National Association of Commissions for Women
About National Association of Commissions for Women
Founded on the legacy of President John F. Kennedy's 1961 Commission on the Status of Women and chaired by Eleanor Roosevelt, the National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) in Media, PA carries forward a historic commitment to women's equality and justice. Since its formal establishment in 1975, NACW has evolved to connect commissions for women spanning state, county, and local levels across the nation. The organization emerged from grassroots momentum that began in 1962 when Michigan established the first state commission, rapidly spreading to every state, territory, and the District of Columbia. NACW's mission centers on sustaining, strengthening, and advocating for women's commissions in their vital work to promote equality and justice for all women and girls. The organization recognizes that meaningful progress requires ongoing partnership between government and the private sector, bringing together diverse voices from all age groups, economic backgrounds, ethnic communities, and social segments. NACW serves as a unifying national network that cultivates supporters, builds professional relationships among commission members, and ensures that women's voices are heard in policy development and legislative action. By providing technical assistance, fostering peer connections, and amplifying the collective impact of women's commissions, NACW honors the pioneering vision established decades ago while adapting to contemporary challenges. The organization remains dedicated to ensuring that women and girls are not only represented but genuinely empowered within their communities, carrying forward a movement rooted in decades of advocacy and service.