Women's Institute
LightNews LightNews
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Women's Institute
@womensinstitute.bsky.social
960 followers 680 following 130 posts
The WI is the largest voluntary women’s membership organisation in the UK, all about fun, friendship, & campaigning for change. 190,000+ members #InspiringWomen

https://linktr.ee/womensinstitute

www.thewi.org.uk
Posts Replies Media Videos
womensinstitute.bsky.social
In our last issue of 2025, read a full rundown of the final five new resolutions to help decide your choice for 2026; and we’re also breaking some very exciting news about The WI Learning Hub. Ready for some festive fun? We’ve got food, entertaining, crafts, new book ideas and WI gifts galore!
November/December's issue of WI Life, has a large mince pie "monkey bread" having cream poured onto it, with the words Naughty & nice overlaying the image.
November 20, 2025 at 12:35 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
We are very excited to announce another speaker to the 2026 Annual Meeting line up…Welcoming Anne Boden MBE, founder of Starling Bank - the UK's leading digital bank - following a long career in global banking technology. She is also the author of "The Money Revolution" & "Female Founders Playbook".
Anne has dark hair, and is wearing a deep red autumnal leaved jacket over a darker top, and a small beaded necklace. She is looking into the camera, and has blue eyes.
November 13, 2025 at 10:16 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Today is Remembrance Day. We honour the lives and sacrifices of those who fought and died in conflict, for their country and freedom. We remember the victims of war, and we commit to peace and nonviolent resolutions. We also remember the roles WI members played to keep their local communities going.
A cascade of poppies rise and descend from a large hedge in brilliant sunshine - with a church in view on the right hand side of the frame. The hundreds of poppies were knitted by members of Warnham Evening WI, West Sussex.
November 11, 2025 at 1:35 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
CALLING ALL WI TRAVELLERS!

Whether you’re climbing mountains, on charity treks, or enjoy learning about new cultures...we’d love to hear your travel tips and stories from home and abroad. Send us an email at wilife@nfwi.org.uk with TRAVEL in the subject line, and we’ll take it from there.
A young woman pulling an orange wheeled suitcase down a boarding corridor towards a plane. She looks back at the camera and smiles. In the background beyond the windows of the corridor is a sunny looking climate with mountains visible beneath a blue sky.
November 10, 2025 at 2:57 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Today we were due to announce that Dr Jane Goodall was to be our key speaker at the NFWI 2026 Annual Meeting. But instead, we are mourning her sudden loss.

Jane leaves an incredible legacy, and will continue to inspire young and older conservationists - including many of our members - forever. RIP.
The late Jane Goodall started calmly yet determinedly into the camera. She is wearing a black top with a colourful brown and white butterfly style shawl. She wears a silver necklace bearing the shape of Africa. She has white hair. All around her the background is black. Photo credit: Vincent Calmel.
October 2, 2025 at 9:21 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Jeryl Stone, NFWI Chair: I have so enjoyed seeing today's WI Day sisterhood & celebrations. Our movement is 110 years old - but absolutely thriving; reflected in each post & party happening today. Long may we continue to be a lodestar for friendship and getting things done! Thank you for everything.
Jeryl Stone, NFWI Chair, smiling and wearing a dark blue jacket and elaborate necklace bearing a crest.
September 16, 2025 at 3:36 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Today is WI Day and our 110th birthday! For our members, 16 September always presents a chance to celebrate the firm friendships in our movement, recognise our fantastic legacy of inspiring women, and reflect on all that we achieve together through our quiet yet persistent power.
Melissa Green, NFWI CEO, in black - sits in the middle of a local WI group that she recently attended. An image from WI members attending the Climate Coalition, 'Act Now, Change Forever' Lobby Day earlier this summer. A group of diverse women hold up banners and a crocheted 'heat map' to indicate the effects of climate change. The women of Margate WI at sunset on the beach, hold up heart shapes with their hands, as they celebrate launching 'Bystanders can be Lifesavers' after the Annual Meeting 2025. The campaign promotes learning CPR to help anyone struck by cardiac arrest.
September 16, 2025 at 9:19 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Now all eyes are on the "Roses", England Rugby's team in the Women's Rugby World Cup. Northamptonshire Federation of WIs are getting into the spirit, having spent a year creating yarnbomb murals to line a mile (!!!) of streets leading to the Franklin's Garden Stadium! Amazing work. #Yarnbombing
A WI member attaches knitted women's faces to some railing. WI members erect a huge yarned mural onto fencing. It appears to be of a rugby stadium and grounds. Yarned murals lining gated fencing showing the Women's Rugy World Cup match listings and the flags of the countries.
August 1, 2025 at 9:22 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
You brought it home!! ⚽ Welcome #Homecoming to our #Lionesses. Congratulations from all of us at The WI!
July 29, 2025 at 11:31 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
The WI are proud partners / supporters and signatories of this campaign. We've been campaigning for decades on the climate and environment, and our legion of Climate Ambassadors are calling time on Gov, and policy makers.
A letter / full page advert printed in The Guardian signed by multiple NGOs and organisations, including The WI. It calls for the UK to implement a bold and fair climate plan.
July 21, 2025 at 3:08 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
NFWI-Wales: We were delighted to have a stand at the Everywoman Festival in Cardiff on Saturday. We shared resources relating to our health campaigns, and contributed to a panel debate on gender-based violence. Thank you to WI member Nicola Awni from Gwent Federation who shared her lived experience
A panel of women, with one holding a red microphone. There are women seated in an audience in front. A colourful brochure read: Every Woman. June 7th 2025. The image shows a panel of women of different ethnicities, with one woman standing with a microphone.
June 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Angel Strawbridge, and husband Dick, join us from the Chateau in France for a special keynote speech. Thanks for joining us! #WI_AM2025 #EscapeToTheChateau #NewSupporter #WISupporter
Angel and Dick Strawbridge joining the virtual WI Annual Meeting 2025, via Zoom from the Chateau.
June 4, 2025 at 2:09 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
#WI_AM2025 Now we're hearing about the resolution for a new WI campaign, Bystanders can be Lifesavers - proposed by @margatewi.bsky.social. It would improve access to defibrillator training, and challenge reticence about removing or cutting bras. You could save a woman's life!
The BHF presents a slideshow giving the NFWI lifesaving tips, including learning CPR, encouraging others to, and take things further by taking the (proposed) campaign into the community.
June 4, 2025 at 1:17 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
#WI_AM2025 Surprise! Emma Bridgewater joined us IRL for a live Q&A, after her pre-recorded interview at her factory in Stoke. What a treat! Your questions were excellent, too.
Emma Bridgewater talks live to members via Zoom, next to WI chair Jeryl Stone.
June 4, 2025 at 12:17 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
#WI_AM2025. The wonderful Emma Bridgewater has arrived for the live Q&A, and has brought gifts! How wonderful ❤️ 😊
WI team members stand with Emma Bridgewater, with a collection of new Emma Bridgewater X WI ceramics. Aren't they gorgeous?
June 4, 2025 at 11:14 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Countdown to #WI_AM2025. A sneak look at the behind the scenes of today's "set". Hope you're excited and sitting comfortably for today's Annual Meeting online....
NFWI Chair, Jeryl Stone, takes the lectern. Camera crew and camera set-up, as the WI AM 2025 prepares to begin online.
June 4, 2025 at 8:59 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
A big happy birthday to Mel B, who - as a survivor of coercive control and an abusive relationship - was a passionate and brilliant speaker on ending Violence Against Women and Girls at our Annual Meeting at the Royal Albert Hall last year. Happy 50th Mel from all of our membership #VAWG #MelB
Spice Girl Mel B is dressed head to toe in her signature animal print, smiling, and clutching a microphone - seated on stage. Behind her are members of the WI Board, at the WI annual meeting at the Royal Albert Hall, 2024.
May 29, 2025 at 1:49 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Counting down to the Annual Meeting on Wednesday 4 June.

Tune in to hear a fireside chat between Melissa Green and Emma Bridgewater, catch up on all things WI and hear from our WI Supporter Angel Strawbridge.

Grab your Emma Bridgewater/WI mugs, and get your tickets: shorturl.at/7v76v
May 20, 2025 at 10:05 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Our UK Supreme Court ruling statement.
The WI works to connect, empower and support women, and we are committed to treating all our members with respect, dignity and understanding. In light of the Supreme Court ruling and interim update from the EHRC, we are taking time to consider carefully the implications for our organisation.  While we consider and understand the impact of the judgement, our existing inclusion policies continue to apply. We encourage all members to continue supporting each other with respect and care at this time, as we have done throughout our 110 year history.
May 7, 2025 at 9:34 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
The new WI Life magazine (May & June) is out now! Featuring: period positive champion Chella Quint OBE, and an exclusive interview with Emma Bridgewater about our exciting new collaboration: a '110 years of the WI mug'! Available to pre-order right now: www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/collections/...
Cover of the May / June 2025 issue of WI Life magazine. The main feature is a vibrant overhead photo of a summery dish made with pearl couscous, asparagus, courgette, and fresh dill, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork resting on top. A side dish of grilled courgette slices sits in a smaller bowl to the right. The background includes a yellow napkin and a glass of chilled drink. Headline text reads: “Eat the season – Welcome summer with great British produce.” Smaller cover lines include: “PLUS Brighton Belles, WI Women’s Rugby, Knitting a Forest, Dancing for Joy.” The WI logo appears in the top right corner.
May 1, 2025 at 1:01 PM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
The April issue of WI Life has landed in beautiful sunshine! This month we update up on Thinking Differently & 2 neurodiverse mbrs share their experience of menopause. Plus, we meet Ashley, making waves in a male dominated industry, & Lucy going from jogging in her garden to a Guinness World Record!
On the cover of April 2025's WI Life magazine, Ashley Mullenger is smiling on a boat in the sea - wearing a colourful waterproof jacket of pink, orange and green. Her hair is being blown in the open sea wind. The text reads: Meet Ashley Mullenger, the female fisherman angling for progress"
March 31, 2025 at 10:24 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
In 2025 we are proud to be celebrating 110 years of the WI!
And we're encouraging WIs and Federations to join in - from tree planting & ‘parties in the Park’ to a free WI Webinar session on our Learning Hub. We can't wait!

www.thewi.org.uk/celebrating-...

#WI110years #inspiringwomen
Above the WI logo - with the strapline, Inspiring Women - are three balloons in powdery colours. The middle balloon reads: 110.
March 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
We signed an open letter to David Lammy calling on Gov to keep its promises. The last time the aid budget was slashed, progs supporting women & girls took 1 of the biggest hits. We stand alongside @careintuk.bsky.social in urging Gov to commit 20% of UK aid directly to protect fund #GenderEquality.
Text reads: Reverse the cuts. Protect women and girls.
March 6, 2025 at 11:23 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
The March issue of WI Life is hitting doormats, we catch up with WI Climate ambassador Sue Smith (star of our latest podcast); members write to their younger selves #IWD2025; & WI Member Pritpal Cole talks about empowering young women through education.

#InspiringWomen
February 28, 2025 at 9:42 AM
womensinstitute.bsky.social
Since 1918 at every general election more men have been elected than women. @CentenaryAction's graph shows that whilst progress has been made & we now have 263 women MPs we still need 62 more for a #GenderEqualParliament #AskHerToStand
February 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM