Who We Are

The Commission

The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut was formed in 2016 to carry on the work of the former state agency of the same name (the “Commission”). The Commission was formed as a state agency in 1973 and for 43 years, developed landmark legislation and research in the areas of sexual harassment, domestic violence, family medical leave, pay equity and human trafficking to improve the lives of women and girls in Connecticut.

Two SEPARATE Corporations pursuing a common mission

In 2016, the Commission was merged with other state agencies, and the PCSW was reincorporated as two non-profit private corporations. These two entities together comprise the PCSW today. The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut Education Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entity, carries out strategic initiatives, outreach and research. Click here to learn more. The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women in Connecticut, Inc., is a 501(c)(4) entity and carries out legislative advocacy. Click here to learn more.

Improving the lives of women and girls today

The PCSW continues the Commission’s legacy of providing expertise, research, resources and advocacy in order to improve the lives of women and girls in Connecticut. Since its founding 47 years ago, the Commission was and the PCSW continues to be, a bipartisan organization with a non-partisan mandate, reflecting the broad diversity of Connecticut’s women.