Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

The first Women's Institute in the world was organized on February 19, 1897 in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Adelaide Hunter Hoodless who suffered the tragic loss of a child from drinking impure milk saw a need for an educational movement for women. Today 24,000 women in Canada and 8.5 million women worldwide benefit from her taking community action.

On February 19^th each year, Manitoba Women's Institute pauses to remember Adelaide Hoodless and her belief that in this organization rural women could discuss their problems and work together to improve the quality of life for women and families throughout the country. At her suggestion the motto, "For Home and Country" was adopted in Ontario and is used today by thousands of Women's Institutes in many countries.

The proclamation of February 19^th as Women's Institute Day by the Province of Manitoba is considered a great honour by members of the organization.

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Day - April 29^th

Each year, April 29 is set aside by Women's Institute's around the world to celebrate the accomplishments of the organization in the fields of agriculture, health, sanitation, literacy and leadership development. ACWW's 365 member societies around the globe mark ACWW Day in their communities with a wide variety of activities.  ACWW celebrated its 70^th Anniversary on April 29, 1999.

For information contact: Manitoba Women’s Institute Office, 1129 Queens Avenue, Brandon MB R7A 1L9