MISSION The mission of the Commission is to advance women toward full equality in all areas of life and to promote rights and opportunities for all women. The Commission exists to provide a permanent, effective voice for women across Massachusetts. The Commission stands for fundamental freedoms, basic human rights and the full enjoyment of life for all women throughout their lives. The Commission is empowered to: •Study, review and report on the status of women in the Commonwealth; •Advise executive and legislative bodies on the effect of proposed legislation on women; •Inform leaders of business, education, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of issues pertaining to women; •Provide referrals and serve as a resource of information on issues pertaining to women; •Identify and recommend qualified women for positions at all levels of government; •Promote and facilitate collaboration among local women's commissions and among women’s organizations in the state; •Serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with issues affecting women; •Assess programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect women