Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
British Columbia Women’s Institute
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Women's Institute expanded into British Columbia in 1909 when Laura Rose of Ontario toured the southern part of B.C. for six weeks at the invitation of the Dept. of Agriculture. Fifteen branches were organized during that time and within two years there were twenty four branches with a membership of over one thousand. Over the years the numbers grew with women discovering the friendship, support and learning experiences of W.I. The organization was formed as a way to encourage camaraderie among women; its goal was for members to learn more about homemaking, child rearing, health issues and other concerns.