Who We Are & What We Do

About the PCSW: The Permanent Commission on the Status of Women was formed in 1973 under Sec. 46a of the Connecticut General Statutes to study and improve Connecticut women’s economic security, health and safety; to promote consideration of qualified women to leadership positions; and to work toward the elimination of gender discrimination. As a non-partisan arm of the General Assembly the agency monitors, critiques and recommends changes to legislation to inform public policy, and assesses programs and practices in State agencies for their effect on the state’s women. The PCSW serves as a liaison between government and its diverse constituents, and convenes stakeholders, including the business, non-profit and educational communities, local governments, and the media, in order to promote awareness of women’s issues.

Friends of PCSW gather at a July event in support of the Foundation for Connecticut Women. Left to right are: Mary Matke, Lena Stein, Mary Collier, PCSW Commissioner CeeCee Woods, John Lobon, PCSW Commissioner Pat Russo, PCSW Executive Director Teresa C. Younger, Friend of the PCSW and PCSW Commissioner Adrienne Farrar-Houel. The Foundation is a 501c (3) in support of the PCSW and the women it represents.