Salford activist “disheartened” as trans women excluded from Women’s Institute

A Salford activist says the WI’s decision to exclude trans women from joining the organisation is part of a growing trend.

The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) move follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that the term ‘woman’ refers to biological sex not gender identity.

The organisation said the policy shift came with utmost regret and sadness, adding that it had no other choice but to comply with the judgment.

Salford-based trans acitivist Althea Eccles said:  “It really speaks to the larger issue of the political climate in the UK and how it has become okay to exclude transgender people, especially women, from single-sex spaces.”

The decision, which overturns more than 40 years of the WI admitting trans women, comes after Girlguiding also opted this week to exclude trans women.

Eccles added that their experience of Girlguiding as a child has added to their “disappointment” over the two decisions.

They said: “Growing up being a Girl Guide was an important part of my life, and I am disappointed to see that a group which started to prioritise inclusion of marginalised groups is being so small-minded on this issue.

“I want all girls to have the experience of inclusion that I was lucky to have, and it is odd to think that if I were to try and join Girl Guides now I would be denied entry.”

Marcus Taylor, chair of the Board of Trustees at Salford Pride, said: “At Salford Pride, we are deeply saddened and concerned by the recent decision to ban trans women from the NFWI. This move stands in direct opposition to our core values of inclusivity, equality and respect for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.”

He added: “Community is strongest when everyone has a seat at the table. The decision to exclude trans women is not just disappointing – it’s a step backwards for equality and acceptance.

“Exclusion only serves to divide us and undermine the progress we’ve made toward true equality. We stand in solidarity with our trans siblings and all those affected by this decision.”

Salford Pride emphasised that it would urge organisations to reconsider policies that exclude and marginalise.

The NFWI said that while it can no longer legally offer formal membership to transgender women, it plans to extend fellowship, sisterhood and support to transgender women through other programmes.

The membership changes will come into effect nationally from April 2026.