Postal History Corner

1959 The Associated Country Women of the World

The Associate Country Women of the World (ACWW) is the largest international organisation for rural women, providing support, friendship and practical help for its members.

The ACWW developed out of the Women's Institute movement . The Women's Institute was formed in Stoney Creek, Ontario, with the aim of providing education, information and support to women in rural areas. In 1899 it gained the official support of the Ontario government, and the movement quickly spread throughout Canada. In 1913 Mrs Alfred (Madge) Watt brought the idea from Canada to the UK, and the first British Women's Institute was set up in Britain.

Starting in 1919 Mrs. Watt promoted the idea of having an international body for rural women. After years of effort Mrs. Watt achieved her goal in 1933 with the founding of the ACWW at a meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. Mrs. Watt was elected its first President, a role she filled until 1947.

The Canadian stamp honouring the ACWW , designed by Helen Roberta Fitzgerald, was issued on May 13, 1959.

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