Resolutions

A resolution is a call for change on a current issue in society. Once a resolution has been adopted at the Annual Meeting, the Public Affairs Department turns it into a campaign. Through national and local campaigning, members play a key role in achieving change on important issues.

Useful info on campaigns here: https://www.thewi.org.uk/campaigns/100-years-of-wi-campaigns

Campaigning for causes that reflect the concerns and beliefs of the WI members is a fundamental aspect of the organisation. The first WI resolution was passed on 24 October 1918 at the NFWI’s second Annual Meeting and called for the provision of a sufficient supply of convenient and sanitary houses. This began an ongoing commitment to using the WI’s influence and membership to help bring about change in the UK.

Individual members put forward proposed resolutions, and these undergo a yearlong process of discussion and debate. A final selection of resolutions is taken forward for discussion at the Annual Meeting in the summer. If passed, these then become mandates and form the basis of campaigning and awareness-raising activities in the years ahead.

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What issues have been the subject of resolutions?

The Campaigns supported are varied and whilst many relate to laws, rights and conditions for women and children, equal emphasis has been given to animal cruelty, the environment, planning and housing, rural conditions, local government and transport – essentially any issue giving rise to a desire for change in the UK or Internationally. The resolutions reflect the events of the time – wars, proposed laws, inequality – but also some topics have recurred over the years. For example, five resolutions relating to child abuse were selected between 1923 and 1986; thirteen relating to Social Security between 1925 and 1987.

What are the most recent Campaigns?

• Dental Health Matters
• Clean Rivers for People and Wildlife
• Thinking Differently: Autistic and ADHD Women and Girls
• See the Signs (ovarian cancer)
• Make a Match (stem cell register)
• Stop Modern Slavery
• No More Violence Against Women
• End Plastic Soup
• Climate Change

The 2025 votes have now been counted. The Resolution which achieved the highest number of votes from IOW Federation and also Nationally was:

"Bystanders can be Lifesavers".

All WI members now have the opportunity to learn more about this issue, and to discuss the Resolution in their WIs before deciding how their delegate should vote at the Annual Meeting.