From Global Convention to Local Action: Cardiff Becomes Europe’s First City for CEDAW

Written By Daisy Tipping

Cardiff made history this March as leaders, advocates, academics and international guests gathered for From Global Convention to a City for CEDAW — a three‑day

event marking the 40th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

The conference celebrated Cardiff Council’s 2023 motion, proposed by Professor Jackie Jones, to embed CEDAW principles into all council policy — a commitment formally ratified during the event, making Cardiff the first European City for CEDAW. As one participant put it, “the day marked a clear shift from conversation to action.”

Embedding CEDAW Locally: Leadership from Wales

The conference was chaired by Dr Rachel Minto of Cardiff University, who guided a programme focused on one central message: CEDAW can only be fully realised when implemented locally — in councils, public bodies, and community organisations.

Key Welsh leaders reinforced this theme:

  • Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council, emphasised that services must be designed around equality, with education — especially for boys — at the heart of long‑term change.

  • Jane Hutt MS, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Equality, highlighted that gender equality in Europe remains 123 years away, noting that “women do more unpaid work and 1 in 3 have experienced sexual violence.” Wales continues to lead globally, with a gender‑balanced Cabinet and a female First Minister and Presiding Officer.

Global Voices, Local Impact

International CEDAW leaders brought a powerful global perspective:

  • Nahia Haidar, Chair of the UN CEDAW Committee, stressed that implementation must be “bottom up and top down” with legal provisions to ensure accountability.

  • Esther Eghobamien‑Mshelia, Vice‑Chair, highlighted the economic impact of inequality, noting Wales’ 2024 gender pay gap of 8.9%, much of it linked to caring responsibilities and part‑time work.

  • Dr Soon‑Young Yoon and Jessica Pierson, NGO representatives to the UN, shared lessons from the United States, where cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles have adopted CEDAW despite the US not ratifying the treaty. Their work demonstrates how gender impact assessments and community‑driven policy can build resilience and counter backlash.

Welsh Cities Leading the Way

Cardiff is not alone in its ambition.

Cllr Elliot King of Swansea Council — Wales’ first Human Rights City — described how international standards shape local services across pay, housing, health, policing and education. Children’s Rights have been embedded in the Welsh curriculum since 2014, and Swansea now has a dedicated officer for CEDAW incorporation.

Cllr Julie Sangani outlined Cardiff’s progress since 2023, including:

  • An Anti‑Discrimination and Inclusion Committee

  • mandatory equality and sexual harassment training

  • flexible working for all

  • menopause support

  • commitments as a Safer City and Child-Friendly City

Workshops: Turning Principles into Practice

Local authorities shared practical approaches to embedding equality:

  • Cardiff reported a 58% female workforce, with gender pay gaps concentrated in senior grades. Women’s networks are helping shift culture and broaden career pathways.

  • Monmouthshire (67% female workforce) is reviewing all policies with departmental breakdowns to drive cultural change.

  • Vale of Glamorgan has introduced dashboards enabling managers to track progress and identify gaps

Across the workshops, recurring themes emerged:

commitment, pay equity, leave policies, recruitment, leadership, data quality, gender budgeting, procurement, and tackling violence against women and girls.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also presented the Human Rights Tracker, which monitors UK and Welsh Government progress across seven UN treaties.

Panel Reflections: No One Left Behind

A closing panel brought together experts from tourism, law, and the CEDAW Committee:

  • Prof Andrew Campbell highlighted the exploitation of women in tourism, with low‑paid, seasonal, and insecure work.

  • Elaina Zetschler, Secretary General of the European Women Lawyers Association, emphasised the strength of EU gender legislation and the need for women and girls to engage actively.

  • Nahia Haidar reminded delegates to include older women and rural women in all policy design.

  • Esther Eghobamien‑Mshelia raised concerns about reverse discrimination narratives and stressed the need for robust compliance and reporting.

A Historic Moment at the Senedd

On the final day, international delegates visited the Senedd, where they observed plenary proceedings and attended a cross‑party meeting. Sashes and ribbons were presented to women who have served as Members of the Senedd since 1999. Delegates met the First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS, and Jane Hutt MS — a moment described as “momentous”.

A Turning Point for Wales — and Europe

The organisers captured the spirit of the event perfectly:

“Cardiff’s leadership signals a new chapter for gender equality in Europe.

The work ahead is significant — but the momentum is real, and the commitment is shared.

This is just the beginning.”

Written by Jane Fenton-May, NAWO MC, WAW

With thanks to:

Cardiff Council • Cardiff University • Welsh Government • Welsh Parliament • The Women’s Resource • South Wales Police & Crime Commissioner • Jackie Jones • International CEDAW Committee members • All speakers, partners and participants.

Daisy Tipping