What is WI?
Women’s Institutes (WI) is a non-profit organization for women. For over 110 years, it’s been bringing women together and providing them with opportunities to grow, learn and share.
It was started in Stoney Creek, Ontario by an amazing woman who was driven by her own personal tragedy – Adelaide Hunter Hoodless. Her infant son died from drinking unpasteurized milk in the 1890’s. She thought that if women were educated they could take better care of their families and avoid tragedies like hers. The idea quickly spread as women living in rural and remote areas in that era were embraced the idea of having a support system. Soon, there were WI Branches across Ontario, Canada and the world!
Throughout the years, Women’s Institute has played a variety of roles to millions of women, across the globe. They have advocated on important issues from recycling boxes, to school bus safety, to clear markings on poison containers and much more! They have fundraised for vital projects within their communities like MRI machines and transportation for seniors and for projects around the world like the Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign. The have forged lasting friendships with one another and provided invaluable support as lives changed over the years.
The one thing that has remained consistant is their committment to education. Through the ROSE (rural ontario sharing education) Program, WI Branches are still educating women – encouraging personal growth and having fun! Since WI is volunteer driven, the topics and programs are not mandated by anyone but the members of each individual WI Branch and their communities. This allows for each WI Branch to address the needs or issues that are most relevant to them. Of course, there are some Branches that just like to get together and have a good time – and that’s ok too!
You can get the entire Women’s Institute story at www.fwio.on.ca.
