Portsmouth local reinvents traditional Women’s Institute for the modern woman
Making jams, scones and discussing the latest knitting trends — probably your first thoughts when someone says Women’s Institute.
But, Hannah Gurney, PR manager and Southsea local, was dissatisfied with the WI’s in Portsmouth, so took the challenge to create a new and improved model of the traditional group — Southsea Sisters WI
Originally introduced to encourage women to produce food and supplies during the first world war, the idea of the Women’s Institute has changed significantly for the modern woman over the last 100 years and has now become the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK.
Hannah said: ‘I think there is the view that WIs are very traditional and only make jam. That image unfortunately means lots of younger people disregard the WI as an option for making new friends and being part of the community.’
sisters is an open group for women of all ages, meeting on the first Wednesday of every month at Watkins and Faux in Southsea, Hannah has done her bit to break free of the shackles that is the mundane way of the WI.
During their meetings, the Southsea Sisters discuss things from women’s wellbeing and how to look after themselves to dabbling in crafting.
Alongside the main group, they also have subgroups which focus on things such as, cookery, swimming and a book club.
The last two years has shown that there is a need for more support networks, especially for young women.
Hannah said: ‘I think if the pandemic has taught us anything it’s that community and feeling connected with each other is vital
‘My hope for the Southsea Sisters WI is that it becomes a place women feel safe in their own skin and can express themselves wholeheartedly.’
