In 2026 the UK celebrates the 40th year of ratifying the CEDAW – United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
CEDAW is the bill of rights for women’s empowerment, passed in 1979 at the UN and ratified by the UK government in the 1980s. It covers both public and private life and is covers a wide range of areas. To date, it is the best source in international law of rights protection for women and girls.
In 2023, Cardiff County Council passed a motion making Cardiff a City for CEDAW, incorporating CEDAW obligations into all of its functions as a City. It is the only City for CEDAW in Europe – so far! The Welsh Government is progressing work to implement CEDAW into Welsh law (international law is not devolved to Welsh Government) and is involved in the reporting process at UK level.
Led by Welsh co-operative women, this event will explain more about what CEDAW is, its importance and how you can get involved in securing rights at a local level.