This month Reepham WI held its meeting via Zoom, when members were given an opportunity to listen and debate four resolutions, before voting on which campaign to support.

Similar meetings will be held during January by WI groups across the country. The majority vote from each group will then be sent to the National Federation of WIs for this year’s chosen campaign to be ratified.

The four matters of concern this year are:

• Dental health matters. There is an acute shortage of dentists in both the NHS and private sector. This resolution calls on the government to increase investment in training and retention of dentists by improving their employment contracts.
• Impacts of poor housing. The appalling condition of a large proportion of rented accommodation was highlighted. Tighter control and legislation on the conditions of rental accommodation, in both the private and social sector, is needed to ensure rental properties are safe, clean and fit for purpose.
• Say ‘No’ to gambling advertising. This resolution calls for the government and other organisations to implement a total ban on gambling advertising. As everyone is aware, advertisements and sponsorship by gambling outlets are to be seen everywhere, especially in sports venues, on attire and via media during sporting events. Gambling addiction can have catastrophic effects: financial hardship, mental health issues, breakdown of relationships and careers.
• Improving outcomes for women in the criminal justice system. A large number of women in prison, often incarcerated for non-violent offences, have children or are pregnant on committal. A non-custodial sentence, with monitoring from social services, would surely make more sense for women and, more importantly, their offspring. The WI’s “Care not Custody” campaign is an example of what could be achieved.
   

The Women’s Institute has a long history of campaigning, indeed in the 1950s one of its early initiatives led to the “Keep Britain Tidy” lobby.

All the above resolutions are complex, require committed co-operation and, of course, funding. Striving to improve aspects of grave concern in society by campaigning is at the core of what the WI stands for.

Reepham WI meets at 7.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month at St Michael’s, Reepham.

Dee Taylor