Michigan Women’S Commission

The Michigan Women’s Commission (MWC) was statutorily created in 1968 [PA 1 of 1968] with the mission of improving the lives of Michigan women. The MWC consists of 15 members broadly representative of numerous fields of interest to women. The Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, appoints members to the Commission for three-year terms. The Governor also designates a chair and a vice chair from members of the Commission. Commission meetings are held quarterly, and the location rotates throughout the state. Throughout its forty-four year history, the MWC has worked on many issues. Its current priorities are unlocking opportunities for more Michigan women to fully participate in the workforce, addressing the inequalities that prevent Michigan women's financial freedom, bringing more diverse experiences and perspectives to the table through the visible, authentic leadership of Michigan women, and minimizing the implicit biases present in ourselves, our work and policymaking. We work with state agencies, special taskforces, educational institutions and non-profit organizations to help meet our statutory mandate. For example, we developed, and continue to support, the yearly "Young Women, Strong Leaders" conferences that provide mentoring and career exploration for college-age women. The MWC also serves as a referral agency for Michigan women and helps them navigate federal, state and local resources.