Members warn NFWI decision has opened up toxic culture that deters younger women from joining

At least 12 Women’s Institute (WI) groups are closing or considering closure after the organisation barred transgender women from membership.

Branches said they felt forced to shut after the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) confirmed that, from April, membership will be restricted to those registered female at birth. Several plan to relaunch as independent social groups.