Change

We work to change the lives of everyone

Our work, underpinned by robust research, aims to shape and change legislation and to improve the quality of life for all.

The earliest resolution in 1919 addressed income tax and called on the Government to separately assess husbands and wives. This resolution was re-affirmed in 1920 and 1981 before it finally became law in 1990. Change can take a long time and requires consistency and dedication. NCWGB is in it for the long haul!

Our second resolution in 1920, made the case for more women MPs The need for women in parliament, 1920 – National Council of Women For longstanding issues that take time to change NCW members often reaffirm our commitment to the cause. NCW members have re-supported gender parity in Parliament several times, the latest being Women in parliament 2015, 2014 – National Council of Women. At the 2024 general election, 263 women were elected to the House of Commons (out of a total of 650 MPs) the highest ever proportion of women MPs. Of the 335 MPs elected for the first time in 2024, 129 (39%) were women. While this is good news, NCW continues to campaign alongside our sister organisations until women MPs reach 51% to reflect contemporary society.

Examples of NCWGB Resolutions that have achieved positive change.

Our Resolution: Vat on sanitary products, 2015 – National Council of Women
Change: The “˜Tampon Tax’ was abolished on 1 Jan 2021, helping reduce the incidence of period poverty.

Our Resolution: Domestic violence, 2007 – National Council of Women
Change: On 14 May 2024, the EU adopted a Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. This is a landmark development, as the Directive constitutes the first piece of EU legislation which specifically addresses these issues.

Our Resolution: The safety of children and young people in internet chat rooms, 2001 – National Council of Women
Change: Passed in October 2023, the Online Safety Act is designed to make the internet “˜safer,’ especially for children. A central element of the bill is the new duties it places upon social media firms and the powers it gives Ofcom to enforce them. Our campaign to reduce online harms continues and the ever increasing dangers. Online harms campaign.

Our Resolution: Toxic lead in the environment, 1979 – National Council of Women
Change: Leaded fuel has been linked to heart disease, cancer, strokes and brain development problems in children. The use of lead in petrol was finally banned in 1999 in the UK, and in 2000 in the European Union.

Our Resolution: Guardianship of infants, 1963 – National Council of Women
Change: The introduction of the Guardianship Act in 1973 established the same rights for mothers as previously existed solely for fathers.

Our Resolution: Racial Discrimination, 1958 – National Council of Women
Change: The first piece of legislation in the UK to address racism and racial discrimination was the Race Relations Act 1965, which banned racial discrimination in public places. It also made the promotion of hatred on the grounds of “˜colour, race, or ethnic or national origins’ an offence.

Our Resolution: Women in Science and Technology, 1957 – National Council of Women
Change: Since its inception in the late 1990s, the STEM Education model has continued to attract attention and sizeable funding in the US, UK, and Australia.

How you can become an agent of change too!

You can find out more about our latest resolutions here.

You can show your support for our resolutions for change. Simply click the button to let us know which of our ambitions for change are most important to you!

You can join NCWGB’s network of people who care about improving the lives of all women and creating a fairer society for all. Join us. You can become an Intern: Be a part of change through our internship scheme. If you are looking for voluntary work experience, talk to us about your idea. Posts are normally for up to six months, with agreed expenses being reimbursed and support from one of our Management Committee. Talk to us about your ideas by contacting our administrative office at info@ncwgb.org

You can join our media and arts group (MASC), our International sub committee, our young women’s steering group, join our Board or become a non-Trustee member of our Management Committee. We have lots of volunteer opportunities where you can use your skills to aid our work. Contact info@ncwgb.org for more information on our member, volunteer and Trustee roles.