“For Home and Country” An international movement for many decades, educating rural women with the purpose of improving their lives.

Women’s Institutes  “For Home and Country” The Women’s Institutes were a national movement for many decades, in Canada, Great Britain and around the world during the first half of the  20th Century. With Institutes in all provinces by 1913.   It was originally formed as a method of educating rural women with the purpose of improving their lives through studying domestic science.  Over the years, the primary purpose shifted to improving commuinity life for all;  bringing women together –  pioneers who settled often miles apart and small town  housewives for practical support and learning. The motto “For Home and Country” reflects FWIC aims: to promote an appreciation of rural living, to develop informed citizens through the study of national and international issues (particularly those affecting women and children) and to initiate national programs to achieve common goal   Joining one of many local Institutes women accomplished a great deal for building community, health & maternity care, clean water, school improvements and sharing famThis organization now operates in 70 countries and has a membership of nine million in 365 member societies.   The ACWW has consultative status with the United Nations and is affiliated with the United Nations organizations of FAO, UNICEF, UNESCO, and UNIFEM.ily duties.  Womn’s Instituties still exist internationally, the Associated Country Women of the World:   Nationally, the FWIC is concerned with issues of rural child care, farm safety, legal rights, fair pay, renewal and restructuring, literacy, health, stress on farm families, and financial planning.

Internationally, the ACWW supports programs with concerns such as nutrition, leadership training, farming techniques, money management, family planning, HIV/AIDS awareness, small business development and skill training.   A program entitled Water for All Fund helps by providing water tanks, bore wells, hand pumps, education and training. It also supports programs that help improve health and hygiene.

Locally, Information, membership details and projects were regularly featured in local newspapers; Check the Mission Record for articles.

           Feb. 26, 1910 Mission City Women’s Institute

           May 22, 1914 Hatzic Women’s Institute

           March 25, 1925 Whonnock Women’s Institute

            April 17, 1947  Nicomen Island Women’s Institute

NFB film: For Home and Country, 1947, 7 minutes