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

A policy change by the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) restricting membership to individuals registered female at birth has triggered a wave of closures and resignations across the UK organization. At least 12 local Women’s Institute (WI) groups are either closing or actively considering closure in response to the new rule, which takes effect in April.

The Fallout from a New Policy

The NFWI’s decision follows a 2025 UK supreme court judgment defining a woman under the Equality Act 2010 as biologically female. The federation stated it could no longer lawfully offer formal membership to transgender women if it wished to maintain its status as a women’s charity. The NFWI announced it would create alternative “sisterhood groups” open to all, but this has not appeased many existing members.

Emma Hawley, chair of Social Lites WI in Urmston, Greater Manchester, a group of nearly 140 members that has operated for 13 years, reported that her entire committee has resigned. “We’re all heartbroken,” Hawley said. “I’ve put 13 years into running this amazing group but I can’t, ethically or morally, be a member of something that excludes transgender women.” Similar scenarios are unfolding in other branches, including Seven Hills WI in Sheffield, where the board resigned and no members stepped forward to replace them.

A Climate of Discomfort and Abuse

The NFWI’s decision has not been without controversy. Clementine Dexter, vice-president of Seven Hills WI, stated the group received approximately 220 abusive online comments after announcing its closure, with only 30 comments offering support. Dexter believes the NFWI’s decision has “emboldened certain members to speak their minds” and created a “toxic culture” that will likely deter younger women from joining.

Beyond the emotional toll, some branches are experiencing practical consequences. Ladies of the Lock WI in Kentish Town, London, has lost its venue because the owner is a trans-inclusive space and did not want to continue renting to the group under the new policy. Other groups report speakers cancelling bookings.

What’s Next?

Several departing WI groups plan to relaunch as independent social groups, aiming to preserve the community spirit that drew members to the organization in the first place. Wells Angels in Tunbridge Wells intends to do just that. However, a WhatsApp network of approximately a dozen branches discussing closure is growing, suggesting further departures are likely. More branches will follow suit and disaffiliate from the NFWI. The NFWI declined to provide further comment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the NFWI to change its membership policy?

The NFWI’s decision followed a 2025 UK supreme court judgment which held that the legal definition of a woman under the Equality Act 2010 refers to biological sex. The NFWI stated it could no longer lawfully offer transgender women formal membership if it wished to continue operating as a women’s charity.

Are all WI groups affected by this change?

At least 12 WI groups are closing or considering closure, but more groups are likely to be affected. Some branches are continuing under the new rules, but even they are facing practical fallout, such as losing venues or speakers.

What are departing WI groups planning to do?

Several groups plan to relaunch as independent social groups to maintain the community spirit they valued within the WI. They aim to continue their activities outside the official NFWI structure.

As the NFWI navigates this period of upheaval, will the organization be able to balance its legal obligations with the desire to maintain a welcoming and inclusive community for all its members?