The Commonwealth Countries League (CCL) is a voluntary, pan-Commonwealth civil society organisation dedicated to advancing gender equality, education, and mutual understanding across the 56 Commonwealth nations.
Originally established as The British Commonwealth League (BCL) in 1925, the organisation was founded by a group of pioneering women (suffragettes) from across the Commonwealth who had been active in the fight for women’s rights.

Their vision: A united Commonwealth in which women and girls are educated, empowered, and heard.

Notable founding members included: Alice Hemming

Margery Corbett-Ashby, Marjorie Chave Collison, Millicent Garrett Fawcett, Myra Sadd Brown, Ruby Rich, Miss Hodge, Sarah Clegg, Harriet Newcombe, Miss Duncan, Mary Scott Shaw, Mary Scottmenken, Bessie Rischbieth, and Frances Blanche Innes.

Our Legacy

In 1967, during a visit to a girls’ orphanage in Sierra Leone, Suffragette Alice Hemming was deeply moved by the need for better access to education for girls. She began holding small garden parties to raise funds—these eventually evolved into the Commonwealth Fair, a cherished annual tradition held every November to this day. It celebrates the diversity and unity of Commonwealth nations through cultural exhibitions, performances, and fundraising activities.

Centenary Celebrations 2025

Join us in celebrating 100 years of impact with a series of events, including the International Children’s Peace Assembly (ICPA), Patrons Afternoon Tea at House of Lords, cultural Commonwealth Fair, and Gala evening.

We have organised a year-long calendar of events to celebrate our achievements and set a new agenda for the future—focused on education, peace and the environment.

Our inaugural centenary event is the CCL Centenary Patron’s Afternoon Tea: Hosted at the House of Lords, this event will honour our founders, patrons and supporters throughout the years …

Event details

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/centenary-patrons-afternoon-tea-tickets-1295589576299

Centenary Commonwealth Fair: November 8th 2025
Experience the rich cultures of the Commonwealth through exhibitions, food, and performances.
Celebrating 100 Years – CCL Centenary (1925-2025)

Centenary Gala Evening: December 12th 2025
A black-tie event celebrating our achievements and recognising outstanding contributions.

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