ON A W-HIGH

Institute swells as it embraces modernity

- JEREMY ARMSTRONG

THE Women's Institute is boosting numbers and shaking off its jam-and-Jerusalem image by recruiting students and holding online meetings and by inviting speakers including burlesque dancers and sex workers.

The organisation, famously portrayed in the 2003 hit movie Calendar Girls, boosted its membership by 30,000 up to 190,000 in 2022/3.

These legions of new members are helping with the organisation's important work to end violence against women, tackle climate change and improve women's healthcare.

On Teesside, there are 21 local groups in the National Federation.

Recent meetings included a speaker stripping down to stockings and suspenders for a burlesque night.

And a sex worker is booked to give a talk to educate members about her life. Another innovation that would have seemed out of place in years gone by is that supporters can join the WI without turning up in person.