Women’s Institutes Week Proclaimed

Agriculture and Marketing Minister Ed Lorraine has proclaimed Feb. 14-20 as Women’s Institutes Week in Nova Scotia.

"The Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia has been providing women with opportunities to enhance their quality of life through education and personal development for 86 years," said Mr. Lorraine. "The work done by members in our rural communities has also been of great benefit to all Nova Scotians, and I am pleased to designate a week where their contributions can be highlighted and celebrated."

"I am very pleased with today’s announcement," said Theresa Osborne, executive secretary of the Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia. "We feel the work being done by members across the province is very valuable, not only to them as individuals but to our communities, as well. We welcome this chance to educate people about who we are and what we do, and to create more awareness and understanding of our role."

Women’s Institutes provide women with opportunities to enhance their quality of life through education and personal development, allowing them to meet the changing needs of their local and global communities.

The Women’s Institute of Nova Scotia is actively involved in a number of projects. The group helps develop agricultural activity booklets and sponsors annual scholarships and the Adopt-A-Highway Program. Members are concerned about a number of issues, including the status of women, family violence, the environment, promotion of provincial food products and education.

The first Women’s Institute was formed in rural Ontario in 1897. Its goal was to help women overcome isolated surroundings and to serve as an educational forum.

Provincial Women’s Institutes are co-ordinated by the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada. The first Women’s Institute in Nova Scotia was organized in July 1913 at Salt Springs, Pictou Co.