Bermuda has officially joined up to an international agreement to combat discrimination against women.

According to a statement by Government House, the UK has extended the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women to include both Bermuda and St Helena.

The Governor, John Rankin, said: “I am delighted that Cedaw has been extended to Bermuda and congratulate all those who have worked to make this possible.

“This marks an important step in protecting women’s rights and building an inclusive Bermuda to which all aspire.”

It was announced earlier this year that Bermuda had sought to be included in Cedaw. However, social development minister Sylvan Richards said the island would file “reservations”.

These reservations would allow the Royal Bermuda Regiment to still conscript only men and not force churches to hire female priests.

It would also not require the Government to address an acknowledged inequality in immigration regulations — although Mr Richards said that Government does want to address that issue “in due course”.