January 2004

The Manitoba Women's Institute (MWI) - Tradition Of Progress

When MWI members identify a need, they take action. Many of the things we accept as part of everyday life in Manitoba are a result of initiatives taken by MWI members. MWI has allowed the voice of rural women to be heard to ensure that rural residents are treated equitably with their urban counterparts. Many of the ideas put forward by members have been, and continue to be, well ahead of their time.

Health Issues. Health care issues have always been a major concern of MWI.

• In the 1920s, when Manitoba’s maternal death rate was higher than the national average, programs were developed to assist expectant mothers.
• In the 1930s, members advocated for delivering health care through a health insurance plan. Advocacy by members led to the hiring of public health nurses in many municipalities and the establishment of rural health units.
• Starting in the 1940s, MWI was the main channel through which early cancer control and education programs were supported and delivered in rural Manitoba.
• In the 1950s, MWI supported dental and eye clinics for children in rural communities.
• In the 1980s, MWI assisted in recruiting rural women for a five-year national breast-screening survey and advocated for breast screening services in rural Manitoba. Today, Sophie and her sister (mammography units) are now servicing women in rural Manitoba.
• Also in the 1980s, MWI began advocating for midwifery services and, together with other women’s groups, has continued its support into the 90s through the rural consultation process and the establishment of the Transitional Council of the College of Midwifery to train and license midwives.
• In the 1990s, MWI prepared briefs and resolutions on new reproductive technologies, supported the Farm and Rural Stress Line, and have continued to communicate with government regarding health care reform.

Culture and Education. Projects initiated locally or regionally often are adopted by other regions and/or become provincial endeavours.

• Early in the century, an institute resolution drew attention to the educational needs of rural children by calling for equal educational opportunities and pressing for a salary schedule that would encourage teachers to work in rural schools.
• It was Institute members who organized the first rural music and drama festivals.
• Many rural libraries exist today because of the efforts of MWI members. Early libraries were owned and operated by Women’s Institute locals. The Manitoba Public Libraries Act in the late 1940s was a direct result of the efforts of MWI members.
• The internationally recognized Dugald Costume Museum grew out of fundraiser fashion shows organized by the Dugald Women’s Institute local branch.

• Since the 1930s, MWI has had continual involvement with the development and maintenance of the Canadian side of the International Peace Garden raising funds for a picnic nook in 1953 and since, for the fountain pictured here.
• MWI continues to encourage the education of its members and the community-at-large by annually offering bursaries for post-secondary education in human ecology, science, education and skills upgrading. (See MWI Bursaries)
• MWI and the Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference Committee received $500,000 in 1997 from the Canada Agri-Infrastructure Program (CAIP) to promote human resource development in the agricultural industry and rural Manitoba including entrepreneurial and leadership skills, mentorship, apprenticeship and networks or registries. The Rural Human Resource Development Program (RHRDP) Committee reviews applications for projects of up to $15,000 matching funds. For further information and/or an application package, phone 204-726-7645.

Family Life. MWI has supported many initiatives related to women, children and seniors.

• In the 1940s, MWI urged the Standards division to adopt clothing standards for sizing children’s clothes and to provide textile information and care labelling of fabrics and clothing.
• Prior to the 1958 Manitoba Age and Opportunity Conference, MWI had surveyed the need for senior citizen housing and advocated with the Government for more homes for seniors.
• The enforcement of maintenance orders in the event of marital break-up and enforcement reciprocity with other provinces.
• The establishment and support of safe houses for abused women.
• Requested of the Minister of Justice of Manitoba to appoint more women judges to all levels of the justice system.
• Conducted studies and pilot programs into options for rural and farm childcare.
• Drew attention to the need for improved highway school bus safety which led to legislation requiring traffic to stop in both directions when approaching a signalling school bus.

Farm Issues. MWI has always taken an active interest in farm issues and is a member of Keystone Agriculture Producers.  Through resolutions, MWI members have advocated for:

• Crop insurance adjustments being made based on individual farms rather than the average crop loss in an entire township.
• Wages paid to domestic workers on farms being allowed as an exemption for income tax purposes.
• The transportation of grain being declared an essential service.
• The enacting of right-to-farm legislation.
• Farm Safety – Just for Kids  is supported by individuals and local Women’s Institutes across Manitoba and since 1980 MWI has promoted and sponsored courses on defensive driving and on-farm safety.
• MWI is one among several organizations supporting Agriculture in the Classroom.