7 Surprising Things You Don't Know About The WI

If you think the Women’s Institute is all about jam and Jerusalem, it’s time to think again. We recently dropped into the Guernsey WI’s AGM and to say we were surprised is an understatement. With an Oscars themed meeting, the WI literally rolled out the red carpet for its members, and they extended the red carpet treatment to us by welcoming us with open arms. But there’s more to the institution than fun and friendship. There’s also a definite sense of purpose.

We were surprised to discover how much of an impact the WI has had, both on individual members' lives and on the wider community. The WI brings women together, and whether you’re in it for the company, the crafting or the campaigning, the ripple effects benefit us all. For example, did you know it was the WI who successfully lobbied for on island breast screening here in the Bailiwick? 

We’ll bet there’s more you don’t know about the WI, so forget the stereotypes and get ready to be surprised.

 

Image credit: The WI

The WI has brought about real change - and we are just getting started.

 

1.  It’s About Connecting Women.

The WI was founded around the idea of bringing women together, offering women of all ages and backgrounds, including transgender women, an opportunity to come together and meet new people. It’s helping in no small way to tackle the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation that women of all ages often experience in our community, offering a supportive and inclusive space where all members are celebrated and treated equally. 

There are currently 264 members divided into 9 WI groups across the island, with hopes to open a WI group in Alderney in the near future. It’s fair to say that many members are quite mature so there’s a way to go to truly represent the island’s female demographic, but the door is very much open to younger members. If we want to dispel the typical stereotype and see more inclusion and diversity, maybe some of the responsibility sits with us to give it a try.

 

2.  It’s About Women Supporting Women.

One of the local organisation’s key aims moving forwards is to raise its profile and welcome new members to join which will naturally foster more diversity. We spoke with Sam, who explained that one of the reasons she joined the newer Bailiwick Belles WI group is because it offers her a chance to meet with like minded women and escape from the pressures of her professional life. Sam told us: 'There are no expectations, I can just turn up, spend time with like minded women and switch off from my professional responsibilities.' 

We also spoke with Debbie, who first went along to the Mare De Carteret WI three years ago to support her mum to get out and meet with people after her father passed away. Debbie has a very busy life - you may know her from her dancing classes! - so she doesn't go along as regularly as some, but that's ok and it's one of the things she loves about the WI - there's no pressure. Debbie explained: 'I started going as a way to get company for my mum, and I've reconnected with people I hadn’t seen for years. It’s a great way to learn new things and it's good fun - it’s not as straight laced as people might think!'

 

 Image credit: Chris George / Guernsey WI AGM

3.  It’s About Fun and Friendship.

Fun and friendship are the words that come up time and again when you ask members what they get from the WI. Forget the stereotype, it seems it’s no longer all about jam and Jerusalem. Yes, Jerusalem is the WI anthem but it’s not about religion or race. It’s a tradition that started in 1926, following on from the Suffragettes movement where it was an anthem used by women to celebrate winning the right to vote. Jerusalem was a rallying cry, marking the WI’s links to the wider women’s movement, and that’s what it still stands for today. And yes, jam making is still on the agenda, but it’s optional and it’s part of a much wider range of activities available to members. 

 

4.  It’s About A Sense Of Community.

So let’s talk about the jam! During the Second World War food was scarce in the UK and there were obvious logistical issues with distributing fresh produce around the country. WI members stepped up in many ways, and something that many people associate with the WI from that time was their efforts to preserve fruit by making jam. Their contribution to society at that time was so much more than making preserves, but back then much of the work of the WI flew under the radar. Much like it does nowadays, with members working quietly to support their community, typically making an impact in a quiet and reserved way. 

 

 

5.  It’s About Empowering Women.

But whilst their contribution may be understated, it should not be underestimated. The WI empowers women to use their voices individually and collectively to achieve real changes on the issues that matter to them. For example, did you know that it was the WI who successfully lobbied for on island breast screening here in the Bailiwick? And this past year alone, local members have supported numerous local charities and community initiatives, including the Guernsey Welfare Service and Safer, which both received financial donations and practical support from the WI. On a national level the WI actively campaigns on issues that include equal pay, climate change, mental health and violence against women. Their message: ‘The WI has brought about real change - and we are just getting started.’

 

6.  It’s About Self Development.

The WI also supports women to learn new skills, both in person and online. There’s a local Arts and Homecrafts Committee which delivers a regular programme of events, focusing on creativity, mindfulness and sustainability. Over the past year alone, classes have included sewing, baking, beekeeping, crochet for beginners and wreath making. These lifestyle hobbies have seen a resurgence in popularity in the past few years with all ages, and the benefits reach far beyond the actual activity, helping women to build self confidence and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. 

 

 

Image credit: The WI

7.  It’s About Moving With The Times.

Moving with the times, the WI recently launched a podcast exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by neurodivergence in the first episode. Members also have access to the WI Learning Hub, an online resource that offers lifelong learning opportunities on a range of everyday topics. From talks and business training to creative skills, exercise and wellbeing classes, there really is something for everyone.

Dawn, one of the newest members in Guernsey, shared that the opportunity to learn something new was the main reason she decided to join the WI. She admitted to feeling ‘terrified and not sure what to expect’ when she turned up at her first meeting, but she immediately felt very welcome and has not looked back since. 

Find out more about your local WI here.