Less Jam and Jerusalem, more Pimms and Lemonade!

At the age of 22, when you tell people you are a member of the women’s institute you tend to get some funny looks. Eyebrows are raised as thoughts of jam and Jerusalem, old grannies and burn-your-bra feminists pop into people’s minds.  But last year, at the age of 21 I did join the Women’s institute and have been a proud member ever since. And I can tell you that its nothing like you would expect.  The average age of the member of my W.I. group is about 24, with our youngest member just 18!  We are all young girls from around the city; some students, some professionals, some stay-at-homes; all different and unique. I belong to the Shoreditch Sisters.

Founded by former president Jazz Domino-Holly, this is the W.I. that sparked a whole new generation of young women to rethink their ideas, and try it out for themselves. As a result young new branches of the Women’s institute are popping up not just all over London but all over the country with places such as Plymouth getting in on the action. Whilst we do still do the types of things traditionally associated with the W.I. such as knitting, baking and fundraising, this is no O.A.P-fest! Wine and home-baked goodies are usually on hand during meetings and if not there’s always time for drinks afterwards (pimms being a popular choice with us ladies!).

Since joining the W.I. I have made a whole group of new friends, all with similar interests and outlooks on life as me. We are all keen crafters, who like to bake, and try out new recipes. We are keen to fundraise for charities that we are passionate about and like to get behind worthwhile causes such about current campaign against FGM (Female Genital Mutilation, practiced as a religious ‘female circumcision’). In the run up to International Women’s Day, we will be organising and attending a host of events centred on raising awareness about this terrible cultural practice. In the past few months I have learnt more about what it is to consider yourself a feminist in 2011, as well as learning how to make my own Jam, source my own ethical clothing and make my own ‘morsebag’ shopping bag! This month we elected a new president, Secretary and Treasurer for 2011 and I have decided to become part of the committee this as I would like to take more of an active role in the group and am eagerly awaiting the upcoming February committee meeting!

So you see the Women’s Institute is not just for Grannies, and feminists are not  ‘Lesbians with hairy armpits who burn their bras’ as one not so tactful college friend put it!

Anyone interested in joining the Shoreditch Sisters should visit our Facebook page- Shoreshoreditch Sisterhood W.I. or just come along to the next meeting on 22^nd February at Concrete on Shoreditch High Street. Newbies are always welcome. Or if you don’t hail from London Town, check of the Women’s Institute online to find your nearest federation! Happy stitching! xxxx