Sans titre

• FWIO

• Women's Institute

The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) was founded in 1897. The organization provided women with information and education in domestic science, particularly supporting their work and learning in rural areas. Over the years, the Women's Institute branches raised money to support wartime efforts, and supported youth programs, public health, and environmental issues. Local branches may do their own work and keep their own records under the auspices of the FWIO.

The FWIO was founded by Adelaide Hunter Hoodless, and Erland Lee with the support of his wife Janet Lee. Hoodless’ passion for the FWIO is due to the tragic death of her 14-month-old son from contaminated milk, in 1889. She advocated for education regarding proper hygiene in homemaking for girls and women. Hoodless met with Erland Lee at the Farmers' Institute meeting in Stoney Creek, Ontario, in 1897. A week later, Hoodless organized the first meeting for the Women's Institute, with 101 women and 1 man (Lee) present.

The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario were run by rural Ontario women. The FWIO went on to promote rights and education for girls and women in rural and small-town areas, supporting healthy living for children. Today the FWIO still carries out their historical missions. They work nationally and internationally for social change for all women.

Sources

• Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. Our History. https://fwio.on.ca/wi_history.php
• Wikidata. Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19877856
• Wikipedia. Federated Women's Institutes of Ontario https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federated_Women%27s_Institutes_of_Ontario
• Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario. “Handbook.” https://fwio.on.ca/docs/Handbook-Final-Word_10-23-12.pdf

Operated in Stoney Creek, Ontario.
Operated in Hamilton, Ontario.

Authority record created February 16th, 2025.

• anglais

https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19877856