Image ID: 18272

W I pageant

Courtesy of Mr G Nicholson

Rectory Gardens
Bingham
England

The Women's Institute Movement in Britain started in 1915. During the First World War it was formed to encourage countrywomen to get involved in growing and preserving food to help to increase the supply of food to the war torn nation. There is still, as in the 20s and 30s, a deep commitment to crafts - preserving and handing on old skills and developing excellence in new. There is still a commitment to education and training. Through experience in the WI many women have been encouraged to stand for public office. The WI is still fighting to improve conditions of rural life. Much has been achieved, villages have piped water and adequate sewerage systems now but the new battles are to save such rural services as post offices and public transport. Modern agriculture brings its own different problems, and the WI is now concerned with such issues as the introduction of Genetically Modified crops and the crisis caused by BSE. In the 1920s International awareness started with the involvement of WI s in the League of Nations, and in the 1930s the beginning of ACWW brought links with countrywomen of other continents. That concern continues today and is shown through such campaigns as the 2002 What Women Want postcards leading up to the Earth Summit. Conservation of the world's resources and sustainable development are now key issues, for example at local level members are supporting Fairtrade goods. There is now less music and drama in WIs, and fewer big national events than at some times in the past, but in rural areas today there is far more opportunity for women to join specialist groups. However the WI has demonstrated over the decades how it is able to adapt to the changing needs of both women and of the communities to which they belong. The WI still gives women training to take an active role in their communities and enables them to campaign for those issues about which they feel strongly. (information from www.womens-institute.org.uk)

Date: 1930

Organisation Reference: NCCS001324

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