As a charity, each WI has a constitution that lists its charitable objectives as well as how it will be run, how officers are to be appointed etc.
Under the constitution, the main purposes of the Women’s Institute organisation are:
(a) to advance the education of women and girls for the public benefit in all areas including (without limitation):
(i) local, national and international issues of political and social importance;
(ii) music, drama and other cultural subjects; and
(iii) all branches of agriculture, crafts, home economics, science, health and social welfare;
(b) to promote sustainable development* for the public benefit by:
(i) educating people in the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and the prudent use of natural resources; and
(ii) promoting sustainable means of achieving economic growth and regeneration;
(c) to advance health for the public benefit; and
(d) to advance citizenship for the public benefit by the promotion of civic responsibility and volunteering.
*”sustainable development” means development which meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.