our work with parliament.
NAWO works closely with the Government Equalities Office (GEO) and the wider UK government, hosting regular events with parliamentarians and creating opportunities for members to share knowledge, experiences and expertise.
The GEO leads on policy relating to women’s equality, LGBTQ+ rights and wider equalities legislation. Its work focuses on improving equality and reducing discrimination in public life, the workplace and beyond, while also upholding the UK’s international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Beijing Platform for Action.
Key priorities include tackling the gender pay gap, supporting women’s career progression and representation in leadership roles, addressing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, preventing homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying in schools, and helping to end violence against women and girls.
our work in europe
The UK Joint Committee on Women (UKJCW) brings together women’s organisations from across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure the UK has a strong voice in Europe. As the UK’s representative to the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) – the largest network of women’s organisations in Europe – the UKJCW works to influence policy, share information, and champion gender equality.
Through this partnership, the UKJCW connects UK women and organisations with European campaigns on key issues such as equality, justice and ending violence against women, ensuring that women’s voices from all four nations are heard at the highest levels.
Our work internationally
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the United Nations’ annual gathering dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s rights. Held each March in New York, it brings together government ministers, UN representatives, NGOs, and grassroots activists from around the world. Over two weeks, participants discuss progress and challenges, share expertise, and shape global commitments on issues ranging from child marriage to equal pay. Each session concludes with an agreed policy document that guides future action by member states.
CSW plays a central role in monitoring progress on the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the landmark agenda for women’s empowerment adopted in 1995. The Platform identifies 12 critical areas, including poverty, education, health, violence against women, women in leadership, human rights, the media, the environment, and the rights of the girl child. It continues to serve as a global framework affirming that women’s rights are human rights, and that achieving equality benefits everyone.
Through CSW and the Beijing Platform for Action, the international community works collectively to advance women’s rights, hold governments accountable, and push forward progress for women and girls worldwide.
NAWO plays an active role in CSW by coordinating the UK civil society delegation, ensuring women and girls from across the UK can participate and be heard on the global stage. We organise and support side events, connect our members with international partners, and provide opportunities for young women to engage directly with UN processes. By bringing grassroots voices into international discussions, NAWO helps shape the agenda and hold governments to account on their commitments to gender equality.