50 Years of CNFL: Advancing Women’s Rights in Luxembourg

In Luxembourg, the National Council of Women of Luxembourg (CNFL) marked its 50th anniversary on Thursday, reflecting on five decades of work in advancing women’s rights and striving toward an egalitarian society. Founded in the mid-1970s during the women’s liberation movement, the council emerged at a time when women in Luxembourg still needed their husbands’ permission to sign work contracts or open bank accounts. The CNFL was created to change that reality and give women a stronger voice.

Over the years, the council has consistently advocated for greater representation of women in decision-making roles and in politics. Among its initiatives, it has highlighted Luxembourgish women athletes who participated in the Olympic Games since 1924 and is preparing a book on the history of women’s sport in the country. It has also launched the “Women in Streets” campaign, urging municipalities to name streets after influential women, and organises Orange Week each year to raise awareness about violence against women.

While progress has been achieved — from increased representation in politics to legislative changes — challenges remain. CNFL vice-president Joëlle Letsch stresses that further steps are needed, such as embedding abortion rights in the Constitution, to ensure future generations of women can live in a society that fully respects their rights.
50th Anniversary of the National Council of Women of Luxembourg | Féminin Pluriel Global

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