serve on at least one committee.

The House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts recognized the Commission on its 10th anniversary for 10 years of outstanding service in advocacy for women, opposition to domestic violence and working for social justice.