Leicestershire & Rutland Federation of WI
Not just Jam and Jerusalem – 600 Women’s Institute members welcome high profile speakers to discuss class, equalities and disability support
· More than 600 women attended Leicester Grammar School on Saturday 16th March to listen to 3 high profile speakers at their Annual Council Meeting. Polly Toynbee, Guardian and Independent Columnist, Researcher and Campaigner spoke about the impact of class on inequality and said ‘the UK is going backwards since the 1970s’ and to think about the ‘invisible workforce’ who are the lowest paid in the cost of living crisis. She urged all of almost 4000 WI members across Leicestershire & Rutland to use their voice and power to speak up for equality noting that the WI ‘gets things done’.. She urged in a general election year how important it was for women to use their voice when the right to vote was hard fought – Women’s Institutes were central to the votes for women campaigns by the suffragettes.
· The High Sherriff of Leicestershire, Mrs Henrietta Chubb, pictured below left, reflected on her year as Sheriff and again spoke of the communities and cohesion and the special role women have in this work.
· Canine Partners who train dogs to support those with disabilities were the charity speaker and Kate Cross who is partnered with adorable dog May talked of the life changing impact of assistance dogs. WI members donated £600 to this charity.
· Glenice Wignall, Chairman of Leicestershire & Rutland Federation of WI said ‘ it was such an excellent day – we are here to inspire and welcome all women and would encourage those who think they know the WI to come along to a meeting and be inspired! We are so grateful for such excellent speakers at the Annual Council Meeting, giving a voice to women and we pride ourselves on our ability to be a central part of communities across Leicestershire & Rutland ’
https://leicestershire-and-rutland.thewi.org.uk/ – find your local WI in Leicestershire & Rutland and join inspiring women.
