Loud and Proud for Welsh Women
Since 1985 the Wales Assembly of Women the only United Nations accredited Economic and Social Council non governmental organisation (NGO) has been representing Welsh Women — and we’re proud to work alongside and contribute on their behalf to ‘The UK Civil Society of Women’s Alliance’ (UKCSWA) and ‘The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women’ (CEDAW) to make sure the voices of Welsh Women are heard loud and clear at the United Nations and in Local and National Governments
‘UKCSWA’ is a leading United Kingdom group that brings together people and organisations from across the UK to speak up for women’s rights at the United Nations’
CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women) is the UN women’s rights treaty that WAW is working to embed into Welsh law to ensure equality and accountability for all women and girls.
WAW works independently and in collaboration with other organisations across Wales, including: FAN, BAWSO, Welsh Women’s Aid, Everywoman Festival, Noah’s Ark, and WEN Wales, to support civil society engagement in the CEDAW process and through the UN framework with social policies regarding: Violence against women and girls, women’s health, older people’s rights and equality.
We warmly welcome approaches from organisations, networks, and community groups across Wales who share our commitment to advancing women’s rights and gender equality. If your organisation is interested in collaborating, partnering on events, contributing expertise, or working with us on CEDAW – related advocacy, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us to explore how we can strengthen our collective impact.
Our membership is open to all women and men who support our cause, living in or having connections and affinity with Wales, sharing the aims of our association.
This year has been one of connection, visibility, and progress for the Wales Assembly of Women (WAW).
In March, members attended the 69th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York, ensuring that Welsh women’s voices were heard on the global stage. We also visited the Welsh Senedd and the United Nations in Geneva, strengthening links between local and international equality work.
Across Wales, WAW raised awareness through an information stand at the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff and continued to play an active role in the UK Civil Society Women’s Alliance (UKCSWA) and CEDAW Working Group, contributing to discussions on women’s rights across the UK.
This year, WAW also submitted a written statement to the UN CEDAW Committee, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges in Wales, where equality and human rights are largely devolved matters.
To preserve our legacy, we visited the Glamorgan Archives in Cardiff, where the life and work of founding member Audrey Jones are held, and began plans to deposit future WAW materials with the National Library of Wales Archives.
As we grow, we welcome new committee members who bring fresh ideas and lived experience, helping build a diverse, inclusive movement for the women and girls of Wales.
Together, we look forward to shaping a bold and inspiring future for WAW.
At the Wales Assembly of Women, we fight for women’s rights in Wales and on the world stage. But we can’t do it alone.
We don’t receive public funding. Never had.
We are powered by our members — who care, speak up, and act for change.
Our membership is open to all women and men who support our cause, living in or having connections and affinity with Wales, sharing the aims of our association.
Your Membership will help:
• To keep Wales represented at the United Nations.
• Connect with a supportive community of like-minded women.
• Access opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• To raise the voices of Welsh women in global conversations.
• To challenge inequality at every level — from local to international.
• To build a fairer, more equal future for all women and girls.
Join us today.
Your voice matters.
and your membership will make all the difference.
Thank you
I’m Dr Jane Croad, Chair of the Wales Assembly of Women, is an expert in sustainable economic development with international experience in business, academia, and consultancy. Her leadership focuses on strategic growth, research-informed advocacy, and advancing the organisation’s mission to support women’s leadership and democratic participation across Wales and beyond.
Dilys Jackson is an internationally recognised sculptor and environmental artist based in Cardiff. One of the original committee members of the Wales Assembly of Women, she represents WAW at ministerial level and advocates for women’s creative leadership. Her abstract, nature-inspired works are held in major collections across the UK.
Wendy Jones is a networker, entrepreneur, businesswoman, artist, and breast cancer survivor. She represented Wales at CSW69 and Beijing+30, and participates in the UK Civil Society Women’s Alliance (UKCSWA) Core Group. Wendy works with the Wales Assembly of Women to amplify Welsh women’s voices in politics, leadership, and global gender equality advocacy, including through engagement with international frameworks such as CEDAW.
Jane Fenton-May is an active committee member of the Wales Assembly of Women. She represents the organisation at national and international conferences, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Liaison with NAWO, CSW, Welsh Senedd Women’s Group, and Human Rights Wales Coalition. Jane supports the team with regular research and monthly reports, helping keep members connected to key developments in gender equality.
Caitlin Tanner is a profoundly deaf doctoral researcher exploring the experiences of deaf nurses within the UK, she is also a recipient of the Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarship.
Her research idea was formed during her career as an ICU nurse with aims to (1) provide information that can guide and improve practice for staff nurses and recommendations to improve inclusivity and accessibility, (2) foster awareness of successes and challenges deaf nurses face and (3) provide valuable guidance for deaf people considering nursing as a career.
Caitlin is eager to support those with disabilities and promote inclusion, aligning with the mission of the Wales Assembly of Women.
Louise Adams is an award-winning lecturer and therapist with over 20 years’ experience in education, well-being, and lifelong learning. A dynamic speaker and expert in post-compulsory education and holistic health, she brings to WAW a passion for empowering women through personal growth, resilience training, and inclusive professional development.
I am a mother of three adult children and a partner in a group of businesses based in Wales dedicated to sustainable technologies. As a director, I oversee several projects with my primary focus being on business development and fostering relationships and collaborations. I have a longstanding interest in supporting women of all ages to achieve their ambitions through education and access to opportunities that enable them to thrive. I am delighted to have been invited to join the committee of the Wales Assembly of Women and aim to contribute to raising awareness of the organisation and expanding its membership.
Elize Freeman is a passionate advocate for the rights and safety of older women, with a specialist focus on domestic abuse in later life, bringing a critical voice to complex safeguarding discussions.
As Co-Lead of the Dewis Choice Initiative, Elize is regularly called upon to contribute to national and regional policy development relating to older victim-survivors of domestic abuse. She has played a key role in developing a range of multimedia tools—including podcasts, films, animations, practitioner guidance, and training resources—to improve professional responses to older victim-survivors.
An accredited IDSVA with an MA in Safeguarding Adults, Elize combines frontline experience with academic rigour. In 2024, she joined the WAW committee, strengthening its policy influence on behalf of older victim-survivors.
Jodie Tranter is a seasoned finance professional. With extensive experience in financial management and governance, she ensures accountability, transparency, and sustainability across the organisation’s operations, enabling its continued focus on gender equality, advocacy, and impactful programming.
Susan Rappell is the Catering Manager at Cardiff Council, bringing extensive experience in large-scale food service operations. She supports the Wales Assembly of Women by ensuring high-quality hospitality at events, contributing to the organisation’s inclusive and welcoming environment.
Rebecca is Director of the Centre for Age, Gender and Social Justice at Aberystwyth University. Her work advances social justice for marginalised groups, particularly where older age, gender, sexuality, and domestic abuse intersect. She co-leads the world-leading Dewis Choice Initiative and joined the Wales Assembly of Women to amplify older women’s voices and inform inclusive policy and practice.
We will soon be recruiting our first WAW Ambassadors — women across Wales and beyond who champion the mission of the Wales Assembly of Women within their own communities, sectors, and networks. Our Ambassadors will help raise awareness of our work, support key campaigns, and promote women’s rights, equality, and democratic participation. This new programme will strengthen WAW’s presence nationwide and broaden our impact.
Cerys Shier is a Young Ambassador for the Wales Assembly of Women and a Mathematics and Computer Science student at the University of York. She is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, sustainability, and increasing diversity within STEM.
With deep Welsh family roots, Cerys has actively supported the Wales Assembly of Women’s communications and public engagement work, contributing to PR and digital outreach for key events, including the WAW Annual Conference and the Cities for CEDAW Conference in Cardiff (March 2026). Her work has helped amplify youth voice and broaden engagement across platforms.
Alongside her academic studies, Cerys brings strong organisational, teamwork, and communication skills, developed through her experience in customer-facing roles and volunteering in primary education. She was awarded the prestigious Diana Award in recognition of her commitment to social action and making a positive impact in her community.
Cerys represents the next generation of leaders, bringing energy, creativity, and a strong commitment.
Campaigns for the advancement of equality and human rights for the women of Wales by raising awareness, stimulating discussion, advocating action.
Scrutinizes and responds to equality legislation at the United Nations, UK and Welsh levels of government.
Provides a bridge between policy and research in Wales through supporting academic research including the Audrey Jones Awards for Research by Women.
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