Harvard Catalyst Profiles

What is the JCSW?

The Joint Committee on the Status of Women (JCSW), established in 1973 is an administrative committee of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS) representing an inclusive constituency of faculty, staff, fellows, residents, and students of HMS, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and affiliated hospitals and institutions.

Notable achievements of the JCSW include:

- Contributing towards creation of the Longwood Ombudsperson Office and the Office of Work and Faculty at HMS,
- Formal recommendations that women serve on all faculty search committees,
- Established Mother's Rooms at HMS
- Creating the Childcare Summit to address childcare issues at HMS and HSDM
- Establishing the Joseph B. Martin Dean's Leadership Award for the Advancement of Women Faculty and Staff Awards

Through the efforts of its members, the JCSW represents a voice for change through advocacy, action, education, networking, and visibility.

The JCSW exists to:

- Promote professional equity and inclusion
- Cultivate leadership and personal advocacy skills
- Facilitate mentorship for women staff, trainees, students and faculty
- Provide community and enhance networking opportunities within the JCSW
- Influence policies that advance women
- Support work-life integration
- Facilitate community outreach to help empower women
- Identify issues, barriers and challenges within the HMS and HSDM community
- Offer resolutions and recommendations to the Dean’s Office and administration

Email: JCSW_AdminAssist@hms.harvard.edu