At least two Women’s Institute (WI) branches have closed after the organisation barred transgender women from membership, with members warning of a toxic culture deterring younger women. The closures follow the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) decision to restrict membership to those registered female at birth from April, based on a 2025 Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman.
Social Lites WI in Urmston, Greater Manchester, with nearly 140 members and 13 years of history, is closing after its entire committee resigned. Chair Emma Hawley said she could not 'ethically or morally' be part of an organisation that excludes transgender women, adding that no other members came forward to take over. Seven Hills WI in Sheffield also closed after its board stepped down and no successors were found.
Vice-president Clementine Dexter reported receiving 220 abusive online comments after announcing the closure, with only 30 supportive. She described the NFWI's decision as emboldening a 'toxic culture' that will alienate younger members. The NFWI stated it acted with 'utmost regret and sadness' and plans to create alternative 'sisterhood groups' open to all, but declined further comment.
Other branches face fallout: Ladies of the Lock WI in London lost its venue of nearly a decade, which refused bookings due to the policy. Hackney Wicked Women WI will close next month, with founder Nora Salmon calling the situation 'a carnage of concern and upset' and criticising the NFWI for lack of support. Members said they felt betrayed by the decision, which they argued contradicts the WI's grassroots tradition.
