About Us
The WI Learning Hub is part of the ongoing commitment of the NFWI and Denman Trust, to provide WI members flexible access to education.
The WI’s Educational Journey: Empowering Women Since 1915
When the Women’s Institute (WI) first started back in 1915, it wasn’t just about jam-making and crafting (though that’s a proud part of our story!). From the very beginning, education sat at the heart of the WI’s mission, and over the past century, the WI has quietly, and powerfully, transformed learning opportunities for women across the country.
Today, the WI continues its educational mission via the WI Learning Hub, with both traditional favourites and forward-thinking topics. Whether it’s preserving traditional crafts or tackling digital disinformation, the WI remains committed to lifelong learning. These incredible women are as comfortable discussing climate change as they are perfecting crochet; they’re mastering online banking while still keeping the books for local fundraisers, and they’re joining global conversations while staying deeply rooted in their communities.
From wartime kitchens to digital classrooms, the WI’s journey through education reflects women’s changing roles in society, and tells the story of women finding strength, voice and purpose through learning together. It reminds us that education isn’t just about facts – it’s about transformation. And that’s the true magic of the WI, not just cakes and crafts, but a century-long adventure in growing minds, hearts and communities through the simple, powerful act of learning together.
The WI Learning Hub: Our Mission
We champion lifelong learning as a powerful force for change, unlocking potential, expanding knowledge, and opening doors to new opportunities. Through accessible online learning, we empower our learners to gain new skills, boost confidence, and explore fresh passions. Whether advancing careers, enhancing well-being, or embracing new challenges, the WI Learning Hub enables people to create lasting social and economic impact for themselves, their families, and their communities.
We believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, grow, and feel empowered. It’s through our sense of community and inclusion that we welcome everyone to the WI Learning Hub; whilst WI members have the great benefit of accessing (the majority of) content for free, non-members are equally welcomed but are required to pay a small fee to join our courses.
Through flexible online learning, we’re here to support every step of your journey, helping you build confidence, make connections, and thrive.
Inspiring women – then and now
The WI is a unique organisation shaped by its members. In 1915, we set out to give women a voice and to be a force for good in the community. Since then, our members and our ambitions alike have grown tremendously. Today, we are the largest women’s organisation in the UK and we pride ourselves on being a trusted place for all women of all generations, to share experiences and learn from each other.
A WI membership offers the chance to connect with local women, both in-person and virtually, fostering friendships and making a positive impact. We advocate nationally on a wide range of issues and provide lifelong learning and self-development opportunities for women across England and Wales.
To find out more about the WI and membership options available, visit:
Join and Support | National Federation of Women’s Institutes (thewi.org.uk)
7 May 2025
NFWI statement on Supreme Court ruling
The WI works to connect, empower and support women, and we are committed to treating all our members with respect, dignity and understanding. In light of the Supreme Court ruling and interim update from the EHRC, we are taking time to consider carefully the implications for our organisation. While we consider and understand the impact of the judgement, our existing inclusion policies continue to apply. We encourage all members to continue supporting each other with respect and care at this time, as we have done throughout our 110 year history.
