Co-operative Women's Guild

Ashton-in-Makerfield Branch

The foundation of the Women's Co-operative Guild was a major landmark in the history of the women's movement and a remarkable achievement in the male-dominated society of the 1880's. Economic dependency and a discriminatory legal framework relegated most women to second-class citizenship. The wife of the wage-earning workman generally had no recognised rights of her own, no independence, and no cultural leisure. However, for a substantial number of women the Retail Co-operative Movement provided a focus of interest and a network of relationships which in 1883 came together to produce the Women's League for the Spread of Co-operation, later the Women's Co-operative Guild.

As one of the first separatist movements for working class women the formation of the Guild was of great significance, but its subsequent development raised its importance, becoming as it did an articulate and influential protagonist for women's rights as well as a vehicle for personal and community development. From a position of individual obscurity, the Guild came to provide working class women with the opportunity to voice their opinions from a national platform, and to enjoy the satisfaction of helping to shape social change rather than merely respond to its whims.

The Ashton-in-Makerfield Branch of the Guild was formed in 1906, and has continued to meet since. Along with branches throughout the country, members have debated and supported many issues central to the welfare of women and the family, such as equal pay, divorce law reform, female trade unionism, maternity and infant care, besides playing a crucial role in the community during both world wars. Societal issues supported by Guild members have been international co-operation, the Peace ("White Poppy") Campaign, and women's suffrage.

The Ashton Branch meets each Thursday evening at 7.00 pm at Queen's Road Methodist Church. New members are always welcome. See here for a brief history.

With acknowledgements to Mrs W Wilson,
a staunch Guild member for many years and who
contributed this material and the history.

Ashton Community Forum