Celebrating 130 Years of Women Working Together

In 2026, the National Council of Women of Great Britain proudly marks 130 years of championing women’s voices and driving improvements in the quality of life for everyone. We have worked to improve equality for women and girls since 1895.

Our successes include gaining a role for women in the police force; helping to get wives and husbands’ incomes assessed separately for tax; regulation of chemicals in food; controlling the export of live animals; increasing provision of sheltered accommodation for older people; exhaust emission controls; controlling antibiotics in farming, and most recently achieving a Minister for Equality.

A Legacy of Action

For over a century, NCWGB has provided a platform for women to come together, share expertise, and take collective action. Our achievements reflect the dedication and determination of generations of women who have worked tirelessly to improve lives and strengthen communities.

Our most recent achievements centre around digital safety and limiting online harms; protecting children from online pornography and too much screentime, and ending depiction of strangulation in pornography.

Today, we continue our legacy through:

  • Policy advocacy and consultation with decision-makers to require safety by design in online platforms
  • Engagement with international partners, including the United Nations, and leading the International Council of Women on climate change
  • National conferences, seminars and local initiatives such as an interdisciplinary study group on online harms and workshops on deafness and on sustainable consumption
  • Campaigns on issues that matter to women and girls such as domestic violence, deafness and adult social care

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future. Internationally we are playing an active part in coalitions supporting democratic norms, humanitarian values, equality for women and the role of the UN. Our members’ expertise and the values are at the heart of all we do.

The current international situation shows we must never take our liberties and rights for granted.

Get Involved!

Our anniversary is not only a moment to reflect, but an invitation to take part.

You can:

  • Join NCWGB as an individual member or affiliated organisation
  • Attend our regular events and annual conference
  • Contribute to our campaigns and policy work
  • Share your voice and help shape our future priorities

Whether you are new to NCWGB or have been part of our journey for many years, there has never been a better time to get involved.

Join here
Donate Here

Join Us in Celebrating

Throughout the year, we will be sharing stories from our history, highlighting current work, and showcasing the impact of women working together across generations.

Listen to our stories here

Together, we honour our past and build our future.