Women’s Institute branches shutting down over trans ban: ‘Forced to participate in gender policing’
Groups across the WI are suspending their activities (Canva)
Several branches of the Women’s Institute (WI) up and down the UK have declared they will suspend activities following the organisation’s ban on trans women becoming members.
National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) CEO Melissa Green announced in December 2025 that from April 2026 onwards the 110-year-old women’s rights organisation would only accept members on the basis of “biological sex” and no longer offer formal membership to trans women.
The decision was made in response to the controversial Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland vs Scottish Ministers – which in April 2025 decided the protected characteristic of “sex” for the purposes of the 2010 Equality Act means “biological sex” only and does not include trans people.
Following the ruling, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) drafted updates to its Code of Practice on single-sex facilities and groups, calling for the exclusion of trans people from spaces including toilets, changing rooms, and gender-specific organisations.
These recommendations have been since called into question by legal experts and human rights groups, who have accused the regulator of misinterpreting the law and producing guidance that effectively bars trans people from public life.
By excluding trans women under the Supreme Court ruling, the women’s organisation must now – ironically – admit trans men who want membership.
At the time, Green acknowledged members would likely find the change “extremely painful”, adding officials had been actively seeking alternative pathways.
“Our activity outside of formal membership has always and will continue to play a vital role in creating welcoming spaces where all women can come together to learn, share ideas, and work together to improve lives in our communities,” Green said. “We remain absolutely committed to delivering on that mission.”
In recent days, several branches of the WI across the UK have announced they will shutter their activities because of the ban on trans members coming into force in just two months.
In a statement, Hackney Wicked Women – Hackney Wick’s Women’s Institute – announced it refuses to “accept marginalisation and oppression of trans people” and believes the membership eligibility decision “no longer makes the WI an inclusive organisation”.
“In the WI’s long history they have proudly used their vast network to redistribute and pave the way for change,” the statement reads.
“The decision to exclude trans women was made without any warning or consultation with members. The WI’s response that they had ‘no choice’ does not ring true for an organisation that has famously declared they ‘love taking on tricky issues’.”
The group went on to say those who choose to continue in the WI will be “forced to participate in some kind of gender policing” and they, as members, believe “defining and policing the boundaries of womanhood is not something we feel we can do”.
“It creates a harmful environment and is extremely damaging for all and society as a whole,” they explained.
“All committee members felt very strongly opposed to the ruling and we did not receive the required number of volunteers needed to replace key committee roles,” the group said.
They added the last official meeting as a WI organisation will be on 18 March while the penultimate meeting on 18 February will include a talk from Trans in the City’s Bobbi Pickard, where members can learn how to be a trans ally.
However, Hackney Wicked Women said they “feel very passionately about keeping the community going” and are working behind the scenes to reform as a community group from April 2026 onwards.
Similarly, Cheshire branch Sociallites WI announced members of the committee will be stepping down and there are not enough new committee members to take over the running of the group, meaning it “will be unable to continue in its current form”.
“For 13 years, Sociallites WI has been so much more than a WI group. We have built a vibrant, inclusive, & supportive community in Urmston — one rooted in friendship, shared values, & belonging,” the group said. “We are incredibly proud of everything we have created together & deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey.
“This news is painful, & we know it will be felt by many.
“It is felt by us too.”
They added: “But while this chapter is ending, this is not the end.”
Seven Hills WI, in Sheffield, also shared that the group’s current officers have decided not to renew their membership with the WI and no one has come forward to fill the roles needed to run. As a result, the group is set to suspend from April 2026.
“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our Seven Hills community,” the group said in a statement. “Whatever happens next, the friendships and memories we’ve created together will always matter, those that are moving away from the WI, don’t wish to lose the social aspect of a group, so will be looking at alternative options.”
The WI’s decision to ban trans women from membership comes as several other organisations, including Girlguiding and the FA, have also implemented bans.
PinkNews has contacted the Women’s Institute for comment.
