Gender equality charity Chwarae Teg will close after ‘perfect storm’ of financial problems

Wales’ leading gender equality charity has announced it will close after a “perfect storm of financial challenges”.

The management of Chwarae Teg (which means Fair Play) has announced “with great sadness” that it has agreed to the proposed closure.

The charity said it had failed to appeal to the Welsh Government for a rescue package.

The Welsh Government has said the UK Government’s “chaotic implementation” of the Shared Prosperity Fund is “damaging key sectors” of the Welsh economy.

Sky News has asked the government in Westminster for a statement.

Chwarae Teg was founded in 1992 and says it has been committed to ensuring women have access to services ever since Wales they can “get into work, develop their skills and build fulfilling careers.”

In a statement, Chwarae Teg’s board chairman said its commercial arm FairPlay Trading, established in 2019, went into liquidation last week.

The Welsh European Funds Office (WEFO) also told the charity it had received a historic advance payment which “must now be dealt with”.

“To do the right thing for our employees, customers and other stakeholders, a managed shutdown is our only real option at this time,” said Chair Sharon Williams.

“We know this is desperately sad news for our staff, funders and customers, but most importantly for the women of Wales whom we have proudly served for so many years.”

A Welsh Government spokesman said he was “disappointed” by the news of Chwarae Teg’s closure.

“The charity has impacted the lives of women across Wales, given them a voice and provided the Welsh Government with the knowledge and evidence it needs to make progress to deliver real change,” they said.

“Unfortunately this is an example of the impact of UK Government policy on organizations in Wales.”

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The charity said staff had been informed of the situation and consultations on collective redundancies were ongoing.

He is working with partners to see if any of his work can be continued through other agencies.