‘Carnage of concern and upset’: Women’s Institute groups close after transgender ban

Members warn NFWI decision has opened up toxic culture that deters younger women from joining

At least 12 Women’s Institute (WI) groups are closing or considering closure after the organisation barred transgender women from membership.

Members say more groups are likely to close, and that the federation’s decision has opened up a toxic, traditionalist culture that will deter younger women from joining.

Branches said they felt forced to shut after the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) confirmed that, from April, membership will be restricted to those registered female at birth. Several plan to relaunch as independent social groups.

The WI is one of the UK’s largest voluntary organisations, with thousands of local branches and about 180,000 members nationwide.

‘Carnage of concern and upset’: Women’s Institute groups close after transgender ban

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