Please note, this session was recorded live on WI Day 2025 and is now available for you to watch flexibly in your own time. This recording features a talk by Caitriona Beaumont, introduced by NFWI Chair Jeryl Stone. 

Since 1915 the WI has inspired women from across England, Wales and The Islands to be active citizens who care about their local, national and global communities, and who want to enhance the lives of women and girls everywhere. As one of the oldest and largest women’s organisations, the WI has been a change maker on issues that impact the everyday lives of women and their families, recognised as a force of nature in our society and an important women’s movement. In this session, Caitríona looks back at the WI’s history, showcases its legacy, and reflects on how it has transformed the lives of women over the past 110 years.

 

Find out more about Caitríona:

Caitríona Beaumont is Professor of Social History at London South Bank University and Visiting Full Professor in the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin (UCD). She is currently a trustee and council member of the Royal Historical Society (2021-2025). Caitríona has worked on the history of women’s organisations and women’s movements in Britain and Ireland for over 30 years. Her 2013 book Housewives and Citizens: Domesticity and the Women’s Movement in England, 1928-1964 (Manchester University Press) provided a groundbreaking insight into the contribution that the WI, Townswomen’s Guilds, National Council of Women of Great Britain and Mothers’ Union made to women’s lives and to the campaign for women’s rights during these years. She is currently working on a new project ‘Beyond Women’s Liberation’ which traces the activism of these major organisations up to the 1990s and considers the intergenerational activism of women and how their activism changes over the life course.

Zoom recording link to view this session will be included at the bottom of your confirmation email after you have registered.

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