WHY CELEBRITY RAPISTS DON'T GET CAUGHT

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v\fN f y « CONTENTS

FEATURES HERE'S SOAP IN YOUR EYE 18 LEARNING ANTI-RACISM 23 THE BEV BRYAN CHILD CARE AFFAIR 26 CELEBRITY RAPIST 30 DOCTORING THE NUCLEAR PACIFIC 32 FIGHTERS AND VICTIMS 36 REGULARS LETTERS AND FRONTING UP 2 BEHIND THE NEWS In a Man’s World/Liquor Laws/Manqawhai Women’s Festival/ Women’s Role in Development/Chilean Women/Australia’s Disarmament Senator/ A Matter of Life and Breath 4 AGAINST ALL ODDS 12 SISTERS INFORMATION SERVICE Straight Dykes/Emmgtruck Plavs Music 13 ON THE SHELF 16 WHAT’S NEW 35 CLASSIFIED 42 ARTS REVIEWS Women’s Work/Mentol Health for Women/Save the Midwife/Brother-love Sister-love/The Fledgling/Secrets 43 LISTING 47 Cover design by by Sharon Alston. Photograph by Adrienne Martyn

BROADSHEET COLLECTIVE Sharon Alston, Ali Bell, Peta Joyce, Claire-Louise McCurdy, Jenny Rankine, Pat Rosier, Jesvier Singh, Shirley Tamihana, Athina Tsoulis, Jude Worters

Editorial and policy decisions are made by the collective. Main areas of responsibility are: Bookshop, Jude Worters; Design and layout, Sharon Alston; Editorial, Jenny Rankine and Pat Rosier; Finances, subscriptions, Athina Tsoulis; Resource Collection, Claire-Louise McCurdy, Ali Bell.

THESE WOMEN HELPED AROUND BROADSHEET THIS MONTH: Janet Charman, (poetry reader), Julie Sargison, Susan Grimsdell, Hazel Sargeant, Jae Paape, and the enveloping women. BROADSHEET is published by Broadsheet Magazine Ltd, PO Box 68-026 Newton, Auckland; Re­ gistered Office: 485 Karangahape Rd, Auckland 1; and printed by Wanganui Newspapers Ltd,^20 Drews Avenue, Wanganui. Typesetting by Filmset Type Ltd. Publication date: 1 April

Photoprints by SHOTZ

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Permission must be sought before articles may be reprinted. Broadsheet is on file at the Women’s Collection, Special Department, Northwestern University Library, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA. ISSN 0110-8603 Registered at the GPO as a magazine. LETTERS RESPONSE TO REVIEW riate. But by 1986, there were a can help us, both with support birth, new mothers and their number of significant im­ and information. How can the babies, have coalesced within Dear Broadsheet provements which needed op be obtained with the least me as a nightmare image. I hassle and time delay? Are I would like to respond to acknowledgement. That I ob­ am, filled with anger. 1 am some of the comments made viously don’t see everything in there any doctors (in Auckland moved to complain because I by Pat Rosier in her review of the garden as rosy (Pat’s “Just preferably) who are particu­ do not want this anger to fester Women and the Arts in New a worry that Eastmond sees it larly sensitive to the needs of within me. I am a dissatisfied Zealand — Forty Works as the same for everyone”) the intentionally childless? consumer. 1936-1986 (Penguin New was, 1 had hoped, made clear If anyone can help, please My complaint is that: 1) My Zealand, 1986) co-compiled by the later comments on, for contact: legal and actual status as my Jan Stone by Merimeri Penfold and my­ example, the poor ratios of daughter’s parent was not suf­ CPQ878 Auckland ficiently acknowledged. 2) self. (Broadsheet Jan/Feb women to men in art gallery Routine medical intervention 1987, p.45) positions and tertiary arts edu­ 1. Regarding the ratio of Maori cation and some quoted im­ DISSATISFIED HOSPITAL was unecessarily carried out and Pacific Island works to balances in survey exhibitions. CONSUMER on my daughter (Qesem) without my permission, and at Pakeha works, which the intro­ 4. That some historical duction stated as “roughly women artists received an an­ On May 15, 1986 1 gave birth times against my wishes. 3) based on population ratios," nuity and that this was a factor to my daughter within the con­ Mine and Qesem’s physical and which Pat described as in providing them with favour­ fines of National Women’s and emotional integrity was ig­ cartainly a way to set a able conditions to pursue their Hospital. The birth experience nored and thwarted. minimum for including non- careers as artists surely does was satisfactory but the sub­ Almost immediately after birth my daughter was taken Pakeha work”. When consid­ need to be considered in any sequent treatment that we re­ from me to the neo-natal ward ering ways of best represent­ discussion of the social con­ ceived from the staff, allied because of her pre-term birth ing the diversity of cultural text of women artists and their with the attitudes towards production in Aotearoa by art practice. forty works, it seemed to us 5. The comment on the “male necessary to keep in mind, as muse” in my introduction a yardstick, the quoted ratios (“what state of development is MYSTERY WALLED-IN LADY of population, while not neces­ the male muse at today?”) was (To my almost, sometime, activist sarily adhering strictly and un­ intended ironically and to en­ friend.) imaginatively to precise fi­ courage the general reader to gures. The 10% for Maori consider more carefully some Though you emanate a works, for example, was ex­ optimum conditions for the practical concern for things ceeded by the number of production of a continuity of out there works actually selected: four serious work, conditions 1 move further close to you traditional arts works by Maori which have obviously tended and find a wall as women, two works by Maori to favour men rather than thick as my arm, impenetrable, women artists using modern women in the past. defending a broken self. media giving a percentage of 6. Finally, Pat’s concluding comment: “This is one that 1 15%, which was in fact ex­ Recognized, quite possibly would buy for the pictures” ceeded in a way impossible to because in this 1 share and was pertinent, and welcomed! reduce to percentages by the struggle to break free. fact that at least two other ar­ This book is above all a pic­ Alas, the eon’s dilemma tists are of mixed Pakeha/ ture-book, as stated clearly in we care, we feel, we suffer; Maori descent as clearly stated the cover blurb. we care, we cease feeling, we work. in their biographies. Liz Eastmond 2. My description of Gil Dock­ Auckland ing’s “sympathetic” comment When finally all is shut out referred to that particular VASECTOMY and organized towards the statement, not to the book as a higher purpose; whole. Dear Broadsheet, when we discover what is left over 3. Re my stated belief that “... I am enquiring about obtain­ we weep, for nothing but a hollow. most other obstacles (in the ing vasectomies. From what I path of women artists) do not understand, the recipient Contained, mysterious love apply any more” with which should ideally be married, will come to ill, Pat disagrees; certainly some over 30 and already have sev­ mark the warning; remain, hence my qualifier eral children. (But these are wrapped in intellect, never extended, “most”, but at the same time not legal requirements?). harnessed to purpose and ego instead; many which beleagured My husband and 1 are in our foul play. women artists in the past early 20s and do not wish to (cited in the introduction) are have any children (for several You say you want a revolution: no longer operative. However, reasons). We are aware of the well well, you know; had the text been written as re­ permanence of such an oper­ we’re all doing what we can. cently as the early eighties ation — it is precisely because even the more positive picture of this permanence we wish it of current art practice for done. We would love to hear M. Clad would not have been approp­ from any readers or staff who

2 Broadsheet, April 1987 hours all her bodily functions and exhausting labour and a wished to mother Qesem. TATCHI ON THE BEACH had stabilised but instead of painfully stitched perineum 1 As it became apparent that being released to her mother’s traversed the hospital many she was not going to be re­ On The Beach arms, eyes and breast she was times a day, returning to my leased from intensive care or my hands weave kept for “observation” in the bed only to eat meals and provision made for me to be the Tai-chi balance ward and a battery of routine sleep between night feeds. closer to her, 1 approached quiet ritual movements checks were carried out on (Hardly the best way to recover the supervisor of the ward and flowing together her. A lumbar puncture was from a long birth.) within hours my daughter was performed, x-rays were taken, 1 remain convinced that my delivered to my room. Her ab­ below me rupt release on one hand ac­ monitors were attached to her daughter would have been far common (unlike Greenham centuated all my doubts as to skin, numerous blood sam­ happier, safer and healthier in black backed gulls ples were taken, a drip was in­ my arms and under my eyes. what she was doing in that serted into her wrist, glucose Having stated my desire to ward at all and on the other six red feet stilt and a prophylactic course of breastfeed Qesem I was ex­ hand no reassurance was into perfect glass anti-biotics were adminis­ pected to initiate it on a hard- given to me. 1 had not been en­ unbroken silence. tered. backed chair squeezed bet­ couraged to handle her apart A lucky moment. Decisions to take the above ween two incubators, sur­ from breast feeding and now course of action were made by rounded by electronic was presented with her as if people who were not her pa­ paraphernalia, with the ac­ straight from birth. The at­ I would like to titude seemed to be — well rents, whose main mode of re­ companiment of a polishing ease it into my pocket you asked for it, now you’ve course to my baby appeared machine and its operator. All clicking with shells this in full view of the corridor got it. The staff on my ward to be via electronic and techni­ carry these home cal apparatus rather than con­ and other wards and occup­ were not informed of her arri­ and, while the traffic argues stant observation. At no stage ants. It is not therapeutic for a val. outside was 1 invited to participate. Nor new nursing mother to have to 1 have sent a more detailed chorusing Reagan’s t.v. face, was any acknowledgement cope with other babies who version of this letter to the hos­ display this small made that I had any legal right obviously do need intensive pital, the ward, the Hospital sent was required. 1 did not ap­ care. Board, the Home Birth Associ­ enchantment on the proach her birth unprepared I was subjected to con­ ation and am forwarding a mantelpiece. proach her birth unprepared tradictory information about copy to the Ministry of and my desire to mother her breastfeeding and subtle dis­ Women’s Affairs. Sue Fitchett was obvious. In spite of a long approval about the ways 1 Daniella Aleh

have some spare time and right away. If your renewal for, BOOKSHOP AND say, March comes in after the BOOKSTALLS would like to do clerical work, proofreading at pro­ bulk mailing of that issue has The shop continues to offer an duction time, typing, help in been sent (we get reduced FRONTING extensive collection of books the bookshop or paste cut­ rates for this) your March by and for women and we tings please get in touch Broadsheet will be sent out have a large selction of UP with us. And don't forget with the bulk mailing for April. badges, t-shirts, jewellery, posters and cards. We now stuffing. have secondhand books and PRICE INCREASE some lovely silver jewellery. a p o l o g ie s From this month a year’s sub­ WHERE WE ARE Call in and browse. We offer To Shaista Shameem, for scription will be $34, and The magazine and the book­ 10% discount to students and spelling her name wrong in Broadsheet will cost $3.50 in shop are at 485 Karangahape beneficiaries on new books. the arts section of the Jan/Feb bookshops. We always hate Rd, Auckland. We are open We welcome the opportun­ issue. putting the price up, but costs from 10am to 5.30pm Mon­ ity to show what we stock in WE ARE MOVING (this time it’s printing and postage) go up relentlessly. day to Friday and Thursdays the bookshop, and of course it As the magazine goes to until 8 o ’clock. Saturday also helps us. If you are having press, we are finalising the ar­ morning opening is from 10 to a seminar, workshop or meet­ rangements for our new pre­ SPECIAL SUB OFFER 1. The magazine’s phone ing, please get in touch with mises. We are moving to a lo­ We hope that our loyal and number is 794-751 and the us. cation at the Valley Rd shop­ regular subscribers will not bookshop’s is 398-895. Our BACK ISSUES ping centre. It is in Dominion feel cheated by the special box number is 68-026 New­ subscription offer of two new Bundles of back issues up to Rd, next to Cantell’s restaurant ton, Auckland. subs for $40 that we are intro­ December 1983 are available — the address is 228 Domin­ ducing from 1 April to 1 Sep­ inthe bookshop for $33. Com­ ion Rd. The shift will take tember. The figure represents DEADLINES plete sets of available back is­ place over part of Easter and the cost of one sub plus the Deadline for the June issue is sues are $70. It’s a solid cubic the following weekend (25,26 mailing costs on the second. 26 April and for the July/Aug foot of feminist herstory and April). If you can spare a few Subscriptions are the main issue 26 May. ideas. hours to help please ring 794- source of income for the 751. Readers have been re­ magazine and this is our latest ADVERTISING sponding to our appeal for STUFFING attempt to entice readers to Our advertising rates are very support for the bookshop in Stuffing of the May issue will become subscribers. Please competitive. Display ads are the March issue — please be on 25 April. Join us for a tell your friends about the offer $88 per quarter page, $176 a keep it up, moving is an ex­ shared lunch and good com ­ (full details inside front cover) half page, $352 a full page pensive business. pany and help get the and encourage them to take (GST incl,) inside covers magazine ready for posting. this opportunity to support more, and more for all ads that POSTAL COSTS Broadsheet and get a really are not camera ready. Special VOLUNTEERS With the further increase in good deal for themselves. rates for regular advertisers on There is always a lot to do postal rates we have had to request. around Broadsheet. If you stop sending out late renewals

Broadsheet, April 1987 3 IN A MAN’S WORLD

TO enter a trade is still pre-apprenticeship courses for women to enter run at polytechnics around the a male world, a place where country, organised by the De­ men and men’s ways of doing partment of Maori Affairs. things dominate. So although Many employers still think the pay is better than for that women can’t do heavy “women’s work”, and the job work and don’t stop to think may be interesting, is it worth about what the woman who’s the effort? standing there asking for a job “Think about the changes it could handle, nor about the will make to your life,” says a back trouble that the “1 can lift young women apprentice to anything” macho males will other women thinking of en­ have in the future. tering a largely male work en­ Several of the women got a vironment, “the study and the chance after their employers hassles people give you. Also got fed up with male appren­ don’t expect to be praised for tices. One pastry cook said: “I doing a good job. You have to was taken on after a male ap­ pat yourself on the back and prentice had given up. He really get stuck in.” For young didn’t have the will power. He women who are in jobs which didn’t like being told what to men have traditionally re­ do.” And another said, “Young garded as theirs, finding a job boys were unreliable. My boss is usually only the beginning of thought he’d try a female to a difficult, sometimes reward­ see if she was any better at ing, often frustrating time, as turning up with the early they try to claim a place for hours.” And a third woman themselves at the work bench. said of her boss, “He thought In 1985 1 talked to 14 the boys weren’t of a suitable women between 19 and 27 standard so he decided to take who were doing or had com ­ a girl”. pleted or have given up ap­ And once they’d started the prenticeships in male-domi­ women worked hard. “We can nated trades. 1 wanted to find certainly work harder than the out what helped them to stick guys. W e’ve proved it out at the job they had chosen or there,” said Pam, a horticul­ why they gave it up. tural worker. Diane, who was The first surprise was that so in the footwear industry, said, few of them had given up. It “1 actually found there were was hard to find women who’d more guys that couldn’t be started as pattern cutters, or bothered than females. That’s engineers, or horticulture ap­ one thing that really annoys prentices and thrown it in. 1 me because they don’t want a was told about how lots of female apprentice because women couldn’t stick such they might get married and jobs, but after searching de­ pregnant and leave, and 1 cided 1 was hearing about the Patricia, apprentice carpenter know more guys that have quit same cases over and over than women, 1 think. That’s again. If you’re part of a minor­ quite strange actually”, she re­ ity you’re highly visible, espe­ flected. cially if you fail! As one of the Alison Kuiper summarises her study of women women said about the study There appear to be two dif­ part of the apprenticeship: in male-dominated apprenticeships. ferent types of women who “The girls work harder at the take up these male-domi­ exams, because if a girl fails nated jobs. There are the it’s because she’s a stupid special. They have to be to get hard for a woman to get taken “pioneer” women who are female, but the guys just shrug that far. They’re determined, on in carpentry or cakebaking happy in a male environment. it o ff’. they’re able and they often or a painting trade. In some of They’ve often spent a lot of Of course, women who have good qualifications, bet­ these areas Maori women get time with brothers, fathers and enter male trades are pretty ter than the men. Even so it’s at least a start because of the male friends. “I’ve knocked

4 Broadsheet, April 1987 apprenticeship, was con­ around with a group of guys,” treatment because they were What really affected them vinced she’d done the right said Nicky. “I’ve done what women and they didn’t want was boring tedious or trivial they’ve done.” Nicky works in any, but they were angry when work that didn’t seem to have thing. “There’s a tremendous an engineering factory and they got singled out with re­ any relevance to their appren­ sense of achievement know­ like other pioneer women is in marks like “You should be in ticeship. It was fine if they were ing that you are someone. an area women aren’t usually the sewing room”. Worst of all learning something, but That can’t ever be taken away found in. “I'm happy working was overt sexual harassment spending three weeks digging from you.” with a group of guys but some from someone in charge. up bulbs was the last straw for All of the women I talked to, girls wouldn’t be. They’d feel Diane’s comments about the Jessica. Lynne decided to give whether they completed their different and out of place. tutor who was always trying to up on her apprenticeship as a apprenticeships or gave up, You’ve got to have confidence touch her were surprisingly mechanic because “I was were hard working, deter­ in yourself.” These women mild: “I don’t like the tutor. I pumping petrol, giving chips mined and capable. But until have ways of dealing with has­ think he’s filthy minded. I don’t and pies to the customers, there is more support for the women there and changes in sles with their bosses and know if it’s because he likes cleaning cars and camper workmates. “1 give as good as 1 females. 1 just didn’t like him.” vans. 1 was even doing dishes. I the apprenticeship system, get. If they smart alec me, I But underneath she was didn’t do a thing all day for my only those women who have smart alec them right back.” angry. apprenticeship.”______extra support from their Women who don’t have the There are two parts to an In contrast, if the women got employers or families will last, same experience of a male en­ apprenticeship, the work itself a chance to do interesting and the jobs in the trades will vironment don’t find it as easy and the study. If you haven’t work, they were ecstatic about remain closed to most to cope. The idiocy of adoles­ had the background and ex­ their jobs. Jennifer, a carpen­ women. □ cent males is an extra thing periences that boys take for try apprentice, is convinced — “there’s no end once you’ve they have to deal with as well granted, then the study is har­ Copies of the research report on which as adjusting to the work itself. der, but mostly the women got a trade behind you. I do this article is based are available from “1 was always keen to do well. 1 found the tutors helpful. And love it. Oh, gee yes. Especially Alison Kuiper, Department of Art and they didn’t mind if the work the framing when you can see Community Studies, Christchurch worked hard. The first year Polytechnic, PO Box 22-095, Christ­ everyone was young. Oh, the was hard, provided it wasn’t something big being put up.” church, for $2.50 (including postage guys, they got on the girls’ unreasonably or dangerously And Muri, at the end of her and G S T). Please make cheques pay­ nerves. Everybody got it, but so. painting and paperhanging able to Christchurch Polytechnic. some of the girls got it more than others. As the years went on they got better. The final year there were a lot of nice guys. Sixteen, seventeen-year- olds, it’s a stupid age.” MANGAWHAI These women like to have other women around and when there’s more than one WOMEN’S FESTIVAL they support each other. Joanna and her friend started as typographers a week apart, “which was quite good. We Impressions from a number of women, put together by Pat Rosier. had someone to talk to, we could support each other. The women here really help each T O C women and chil- other.” 1 r l L dren started ar­ But it’s tough on your own. riving at the site north of Auck­ Muri lamented, “There are no land on Friday morning. Eigh­ other girls. They are still trying. teen hundred in all, looking They are going to get another forward to the music, the apprentice soon and they’ve stalls, the workshops, the had a few girls applying for it, beach (a good walk, but well and I’ve said ‘Ooh, that’s no worth the effort), the other good. I’ll be going in six women. The workshops might months. It’s a bit late isn’t it? have benefited from a little I’ve been here for two and a more structure (and more half years and I’ve been asking time without music), the hes­ and asking.” sian covering for the stalls was As more women move into not quite adequate to protect a trade, gradually there’s a the good from the occasional change in the way the workers squalls, and the music was relate to each other. Two hor­ fantastic. ticultural apprentices, Pam There have been lots of and Juliet, noticed that the comments from performers men have become used to the since the event about the presence of women and re­ superb stage management marks like “A woman’s place and sound mixing — all done is at the kitchen sink” aren’t by women, as was building the made as often. stage. There was an element Most of the harassment of magic in Saturday night’s comes from fellow appren­ concert, as the full moon tices. When it comes from travelled across the sky behind employers and tutors, it is the stage. By then most of the especially hard to take. Most of (women) security guards had Donna Savage, lead singer with Dead Famous People the women thought they gone home. There wasn’t any­ performing at the Mangawhai W omen’s Festival Photo: Louise Cuthbert hadn’t been given any special thing for them to do. Broadsheet, April 1987 5 Plenty of food for those that hadn’t brought their own, plenty of water, toilets that coped, a communal cooking area, a huge communal sleep­ ing tent, bus transport ar­ ranged from Auckland, quiet and “ragey” camping areas, and wonderful provision for children (“Not bad for five women under 33 with no kids!”), all helped to keep everyone happy. There were some mixed feelings about the sale of alcohol through the weekend. Some thought the whole weekend should have been alcohol and drug free like the recent lesbian festival in Auckland, some that bring­ ing your own would have been sufficient, others liked it being available. Five women’s lives were taken over by festival prepara­ tions for seven months. The five are Sandy Morris, Liz Lovell-Smith, Phyllis Comer- ford, Jenny Renals and Kara Dodson. They grubbed out gorse, planned where things would go (and planned them feeling very positive. ing and publicity and some again when a new post-local maybe the next year. “We feel good that all diffe­ manual things, and 1 have got “My advice to anyone in­ body election council rent sorts of women from dif­ a lot of confidence in my terested in organising a fest­ changed the requirements) ferent backgrounds gave us abilities now. ival is to start a year ahead and and built everything from positive feedback. By the time “What we are doing now is scratch. Lots of other women go for grants. Every letter and the festival happened 1 was so writing thank you letters, pay­ joined them and helped, par­ every contact we made is exhausted that it was the en­ ing the performers, working ticularly over the last couple of documented, so that is all av­ thusiasm of the women there out GST, and there’s a little bit months. ailable as a resource. All the that kept me going. On Friday of work to do on the site. W e’d music was taped and we are 1 talked to Sandy Morris a I spent 17 hours on the gate. 1 like to build a lockable shed up dubbing a video now.” couple of weeks after the fest­ found it difficult to disas­ there and store all the wood The Mangawhai Women’s ival. By this time they knew sociate myself from my re­ and stuff for the stage, all the Festival was the first of its size they had not covered costs, sponsibilities and didn’t relax gear we got, for the next one. since the Taranaki one in and had debts totalling $4000. until Sunday afternoon. Liz and Phyllis and 1 aren’t 1983. On its showing, it’s un­ And they hadn’t been able to “The whole thing was a real keen to be involved again. likely to be the last.D pay themselves for their seven learning experience for m e— 1 There probably won’t be months’ work. But Sandy was learnt a lot of skills in organis­ another one in 1988, but

LIQUOR LAWS

Alison Sutton writes about proposed changes that have serious implications for women.

TU C W om en ’s Work- sation — a drinking age of 18, civilised drinking habits like has to be recognised too — 1 1 1 La in g Party on Drug supermarket sales (with the those overseas, with more av­ domestic violence, rapes, vio­ Use (WWP) believes some of possibility of dairies and groc­ ailability, will mean New lent crimes when drunk, drink­ the changes to New Zealand’s ers having licences), longer Zealanders will learn to be driving accidents. liquor laws proposed in the re­ trading hours and Sunday more sophisticated and mod­ The Working Party believes cently released report of the trading. The WWP believes erate. At least these were the women are at risk in two ways: Working Party on Liquor, offi­ that generally it is already quite arguments used to move from from the often brutal results of cially called The Sale of easy to get alcohol and that the six o ’clock swill to ten other people abusing alcohol, Liquor in New Zealand, usu­ greater availability nationally o ’clock closing. Certainly and from the ways that alcohol ally referred to as the Laking will lead to a rise in overall con­ things can be more civilised damages women more Report, will have significant, sumption, which will result in now — small bars, Sunday quickly than men. It takes less detrimental effect on the lives more alcohol abuse prob­ lunches with a bottle of wine, alcohol over a shorter period of women. lems. wine coolers. But the other of time to do significant dam­ The report favours liberali­ The liberal viewpoint is that side of increased availability age because of our higher

6 Broadsheet, April 1987 proportion of body fat, gener­ of controlling alcohol abuse Alcohol legislation is politi­ tion, making a clear link bet­ ally smaller body sizes and on the national scale. How­ cally sensitive, so the Minister ween alcohol and violence. hormonal effects on our al­ ever, the Laking committee of Justice had taken the sensi­ cohol metabolism. has adopted a line of greater ble step of calling for public We hope that the government Alcohol treatment agencies individual freedom for the comments on the recommen­ will give the Roper recommen­ and health groups made drinker and the industry. The dations in the report. These re­ dations particular weight. If strong recommendations to WWP believes that the cost of sponses will be reviewed after any women want more infor­ the Laking Committee to that stance will be borne by April 1 and the WWP is hoping mation about the Working maintain the status quo on women and children both di­ that draft legislation will be Party’s views please phone In­ such things as hours and rectly and indirectly, as taxes prepared that protects rather grid 686-111, or Alison 493- place of sale, in line with over­ are paid to support the enorm­ than endangers women. The 195, or write to Box 56444, seas research that shows that ous burden that abuse creates Roper report from the Com­ Dominion Rd, Auckland. □ controlling price and availabil­ for the health and justice sys­ mittee on Violence contradicts ity are the most effective ways tems. the move towards liberalisa­

WOMEN’S ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT

Jenny Rankine previews a workshop.

women in development Members of the organising nal Council of Women, as well Aworkshop is being or­ group include representatives as government departments ganised by the Council for In­ from the Catholic Commis­ like the Ministry of Foreign Af­ ternational Development, a sion for Evangelisation, Jus­ fairs, Maori Affairs, Forestry, group of New Zealand de­ tice and Development, the New the Department of Scientific velopment agencies, for 14- Zealand Coalition for Trade and Industrial Research, Trade 16 May, in Wellington. and Development, the Christ­ and Industry, Pacific Island The workshop will look at ian World Service, the Africa and Women’s Affairs. the impact of aid on women at Information Centre, Volunteer the “receiving” end of de­ Services Abroad, the Overseas A workshop format will be velopment programmes; how Development Committee, the used, involving groups of 8-12 decisions about development YWCA and CORSO. people and resource women assistance are made within The workshop is for people and speakers. A group or New Zealand agencies; what active in development agen­ women from a Vanuatu pro­ happens with women fun­ cies, including volunteers and ject, and women from the draisers, volunteers and paid staff, people who have Philippines and African coun­ agency workers at the “deliv­ worked overseas in develop­ tries have been invited to share ery” end; and the links bet­ ment programmes, those their experiences. Videos and ween development overseas making decisions on sending drama will be used to spark and within New Zealand. “Our ning and practice does not money overseas, develop­ discussion. primary focus is on ourselves,” take seriously the work and ment workers from Aotearoa, say the organisers. “How we Organisations are encour­ outlook of women. Women, and people interested in de­ aged to send representatives, contribute to the invisibility of who produce most of the velopment issues. or make a grant towards the women in development, world’s subsistence food- The organisers see the rather than on bad policies costs. For more information, crops, are often excluded from workshop as relevant to write to Women in Develop­ and practises in Third World development planning, and women’s organisations like countries.” ment, c/- PO Box 12-246, Wel­ aid may not always be in the Pacifica, the Maori Women’s lington, or phone (04) 725- “Much development plan­ best interests of women.” Welfare League and the Natio­ 759. □

CHILEAN WOMEN

Clare Butcher reports on activists and political prisoners.

Chile this year 1 1 1 women’s activities small local meetings. Last the tear gas and water can­ women defied the soldiers leading up to International year’s big gatherings on the nons of the repressive forces with the cry “somas mas”, Women’s Day focused on streets were broken up with of Chile’s military regime. The “there are more of us”.

Broadsheet, April 1987 7 Since the coup in 1973 with the death of their children. family planning, free feeding have been sentenced to death (20,000 murdered, 2500 dis­ These actions are part of the programmes for pregnant and by the military court. appeared, one million forced network of oppression in­ nursing mothers and state Cecilia Radrogan Plaza was into exile), women have been itiated by respectable men in funded nurseries for the chil­ arrested by the Chilean secret active in opposing the military high posts in the GSA forces, dren of working mothers. Cuts police while she was attending regime. They have set up the CIA and the Chilean gov­ in education spending have a clinic with her brother and committees and networks to ernment. The repression of meant the dismissal of 22 2 V^-year-old son in October help relatives of the disap­ the Chilean people is part of thousand teachers this year. 1981. Her husband was assas­ peared, executed, political the spread of control by multi­ Privatisation of state com ­ sinated in April that year. She prisoners and exiles and or­ national companies; self-gov­ panies has also occured. was kept in solitary confine­ ganised soup kitchens and erning democracies do not Women suffer most ment and blindfolded for 20 clinics for the unemployed serve their purposes. under this type of economic days, tortured with electricity, and the poor. policy, which has led to a gen­ injected with drugs and These activities are built on eral impoverishment of the threatened with her own death Chile’s long tradition of politi­ population, an increase in and that of her brother and cal activism by women, in the deaths from back street abor­ son if she did not sign a docu­ 1930’s feminist women estab­ tions, many more unwanted ment prepared by the secret lished a women’s emancipa­ teenage pregnancies, child police. When she was taken tion movement (MEMCH) to and juvenile prostitution and from the secret police she campaign for an end to dis­ the selling of children to Euro­ weighed 39 kilos and was in crimination against women in peans and Americans. very poor health. Cecilia is the public service, for equal falsely accused of breaking pay and for the right to vote. This economic and political the state internal security laws. These women helped the system is intended as a plan Popular Front candidate to get for use in other countries and elected in 1938. The Popular that is the reason we have to Front was part of an interna­ help Chile (our South Pacific tional movement against fas­ neighbour), return to dem oc­ cism and the rise of Nazism in racy. As feminists we must many countries, including support the campaign for the Chile, at the time of the release of our sisters from Spanish Civil War. Chile’s jails. Hundreds of polit­ W omen’s participation in ical prisoners have been freed political life helped to produce by international solidarity a poet, Gabriela Mistal, a campaigns, but New Zealand feminist school teacher who has never been active in work­ ing for the release of Chilean won the Nobel Prize for litera­ Miriam Ortega Araya is 36 ture in 1945. Olga Poblete, 78, prisoners. Campaigning for individuals is successful; re­ and has three children. Before and Elena Caffaren, 85, were the coup she was a telephonist foundation members of cently a leading Chilean feminist activist Maria An- and active union delegate. MEMCH and are still active After the coup she was exiled today. tioneta Saa, was released as the result of a campaign by in Argentina and returned to This year women in Chile Women hold up the military Chile in 1979. She was de­ are campaigning for freedom, Graphic from Chile Committee for British feminists. Human Rights tained in January 1981 by the justice and democracy. They The Human Rights Sub- secret police who tortured her are demanding an end to tor­ Committee of the Gnited Chile for 20 days. She was then ture and to the death sentence The transnational com ­ Committee in New Zealand moved to a women’s prison and the release of all political pany, Reckitt and Colman, has started a campaign for the and kept in solitary confine­ prisoners. Currently there are which has heavy investments release of some women politi­ ment for 10 days during which more than 1000 political pris­ in Chile, enthusiastically proc­ cal prisoners who have been in she was threatened with death oners in Chile’s jails, police laimed the reasons for its suc­ prison for many years and are for “illegally” returning from stations, military barracks and cess in that country in its C1K in bad health, as well as the re­ exile. She is falsely accused of torture centres. There are 454 report: “Chile’s economy is lease of women sentenced to breaking the state internal sec­ political prisoners, 56 of them run by a group of economists death. We are lobbying the urity law and the arms and women, who have been in known to the Chileans as ‘the New Zealand government to explosives control law. prison for more than a year, Chicago Boys’. They have request that the Chilean gov­ Letters can be sent to accused of conspiring against been practising for some ernment cancels the death Cecilia and Miriam C/- Vicaria the government. There are years now the philosophies sentence for Cecilia Radrogan de la Solidaridad, Plaza de two women among the 57 preached by Professor Milton and Miriam Ortega (see below) Armas, 444 2do Piso, San­ condemned to long prison Friedman and endorsed by and changes political prison­ tiago, Chile. (The Vicaria is a sentences or death. President Reagan in the GSA ers’ sentences to exile, under church-sponsored solidarity The majority of the women and Prime Minister Thatcher article 504 of the Chilean con­ group.) are in San Miguel men’s jail in in the GK. Gnlike the GK, how­ stitution. We are further re­ Three other political prison­ Santiago, which holds 700 ever, the ideas are working in questing that the New Zealand ers who have been awaiting male criminals. Because of Chile! It is, of course, only fair Government offers these trial for over two years and who overcrowding the women are to say that in putting the women political prisoners a are in extremely bad health constantly exposed to the risks philosophies into practice New Zealand visa to take up are: Lady Castro Grra, Rita of prison riots, hostage taking Chile did not have democratic political asylum here. Rose Valencia Reyes, and or other violence. They have processes getting in the way!” Prisoners need letters of Isobel Arariciba Morel.D absolutely no privacy and less In reality Chile’s foreign debt support and financial help. than one square metre of is over 20 billion GS dollars Letters should be sent to the space each. In addition to and there is 25% unemploy­ Gnited Chile Committee in For further information, names and being tortured in the same way ment. There have been huge New Zealand,as in Chile reci­ addresses of prisoners and addresses cuts in public spending. In the pients of letters pay a fee. The to write to, contact Clare Butcher, as male political prisoners the Human Rights Sub-Committee, Gnited women are also tortured sexu­ health area this has meant an two women mentioned ur­ Chile Committee, 15A Sainsbury Rd, ally and are often threatened end to free peri-natal care, free gently need our help as they Mt Albert, Auckland, Phone 864-526.

8 Broadsheet, Apri 1198 7 AUSTRALIA’S DISARMAMENT SENATOR

Vallentine is an inde­ space for an interview or a pendent senator in meeting. People who never the upper house of the Austra­ thought they had much to lian government, the only one offer found themselves actu­ elected on the single issue of ally designing t-shirts and get­ nuclear disarmament. Rose ting them printed and bringing Black interviewed her during a them round by 10 o ’clock in recent visit to Auckland. two days’ time, that sort of “1 guess it began a long way thing. before 1984, when the Nuc­ “I got elected and we didn’t lear Disarmament Party (NDP) have a party meeting until two was formed, because there months after the election. If has been a growing peace the election hadn’t been suc­ movement in Australia for cessful, we probably never quite a number of years. In would have had a party meet­ 1984 the Labour Party turned ing in Western Australia be­ itself into a pro-uranium party cause the constitution said and that was really the catalyst that if nobody got elected the for people to get active in this NDP was going to disband new single issue party. It took everywhere anyway. People off with great enthusiasm. The who said we were naive were single issue aspect was good absolutely right. We went into and it was bad. It focused it with some great ideals and people pretty tightly. You some practical hard work, but didn’t have to worry about we didn’t have a philosophy ideological differences about that was well founded.” a whole range of other things. The party conference, held Many people had never been in Melbourne and open to any­ involved with the peace move­ one, exposed the differences ment before. They weren’t in direction and philosophy quite sure what the peace that had not had time to sur­ movement was on about.” face in the campaign, and the Peace activists in Western party disbanded under the im­ Australia were initially reluc­ pact. Jo went ahead as an in­ tant about getting involved — dependent. “It was really a Canberra thing, “As an independent, my and there’s a bit of a thing in focus is Western Australia, Western Australia about ideas particularly on the warships that come out of the east just issue, because we cop the vis­ being imposed on the west” — its of more warships than all but a small group that Jo was the other states put together. A part of did want to run a candi­ campaign is underway to op­ date and approached peace pose North West Cape in groups about the idea. “Some notice of the NDP on the other mining. We were saying no, Western Australia, one of three weren’t the least bit interested. side of the country because no, no! Where was the yes, yes, major (JS bases in the country. They said it would split the their campaign was about a yes! In Western Australia we We also have uranium mining vote, upset the Democrats, be bomb on a map of Australia, had nuclear disarmament t- leases in Western Australia; very difficult for the left wing of saying no thanks and all that shirts with the bird and the there’s heaps to work on there. the Labour Party, and so on. sort of stuff. We made our olive branch, and everything There are six of us on the But the few of us who decided campaign positive, hopeful, green and white. team. We operate as non- we would go ahead kept can­ empowering. We didn’t have “I very often appeared with hierarchically as possible. 1 vassing, and had a meeting of any negative images. We re­ my children. My little girl was have a good relationship with 50 people representing vari­ fused to go along with the yel­ less than three at the time, and the peace movement in West­ ous social justice, peace and low and black colours. We very willing to be in the photo­ ern Australia. environment groups. Only thought with a name like Val­ graphs. My older daughter, “I couldn’t survive in the se­ one was opposed to the idea. lentine we should use that, so who was five, just said Tm not nate as a member of a political “We launched the cam­ our campaign slogan was going to be in the pamphlet to party, because they stab each paign in the beginning of Oc­ Take Heart — Vote Vallentine. be stuck in everybody’s letter­ other in the back all the time. tober 1984 and the election It was giving people the impre­ boxes’. We had women flood­ Politicians are extremely busy was at the beginning of De­ ssion they actually mattered, ing in. We found this house we people, but they work on the cember. We never had a party that they could have a voice; it could use and when reporters wrong things — maintaining meeting, we didn’t have an of­ was as much about empower­ rang up they’d say ‘Are you ac­ their own position, getting ficial structure. Whoever was ment as about the specifics of tually at work?’ We had kids on other people chucked out, there at the time made the de­ the nuclear issue. The cam­ bicycles having races up and political infighting. cisions. We had good people paign in the rest of the country down the middle passages, no “1 can ask useful questions prepared to work hard. was no nuclear warships and doors on anything. You in the senate, get involved in “We didn’t take very much planes, no bases, no uranium couldn’t organise a quiet the debate, vote on nuclear is-

Broadsheet, April 1987 9 sues. I still think 1 should main­ on in the corridors of Canberra excluded from this, what’s “The hardest part of the job tain the single issue focus the and over cups of coffee is such going on?’ There are 14 is* leaving the kids all the time. I people in Western Australia that they’ll talk about who women in the senate out of 76. can ignore other politicians or gave me before the election. they’re being lobbied by. In the House of Representa­ take them with a grain of salt. 1 They were voting for nuclear “Another very good thing tives, there are only six out of have a very supportive hus­ disarmament, they weren’t about being there and having 145. 1 want to get on the band and I couldn’t be doing it voting for aboriginal land this awful label round my neck Foreign Affairs and Defence without him. He is a much bet­ rights and other issues. I’m se­ is that the media takes a bit Committee, and they won’t let ter organiser at home than I eing how far 1 can go on other more notice of someone who me on because they know I’ll ever was. My smaller daughter issues, by occasionally speak­ is an elected representative of be too much of a nuisance. My can’t remember when 1 used ing on them in the senate and the people. Although 1 feel un­ main job in the senate is to get to cook. Every so often I have a I’ve only had one complaint' comfortable about it, some­ issues of nuclear disarma­ cooking day with the girls so from one person. In the two times with me being at some­ ment onto the national they know I can do it. years since the campaign, thing, they will come along a agenda, and that is happen­ “The kids are very important people have been drawing the bit more and talk to some ing. to me as a grounding influ­ connections between social other people as well. It’s better 1 feel very hopeful about the ence. They keep me very justice issues, women’s is­ to have the problem of deflect­ future — if it’s not me there’ll much in touch with what it’s all sues, land rights, and the envi­ ing their focus away from me be other people in there; if not about. It’s really for kids’ fu­ ronment. Next time it will be to other peace movement at the national level, at other tures, all this work I’m trying to very much more difficult for people, than to have peace is­ levels. I do like the Green’s no­ do. They make me feel it’s so me to say 1 want to be an inde­ sues ignored. Another good tion of rotating people, but be­ worthwhile. A couple of years pendent and talk just about thing is having access to re­ cause my name’s now quite ago during the campaign nuclear disarmament. People search papers in the par­ well known in Western Au­ when 1 was going out yet again have broadened the base. liamentary library. Just having stralia, I do feel a responsibility for another meeting, “In the wake of the NDP de­ an office where people can to have another go. W e’ve got Samantha said ‘Not mummy mise, people have been talk­ come in and phone round the to work from where we are, going away again’ and Katie, ing about a new movement. country for the peace move­ and having got this position I my elder daughter, said ‘Look There’s a lot of consulting ment. That’s a real advantage. think it would be almost crimi­ Sam, mummy’s trying to save been going on at grass roots “Being a women in the se­ nal not to try and retain it. If I the world, you know’. That’s a level for 18 months, and it’s nate is a disadvantage to a cer­ get in again, I’d like to move very big responsibility I’ve still not ready to be formalised tain extent. I’m often quite out midstream and let some­ been given by my five year yet. It will have a solid bold. I say to people Tm being one else have a go. old.’U economic policy underlying all the peace issues. It will run candidates at local, state and federal government level, but it won’t be the be all and end A MATTER OF LIFE all, because it’s not going to be a traditional political party. People want it to have a strong AND BREATH foundation in community ac­ tion groups. “The most important part of Jill Player writes about asthma. my work is talking to people, trying to change public at­ titudes, especially about get­ ting rid of ANZC1S. In the politi­ occupational fumes are also This was the start of nine and a cal world 1 do have access to ASTHMA: triggers. half years of battling. people who are unavailable; 1 major health problem in New hijack Bob Hawke in corridors Zealand. Three hundred One in five school children “Attack followed attack, with to say what about this, that and thousand people suffer from it is likely to have asthma, and it hours of indecision wondering the other thing. He thinks I’m a at present and another is women who are, generally, if he should be taken to hospi­ real irritation but he has to be 300,000 have either had or will the child carers. The mother of tal and if he would “get over it” polite to me, and that’s useful. get it. Its incidence and the a severely asthmatic child re­ this time. On arrival at casualty All of that is quite good for number of deaths from it have counts her experiences: he would be given an injection, gaining the peace movement both increased in New Zea­ “Simon was born in August and we would be sent home. credibility and reminding land in recent years. In the five 1972. He has a sister Mandy, All too often relief would be politicians that there are to 35 age group the incidence who was then ten years old temporary and we would have people out there and votes in in New Zealand is four times and a brother Digby, who was to go back again, this time for the peace issue. as high as that in the United eight. He weighed 71bs 1 loz, a him to be admitted. On one “One thing I’ve learnt there States, Britain or Australia. happy and healthy baby. occasion I refused to take him is that nobody is beyond hope. Asthma is difficulty in brea­ “At ten months he de­ home again to avoid further All Australian politicians, no thing. It ranges from slight veloped bouts of wheeziness, trauma. Unfortunately, Simon matter what a dunderhead you breathlessness and wheezing extensive coughing, high did not receive any further think he or she is, are worth to severe attacks where a per­ temperatures, constant runny medication and suffered a col­ talking to. They’ve got to be son literally gasps for breath. It nose and eyes and sometimes lapse. Not too long after this impressed with the number of is a physiological disease and vomiting. He was treated with we were given free ward ac­ people out there who care not “something in the mind”. It antibiotics which didn’t work. cess which made a lot of dif­ ference. about this issue. So through is caused by swelling of the “Eight months later a vomit­ the office, we’ve set up a natio­ bronchial passages. They ing, breathless baby who was “The older children suffered nal lobby network. By the time swell in reaction to a variety of by now anything but happy a lot all through these early of the next election it will be in things — flu and colds, allergic and placid, was admitted to years. There were broken every electorate. So politicians reaction to foods, pollens or hospital and an oxygen tent for nights — only rarely did the will get lobbied on a particular dust, cigarette smoke, sudden the first of many visits. We family get a good night’s aspect of the issue. And the in­ changes in temperature, or were told that Simon was suf­ sleep. (At about this time formal networking that goes after physical exercise. Some fering from severe asthma. Digby started sleepwalking.)

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The children faced added re­ “Things improved with a and treatment of his asthma lesson which 1 learned to my sponsibility. Quite often they new and more helpful doctor have meant that he can now cost. I would struggle on, hop­ would wake up to find a note at the hospital. Simon was on lead an acceptably normal life. ing to improve. from me to say I had taken four-hourly medication. He at­ His mother says that there “I developed asthma at 27 Simon to hospital and they tended the local school, with were times when she thought years of age after playing com ­ would have to manage them­ help from the teachers with it would never happen. petitive sport at the highest selves, while being worried lunchtime medication.” level. I was then unable to play Another mother describes and anxious about their Children with asthma who sport for many years until the the difficulties of having try to keep up and join in sport available treatment improved asthma herself and trying to have immense difficulties my condition.” psychologically because as cope. “I feel that the time when family life is most affected is For women who live alone hard as they try, winning (and each census shows an in­ (which seems very important when the mother is asthmatic and she is just not physically crease in the numbers who when young) is beyond their do), a severe asthma attack capacity. able to cope with the everyday tasks of running a home and and the breathlessness it Simon’s sister Mandy, now family. It is helpful if you have a causes can make getting help 21 comments, “Simon’s partner who is kind and under­ difficult. And how many “We shifted house, to higher asthma has been a source of standing and will help. women don’t seek medical ground, had a room for Simon constant anxiety for both “Twenty years ago there help when they need it, be­ without carpet, washed and Digby and I, especially in was not a great deal of help av­ cause of the cost. changed his bedding daily, Simon’s first years. I have ailable for asthmatics and I Asthma awareness week vacuumed and washed rooms memories of him lying blue­ know that my children were af­ this year is from 30 March to 5 and toys but the attacks con­ faced in hospital, tubes scat­ fected by my frequent bad at­ April. Local asthma societies tinued. The temperature had tered over his body like a pin tacks needing hospitalisation. around New Zealand will be to be constant throughout the cushion and of him spluttering It is very frightening for chil­ mounting displays and or­ house. Eventually 1 estab­ his way through the nights and dren to see their mother car­ ganising activities to help exp­ lished that Simon’s severe at­ Mum, white-faced and ried off on a stretcher to an lain what asthma is and how to tacks were always early in the exhausted after a night spent ambulance. cope with it. The second natio­ week. Mandy and Digby rode battling with doctors, hospitals “The life of any asthmatic nal postal appeal for the horses as their main hobby — and Simon. Parties and pets must be very disciplined — Asthma Foundation will go all their weekends were taken were outlawed from the begin­ doing her best to avoid known out at the end of the week.D up with this sport. It was a grim ning because of dust and triggers and taking medica­ For information about the asthma decision for them, but the therefore possible disruption tion as prescribed. She must society in your district or any of their try to do her best to help her­ pamphlets about medications, horses were sold. This helped to Simon’s health.” treatments and management contact but certainly did not cure the Simon is fourteen now and self but seek medical help be­ the Asthma Foundation of New asthma. much better. Management fore a severe attack is on her, a Zealand, Box 1459, Wellington.

Broadsheet, April 1987 11 • FUNDING FOR LESBIAN BOOK • NEW PACIFIC NEWSLETTER

The Social Sciences Research Com­ A group of women went to a training also trying to identify retail outlets in mittee granted $20,000 towards a programme in Bangkok in April last developed countries interested in sel- book about two schoolgirl lesbians at year, sponsored by the Asian Cultural lin the products. But the project is still the end of last year. Alison Laurie and forum on Development (ACFOD). in need of outside funding and over­ Julie Glamuzina, of Wellington, are They have decided to publish a news­ seas communication can be slow, researching the background to what letter four times a year, to “promote since, as Owen points out, “we work has become known as the 1954 the role of women in society, and ex­ round a kitchen table without telexes Parker-Hulme schoolgirl murder. change experiences and information or high tech communication.” Con­ Two young wom en in an intense les­ of working women in development tact Womenwealth at 25 Stanley bian relationship, believing them­ fields throughout Asia and the Crescent, Flat 1, London W ll, selves to be the only living lesbians, Pacific”. The newsletter welcomes England. were to be irrevocably separated by contributions from ACFOD mem­ Isis International Women's Journal, their parents. They decided the only bers in Asia and the Pacific, as well as December 1986. way out was to kill the mother of one comment and feedback. Contact of them. The shock and horror their Asian Pacific Women Action Net­ • WOMEN IN ENGINEERING act aroused was in part a reflection of work, GPO Box 2930, Bangkok the meek behaviour expected of 10501, Thailand. The Women in Engineering Project, women. Women offenders are Isis International Women’s Journal, started by the London South Bank punished more harshly than men December 1986. Polytechnic, aims to inform and en­ when they commit the same crime. courage girls and women about en­ These attitudes have resulted in the • ELIMINATING THE MIDDLE MEN gineering careers and help remove Parker-Hulme case being included barriers which prevent women and with mass murderers in books like the Womenwealth, a London-based mar­ girls from developing an interest in W orld’s Worst Murders. The murder keting organisation, provides techni­ engineering. linked lesbianism with violent crime cal assistance, access to markets, fair The project has organised after­ in the minds of thousands of New wages, good work conditions, design noons of activities in the polytechnic’s Zealanders. Laurie and Glamuzina, as advice and shared profits to women engineering laboratories for visiting lesbian feminists, will put the situation craft makers in Africa, Asia and South schoolgirls, and talks by women lec­ of the two young women in the con­ America. AMBIKA is the trading end turers and women engineers to text of the compulsory heterosexual­ of the organisation, which bypasses pupils, parents, wom en’s groups and ity o f the time. Their book will be pub­ the middle men in the producer girls clubs. The project has also lished in 1988. countries, and the wholesalers and collected videos, leaflets and kits on retailers in the industrial countries. science and technology that are use­ “W e only compete with very selective ful for teachers. It has funding from • WELLSFORD WOMEN S DAY high price, high margin products, so the European Social Fund for full w e’re unlike other similar trading op­ grants to women students for a A December workshop at the Rodney erations, because we are after profits polytechnic course. The project also College Hall in Wellsford, north of Au­ for women workers, not us!” said arranges preliminary courses for ckland, attracted 38 local women, Womenwealth coordinator Margaret women without engineering mostly from Pakeha backgrounds. Owen. backgrounds to get them into the Workshops included dealing with Womenwealth deals directly with field. stress, assertiveness, caring relation­ women in Bangladesh producing Between 1982 and 1986 in the GK ships and women against violence. leather goods, and hopes to work with there has been a steady increase in Women who came felt there was a rural women in Uganda who produce the number of women entering sci­ real need for this kind of activity in the beaded goods. “Where the industry is ence and engineering courses — area, and wanted the workshop to go primarily for export... we can help by now about 11 % in universities and 8% on longer. A group of women were ensuring that the women are not in polytechnics. For more informa­ keen to start a local support group exploited by the entrepreneur and the tion contact Mary Ayre, W om en in and do som e counselling training. In­ commercial exporter,” said Owen. Engineering Project, Department of terested women can contact Christ­ Womenwealth is making arrange­ Electrical Electronic Engineering, ine Lamb, Wellsford 8138, Debbie ments with cooperatives in Zim­ South Bank Polytechnic, Borough Stone, Manawhai 68430 or Pat Blen- babwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Burkina, Rd, London SE1, England. kinsop, Wellsford 7170. Faso, Mali, Chile and Paraguay. It is Isis Women’s World. 12 Broadsheet, April 1987 SIS ^ £ £ f SISTERS INFORMATION SERVICE STRAIGHT DYKES

Members of this Auckland group talked to Pat Rosier

different things have affected Frankie thought of the name. our drink-drug use, or wanting “Straight” meaning not using to use. That can take the whole alcohol or drugs, and if it two hours. W e’ve started look­ takes people a while to work ing at the AA twelve steps and out that straight doesn’t modifying them to suit us. We mean heterosexual in this don’t respond to their lan­ context, that’s fine. guage and the references to They meet Wednesdays at god don’t do anything for us. the W omen’s Centre in Pon- Over about four meetings we sonby Rd. Every Wednesday. had some good discussion, The regularity is important al­ and came up with some ideas though not everyone comes about what we have to do for every time. What they have in ourselves. Things like: common is being lesbian, a acknowledging that we have problem with alcohol/drug got a problem and making a abuse and a wish to be alcohol commitment to change that; and drug free. The group looking at the reasons why we started about a year ago when drink or use drugs; making Frankie and Maggie went to a changes — finding new ways LADA (Lesbians Against of dealing with emotions; Drugs and Alcohol) meeting working on increasing our because they wanted a group. self-awareness and self-es­ Frankie had just stopped teem; sharing all this with drinking and was finding it other lesbian alcohol and drug hard. abusers.” 1 went along to a recent reg­ ular meeting and talked with bians, but that they would sup­ turns up. We are still finding Lesbians can join Staight Wendy, Jean, Frankie, Leanne port other women wanting to our direction on how we want Dykes while they are taking and Aorewa. set up a group. the group to be.” part in another programme — Straight Dykes is a self-help “We come along on Wed­ “We start with a round and which they may need for with­ group — no experts or “hel­ nesday and wait to see who talk about the week and how drawal, drying out or whatever. pers”, they are all lesbians in Most programmes don’t ac­ the same position. They are cept lesbianism as normal and not into controlled drinking, counsellors can have the att­ the aim is to be alcohol and itude that if they fix the al­ drug free. The only require­ cohol-drug use they’ll also ment for joining the group is to “cure” the lesbianism. If the be lesbian and want to quit. numbers get too large they fi­ “We want new members to gure there’s room for more have an honest desire to stop than one group. using, that’s enough.” If some­ All the women I spoke to see one is coming to the group the group as a really important and regularly having lapses, part of their struggle — and not turning up and so on, that they all called it a struggle— to will be discussed in the group. stay alcohol and drug free. The first few meetings were They range in age from early spent deciding whether or not twenties to late forties, they to have a structure, looking at have quite different back­ ways other groups worked and grounds and present circum­ getting to know each other. stances, and their stories are They talked a lot. Building quite different. trust was a slow process. It was Jean at this early stage that they de­ 1 haven’t had a drink since the cided that it was important that first night I came here. Mow their group be solely for les- that 1 say clearly that I don’t drink people don’t pressure me to, and 1 really notice how Photos: Adrienne Martin Broadsheet, April 1987 13 many people don’t use at all. don’t get out of it — they don’t We don’t just meet on Wed­ think 1 fit the image of a nesdays, we go out together as straight person. I’m not bor­ a group, too. The mere fact of ing. coming, though, is a real com ­ 1 used to drink at band prac­ mitment not to drink for tice and before performing, another week. I think I’ll always and then I’d relax afterwards need a support group. For me by getting off my face. After it’s really important that it’s a playing at Mangawhai I went to lesbian group. I can talk about get a cup of coffee and there a relationship, without the out­ was none, so I had a coke and side pressures. Any other everyone else was getting out group is oriented towards of it. All the rest of the band heterosexual relationships. drink. I feel different towards Leanne them — 1 used to get pissed For me to say no to drugs and with them and now I don’t. alcohol was hard. It was ex­ They joke to me about it. Just pected that I would use them. I about everywhere we play have learnt to stay away from there’s alcohol and drugs. the people who are bad for 1 get frightened that I’ve only me. I feel safe going out with written one song that I feel is women from this group and I decent since I stopped drink­ have a relaxed time. It’s so dif­ ing. 1 have to battle with this ferent from going out and get­ fear that my creativity was re­ ting “out of it”. Thursday used leased by the alcohol and I to be a really big raging day for won’t be able to write songs me, coming here on a Wed­ these things. Every time I mes are oriented towards men any more. But I’ve got more nesday gives me strength to come it’s a real challenge to and the problems and issues confident on stage and the change that. talk about myself, but it gets for women are so different. song that I have written sober I keep coming back here easier. I find it really useful to talk is a really good one. I feel more because it works. It works if I’ve changed some of my about my week in terms of capable, everything I do is me you work at it. There are no ex­ friends, and there’s a sense of when I wanted to drink, and I doing it, not some injection of pectations in this group, only loss about that. I have a lot of can’t really do that anywhere courage. In the way that being the desire to stop. And a wil­ fun with the people here, it’s else — I often get a “Well, get a lesbian affects every part of lingness to talk about what it’s good to know that people who your will power out” reaction my life, so does being an al- like to be in the lesbian com ­ don’t drink and drug aren’t al­ or just a blank look. I’ve done cholic. It colours everything. munity and not drinking or ways boring. I worry about get­ all sorts of therapy, but that’s If it gets tough I can say to drugging. ting boring, particulary now not the same as the support of myself, “It’s nearly Wednes­ Wendy that I’ve got a job. I haven’t a group that knows about day”, or I can ring one of the I was never a heavy/heavy done any art for ages, I don’t wanting a drink and struggling group. The group gives us user. But I had binges and as­ make time for creative things not to have one. Other people acknowledgement that we sociated with people who were now, because I think I’ll fail. I don’t realise that there are struggle. Coming to it is very heavy users, so this is a really have to sort that out some often times every day when good for my self-esteem — I important support group for more. you’re thinking about it. feel as though I’m doing me. Talking about it makes me I used to have to drink to something very worthwhile for I had been depressed and realise how many changes I’ve write anything or give a lec­ myself. sick and realised why I used made — having more confi­ ture. It took a year and a lot of If I don’t look at why 1 was drugs and alcohol and that I dence about day to day things, ego-boosting to become able drinking and find other ways of had to learn different ways of being able to give myself cre­ to do these without drinking. dealing with those things I coping in social situations and dit for things I’ve done. Every­ Frankie might go back to drinking, so have more confidence instead thing feels much more real to 1 have learnt to have the same I’m keen for us to get into self- of hiding behind drugs and al­ me, my friendships and the social life without drugs and help therapy more so we can cohol. I also used them to ob­ way I relate to people, it feels alcohol, but I have felt pres­ deal with the underlying is- literate memories and I had to more honest. 1 confront reality sured. 1 still go to Juliana’s and sues.D confront some of those things. more and live in the here and rage but without using them. We look at all the reasons why now. People say to me “What are we drink — this is the one Aorewa To contact Straight Dykes ring Frankie you doing here?” I get a real at Ak 767-967 or Wendy at Ak 398- place where I can talk about So many alcohol program­ disbelief from people that I 595. EMMATRUCK Jenny Rankine interviewed Lesley Smith and Mary Evans, who produce and distribute women’s records.

Mary first started importing Changer and The Changed. to the east cape town of Te She has a degree in music, women’s records in 1978 Mary moved to Gisborne in Araroa, Mary sold the remain­ and has performed as a pianist from Olivia, a women’s re­ 1979, and sold the records by der of the records to The and cellist. She still teaches cording company in the Un­ mail order around the country Women’s Place in Wellington. cello. “What that training ited States, after hearing a through feminist and lesbian Lesley’s experience has taught me was the ability to lis­ copy of Chris Wiliamson’s The magazines. When she moved been in music performance. ten, and what to listen for. That

14 Broadsheet, April 1987 so precise in their timing they doesn’t always come from that don’t allow for the human ele­ kind of training, but 1 know the ment. There are odd bits technical side of music — where the timing’s out just when the sound is flat or out of slightly and 1 find it infuriating.” time.” Lesley’s interest in re­ “When musicians play at cording grew, and she did a gigs and pubs, they often can’t short course in sound en­ hear what they’re doing be­ gineering at Harlequin Studios cause there’s so much noise in Auckland in 1981. — so they have to make do “The Emmatruck account with the situation and get a started when Mereana Pitman rough idea whether it’s good approached us about the Web or not. In the recording studio, W omen’s Collective in 1982,” you have to put the music said Lesley. (The name came down in layers; rhythm first, from a 1949 Ford Truck, bass, then lead guitar and voc­ numberplate letters EM, which als last. It’s working from the Mary bought in 1979 and did Contact Emmatruck at PO Box 53, Oneroa, Waiheke Island. bottom up so the timing stays up.) “We put money into the looking fellow with a pastel t- American musicians to im­ tight. Being able to realy listen Web album, Out of the Cor­ shirt. When it got to the bit port. to sounds in this way has ners, as a three month loan.” about bitches and cows you Emmatruck is in the pro­ helped Sweet Harmony to im­ In 1984, Emmatruck put could see his lips getting more cess of recording Auckland prove their live playing — it’s money into the Topp twins’ re­ pursed and tight round the band Sweet Harmony, and much tighter.” cord Twinset and Pearls. Les­ edges: he turned it off and said their album is due out at the “I’m the final decision­ ley did another sound en­ no thank you very quickly. The end of May. “It’s better to wait maker in recording. I ask the gineering course that year, be­ record is still selling steadily. until there’s the money avila- band what they’re most confi­ fore they went women’s fest­ We did the whole process — ble to do quality recording,” dent with. Sometimes 1 pick up ival hopping in the United recording, pressing and dis­ said Mary. ”l’m sick of women when they’re a bit out in the States. At the end of the year tribution, and we’ll do that for doing shoddy things — we’re second bar, or they pick it up they moved to Waiheke Island, all our albums.” undervaluing ourselves.” and do it again. We’re all musi­ in the Hauraki Gulf. “Albums last a long time,” W e’re exporting it to Ladys­ cians working together.” “From the trip we had all the said Lesley. “Any mistakes lipper. One hundred and se­ be developing a marketing contacts for importing,” said venty have gone so far; it’s our Emmatruck will produce a network for women’s music, Mary. biggest single order.” The mail order catalogue of im­ which is generally little known, “The American Ladyslipper Ladyslipper catalogue calls ported and local women’s non-commercial and unlikely catalogue distributes all the in­ Clothesline Conversations music in the middle of this to get radio play. Mahina’s re­ dependent women’s record­ “one of the occasional truly ex­ year. Lesley and Mary are in­ cord was played on campus ings, and we have contact with citing recordings to cross this terested in hearing from radio, the access programme an Australian distributor, desk”. Instead of exchanging women musicians who have in Wellington, the National which gives us access to En­ money, Emmatruck is ex­ good quality tapes they want programme and Auckland’s glish and European women’s changing records with Ladys­ distributed, and about musi­ 89FM a couple of times. music.” lipper. “The more of Mahina’s cians they might not have “The music sells itself,” says “One thing we learnt,” said records we sell there, the more heard of. People who sent in Mary. “The music women are Lesley, “was that New Zealand we can import,” said Lesley. orders for Mahina’s record on producing should be heard. women can do it just as well.” “Our first shipment arrived two Broadsheet flyers will get sent All of the arts can be used to In 1985 they felt it was time days before the Mangawhai a catalogue. Emmatruck will expand the way people think they went further, so they de­ Women’s Festival, and about show up more and more the and feel.” cided to produce a record. three-quarters of it sold.” Sev­ more you listen, and drive you “We went to the Sisterfire They formed Emmatruck into eral North American women crazy. One thing 1 learnt on festival in 1984,” said Lesley. a legal partnership and went bought New Zealand women’s Mahina’s album was when we “Sweet Honey lifts you 10 feet around listening to bands and music at the festival and pas­ put the drum tracks down. We off the ground. Then we went performers and settled on sed on ideas about good used a drum machine. They’re to hear a guy performing to Mahina Tocker. Her record about 600 people. He was Clothesline Conversations crass-sexist, racist. His mes­ was the result. One thousand sages were so anti, and the records and 500 cassettes music wasn’t good. W e’ve got were pressed; the cassettes to change that.” have since sold out and been “Drive time radio music reprinted. makes people aggro,” says “1 got a real buzz from hear­ Mary, mimicking the ing Mahina’s voice coming out stereotype yobbo driver. “If it from a darkened studio,” said was calm and different there Lesley. “I have great trust in would be a lot less accidents. Mahina’s musical sense of Women’s music is beautiful — what songs should sound if the world listened to it every like.” day on the breakast session, “We sent out letters to the world would be a different music shops about the re­ place.” cord,” said Mary, “and ap­ But what about songs like proached places in Wellington Val Murphy’s hilarious I Wanna and some places up the main Carve You Up, from Out of the trunk line on the way back Comers? Mary is adamant: from getting it pressed.” “We “Once you put the music on, it had a hilarious experience in says something back to you, Hamilton,” said Lesley. “We you have the same beliefs. It’s gave the shop manager a tape different from the usual blah, to play. He was a very prim blah, blah on the radio.”D Broadsheet, April 1987 15 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

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It places women at Maya Angelou legislation, the impact of the centre of language and In the fourth volume of her au­ privatisation and the new uses definition and quotation tobiography Maya Angelou technology, and the place of to take us on a fascinating leaves California for a new life women and feminism in the journey through the develop­ in New York where she be­ trade union movement. They ment and use of the English comes immersed in the world examine the question of language from diverse of black artists and writers in whether a women earning her feminist perspectives. Pan­ Harlem. Virago pbk. 14.95 own income helps redress dora, pbk, $38.95 ther balance of power between LIONHEART GIRL men and women, the role of Life Stories of Jamacian women in third world man­ ANTHOLOGY Women ufacturing,and the issues Sistren raised by anti racist work in Since 1977 the women of Sis­ Britain. Virago pbk. 19.95 CONDITIONS THIRTEEN tren have been exploring the A feminist journal of writing lives of Carribean women, fiction, poetkry, visuals, re­ from which they create plays, LONGEST REVOLUTION views and interviews with an screenprints and workshops Essays in Feminism, emphasis on writing by les­ for presentation. This book is Literature and bians. International Focus 1 based on testimonies from Psychoanalysis pbk. 16.50 Sistren and edited into a vivid Juliet Mitchell record of womens lives. The This stimulating book brings AS ONCE IN MAY stories retain all the emotional together important esays on Antonia White depth of works of the imagina­ psychoanalysis, female sexu­ BIOGRAPHY Reflecting the many qualities tion, yet they are at the same ality, and the psychology of fe­ that constituted her genius, time an invaluable record of minity, extensions of her re­ the intense feeling and the bril­ oral history. Women Press markable work Psychoanaly­ SEROWE liant skill, the sense of fun and pbk. 29.99 sis and Feminism. The whole Bessie Head reflects the thought and de­ Bessie Head has used all her velopment of one of the most skills as a novelist to show an important thinkers of our time. African community going Virago pbk. 8.00 about its daily business both now and one hundred years ORDER FORM SIGNIFICANT SISTERS ago. Her intention is to recall a Margaret Forster community and its history Please send these books: Significant Sisters traces the through the words of the lives and careers of eight thatcher, the teacher, the pot­ women each women each of ter the plougham the market whom pioneered vital woman. Here are the words of changes in the spheres of law, nearly one hundred inhabit­ the professions, education, ants representing all aspects morals and politics. Tiach for­ of a village community. Heine- ged her own particular brand man PBK. 15.95 of feminism, yet all engaged My name is: ...... with couraged and determina­ tion in the battle against the in­ COMING TO BIRTH My address is: ...... justices and limitations im­ Marjorie Oludhe Mac- Goye posed upon womens free­ I enclose (including $1.00 packing and postage per book) $ dom. Penguin pbk. 14.29 In a first novel of great strength and resonance Marjorie GIRL FRIENDLY Oludhe MacGoye recreates SCHOOLING life in pre and post colonial SUBSCRIPTION Edited By Judith Whyte Kenya with vivid attention to detail. The intimate daily life of Rosemary Deem Lesly I would also like a subscription for myself: $34 □ . For my friend □ . the capital, village life with its Kant and Margaret To sustain Broadsheet: $50 □ . Other rates on the contents page. Cruikshank. rituals and gossip and the lives The problems of how schools of ordinary Kenyans as they fail girls and reinforce tradi­ adapt to dramatic and violent tional roles is one which con- change. Heineman hdcvr. ferns not only teachers and 25.95 administrators, but all those A PIECE OF MINE who feel strongly about the My name is: ...... I position of women in society J. California Cooper My address is: ...... 1 today. This book reflects wide J. California Cooper’s larger interest asking the question than life women struggle for “what makes schooling un­ love, money, happiness, and Send to Broadsheet, Box 68-026, Newton, Auckland, N.Z. | friendly to girls”? and examin­ sometimes revenge. Told with ing the success of interven­ enormous warmth and Broadsheet, April 1987 17 ^v>^C r, 6E/NG A

£ 7 DO YOU RUSH HOME ON THURSDAY ven if their hook has never pulled you in, the NIGHTS TO CATCH DYNASTY? D O Y O U m cold hard fact is that in one month in 1980 W A T C H DA YS OF OUR LIVES W H E N eighty three million Americans were watching YO U’RE AT HOME WITH KIDS/ Dallas, 76% of the entire TV watching audience. And if that doesn’t impress you, how about that we’re just one of UNEMPLOYED/OLD/YOUNG OR RESTLESS? the ninety countries in the world that not only watch it but O K , S O Y O U P E R S O N A L L Y C A N ’T seem to be enjoying it. Ien Ang, a Dutch feminist critic, was UNDERSTAND HOW YOUR FEMINIST moved to write her book Watching Dallas because in the FRIENDS CAN STAND J.R. EWING, BUT spring of 1982 half of the population of the Netherlands YOU’VE BEEN WATCHING CORONATION was watching Dallas. So even if you hate them, are oblivi­ ous to them, or love to hate them, the fact remains that STREET SINCE ’64, AND THE EASTENDERS these serials have a huge appeal. Particularly to women. MAKES MONDAYS WORTHWHILE? JOIN In New Zealand Coronation Street continues to be a THE CLUB, P.U.S. (POLITICALLY UN biggie with 22% of the TV audience tuning into it in the first SOUND) OR OTHERWISE, WHO WATCH two weeks of this season. Forty seven percent of those THE DAYTIME AND NIGHT-TIME SOAPS. were women over 40, 21% women in the 20-39 age group. (This article is restricted by my tendency to miss Open House because of the screening time, and the fact that I have difficulty bandying about the term “cultural im­ perialism”. My attraction to soaps tends to be directed by

18 Broadsheet, April 1987 my interest in the melodramatic aspects of family life, rather than a life-time of not being able to miss an episode of Coronation Street. It hasn’t been the same for me since Ena Sharpies died.) It’s by far and away women who watch The Young and The Restless and Days o f Our Lives. What is it about Sue-Ellen, Alexa Colby, all those families, sons, daughters and doctors that appeals to women? And can a woman reconcile feminism with watching (and enjoying) Dallas? What about the dream of a classless society existing in a cloud over your head as Dianne Carrol hands over a fifty million dollar cheque like it was milk money? Confused? Tune in and hear what the comfortably off to decadently rich white families. The latest feminist media watchers have to say about the Americans like to keep it Reagan-clean. Who would know damned things. that Texas has sizeable black and Mexican communities Strictly speaking, the real soaps are the daytime soaps after watching Dallas? W ho would know that Texans which began on the radio in the United States in the speak with a Texan dialect after watching Dallas? Number 1930s. How they got their name has become a TV legend, one rule which I’ll get back to later is that these shows are and continues to give the most scathing just cause for not about —- surprise, surprise — reality. W e weren’t criticizing the serials’ commercial nature. The soap pow­ brought up on Fantasy rules OK. der companies sponsored the shows and aired their ad­ No wonder Coronation Street and The Eastenders do vertisements in the familiar frequent breaks. Not surpris­ so much better here. W e perceive them as being realistic. ingly after a couple of decades they cam e to be identified After all, they’re English and working class. Because they one with the other. deal with issues that affect more of us (for example, what Because the ads were directed at the housewives obvi­ to do about finding the next rent payment, rather than how ously the themes and content were specifically written to to bring the share price of the family firm back up) they’re cater for women, to what was, or what was perceived as Politically Sound. W e know that the English programmes w om en’s entertainment needs. are good and the American bad. The daughter-country Incidentally, wom en have always been soap writers, and complex rules. W e can make friends with Angie, but not daytime soap writers have a lot of power. There’s a lot of withSue-Ellen.The problem with that one is that entertain­ skill involved in keeping all those story-lines together! ment often has more to do with entering the realm of fan­ Over the years the subject matter has changed along with tasy and dream, than with reality. the social climate. It’s no coincidence that Dallas’ popularity coincided Tw o critics Muriel Cantor and Suzanne Pingree in The with econom ic troubles. Which accounts for the fact that Soap Opera argue in favour of soaps by demonstrating you may be working-class (and even have an English how they are a perfect example of a popular art which has great grandparent!) but you love Alexa’s bedroom, and changed to meet it’s audiences’ needs. For example in the you love the opening scenes of Dallas and even the fifties the poor wom en’s sex lives were rather prim. In the music! It’ll be interesting to see what NZ tele does with our seventies it changed to lots of pre-marital sex and adul­ new one, Gloss, Remuera’s answer to Dynasty — what tery. Note it’s still within the bounds of conventional mat­ Pauline Swain in the Listener (July 19, ’86) describes as “a rimony, even if the bounds are being transgressed. high output, low budget soap drama about the rich and They were the first dramatic programmes to deal with fashionable people associated with a wom en’s social issues such as abortion, wife-beating and child- magazine.” It’s the low-budget that could be a worry, com ­ abuse. And if you watch Dynasty you know they deal with peting as it will with the expensive fantasy constructions the great unsaid — male homosexuality. Never les­ the Americans do so well. But I guess they reckon we’ve bianism — one supposes there could be logistic prob­ done our Eastenders in Open House. lems, when it comes to the two women getting down to it, The glamour soaps are a lot faster paced than their day­ with the hairspray, make-up, and long nails. But logistic time cousins. That’s the reason I can’t bear to watch The problems have never stopped them before. One suspects Young and The Restless or Sons and Daughters. Believe more than a touch of Queen Victoria. Glamour dykes you me I’ve tried. They are so extremely slow. This is what seem to get into the mass media first, so perhaps that’s Victoria W ood in her soap satire Acorn Antiques pokes the plot breakthrough for the nineties. Watch out for it! fun at. Bascially very little happens at the antique shop ex­ cept a lot of slightly askew close-ups. Real soaps are made so that the trauma which begins on Friday will be resolved The glamour soaps such as Dallas, Dynasty, Falcon on Monday, with a small crisis on Wednesday. Crest and their off-shoots are obviously closely related to the daytime soapies in the way they tell a story. Except for In the glamour soaps crises and resolutions are packed the big ingredient — they are produced for prime-time in into every show. In one episode of Dynasty there was a the evening when the blokes are around. That’s where the near murder, a major fire, one or two revenge promises, a big business and politics, Jay Crebbs the Cowboy, and new romance, a changed romance, and an ex-romance. Blake Carrington’s patriarchal nonsense com e into it. In every season there is at least one character who comes That’s for the boys. The more traditional soap stuff of love, back to life, or comes back in another face and body. duty and family is for the girls. Its the older men and the Sometimes its in the story, sometimes its gotten around younger women who re into it so I’ll leave you to make by other ingenious means peculiar to soaps. your own conclusions. Blake was heard saying “Amanda darling” for a whole Both daytime and night-time American soaps deal with hour so we’d realise that even though she’s not Catherine Broadsheet, April 1987 19 Oxenburg we’re supposed to know its the same character. But even then I couldn’t help feeling cheated. No one can say “Mummy, Mummy, 1 didn’t mean to sleep with your husband” like she could. All Dallas watchers know Bobby has com e back, and now it looks as if Jock wasn’t killed after all. And everyone knows that deaths on the show have a lot to do with pay check negotiations, and we love it all the more for that. The night-times operate on the star- system when it comes to casting. I’d never heard of John Forsyth before Dynasty but now he’s supposed to be the oldest male sex symbol. Joan Collins got fame and for­ tune by being “the super bitch”, and Larry Hagman can put I Dream ofJeannie behind him forever. The daytimes will have at least 25 regular characters, with maybe only one or two concussed or in prison for polygamy. In the night-times they try and keep the cast to an operative minimum (there is a minimum for lovers, children, and revenge plots to fit nicely together). That’s why purges occur as big shoot-ups and long prison sen­ tences. And then the fans from all over the world write in and say “we want Bobby back”. So the script-writers have fun figuring out how to do it and they make it all a bad dream for Pam and anyone else lives of the women spectators who are involved in repeti­ who wants realism. After all, Bobby and Pam served a very tive and meaningless tasks in the home. It makes a lot of real function for the Romantic Optimists. I was one of sense that women who live a fragmented and endless those viewers who cried when they got divorced. The sight working life get pleasure out of seeing it focussed and of Victoria Principal in the arms of anyone else, even the exaggerated on the little screen. man with the incurable disease, was too much to bear. The English soaps portray strong women who fight for Even when his incurable disease didn’t seem to be affect­ their life against the weakness and unreliability of men ing him in any way. who usually, through no fault of their own, are threatening or undermining the structures of family the women are frantically trying to uphold. In The Eastenders Gran, Pauline and youngest Michelle are links in the eternal chain of ou can spot a soapie very easily. First of all matriarchs. ‘Chelle has her problems being a teenage they’re the genre of the close-up. Because they unwed mother, but she’ll com e through it just like her deal with the stuff of family and inter-personal mother always does, just how Gran reckons she did (that’s relationships there is a lot of wordless emoting goingwhat on. happens when you have women producers and writ­ r You know how they’re feeling because their face takesers). up Gnforfunately Michelle is still going to be married off the entire screen. Linda Gray who plays Sue-Ellen, and out of tradition rather than passion, but it looked good for who incidentally directs som e of the shows, has those solo-mothers for a while there. Reiterating the moral that if pained, loaded looks down to a fine art. The daytimes usu­ all men aren’t necessarily bastards (better) or weak (worse ally have a couple of people standing around talking. A bit in the long run) women have certainly got to be on the more happens in the night-times, but in much fancier look-out. sets. Life is portrayed as a constant battle between opposing The reason you can leave a soap for a while, come back elements. Families (which is extended to community in to it, and know what’s gone on before is because of the the English shows) stay together no matter how bad. And rather distinctive dialogue containing plots from the they are hardly happy families. Look at the Ewings. The shows preceding. There is nothing like those wonderful constant figure of the alcoholic woman is, according to conversations — “Adam, you were dropped on my Ang, a symbol of the powerless woman using the only way doorstep at 15, you slept with my second wife, got me to out of a no-win situation. Sue-Ellen, for example, can sign away my millions when I was in hospital, poisoned my never be happy with JR. But neither is she happy without third wife’s impersonator, and you change over to the win­ him. ning side every time the family business is in crisis, but I Every season without fail she drags herself back to was willing to put all that behind me because you were my Southfork, the last time to make poor little John Ross son and a Carrington.” First there’s harmony, then dishar­ happy with a nuclear family for Christmas. Her only retreat mony. Adam joins the fold, he leaves the fold when his from an intolerable situation of misery and unhappiness mother gets the power, so Blake falls, presumably to rise has been alcoholism. O f course, now it has gotten rather again. Marriages occur, they break up, new relationships ridiculous and even Linda Gray, who plays the character, begin. And that sort of stuff is going on in half a dozen dif­ has said no to any more alchoiism. Now she’s into re­ ferent stories in one show. venge, every wom en’s fantasy. You can’t get absorbed in one story before you’re being But if you’ve been watching a train of events you would taken into another. Tania Modalski in Loving with, a Ven­ have been led into the point of view of every character in­ geance: mass fantasies for women explains women’s volved. For instance, you would’ve felt sorry for the child pleasure in these shows by describing how the repetitive for going through emotional upset, for Sue-Ellen for and distracted nature of the parallel stories mirrors the being married to JR, and for having to fight for custody for

20 Broadsheet, April 1987 her son against such a powerful man, for Miss Ellie for los­ ing her grandchild, even, perhaps, for JR himself who might be realising what a lovely woman he has let slip through his fingers. In other words you are being led into multiple identifica­ tion. As the spectator you’re drawn into understanding all points of view. As Modalski says, to be the Ultimate Mother with the power to forgive all. Mothers/spectators know that in family life every one cannot be happy at the same time, especially if they have desires that conflict. Mothers know they must tolerate family turmoil if they are to survive in it. All sins must be forgiven. Soap watch­ ing then encourages tolerance of family turmoil. Women see enacted before them the constant, painful, dramatic and tempestuous goal of seeing families united and happy. And they see this is an impossible thing to do. She breathes a sigh of relief. So families keep plodding on, the good, the bad, and all. No one would argue that Dallas and Dynasty weren’t melodramatic and sometimes ludicrous. Especially Dynasty — after the machine gunning of Amanda’s wed­ ding, people were actively sniggering. So much happens in one episode that is critical; emotionally charged, and very dramatic that realism hardly makes an entrance. That The problem with this view is that it presumes that TV is what some people get their enjoyment from — being and corporates are somehow outside of the ideology, what Ang refers to as “ironic viewers”. It can be funny, feeding us the illusions. Modalski quite rightly points out there is no doubt. Those same ironic viewers watch Soap that no-one is outside of ideology. No-one escapes it. Un­ getting the best of both worlds, distance from melodrama less, of course, you don’t watch tele altogether and feel coupled with the pleasure gained from watching the less touched by the sordid aspects of life because of it! T o­ exaggeration of the ordinary pain of living. tally fair enough! There may be som e truth to the idea that But real soaps are not supposed to be funny. In the re­ on tele w e’re not getting what we want, but that a small sponses Ang got back from her questionnaire on watch­ minority of American guinea pigs and the results of fatu­ ing Dallas, viewers often mentioned the glamour soaps’ ous surveys are actually responsible for the shit that ends realism. What was real to them was not the actual run of up on our screens. And on screens in third world coun­ events but the rhythm of happiness and unhappiness, tries. As Ang says, part of Dallas popularity may come order and disorder, family harmony and family dishar­ from the fact that its a prime-time show — people watch it mony. It is the emotional side of life, particularly of con­ because they want to watch anything that is on at that scious interest to women. The emotion you read by look­ time. ing at someone’s face in pain, in anger, in love. It is what Ang calls “the tragic structure of feeling”. Viewers see reality, their reality, expressed as sentimental exaggeration of If you’re really into revolutionary analysis Michele Mat- what they are actually going through in their own lives. telart in Women : Media : Crisis goes one step further (or backwards depending on how you look at it). She notes the “disturbing” fact that soapies provide pleasure for women viewers, no matter how “bitter-sweet” that plea­ sure is when it goes hand in hand with political analysis. C o what about the damage soaps do to women? She explains both the pleasure aspect and the subsequent ^ J Chris Murphy in a paper The Shadow Box dangers as having to do with women’s expectations of (Quest, Fall ’86) is not so generous in her analy­ subjective time. Simply meaning we have a lot to do with sis of the rhythms of soapies. She sees the defenceless repetition and family life. In daily instalments. She then empathy engendered in watching the characters hopes in goes on to say that this is a non forward looking sense of life and love crash down, to build up, to crash down, and time and is preventing women’s access to “the time of his­ so on, as evoking feelings of depression and fear in tory, the time of project”. Men have objective time and women. The ads then come in saying “here are the good move forward. W e re into the circle of breaking down and things in life which will make you happy, if only you be­ building up. Basically she’s saying we aren’t playing the have, if only you will buy them”. TV, and all mass art then is same gam e as the boys and lets face it gals, they’ve got the the “patriarchal hypnotist... (that)... works a subtle influ­ power. In East Germany Margaret Schumacher, the he'ad ence on our behaviour” making money out of the “cultural of drama for TV, had a spot of bother because East Ger­ void we feel”. mans could pick up Dallas on their sets — “it is im­ Real culture (Shakespeare, TV plays and the Eye Wit­ mensely dangerous because this series is designed so ness News) strengthens, but tele viewing puts us in the that minds of millions of people who are beginning to passive role as audience, so they up there in corporate- think, or have not yet learned to think things through, are land can make big profits out of our drugged and con­ manipulated into quite a wrong attitude of mind”. On the scious-less condition. It’s strange how the most unreal TV one hand when you want fast social change with urgency plays are considered high art, when soapies are consi­ (as in Chile, which Mattelart is thinking of) a holier-than- dered bad art because they don’t reflect reality. thou attitude has a silver lining. But on the other hand,

Broadsheet, April 1987 21 WORKING TITLE THEATRE CO. PRESENTS

DIRECTED BY ANDREA KELLAND ACTORS: ELIZABETH McRAE BERNADETTE DOOLAN — APRIL VENUES — FORUM NORTH WHANGHAREI APRIL 1 to 4 8.15 PM RIVERLEA THEATRE HAMILTON APRIL 14,15,16 8.15 PM LOPDELL HOUSE TITIRANGI APRIL 22 to 25 8.15 PM D O O R SALES O N LY $10 FOR ALL Enquiries Phone 370 336 (Andrea) Angela Martih even though Lenin had no trouble with the concept, I have very real difficulties applying that attitude to Mew Zealand women.

With the current accepted line of thought amongst “thinking people” that mass art is bad art it is very easy for feminists to fall into the trap of intellectual elitism and thereby miss the point altogether. I go more for what Mod- alski and Ang conclude. Ang that sometimes it is expe­ dient to separate fiction and fantasy. That whilst we are working for the utopian goal for a just future, emotional needs for life as it is now must be met now. And because of this it is possible to watch Dallas and still be involved in radical political activity. W e all know how difficult it is to gauge the progressiveness of a fantasy.

Modalski suggests that feminists need to understand the narrative needs of their female audience so that they can create more creative and honest stories. T o build feminist fantasies. A feminist soapie where ‘Chelle won’t be marrying Lofty. □

22 Broadsheet, April 1987 LEARNING ANTI­ RACISM

Maori people featured in our lessons only when they came into contact with Europeans

_ _ SCHOOL OCIR LESSONS ON NEW ATZEALAND HISTORY BEGAN WITH A BRIEF MENTION OF ABEL TASMAN, followed by the adventures of Cap­ tain Cook, the Endeavour, settlers, pioneers, and mis­ sionaries. W e imagined the struggles they faced with a new life in this country— the “breaking and taming” of the land, the desperate isolation they felt from their homeland, Mother England. Their trials were captured for us in stories about their bravery and courage. The women of those days were shown to us as being dedicated to their men, bearing and losing many children, but willing to face the harsh life of this new colony. We visited museums where we saw early colonial homes with furniture, clothes, cradles and jewellery. W e also visited the Maori section of the museum where we saw tools, carvings, feather cloaks, greenstone and canoes.

I am a Pakeha woman. My background is a mixture Maryanne L'Estrange of Irish Catholic working class, English Anglican middle class, with vague Jewish connections. I am a South Islander. I grew up in Mosgiel in the sixties tells her story with my five brothers and one sister. Maori people featured in our lessons only when they After 10 years of child-raising including three cam e into contact with Europeans. Therefore we heard years of taxi-driving, (which are both basically jobs about “Maori Wars”, the life o f the natives”, and their con­ in the service industry), I began work for Project version to Christianity. We heard nothing of the pre-Euro­ Waitangi in October 1986. Being the national pean days, about legends, values, lifestyles, or the arrival coordinator for the project is an important move in of the Maori to Aotearoa. my life. My views, experiences and skills are shown The parts of Maoritanga that were approved by the sys­ to have relevance to the wider community. Juggling tem, and that enhanced our own culture were selected for the demands of work and home is the experience of us to learn about. W e learnt to make a poi, to sing the oc­ many women and I offer my support and casional song; we promoted the tourist shop image of congratulations to those who can manage to remain Maori culture to show how multi-cultural we were. sane and stress-free in these situations. For me it is a The Treaty of Waitangi was part of our lessons as well. continuing struggle to meet the needs of my family, W e did not learn what it said, only that it was an agreement my work and myself and to do justice to all of them. signed by the Maori to accom m odate the British people in their land. February 6th was the commemoration of that day. On TV we saw the navy and military regalia with flags,

Broadsheet, April 1987 23 and decided by males and their structures. However, som e of us collaborate with the system to bet­ The defensive backlash ter our own positions, and in doing so we often actively en­ against Maori struggles courage that system to continue its racist practices. Also Pakeha women are often the buffer between a racist in­ for self-determination stitution and Maori people. W e are the teachers, the is alarming women at the desk at the Social Welfare office, the bank tellers, the nurses at the doctor’s rooms, or the worker at the voluntary agency. Even though our personal views may be different we are seen to represent the views of the guns, salutes, the Governor-General, and politicians. The system we work for. In doing so we are often scapegoated Maori cultural group gave a performance and many while the structures and institutions themselves go un­ speeches were made. These celebrations showed the challenged. world how uniquely successful New Zealand was in To feel powerful and powerless at the same time, to be achieving multi-cultural and racial harmony. oppressed and be the oppressor is what Pakeha women When I married and moved to Wellington, 1 attended a face. To measure either of these as being more or less im­ course where a group of people, Maori and Pakeha, chal­ portant is to fall into the male trap of wanting to quantify lenged me and others to look at New Zealand in a different and rank everything. light. 1 learnt that Maori people were 55% of the prison To learn what it means to be a Pakeha in Aotearoa is a population, that Maori children failed at school, that Maori step towards understanding our status in Aotearoa. it is unemployment was much higher than Pakeha, life expec­ often difficult to Pakeha to express and realise the ele­ tancy much lower, cancer and infant mortality rates much ments that make up our culture. W e think easily of the arts, higher, that the Maori had “lost” or had stolen from them, theatre and dance and the old cliche of rugby, racing and most of their land, and the statistics went on and on. With beer. Beyond that, one of the aspects of our culture is to my learnt respect of the world of statistics, research, data see ourselves as normal or right and others as ethnic, dif­ and the written word, 1 had to take notice. I realised that 1 ferent and cultural. We cannot see how we impose our had not been taught this in social studies or history. Nor culture on others. But Pakeha culture covers our whole had 1 been taught to speak Maori, to understand way of doing things: the way we form relationships; bring Maoritanga, or to relate to Maori people. And this never up our children; the way we set up our homes, our work halted my progress through school, never put my children places; the things we value; what we wear, eat, and drink; in prison, didn’t shorten my life or my children’s, didn’t af­ how we worship, make love et cetera. Many of these things fect my language or my lifestyle in any way. are based on common values from the European conti­ A lot of the values 1 grew up with are held by many nent, Ireland, Scotland and England. Pakeha. We have in common a “superior colonial” men­ tality taught blatantly in schools and absorbed from pa­ T o acknowledge our culture often involves a journey of rents, churches, friends and society. W e accept the discovery into our past. W e need to know about our an­ “truths” of our childhood without question. We operate cestors, why they came here and what aspirations they our lives and our systems in the way that is “normal” to us held for a new life in this country. Slowly we becom e aware without realising what it is doing to those that don’t fit our of the kind of culture we have and the values it is based on. criteria, do not value the things we do, and have other One hundred and fifty years is a very short time by world priorities for life that we do not have. W e expect Maori to standards for a culture to develop, but there is a growing make concessions and fall into line with our priorities and sense of uniqueness in being Pakeha. As a small nation we assumptions, and blame them for losing out when they are standing up to the larger countries in sporting con­ don’t. When calls are made for equality, we make laws and tacts and with our nuclear-free stance. There is a sense of policies that encourage uniformity. humour that is particularly ours, similar to that of the The Pakeha system also fails to care for som e of its own. British being able to laugh at themselves, but more down Women, lesbians, homosexuals, the working class, un­ to earth and direct — reflecting our particular experiences employed, homeless, handicapped, elderly and disabled, in Aotearoa. poor, or those who choose to live in an alternative or non- The wisdom of my friends, the closeness 1 feel with traditional way, are alienated as well. those 1 love, my independence, sport, working around my This is the system to which 1 belong. It has provided me home, hospitality, the times I share with women, and my with benefits, it has nurtured me because 1 am a Pakeha. children are som e parts of my culture which 1 enjoy. The multi-cultural view that I had previously is now shat­ Materialism, competitiveness, the structures we put in tered. The mono-cultural nature of every institution gives place to label and box people, the need we have to control me advantages even though 1 personally have not put every situation, are parts of my culture which I do not like them in place. Therefore, the responsibility to change and seek to change in myself and society. those structures is partly mine. The culture of som e institutions may not reflect my way At the same time I was beginning to becom e aware of the of living, but 1 know how to use it for my benefit. For exam­ sexism of men, to recognise the hurts and feelings I had ple, during the Springbok Tour court trials, many Pakeha because of being a woman. By sharing with others I began defendants were acquitted or faced small fines because of to feel that my values and hopes were valid and important. their ability to hire high-class lawyers or their ability to de­ Strong Pakeha women have come a long way in the last fend themselves and use the system to their advantage. decade or two. We are leaving behind the constraints of On the other hand, Maori defendants, by and large, were our upbringings, we are no longer tolerant of sexist men, convicted and received larger fines. we challenge the institutions that denigrate and exclude Institutions of law, health, justice, media, education, women, and reclaim those things that have been defined land, welfare, police, government, business, community

24 Broadsheet, Apri 1198 7 organisations and most other formal or informal groups status, material possessions, individualism, competition in Aotearoa have grown out of a culture that represents and heirarchical structures. There is no room in this for­ Pakeha values and beliefs. The reasoning often put for­ mula for variation of values, culture or ways of operating. ward for this situation, that of majority rule, is yet another T o talk about bi-culturalism is to suggest a future. 1 have Pakeha value. This denies the status of Maori as the tan- a vision and hopes for change, but I do not want to write a gata whenua as it is encapsulated in the Treaty of blueprint for what this country will look like in 5, 10 or 20 Waitangi. years. The Pakeha part of m e that requires documenta­ tion, a pattern, a marked out strategy before I will move perpetuates the superior assumption that I should have everything my own way. That doesn’t mean I won’t move, but I will take it step by cautious step. Part of our responsi­ bility as Pakeha is to look back and recognise the mis­ takes we made. Only with that knowledge can we unravel those mistakes and work for a just future. That task alone TREATY OF WAITANGI GUAR­ is immense and the onus is on Pakeha to challenge the ANTEED TO THE MAORI “the full chieftainship of their practices that stop the possibility of change. lands, their villages and all their possessions”. It imparted The defensive backlash against Maori struggles for self- to the Maori “all the same rights as those of the people of determination is alarming. It is incredible that having im­ England”. It was an agreement signed in 1840 by two par­ posed a system on Maori for 150 years that has caused ties. The Maori community has cited the treaty for 146 them to all but lose their language, land and culture, we years as law upon law has betrayed both its spirit and its then turn around and accuse them of treachery for wish­ letter. ing to break free. The media is responsible for some of this Pakeha remain largely unacquainted with the wording, backlash as it too operates from Pakeha assumptions and

meaning, and relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi. Yet it priorities and seldom attempts to reflect the opinions, feel­ gives Pakeha a place to stand in Aotearoa. It was meant to ings and aspirations of Maori people. be the basis of relationships between the visitors in this I suspect that the push for Aotearoa to be more uniform land and the original inhabitants. CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 Pakeha, in justifying the multi-cultural model for Aotearoa, reduce Maori to the status of one of the ethnic minorities alongside Pacific Islanders, Chinese, Indians, Project Waitangi Vietnamese etc... W e hear the phrase “Maori and other THE A IM S : ethnic minorities” often in the media. This implies that they all have to relate to the Pakeha majority in order to Q That Pakeha will study and debate the Treaty of gain political, economic, or social benefits. This model in­ Waitangi in order to understand Pakeha commitments creases the power and status of the Pakeha. under the Treaty. The Treaty outlines a bi-cultural model where Pakeha have made an agreement with Maori, acknowledging 0 That Pakeha will recognise Maori as the tangata Maori status as tangata whenua. Learning to be part of this whenua. partnership will involve a change of thinking for Pakeha. Other visitors or newcomers to Aotearoa need to make © That Pakeha will study the history of New Zealand since their own agreements with the Maori people, instead of 1840, and by com ing face to face with our history will amalgamating with the Pakeha system, as has happened begin to m ove towards a genuine bi-cultural and eventu­ over the last century. ally multi-cultural society. One of the main tools of racism is economic power. The econom ic base of Aotearoa in 1840 was land, and it remains so today. The use and abuse of land and every A number of resources are being produced for groups to other natural resource in Aotearoa has com e under the debate the Treaty and surrounding issues. There is a Na­ control of Pakeha governments, companies, individuals, tional focus week for the project April 6-12 where many institutions and courts. Clearly this was not the intention of organisations, regional groups, forums and seminars will the Maori signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi. It is no be held to highlight the issues around the country. wonder then that the poor of this country today largely consists of Maori people. The side effects of being poor are shockingly visible in Maori statistics on health, hous­ Project Waitangi contacts: ing, unemployment and most other areas. The web of op­ National, PO Box 825 Wellington, Ph 781-734; Christchurch, PO Box 453, Ph 798 376; Wellington, Helen Walch, PO Box 6133, Ph 847 699; Auckland, Karena Way, pression is completed when the formula for economic PO Box 9573, Ph 505 499. Contacts in others areas available from national office. success is based entirely on Pakeha values of money,

Broadsheet, April 1987 25 Pauline Lindberg writes about battling with bureaucracy to get a child care centre established in Te Awamutu.

Bev Bryan was a play centre super­ As a long time client and at Kainga Tamariki. This visor for five years. She reared four friend I have seen Bev’s was not easy to do, as children of her own and has had fos­ hard work and tenacity, ter children for twenty years. She can’t she changed nappies, remember how many foster children and her love and concern prepared bottles, super­ she has cared for, many were short for the welfare of children vised painting and out­ term. Som e were babies, som e and their parents. Be­ door activities and teenagers. At one time she had four cause of her very busy rushed to deal with from one family all under five years lifestyle I had to interview old. Bev has had her present foster emergencies like, “quick child, who has a behaviour disor­ her at the weekends somebody is choking der, for three years. He has been of­ while she was on the job the rabbit.” fered to her for adoption and al­ though she would like to adopt him

T h e guarantor was a woman. Unheard of!

26 Broadsheet, April 1987 wom en and children took part, all car­ she has not so far because she is not application was declined on the rying placards, and other members of sure for how long she will be able to grounds that the house was on a the public joined in. The Town and manage him. main highway and so parking and the Around cameras recorded the high­ About 13 or 14 years ago Bev unloading of children would be lights. The march ended at the coun­ started caring for the children of dangerous. Bev pointed out to coun­ cil chambers, where they were met by working mothers. It wasn’t inten­ cil members that this house was di­ the mayor. He didn’t know that he was tional, she was approached by the rectly in front of a thirty minute park­ to be on camera, so he was not pre­ mothers and couldn’t refuse. These ing zone. pared. But Bev was, suitably posed mothers said that they would pay. In the interests of safety, the Roads

T h e parents made their need for a child care centre very clear.

Bev’s reaction was, “Oh, heavens Board representative suggested, a with a baby on her hip. She was very vocal about the need for a child care above, will you!” drive could be built around the back of the house, through the play area!! centre and the trivial reasons why the After a while social workers calling The neighbors complained that their council and the appeal board had to enquire about foster children properties would devalue and that turned her down. noticed that the number of small chil­ there would be excessive noise and The short term result of the protest dren in Bev’s home was increasing traffic. This house has since becom e march was a public meeting held the and she learned that she was on the a busy veterinary surgery. next week. It was well attended and wrong side of the law; you may have the parents made their feelings and Bev is not a person who takes no four foster children at a time but you their need for a child care centre very for an answer when she really wants can offer child care to only two unless clear. The mayor was still upset about to do something. She took her case to you operate as a licensed child care the march and refused to talk to Bev the Town and Country Appeal Board, centre. during the meeting. After it he had So Bev set about what it seemed which is based in Wellington and one question to ask her. “What”, he would be a straightforward business travels to the various centres if it is said, “does your husband think about needed. Bev was the first woman and — setting up a licenced child care this child care idea of yours, and all the last, so far, to have the audacity to centre. She had previously studied for this fuss you are making?” and received an A grade child care appeal against a Te Awamutu Coun­ The outcome of the meeting was cil decision in this way. She describes certificate. She got a loan through a that the council members claimed to solicitor and bought a house that was the board, as she met them, as three support the concept of a child care middle-aged male bureaucrats. Her approved by Social Welfare as suita­ centre and that they would try to find a ble for a child care centre. appeal was heard on 24 October, suitable building for Bev to establish A guarantor was needed for the 1974 and she finally heard the news one in. The mayor was also saying that she had lost in December 1974. house loan and here Bev met with a that only a “professional group” could problem. The guarantor she pro­ Bev says now that maybe she operate a child care centre and the duced was a woman. Unheard of! should have talked more to the coun­ council would erect a building for this Because pregnancy affects earning cil and got them on her side before purpose. The council in fact drew she made a formal application. On power. “What do they think the pur­ Bev’s attention to only three houses in pose of child care is?” Bev thought. the other hand, she feels that she the time from December 1974 to Au­ The solicitor did try to be helpful. He might still be talking, because their at­ gust 1978, and all these houses she titude was so negative. Their prefer­ provided Bev and the guarantor (Jill) found obviously unsuitable. Just with a legal document, which they ence, as reported in the Te Awamutu token gestures. The council never did signed, stating that they would not be­ Courier (17/12/74), was for a centre anything about producing a “corpo­ to be run by a “corporate body” rather come pregnant. Jill had been receiv­ rate body” to run a centre. than by Bev, if it was so necessary. ing high wages in her stable and re­ Throughout this time child care sponsible job for many years. The “no At the time, Bev says, things were needs increased. Bev washed and pregnancy” document failed to con­ urgent. Som e mothers were applying mended about 150 football jerseys for jobs but were not sure if they could vince the money lenders, and the final every weekend to make money and accept them, it all depended on the outcome was that Jill’s father becam e cared for as many children of working child care centre. Others had to ar­ the guarantor. He said that he had parents as she was able. Another per­ range care for their children from faith in Bev and knew she would see son managed to start a small child friends and neighbors. the child care centre com e to fruition. care centre in a one room building. It Bev was hopping mad about the With the house bought and Social was a short-lived business. During appeal and the loss of her proposed Welfare approval all that was needed this time I heard Bev say many times, child care centre. She arranged for a was approval from the Te Awamutu “Why do 1 bother wanting a child care protest march through the streets of Council. Bev’s solicitor was optimistic centre? 1 can easily get jobs that pay Te Awamutu, and for the television and could see no reason for refusal. much better money.” The council members, however, did cameras from the programme Town not seem to know what a child care and Around to record the event. In 1978 a parent who was leaving the centre was. Bev says that their attitude The march took place on 16 De­ district offered her house for use as a was not supportive in any way. The cember, 1974. More than forty Broadsheet, April 1987 27 child care centre, on a three year maintenance. Youngest son Trevor the public health nurses, Citizens Ad­ lease. Again Bev applied to the coun­ did concreting and his wife Trish is vice Bureau and Plunket. The mater­ cil. This house was approved, but with also a care giver and also worked nity hospital often requires im­ lots of conditions. One of these, through her pregnancy. Bev’s mediate care for patients’ children which surely no other business would youngest daughter Lisa is also a care when admission is unexpected. On have survived, was that all clients giver on a fulltime basis. Bev’s mother one occasion a judge awarded cus-

M a n a w a n u i is a community service rather than a business.

parked on the road and walked the Mrs Godman, aged 82, can often be tody of a child to a grandmother on 200 metre uphill drive to the house. seen among the children, they call the condition that the child attended For three years many parents had to her Great Nanna. She washes and Manawanui from 9.00 to 5.00 Mon­ do this before they went to work, with mends toys and generally helps out day to Friday. The teachers in the dis­ babies and toddlers and the bag of on a voluntary basis. When Bev is ill trict say that the Manawanui children necessities in arms, rain, hail or shine. her family double their efforts, in are as well prepared for school as any This was the birth of Manawanui, order to carry on Manawanui and child who attended kindergarten. which means big heart. It was a shaky Kainga Tamariki. Occasionally a parent doesn’t col­ beginning. Bev had no previous busi­ Manawanui operates quietly. It is a lect their child as expected. This is no ness experience. Rent payment had community service rather than a bus­ problem, Bev takes them home with to be met and thousands spent on iness. It can’t be seen from the road her for the night or if needed for the equipment and modifications to the and there has never been a need to weekend. She is completely non- house and section. advertise. Bev has never turned a judgemental about parents and abso­ Bev doesn’t take all the credit for child away and has managed children lutely discreet about any personal Manawanui’s establishment. Eldest with epilepsy, behaviour disorder and problems they may have. She has son Harry does all the accounts, hus­ autism, diabetes and asthma. Sol­ taken courses at Waikato University band Murray helps with carpentering icitors have consulted her about cus­ and the technical institute on family jobs. Eldest daughter Leeanne is a tody cases, and she accepts referrals and law, social work and child health, fulltime care giver, she worked right from psychologists, monitors be­ to name a few. through her pregnancy; her partner haviour and provides appropriate in­ This is all apart from the fact that Jack built fences and helped with tervention. Referrals also come from parents can now go to work with 28 Broadsheet, April 1987 peace of mind — invaluable for solo a few feet of their front doors, and all awanui house. Raising the finance mothers and fathers. Many are re­ are required to have awnings over the from solicitors and bankers in Te lieved of the problem of what to do footpath to ensure that their clients do Awamutu was like squeezing blood with pre-school children while they at­ not suffer unnecessarily from adverse from a stone. She talked and ar­ tend doctors and dentists appoint­ weather conditions, but for Bev’s gued her case over and over again ments and when mother is ill. There is clients this did not seem to apply. and finally, when all else was also the opportunity for shopping, Even after the drive was concreted exhausted, she let them have it. hospital visiting and sport. It is so they were still not permitted to drive “Look ”, she said, “it’s because I’m a often forgotten that children are not up it. Seven neighbors made formal woman, isn’t it? There is no other welcom e in many places. But they are complaints to the council saying that reason you could possibly have for re-

T h e council gave approval, but lots of conditions. at Manawanui. the centre would cause excessive traf­ fusing to give me a loan. All the prob­ Bev and her supporters believe that fic and noise and cause excessive lems 1 have had trying to get my the catalyst for the centre was the pro­ run-off of storm water and devalue centre going all these years, it’s all test march. Bev says that the council their properties. been because I’m a woman. Isn’t it?” would never have got as far as talking Thousands of dollars were spent She got the loan. about corporate bodies, much less on fencing, heating, toilets, play She still has financial problems; all giving approval for her to go ahead, equipment, not to mention the rent that she earns goes back into the bus­ without this pressure. A 1976 letter and $2000 bond for the drive. Educa­ iness. Her bank manager is often dis­ from Bev’s solicitor tends to comfirm tional play equipment could not be traught about the state of her bank this. Part of it reads: bought at discount prices for child balance and he questions the sense “I am also bound to tell you that care centres at this time and this of her being a business if a profit is not from the tone of the correspondence I added to the financial problems. made. The difference is, of course, suspect that the council has becom e About three years after the opening that he cares for money and she cares so disenchanted with your activities of Manawanui Bev applied to the for children. that (whatever the merits of them council for an increase in the number In contrast to all of this, establishing might be) I would think the position is of children she could care for be­ Kainga Tamariki at Tokanui in the probably irretrievably lost on this par­ cause it was full to capacity and summer of 1984 was easy. Bev de­ ticular site. On the other hand if you places were needed for emergency scribes it as a breeze. The Waipa were to approach the council with re­ cases. “These would be for solo County Council, Tokanui Hospital gard to a new proposition on a new mothers’ children, 1 presume”, replied and the Waikato Hospital board per­ site in a more conciliatory manner the mayor. The solicitor advised Bev sonnel were all in agreement with the then I suspect that council would be to approach council members with a idea. It arose from the child care only too relieved to be able to say that “conciliatory manner”, but with this needs of staff at Tokanui Hospital, a suitable site had now been found.” sort of attitude Bev found it difficult to and the initial approach was from the Manawanui eventuated almost four stay charming. She saw purple on this Waikato Hospital Board. years after the march, and although occasion and informed the mayor The hospital board leases Bev the the council gave approval, it was obvi­ that it was usually the male who opted house at a nominal rent. There were ous that they were not out to make its out of family responsibilities. no complaints and no conditions. existence an easy one. The number of In order to increase the numbers Everyone said, “Good on you, we ap­ children Bev could have was cut from there was a new hearing and ex­ preciate what you are doing.” her request of 45 to 25. The hours penses of $200 for Bev to pay. Again Kainga Tamariki is possibly the she wanted, 7am to 11pm, were cut the neighbors complained about the only 24 hour seven day a week child to 7pm to 5.30pm. Clients were not traffic, although the clients did not care in New Zealand. The clients are permitted to use the drive, neighbors even use the drive, although it had children of the Tokanui staff and any­ reported the licence plate numbers of been concreted by this time. Som e one from the district. Tokanui pa-

T h e bank manager cares for money, Bev cares for children.

cars they considered were using the new conditions were made; a con­ tients’ children, who live with their drive unlawfully to the council. crete turning circle was to be laid (this mothers in the ward, find Kainga Another condition was that the 200 involved another bond payment); and Tamariki a welcome change from the metre drive had to be concreted by a the size of the house was not to be ex­ ward environment. This allows pa­ certain date and because Bev didn’t tended. tients and staff to concentrate on have the money to do it at the time Manawanui’s numbers were in­ therapy without having to do the child she was required to produce a $2000 creased, the turning circle was com ­ care. The Department of Social Wel­ bond. She had to borrow this from pleted and now the clients drive their fare pays the costs for these chil­ her brother-in-law. cars up and down the drive. Not a dren. □ In the business part of town all the word is said. Visitors are always welcome at Manawanui (phone 082-7671) and at Kainga Tamariki (phone 082- businesses have street parking within Bev eventually bought the Man- 5348).

Broadsheet, April 1987 29 CELEBRITY RAPIST

A STORY ABOUT WHY A WOMAN DID NOT r e p o r t A RAPE

Some of the reasons given by rape survivors ■ It is often for not reporting a rape are that the judicial system (even with recent legislative assumed that changes) offers no support and puts women men who are through the further trauma of reliving their public figures ordeal. There is a very real fear of intimidation are above and repercussions from the rapist. actions like rape. Also, community attitudes can put the victim on trial rather than the rapist. For example, the woman is made to be A Wellington taxi driver, while working accountable for her dress, whereabouts, job in the early morning hours last year, and conduct. was raped by a visiting international sportsman. The driver accepted a — What happens when the rapist is a public fare outside a Wellington nightclub. figure? The fear and stress of reporting Two men asked to be driven to their such a rape is magnified, as it is often hotel. Upon arrival one man got out assumed that persons of status are above but the other asked to be driven to see such actions. the city lights from the top of Mount Victoria. The woman did not recog­ The following is an account of a recent case nise the man but he introduced him­ in Wellington. self, and told her he was a visiting sportsman.

30 Broadsheet, April 1987 “When I heard he was touring the would have said that being a woman was agreed that both she and the country, that he was som eone well- driving around at night she was ask­ player should have further discussion known, 1 let my guard down. I felt an ing for it. and following that discussion both of element of trust. There’s this illusion “I have the right to do that job and I them indicated to me that the matter that with public figures you are safe, don’t lose that right because I am a was solved amicably between the two that som ehow they’re neutral”. woman working at night. I believe of them”. She agreed to drive him to Mount When the player was contacted, as Victoria and when they arrived she got soon as the incident was mentioned, out o f the car to point out the sights. ■ If a woman he said he could not hear anything on The player pushed her to the ground the line, although he appeared not to and tried to pull off her track-suit doesn't want sex have hung up. pants but she fought him off. and it's forced “1 made it quite clear 1 wasn’t in­ Almost two hours later he called terested in sexual intercourse; that on her, no back and gave the following state­ this was a taxi fare only. There fol­ matter what's ment, lowed a discussion about his aggres­ “There were a few unhappy inci­ sion and after he calmed down I ag­ happened dents during my stay in New Zealand, reed to drive him back to his hotel. before, no but as far as I am concerned these However, en route, he spouted verbal matters have been settled”. abuse while masturbating”. matter where Nonetheless news of this incident When they arrived back at the she is or where is widespread in Wellington and it was hotel, he told her to drive around the discussed at a sexual harassment side because he didn’t want to be she's working, conference held in March. seen out at that time of the morning. that's rape. The woman says, It was in the hotel carpark that he “Looking back I gave him too many raped her. chances. If it had been anyone else he would have been out on the footpath After lengthy consideration she de­ rape happens in all areas of life and it at the very beginning. But I just cided not to file a police complaint. is highlighted when it occurs in a couldn’t believe it was happening to “Everyone would have been focus­ male dominated job. It gives people m e and because of who he was I kept sing on m e rather than him. I would more ammunition to fire at you, that thinking he wouldn’t really do any­ have been totally under public you shouldn’t have been in that job in thing without my consent. The only scrutiny. After the incident 1 was suf­ the first place”. reason 1 agreed to an interview now is fering from shock; my body and that I realised that public figures like rights having been violated I wasn’t him can behave like this and get away prepared to put myself under that st­ Two days after the incident the with it”. rain”. woman was approached and intimi­ “Afterwards I had to look at my ac­ “It would have been just me against dated by a team supporter. She de­ tions but I feel very much that women him. I knew that. And so much more cided to contact the team manager are conditioned to feel guilty, to feel would have been pulled to clear his and confront him with the player’s be­ bad. In a situation like rape there’s no name than if he had been an ordinary haviour. The touring team’s manager blame on the victim, no matter what man. He’s an ambassador for his confirmed there had been an incident the circumstances. No matter if she’s country. He’s an excellent and that he and his assistant had met wearing a short skirt or she’s walking sportsman”. the woman in their suite at their hotel. alone at night. If a woman doesn’t Also the woman knew what the The manager arranged a meeting want sex and it’s forced upon her, no court scene would be like. In 1984 a with her and the player the following matter what’s happened before, no fellow woman taxi driver was ab­ day. The woman says that at the end matter where she is, or where she’s ducted and raped in Wainuiomata, of her one and a half hour discussion working, that’s rape” □ near Wellington. The woman com­ with the player he admitted that con­ plained to the police, went through a sent had not been given, and deposition hearing and three High apologised on four counts — 1) phys­ AUCKLAND South Auckland Family Refuge Court trials before the man was con­ ically wrestling her to the ground and PO Box 22-036, Otahuhu, ph victed. The woman still continues to the sexual assauilt at Mount Victoria; 276-8868 suffer from that experience. The taxi 2) the verbal abuse; 3) masturbating HELP Counselling for Victims of driver in this incident says she knew while travelling in the taxi; and 4) sex­ Sexual Assault, St James Centre, ual intercourse without consent. Beresford St, City PO Box 68-163 that woman well and didn’t feel strong Newton ph 399-185 enough to put herself through that CHRISTCHURCH same experience. In the Wainuiomata Rape Crisis Collective PO Box 27- case the rapist was an unknown man. When contacted by a Wellington 167 ph 794-793 In hers it was a well-known newspaper reporter, the team man­ HAMILTON sportsman. ager said, “The lady had a discussion Rape Crisis PO Box 1560 GPO ph “There would have been a lot of with — and myself and I wouldn’t 80055 (6pm— 6am) people who would have discarded have thought it lasted two hours but I WELLINGTON what I said, who would just not have won’t debate that as a matter of time. Rape Crisis Centre PO Box 11 - believed m e”. And some, she says, And as a result of that discussion it 389, CPO ph 898-288

Broadsheet, April 1987 31 DOCTORING th e

NUCLEAR PACIFIC Karen Magnall reports on promising developments for Pacific anti-nuclear struggles.

cause. Caldicott, by contrast, caused a few ructions sev­ A good number of peacies who are still ac­ eral years ago by telling one of our trendier anti-nuke doc­ tive could be found at the February inau­ tors to put shoes on and get a hair cut. The traditional gural Asian Pacific congress of International paucity of indigenous speakers was adhered to passion­ Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, ately; the most shocking absence was of any Maori, an august Nobel Peace Prize winning body Hawaiin or Aboriginal speakers, because there is no shor­ of men. While the grassroots peace move­ tage of them, including those qualified to attend an ment has curled up into hibernation, the academic gathering. groups with hierarchies and money seem to Aside from the large Japanese contingent who made a have become the stable havens for what big contribution, the most astounding find — and one constitutes New Zealand’s anti-nuclear suspects the organisers were just as surprised— were two movement. speakers on French Polynesia and the nuclear tests. For the first time in recorded history, we were able to hear two members of the French scientific establishment talking I I Q who had knocked about nuclear testing and plans to stop it. I I I O L I vJ O about the peace move­ The first speaker was Dr Abraham Behar, professor of ment in years gone by — you know, consensus decision­ biophysics at Paris University’s Curie Institute. A great deal making, collectives and the odd ocean dip before an on- of his time was spent on the lessons of Chernobyl, but he rushing warship — went along for a bit of a stir. And got a also confirmed long-standing speculation that Moruroa dose of honey poured on our cynicism. Of course, there Atoll resembles a block of gruyere cheese — a fact he says was only one woman guest speaker out of 21 local and is undisputed within the Paris scientific community. Behar foreign dignitaries — Dr Helen Caldicott’s successor as also promised a stronger French protest movement head of American Physicians for Social Responsibility, a against the tests, which would be nice. very nice but unriveting woman called Dr Christine Cassel. The real highlight of the conference — apart from the She is into nurturing ourselves as well as fighting the speech by Dr Roman Bedor of Delau — was the appear-

32 Broadsheet, April 1987 ance of Dr Patrick Howell, a Tahitian who is also the chief dental officer of French Polynesia. His conversion a year ago to worrying about the health effects of the French tests — a pretty radical step for any French bureaucrat — has prompted him to initiate two of the first official health surveys in French Polynesia. One, which could be completed this month, is a test of more than 1000 teeth he had extracted in normal cir­ cumstances for strontium 90, a radioactive byproduct which flows through the food chain. Howell is also working with Canadian researchers to conduct a more widespread survey method of removing a little tooth enamel with an acid swab. The territory’s military dentists have offered support but it remains to be seen how far Howell will be allowed to progress. A French scientific mission is due in French Polynesia at present to test for the spread of radioactive isotopes up to 1500km from Moruroa . The results are due to be published by the World Health Organisation next year. Such progress in a most unexpected area also opens up the enjoyable prospect of the politicians in Paris trying to interpret the results. Two speakers outlined the effect Western nuclear ag­ gression is continuing to have on two indigenous peoples of the Pacific. Australia THE ABORIGINES are still waiting for the return of ancestral lands contami­ nated during the British atomic tests in the 1950s. In 1985 a royal commission into the tests, held mainly at Emu and Maralinga, ordered the British government to clean up and return the test sites for their traditional guardians, the Pinjantjatjara peoples. The commission also told the Au­ stralian government to compensate the Pinjantjatjara for m ore than 30 years exile from their sacred lands. One Australian academic instrumental in setting up the royal commission, Dr Rob Robotham, says both govern­ ments have decided the best way to dispense justice is to set up a joint working committee on the problem. The m ove is not surprising, says Robotham, given that the cost Photo: Gil Hanly of the clean-up alone will pass $750 million, and who knows what unpleasant precedents might be set for Hania Ris, head of paediatrics at the University of Wisconsin. She Aboriginal land rights and international radiation survivor spoke of the urgency to include women in American government claims if they complied with the commission’s instruc­ structures; there is active discrimination to maintain foreign af­ fairs and defence as white male bastions of power. The expertise tions. of women in these fields is ignored, as are alternative proposals The British conducted six major and more than 600 for US foreign policy rather than military supremacy.” Hania iden­ “minor” tests which strewed about 25 kg of highly toxic tified the recognition of women’s rights as vital to any long term achievements for peace. plutonium over a wide area. Plutonium has a half life of 24,400 years. More than 25,000 plutonium fragments are spread over the region as well as contaminated material munities have risen sharply since the 1950s. And at the buried in pits. One contamination plume extends 18 km time of the tests, several groups of Aborigines were al­ from the test site. lowed to wander into the test zones and were killed by the The sites must be cleared and decontaminated before blasts. Those who were rounded up on to cissions such as any Pinjantjatjara can return. Radiation poisoning other­ the large one at Yalata have succumbed to most of the be­ wise would be inevitable from the bush food chain, inhal­ nefits of white civilisation — drink and disease — while ing dust and wounds from any of the plutonium fraa- others have simply died from the distress of separation ments. from their ancestral lands. Robotham, who heads Melbourne University's radiation Conference delegates voted unanimously after protection unit, says the greatest cost of British prepara­ Robotham s talk to call on the British and Australian gov­ tions for nuclear war was and is still being borne by the ernments to implement the recommendations of the Aboriginal population. Cancers in Aboriginal com- royal commission.

Broadsheet, April 1987 33 Bedor says Belau wants to becom e fully independent, Belau not an annexe of the United States. But after 400 years of colonial rule and deprivation, Belau needs large amounts of aid to build up its econom y and social facilities. The Americans are promising more than $1 billion over 15 THE UNITED STATES'— years under the compact (contract). The United States hand out lessons in dem ocracy to the Republic of Belau. government has made it clear it will not terminate the trus­ The tiny north Pacific nation has been trying unsuccess­ teeship until Belau accepts the military clauses of the fully to end its 40 years as an American-administered Un­ compact. ited Nations trust territory. As a first step in 1979 about 92 Belau is caught. Under the trusteeship agreement, the percent of Belauans approved a new constitution. It was UN Security Council must vote unanimously to end the world’s first nuclear free constitution. Since then the Belau’s status under American administration. America is United States has forced seven referendums just to make refusing to okay the termination until it gets its way. In the sure the Belauans really do want to be nuclear free. meantime, the Russians are taking Belau’s side by vetoing The problem is that the nuclear-free clauses clash with any attempts to push through the demise of the trus­ the American’s Compact of Free Association which would teeship. enable the military to take over any Belauan land at 60 Bedor says that for the time being Belau is safer under days notice. The United States wants Belau as a con­ the UN’s umbrella than throwing in its lot with the United tingency fallback in case its massive bases in the Philip­ States. “It is quite clear that they are only interested in us pines are ever threatened. for military purposes. They do not care about the people A Belauan lawyer, Dr Roman Bedor, says the United or their lifestyles.” States seems likely to call another referendum this month. The Belauan grassroots groups opposing the compact In February 1986, the Americans failed by only three per­ fear that as the Americans gradually wear down the popu­ cent to win the 75 percent voter approval to allow the com ­ lation, fewer will turn out to vote. In the past, the Americans pact’s military clauses to over-ride the constitution’s nuc­ have financed vote-buying campaigns in Belau. State lear free status. The Americans tried to make the UN be­ employees were given time off work to lobby for the com ­ lieve that the vote had, in fact, succeeded. But Belauan pact and voters were w ooed with military helicopter rides gressroots groups and the senate successfully fought that and free beer. If the next referendum runs true to form, it in court. In Decem ber 1986 the Americans called another will be called at a few weeks notice and the text of more referendum, but this time vote in favour of the compact re­ than 400 pages will probably not be translated in Belauan placing the constitution fell to 65 percent. even though few speak English.D Elizabeth Harding and Alison Foster had their own comments about the conference.

During the New Zealand branch 1PPNW meeting, Dr riate. Robin Briant was elected national president, following her The conference was asked to take action in protest at term as Auckland chairperson. She has been involved in the continued US missile testing in the Marshall Islands, as the organisation since its beginnings. well as on other issues. These proposals were frustrated The conference was both informative and inspiring, but by the IPPNW’s hierarchical policy-making process and its there was little time for exchange of ideas. Very few of the refusal to “interfere with the internal affairs of other coun­ 270 people actualy spoke to the group. Speakers spoke tries”. There was a refusal to recognise and use the politi­ from the podium, and usualy took their allotted half hour cal power of the IPPNW. Respectability, one of its greatest reading their talk, allowing little or no time for discussion. strengths, if taken too far, can limit the group so much that More smaller group discussions may have been approp­ it becomes ineffective.D

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34 Broadsheet, April 1987 as well. Friendly, experienced tuition and a possible scratch game. Bring food for a shared WHAT'S lunch. Ring 818-3894 for information or if it’s wet. NEW WOMEN LOVING WOMEN DANCE Saturday April 25, 8pm, Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Tee. AUCKLAND Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, live band, childcare. SUFFRAGETTES’ RALLY See posters for details. Students from Auckland Met­ STANDING STRONG is a ropolitan College invite you to sexual abuse prevention kit for We buy and sell records, tapes and CDs. hear the truth revealed in their use in secondary schools and In classical, rock, jazz, blues, soul, reggae public speeches and drama agencies dealing with young performances at the Owen people. and everything else. Gilmore theatre, Secondary Standing Strong comprises — We offer very competitive prices — Teachers’ College, Epsom four booklets. “Face Values” Ave, Auckland on Monday 13 REAL GROOVY RECORDS LTD deals with attitudes that lead to April at 7.30 and Tues 14, Wed 492 Queen St Auckland sexual violation, sex role 15 at 1.30 and 7.30. Phone 775-870 stereotyping, self esteem and The audience is invited to poositive role modelling; “My Open until 9pm Thursday & Friday, attend in Edwardian costume Body Belongs to Me” de­ until 3pm Saturday and to heckle when approp­ scribes what to do about sex­ riate. Enquiries, phone 687 871. ual abuse, including self de­ fence; and “Rape” outlines the WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL options for someone who has ASSOCIATION (WEA) is of­ been raped and details re­ fering the following courses: sponsibilities, procedures and Introduction to using facili­ contacts. These three sell for tated role-play: Saturday 25 $7.50 a set. A “Teacher’s Kit” April 9.00-4.00, WEA 21 Pr­ gives supporting information inces St. $13 waged, $9 un­ and exercises and sells for waged. $3.50. A class box of 35 sets of Woodwork for women 2: three booklets and two Saturdays 25 April, 2 and 9 Teacher’s Kits sells for $220 May, 10.00-4.00. Technical and “The Rape Tape”, a 20 mi­ Block, Auckland College of nute videotape on sexual vio­ Education. $38 waged, $29 lence, for $40 a copy. unwaged. The kits were produced by Screenprinting for beginners: Whangarei Rape Crisis. Write Saturdays 25 April, 2 May, to them at Box 913 Whangarei 9.30-4.00. WEA, 21 Princes or ring 486 221 or 486 962. MYRA NICOL St. $22 waged, $ 13 unwaged. Tutor training for self-esteem WELLINGTON MOWER AND GARDEN CENTRE courses: Sat, Sun 2, 3 May, 10.00-4.00. WEA, 21 Princes 479 RICHMOND ROAD, St. $22 waged, $13 unwaged. EQUAL PAY SEMINAR, 11, Feminist reading Circle: De­ 12 April. Will have both an ph 761-769 AUCKLAND. tails to be organised by those educative and organisational interested. For enrolment de­ function. Topics will include: tails phone 732 030. For a what is equal value/equal pay?; Full motor mower sales and service. term 2 programme send a report from the government- Indoor & outdoor plants, fertilisers, stamped, self-addressed en­ commissioned equal pay velope to WEA, 21 Princes St, study; equal pay/low pay; potting mix, seeds & garden tools. City. Hei konei raa. equal pay and black women; NORTH SHORE LESBIAN equal pay for nurses; job Only woman-owned and operated evaluation; equal pay legisla­ GROUP meets at 7.30 on the tion — what do we want? Child first Monday of each month. Auckland mower service. care and billets will be availa­ Write to Box 33411 Takapuna ble. For more information or Phone 486 688. Free pickup and delivery service. contact: Coalition for Equal ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA Value Equal Pay PO Box SUPPORT GROUP now at 16149 Wellington. 131 Williamson Ave, Pon- sonby. The office is staffed NATIONAL______four blank C60 cassettes and a other institutions in Aotearoa, daily between 9.00 and 1.00. stamped self-addressed pois- is now available for sale and Phone 789 743 or 678 493. tal cushion bag to Tape Dupli­ screening. A resource kit to RADIO NEW ZEALAND has cation Service, VPU, Box SOFTBALL CLINIC for girls accompany the film will be av­ produced a booklet and some 3293, Wellington, for the cas­ and women Sunday April 12, ailable in a month. Write to cassettes called Beyond settes. 11am Grey Lynn Park, Wil­ Annie Collins, Film Matching Guilt, about becoming anti­ DOUBLE TAKE, a 1986 video liamson Ave end. A few balls, Services, P.O. box 825, Wel­ racist. Send $3.30 to Cont training film about institutional bats and gloves are available lington, or ring Wtn. 720-259 Educ Unit RNZ Box 2092 Wel­ racism and biculturalism — bring any you can scrounge for print prices and informa­ lington for the booklet and within the public service and tion.

Broadsheet, April 1987 35 FIGHTER VICTIMS

Shahid Nadeem, Amnesty International’s campaign coordinator, writes about the imprisonment, mistreatment and killing of politically involved women by governments and regimes.

removed from society and forbidden ages, from all walks of life, trade un­ MANY= to write, publish, teach, travel or at­ ionists, agricultural workers, jour­ the world are victims of human rights tend social, business, professional or nalists, physicians, lawyers and social, violations. Every day women are political meetings. Many have disap­ religious or community workers. being illegaly arrested, tortured or kil­ peared without trace — suddenly Some are in the forefront of social led by government agents. Some are taken from their home, pulled from a and political change and many are prisoners of conscience — impris­ bus or forcibly abducted with their community leaders. Others are vic­ oned for expressing their opinions or children. Others have been impris­ tims of human rights violations be­ because of their involvement, real or oned without trial or sentenced by cause they happen to be the wives, suspected, in non-violent political, re­ courts after unfair trials. mothers, daughters or friends of ligious or trade union activities. people considered dangerous by the Others have been banned — officially The victims include women of all authorities.

36 Broadsheet, April 1987 Seven women relatives of the late Emperor Haile Selassie have been in prison in Ethiopia for many years, since the 1974 revolution. The new government first said they were being held in “protective custody ... to save them from the wrath of the people”. Held in a damp room in a former clinic in the Addis Ababa Central Prison, some of them have been de­ nied family visits for as long as nine years. They include Tenagnework Haile-Selassie, aged 73, daughter of the late emperor, and her four daughters: Aida Desta, former presi­ dent of the Ethiopian W om en’s W el­ fare Association; Seble Desta, for­ merly vice-president of the Ethipoian Women’s Welfare Association; Hirut Desta, who underwent surgery for skin cancer in 1983 and Sophie Desta, who has had a number of illnesses during her imprisonment. The president of the Democratic Women’s Association of Nepal, politi­ cal activist Kalyani Shah, was arrested with her husband in June 1985. They were among hundreds arrested after bomb blasts in Kathmandu and elsewhere. Most of those arrested were released in subsequent months but about 100, including Kalyani and her husband, were kept in detention without any publicly announced charges. Kalyani’s husband was re­ leased in November 1985 and she herself was finally freed in June 1986, after a year’s imprisonment without trial.

*— r -* x i v i i X i M i «• i > t k / k—i > ( x i * ) A former member of the banned sentences of seven years’ imprison­ H e re I a m u n d e r You r w in d in m y ca n va s Polish trade union Solidarity, Danuta ment and five years’ internal exile. clothes, Skorenco, was arrested on 9 October The charge was based on her poems, Between Your breathing and pitch-black 1985, together with other Solidarity human rights documents and articles death — O m y L ord ! members. They were accused of “il­ written for the SM OT bulletin. She legal possession” of a radio transmit­ was sent to the corrective labour col­ What shall I say at Your interrogations, if I ter, which was used to broadcast Sol­ ony in Mordovia for women consi­ a m ordered idarity slogans on state television. dered to be “especially dangerous H o t to b e silent, b u t to turn a n d fa ce m y cou n try — Held in Katowice, in the southeast of state criminals”, where for many Poland, she went on hunger-strike w ith its d ead ly a m u sem en ts, its rags o f years inmates have been systemati­ parting, deaf and dum b — from 23 December 1985 for nearly cally protesting against their condi­ O m y L ord ! three months to protest against the tions by going on strikes and hunger- prison conditions. She was believed strikes. She helped lead these pro­ H ow will You dare to judge, to have been released as a result of an According to what tribunal? tests and was ill-treated and punished What will you answer, when I force m y way amnesty announced in July 1986. as a result. She spent several periods through and arrive — The Soviet physicist and poet Irina in punitive isolation in special cells w h e n / stan d u p a n d lean m y sh o u ld er against the glass partition — Ratushinskaya was arrested in Sep­ and in August 1985 was reportedly tember 1982 apparently because of a n d look in, beaten unconscious by prison offi­ And ask You for nothing. ” her connections with the unofficial cials in Savansk. She was released trade union group SM OT (Free Inter- unconditionally on 9 October 1986. Many members of women’s or­ Professional Association of Workers). In one of her poems Irina ganizations have been detained She was convicted in March 1983 of Ratushinskaya says: under the state of emergency regula­ “anti-Soviet agitation and prop­ “O Lord, w h a t shall I sa y that h a s n ’t b e e n tions imposed throughout South Af­ aganda” and received the maximum said before? rica on 12 June 1986. They include

Broadsheet, Apri11987 37 Ivy Gcina, chairwoman of the Port humiliated us by raking around in their presence in order to force the Elizabeth Women’s Organization, our things and even by waving our detainees to divulge information or Sister Bernard Ncube, president of underwear around like flags. They sign “confessions” announcing their the Federation of Transvaal Women, made us take out o f the walls the political affiliations. and several leading members of the nails on which we hung small bags Archana Guha’s case came to the Black Sash, a white wom en’s organi­ holding our belongings or work as attention of an Amnesty International zation which has campaigned peace­ there was no furniture at all in the delegation visiting India after the fully against apartheid for a number cell. ” State of Emerency in 1975-77, dur­ of years. Those Black Sash members According to Serna Ogur who ing which thousands of political pris­ still reported detained in mid-Sep­ spent 14 and a half months in Tur­ oners were held. She was crippled as tember 1986 included Louise Vale, key’s Mamak Military Prison between a result of torture in a Calcutta police Priscilla Hall and Ann Burroughs of 1981 and 1982: “Morning and even­ station. She can now walk again, as a the organization’s Grahamstown ing inspections were the scene of result of treatment in a hospital in De­ branch. Another, Annica Van Glys- daily beatings. They hit you for the nmark specialising in the treatment of wyk, was deported to Sweden as a slightest infringement of rules: look­ torture victims, arranged by Amnesty condition of her release though she ing sideways, not shouting your International. had been resident in South Africa for name at the top of your voice, not In Iran, Tahareh Naqib was flogged more than 30 years. standing straight, not stamping and then stoned to death in Qom in your feet like a soldier... These beat­ April 1986. She had been convicted ings took place in the presence of of adultery and murder. Several sen­ the military doctor, who was on the tences of death by stoning have been inspection team. Our bodies were confirmed by the Iranian Supreme TORTURE AND constantly black and blue. Judicial Council and are likely to be An Iranian woman student aged 26 carried out soon. SEXUAL ABUSE was arrested in September 1981 and Carmen Quintana Arancibia, an taken to Evin Prison in Tehran. She 18-year-old Chilean student, was gave the following account of condi­ among a group of young people tions there."... there must have been walking in the street on 2 July 1986 the course of its work around 180 of us in the cell. There during a two-day national stoppage Amnesty International re­ were hardly any sanitary facilities called by the opposition. According to ceive many reports and testimonies to speak of and we had no change witnesses the group dispersed when from women political prisoners about of underclothes and only one bar of a military patrol appeared, but Car­ torture and inhuman prison condi­ soap for each group of six people to men and her companion Rodrigo tions. Some of these reports and tes­ use for washing ourselves and our Rojas de Negri, aged 19, were seized. timonies describe physical, psycho­ clothes. We found that, after a while Rodrigo was beaten and kicked by the logical and sexual humiliation. Som e in detention, we stopped menstruat­ soldiers and both he and Carmen women are physically tortured by ing.” were dragged towards a side street. methods ranging from electric In Namibia, a 40-year-old mother There they were doused with petrol by shocks to mutilation. Many women of eight, Milka Nauyoma was arrested the soldiers and set on fire. Then they are beaten regularly. Many are delib­ in September 1981 and held in a cor­ were wrapped in blankets and put in erately denied sanitary facilities. rugated iron cell measuring three the van, their bodies still smouldering. Others are not allowed essential med­ metres by two metres for two months. Rodrigo, whose mother is a political ical treatments. Som e are forced to She was interrogated and tortured. exile living in the (ISA, died in hospi­ watch the ill-treatment of their chil­ Later she described her experience: 7 tal, Carmen is still seriously ill in a dren. never received any medical treat­ bums unit at a Santiago hospital. Jeanette Joffre Waghorn, a secon­ ment. I was never allowed to go for A 22-year-old woman in El Sal- dary school graduate remanded in exercise. My isolation became ex­ davor, who was detained around April custody in October 1983 in Chile, tremely depressing... My heart 1985 by soldiers and now a refugee, said in her testimony: “naked, I was would palpitate violently for no said 7 was taken out of my house at struck and fondled and obscene re­ reason. Sometimes I would awake 7 pm by the army to a nearby hill marks were made to me; this im­ from sleep in a m ood o f terror. I and was raped by 20 soldiers. I was mediately produces a feeling of total started to fear that I would be mis­ menstruating and was bleeding defencelessness and violated dig­ treated again or attacked or killed. ” heavily and in pain. They took no nity which succeeds in destroying In recent years Amnesty Interna­ notice o f my cries. They stopped for while one’s sense of worth, espe­ tional has received reports of the ar­ around midnight. They hit me to cially in a woman... ” bitrary arrests and detention, torture keep me quiet. They accused me o f Paraguayan Saturina Almada was and execution of women in Iraq. being a terrorist... the army made arrested in 1968 and imprisoned for Among those arrested were said to be us pose with old guns for the press. ” 10 years without trial. She was then actual or suspected members of pro­ Another girl aged 15, detained in 1985 tried and sentenced to another four- hibited political organizations. Others by soldiers later said she was raped by and-a-half years’ imprisonment for include women arrested as hostages 10 soldiers. She said: 7 also saw five her “subversive activities”. She de­ while authorities searched for the men brutally beaten up by the scribed the treatment of women pris­ male relatives. In som e cases the army... A soldier kept on saying that oners as follows: “Our cell was wives and sisters of political prisoners he had this urge to cut a few heads searched every two days. They were also arrested and tortured in with his machete. ”

38 Broadsheet, April 1987 and presenter of the radio program STRIP­ Foro de la Mujer, W om en’s Forum. SEARCHING Her detention was never acknow­ ledged and she remains missing. Hind Qahwaji, a 30-year-old ag­ ricultural engineer in Syria, was first arrested for her membership of the MISUSE Party for Communist Action in O c­ of prison regulations or their insensi­ tober 1982. She was released on 3 tive application can also result in cruel March 1983 and rearrested on 21 and degrading treatment of women March 1984. She was tortured soon prisoners. Strip-seaching of prisoners after her arrest and reportedly had to is one such case. Amnesty Interna­ undergo an operation on her uterus tional believes that strip-searching as a result. She is currently being held entails cruel, inhuman and degrading many countries it takes tremendous in Qatana W om en’s Prison, where treatment when it is carried out with courage to become involved. These hygienic conditions and medical the deliberate intention of humiliating determined women know they might facilities are reported to be very poor. or degrading prisoners and that the meet the fate of Marianella Garcia Vil­ Imprisonment, torture, sexual practice of strip-searching, given its las, president of the non-governmen­ humiliation and persecution have not nature, is open to abuse and should tal Human Rights Commision of El silenced such women; they are play­ only be used when strictly necessary. Salvador, who was killed in disputed ing an ever greater role in the human The organization has asked the circumstances in 1983 while inves­ rights struggle. The stereotyped pic­ British Government about reports tigating human rights violations. ture of a woman suffering in silence that women prisoners in Armagh Another member of a Salvadorian has been shattered by the courage Prison in Northern Ireland were being human rights group, Maria Teresa and determination of these campaig­ strip-searched in order to degrade Tula de Canales, was abducted by un­ ners against injustice. and humilate them. Amnesty Interna­ identified men believed to be mem­ In Argentina the Mothers of Plaza tional asked the government to re­ bers of the security forces on 6 May de Mayo demonstrated for years to spond to the claims that there were 1986. She was abandoned two days press the government to provide in­ often five to seven warders present later in a San Salvador park. She was formation about the whereabouts of during strip-searching and that one questioned about the work of her their relatives who “disappeared” dur­ woman, who had given birth a few group, Co-Madras, the Committee of ing the 1970s. The determination and weeks before, had to remove her Mothers and Relatives of Political Pris­ perseverance of the mothers in the sanitary towels and breast padding oners, the “disappeared”, and Assas­ face of persecution, imprisonment during the strip-search. sinated of El Salvador. She alleges and death threats has inspired those Amnesty International also wrote to that she was raped and tortured dur­ who care for human rights all over the the government about allegations ing her abduction. “They told me world. Similar organizations are play­ that two women held in Brixton they (Co-Madras) were a bunch of ing a crucial role in the struggle for Prison, London were being strip- rebellious and sandalous old human rights in many countries searched in order to degrade and ladies... After this they took off my around the world where human rights humiliate them. According to the alle­ clothes, made vulgar remarks and are being systematically violated. gations received by Amnesty Interna­ jokes, and touched my body. Then Amnesty International works for tional these women were strip- three men raped me. I was left women victims of human rights viola­ searched virtually every day and alone... then they returned and tions and women from all over the sometimes up to three times a day. In began asking questions.” On 28 world are working for Amnesty Inter­ a letter written in prison in March May Maria was seized by armed men national, as its members and suppor­ 1986 Martina Anderson wrote: “Fri­ once again. This time her detention ters. Amnesty values its relationship day 8th: Ella had three strip- was later acknowledged by the police. with wom en’s organizations too. It be­ searches (two in six minutes) and A feminist writer in Taiwan, Lu lieves that much can be gained by one cell search. I also had three Hsiu-Lien was sentenced to 12 years cooperating to attain com m on goals. strip-searches (two in 25 minutes) imprisonment in 1979. She founded The ideal of a world where human and a cell search. At times they have a company specializing in feminist lit­ rights are respected everywhere can taken one hour and 15 minutes to erature. She was released in March only be fully realized when persecu­ carry out the search. ” 1985. tion and discrimination against all Guatamalan feminist and poet groups, communities and sexes is Alaida Foppa de Solorzano was ab­ VICTIMIZATION eradicated.^ ducted by armed men believed to be OF ACTIVISTS members of security services in De­ There are 46 Amnesty groups in Aotearoa cember 1980 when she was visiting working to free prisoners of conscience. her native Guatemala to see her sick Groups in Whangarei, Auckland, Te Kauwhata, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Napier, Hasstings, mother. A leading Guatemalan intel­ Wanganui, Palmerston North, Levin, Wel­ lectual, Alaida Foppa was living in lington, Nelson, Christchurch, Hamner WOMEN Springs, Timaru, Dunedin, Invercargill and actively involved in the struggle for exile in Mexico where she lectured, Gore. If you want to join a group or find out how human rights in general or for wrote art criticism and poetry. She to start one, contact Amnesty International at wom en’s rights can themselves be was one of the founder members of P.O. Box 6647 Wellington, 72 Taranaki St, ph deprived of their human rights. In the Mexican feminist magazine Fern 849-774.

Broadsheet, April 1987 39 guage, body talk. BROADSHEET No. 121 July/Aug 1984: Conversation with Keri Hulme, women develop muscle, do we hate men?, cer­ BACK ISSUES vical cancer, bom bs don’t discriminate. No. 122 September 1984: Reactions to the elections, nbew women MPs, daikon shield disaster, sex and de­ stiny, Maori and Pacific Island netball, newspapers on homosexuality and rape. No. 44 November 1976: Marilyn Waring, nursing, No. 123 1984: Margaret Wilson interview, mothering Maori women, Tongan women, historical perspective boys, Kami Morgan at Arohata, women and war, cervi­ on abortion struggle. cal cancer. No. 45 December 1976: Beginning of herstory series, No. 124 November 1984: Maori Sovereignty, cystitis, clerical workers union, the pros and antis of econom ic sum m it stealing of Bastion Point Treaty of abortion. Waitangi hui, three third world women, wom en’s politi­ No. 46 January 1977: Day care, your rights if you are cal party, a woman who tried to kill her child. arrested, radical feminism, woman speaks in No. 125 December 1984: Topp Twins interview, synagogue. women yachties, women at pit Mae W est No. 47 March 1977: Moon madness, male-designed No. 127 March 1985: Princess Di and the press, cities, vaginal infections, sexist vocational guidance against pornography, Waitangi, the femininity imphlets. peddlers, For Love or Money film, painter Lois White, Ko. 48 April 1977: The politics of childbirth, feminist marriage — a restricted club., mothers bringing up sons, herbs, pioneering health No. 128 April 1985: Lifesaving women, Wanjiku, les­ workers. bian support groups, tokenism in the ministry, miscar­ No. 61 July 1978: Six years of Wom ens Liberation, the riage, marital rape. state of the movement, rape trial in France, a letter from No. 129 May 1985: Romantic novels, publishing Maori Australia, getting organised part 3, ECT, sisters in material, debendox, AIDS. 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The following issues are $2.80 No. 67 March 1979: Charlotte Bunch interview, No. 133 October 1985: Polynesian women in televi­ wom en’s sewing co-op, the mens conference, sterilisa­ sion, racism in Social Welfare and the Auckland Hospi­ tion, Diane Arbus. tal Board, 10 years of sexism in schools, lesbians in No. 68 April 1979: Abortion doctors guide, women in teaching, 10 years of laws on women (pt 2), Sandra cinema, marriage, self help health, hysterectomy. Coney interview, Dale Spender interview cont’d. 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No. 141 July/Aug 1986: Looking back at tourists — Sonja Davies on ILO, painful periods, feminism and en­ No. 109 May 1983: VISGAL ISSGE, interview with No. 77 March 1980: Cherry Raymond, Human Rights Rotorua, Hawai i, women and AIDS, pill under your skin, vironm ent Helen Caldicott, murals, Maori women weave, Robyn women lift weights, Karangha Karanga exhibition, Commission, herpes, rubella vaccine, looking back at No. 95 December 1981: Motherhood and feminism, Kahukiwa. the 70’s, maternity leave bill. labour market flexbility, pornography debate. mothers without children, patient’s health rights, No. 110 June 1983: Running away from home, No. 78 April 1980: Bringing up boys to be non-violent, No. 142 September 1986: Young and heterosexual, feminism and religion, fitness feature. 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FROM PAGE 25 and more mono-cultural is becoming stronger as the Giving up the power of control over our surroundings power of Pakeha people increases. can be a freeing experience for Pakeha. The benefits of We hear rejections of the Maori Affairs Department or working towards a partnership are visible in organisations four Maori seats in Parliament which are somehow sup­ where that is taking place. Most often Pakeha women and posed to give privileges to Maori that Pakeha don’t receive Maori have been at the forefront for change, and male — therefore it can’t be equal and it is labelled reverse ra­ dominated institutions like the churches, unions and busi­ cism. Few Pakeha have studied the history of these institu­ ness have been slow to respond. tions and the reasons they were created. If these By beginning to change we regain the spirit of who we ‘privileges were removed would the Maori be any more are as Pakeha. W e can reject the “coca cola” culture and equal? If Pakeha continue to colonise, to greedily reap madness of the Western world and discover a strength more and more of this country’s benefits, or simply to do and character that does not seek to impose, to rule, or to nothing, the effects of institutional racism will remain. colonise. □

40 Broadsheet, April 1987 SHORT STORY

SOMEONE’S TALKING TO ME Christine Illustration: Dunn

S om eone’s talkinq to me. Sorry. I’m not very happy. Shit. Just had a fight with a friend. Interaction at this time of night? No ... a woman. The best. She’d kill me if she knew I’d Vague attempt at indifference fails due to over­ gotten pissed. She’d be flattered. consumption of alcohol. She’d throw me into a taxi and take m e home. Again. It’s a man. Sits beside me. Smiles. Bottles out of reach, pills locked away. Confident. No taste in clothes but plenty of money for I’m not very good at this kind of thing ... tragedy is not grog. my forte. T o o exhausting. Better to ignore it. Lest we remember. Met me before somewhere? Go out in a blaze of brandy alexanders. Yeah, sure. I’m a celebrity. They’ve always met me before somewhere. His arm’s around my shoulders. Hand between my Nothing new. thighs. Nothing old. Nothing borrowed, nothing blue. All I need is a good ... Etcetera etcetera. Morning I think. Another drink? Double. Vodka. Gin. Either. Both. And I’ve got a feeling I’ve been here before. another while you’re there. What the hell. “Positive” she says. My life story parades itself before his eyes. My past dances Smiles a firm, inspiring doctor’s smile. naked for his pleasure. “Definitely positive.”

I’m doing it again. Oh. She moves slightly in her chair.

Broadsheet, April 1987 41 Way over behind her desk she smiles again. Today the tram was full of women with babies. Comm on “So?” or garden type babies, bawling like angry old men. “So, we’ll have to do something about it, won’t we? I’ll I should be affected. give you a referral to a clinic down the road that deals I should be drawn in some mystical yet tragic way towards with these kinds of situations.” these bald howling beings. “What if I want to keep it?” 1 should feel some deep biological affinity to the sweet A slight ruffling of professional feathers., smell of Johnson’s Baby Powder and vomit. “You don’t though, do you?” I smile at the baby tottering on its mothers knee beside “No.” me. It smiles back. Adorable. “Well, then?” Still smiling, it waves its hand. “Just wondered.” Reaches up. Slams its tiny fist into my eye. My baby would be like that. No angry geriatric, but a “Yes, w e ll... this doctor is very experienced and trained killer. T o take measured revenge for my pain. competent. We never have any complaints... or infections ... everyone has been happy with him.” My baby will be removed by a calm surgeon. Dark moist “Him?” deep within my damaged body. “Yes.” “Couldn’t 1 just throw myself under a tram?” “Completely successful.” “Do you really feel that would resove anything?” He wipes his completely successful brow and smiles as I She’s leaning forward. Oh, Christ, she’s taking me write the cheque. seriously. A couple of hundred. The woman has the humour of a dead goldfish. Desperate My life savings. for a nice bit of anguish to resolve. My life saved. “No, but it’s cheaper than abortion.” “See you again next year” he chortles fatly. Yeah, bloody hilarious. Bet you say that to all the girls. A meaningful pause. Firm. Almost inspiring. Successful attempt at contempt. Almost. Definitely positive. He oozes back into his sweaty little shell. “It will cost you a couple of hundred dollar.” Only a couple of hundred. Only my life savings. Only He smiles across his double vodka. slightly less than a funeral. She smiles a firm inspiring doctor’s smile. So I am to be violated again. By tubes and long cold blades instead of a fumbling Throw me into a taxi and take me home to bleed in drunk. I bet I don’t remember this one, either. Oblivion peace. minus the hangover. But no accident this time. No sudden angry blushing I’ve got a feeling I’ve seen you before somewhere. memories. No regret. All evidence to be surgically removed. Clean. Calm. Expensive. Kelly Gardiner

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Phone 888-325 ADS CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 42 Broadsheet, April 1987 WOMEN’S WORK: list is an excellent idea, com ­ CONTEMPORARY plimenting the chapter-inde­ xed reference list. Readers SHORT STORIES BY who want to find out more will NEW ZEALAND WOMEN be well-guided. edited by______Hilary has been very careful to make sure that no group of Marlon McLeod and women is invisible in her book. Lydia Weavers______There is up-to-date informa­ Oxford Universiry Press tion relevant to lesbian women, Maori women, $19.95 heterosexual and child-bear­ ing women, among others. This is the book to slap down This information is included on the table when they say throughout. they can’t think of any New Feeling a little too close to Zealand women writers after the subject matter, I carried Mansfield. out a small survey of im­ Women’s Work contains mediate reactions to the con­ thirty-one classic short stories. tents page among women Of course classics aren’t to with no psychological everyone’s taste. And at first l background. This confirmed was unwilling to tackle this vol­ my suspicion that some ume. Many of the stories have women would find gaps in the been anthologised elsewhere content or in the way it has so they don’t have the hot off been organised. The book is the press panache of Cathie divided into women’s experi­ Dunsford’s collection, New ence of mental dis-ease in Women’s Fiction. areas like depression, anxiety, Nevertheless l persevered eating disorders; experiences and rediscovered the fresh­ women are subject to which ness and power of much of the can lead to mental dis-ease, work presented here. I made such as violence; experiences the mistake of reading Joy all people are subject to, like Cowley’s “The bilk’ without a relationships; and a chapter handy box of tissues, and de­ on making changes. A ques­ cided this story could replace tion from my “respondents” cutting up onion therapy, as a and myself is, “If some major technique for getting be­ experiences women in reaved people in touch with Aotearoa are subject to (like their pain. violence) are given a whole Patricia Grace’s “Kepa”, is a chapter, why not others, like vivid evocation of the serious­ racism and mothering/mar- ness of play, and it’s very riage?” funny. Annie Lennox of Eurythmics performing at Western Springs, Auckland. She won’t perform to violence. At their Wellington concert she stopped singing and Hilary addresses these is­ Most of the other stories are wouldn’t continue until a man she had seen hitting a woman had left Right on, sues throughout the book, for short on laughter but the ac­ Annie. example in discussing post­ curacy and richness of the natal depression in the depre­ writing is ample compensa- chosen. The latter shows sen­ illuminating a women’s health ssion chapter. However, at the tion.D sitivity to elderly and differently area for non-professionals — beginning of the violence Janet Charman abled women. “everypeople”. It is not meant chapter she states, “Violence Too much knowledge of a to be an academic text, and as is a major cause of mental subject can make reviewing a a book for “everyperson” fills a health problems in New Zea­ MENTAL HEALTH FOR title in that area difficult, and gap, giving clear information land”, and yet there is some while 1 admired Hilary’s con­ about women’s mental health evidence that married women, WOMEN______cise descriptions of women’s with relevance to this country. particularly when they have Hilary Haines mental health problems, inti- This clarity and illumination young children, are most at Reed Methuen, $15.95 tially 1 found myself wishing for is enhanced by Jill Carter- risk from mental dis-ease. more detail here, another fact Hansen’s small collection of Thus marriage and mother­ there, and wondering if a cer­ clever cartoon-like illustra­ ing, a common experience for Mental Health for Women is tain definition was too glib. tions (proving the saying “a so many women, may need the fifth in Reeds’ women’s The blurb on the back says, “It picture is worth a thousand more than a casual treatment health series. It follows a publi­ is a book for everyone who words”) and the personal ex­ in a text on women’s mental cation format similar to the wants to know more about the periences of women, boxed health. preceding titles. I like its com ­ problems women are likely to within the main text. The In terms of racism, Hilary pact size, the use of Phillipa face . . .” Like other books in chapter sub-headings help to may have felt that as a Pakeha Blair’s artwork on the cover the women’s health series, focus the reader. The inclu­ woman it was inappropriate to and the easily readable type Mental Health For Women is sion of an annotated resource address the mental health ef-

Broadsheet, April 1987 43 fects of racism at length, but lished in 1974 and has been — Well, I said. — Just ... for Maori women, Pacific Is­ reprinted in 1986 as a paper­ never knowing.” land women and women of back in the Mew Zealand Clas­ The new speed and tension colour racism is indoubtedly a sic series. It is an attractive of Clodagh’s life is reflected in significant experience, putting book with an eye-catching the argument she has with Leo them at risk of mental dis-ease cover, but while a baby’s bottle when her desire to look after and disadvantage in the beside a pile of library books Gillian’s baby brings them into Pakeha mental health system. makes a good visual link bet­ conflict. Another gap for me was the ween the novel’s main charac­ “Leo said nothing at all. non-inclusion of smoking in ters 1 suspect that many read­ — The went to the beach. the drug and alcohol chapter. ers would be put off, fearing The baby was upset. It was Many people make the mis­ yet another semi-autobiog­ too hot. 1 said I’d look after take of considering only the raphical story ot a woman's him. They knew 1 was physical effects of smoking. In discovery of the confines of going away with you. fact, nicotine is more addictive domestic life. — W e’ve had this arranged than heroine and there is Margaret Sutherland’s for weeks, Leo said. — evidence to suggest smokers novel is more original than Weeks and weeks. I nodded develop a disability in relation that and takes as its central — You’ll have to ask a to dealing with stress by character an older woman neighbour to watch him natural means. This area is to­ Clodagh, who is not married then. pical as tobacco companies good evidence that high and lives in her grandmother’s — I can’t, 1 said. — There’s are aiming more of their prop- doses of B6 over a long period house while the invalid Man is no-one I could trust with oganda towards women and can damage the retina of the cared for in a nursing home. him. their anxieties. Unlike males, eye. The story traces Clodagh’s re­ — 1 see. Then what do you the number of female smok­ The discussion of systema­ lationships with her grand­ propose to do? ers is not decreasing. tic densitisation in the phobia/ mother and her work col­ — What can 1 do? Except Despite the above critique, anxiety chapter appears a little leagues at the public library, as wait for them?” Mental Health For Women too simplistic. Many clinicians well as the changing nature of Margaret Sutherland has covers traditional areas of are using a more complex ver­ her friendship with Leo and chosen to alternate first per­ women’s mental health sion of the original relaxation- her introduction to his family. son narration with third person thoroughly, although I would paired treatment effectively. I When Man dies and Clodagh in each of the novel’s fifteen have liked some future vision was not entirely satisfied with can re-assess her situation chapters with brief exceptions. content as well. For example, the chapter on anorexia and and her plans for the future Being let into Clodagh’s point more visibility of elderly bulimia and the dualism con­ she makes a convincing mid­ of view gives greater depth to women’s mental health (the cept of the heading “Anorexia: life fledgling preparing to at our image and understanding proportion of the elderly in our The Feminine Ideal or a Flight least rearrange her nest to suit of her but distances the other society is increasing), a grea­ From Femaleness”. There is herself. characters. It points up more ter discussion of the mental evidence for a third dilemma But what makes The clearly perhaps the differences health effects of physical dis­ in anorexia and bulimia — the Fledgling different is the ten­ between what Clodagh says abilities and illness (viral and women’s fight for control of sion between Clodagh and a and what she does. Her early immune disorders are on the something in her life. Her body young woman Gillian, who is description of her relationship increase) and unemploy­ being the only place she can also in the processes of nest­ with Gillian and Greg will be re­ ments (free-market philo­ express her anger, needs and building and learning to fly. It is called later in the novel. sophy does not help women). power. Gillian’s baby whose bottle “They came three or four It might be argued that an Overall, the clarity and graces the cover and it is she, times before they started re­ expanded text with greater readability of the text is the her child and her boyfriend fusing invitations on one coverage of these issues most impressive feature of Greg, who plan to fly away at pretext or another. I can take would have made the book Mental Health For Women. the end of the novel. From the a hint as quick as the next too weighty to read and expen­ Unnecessary or confusing first page when she appears one. 1 didn’t ask them over sive for women to buy. Cer­ sections are rare. soaked and destitute at again. The truth of it was tainly Hilary mentions the Hilary Haines deserves Clodagh’s door she stimulates that we had nothing in com ­ impossibility of including a praise for her ability to trans­ conflicting feelings in her mon.” complete list of major help­ late mental health host’s kind heart. Clodagh The truth of it is that she is ing agencies throughout gobbledegook into reasona­ cares for the girl as a daughter given many hints but does not Aotearoa. ble language. This must have but clearly feels possessive take them. In terms of facts I have some been an arduous task. Despite about the baby and possibly I did not think that the image minor quibbles. Pain and the omissions mentioned, 1 jealous of Gillian’s relationship of birds involved in a struggle some psychological distur­ consider this book an exten­ with Greg. Margaret Suther­ with nature always came off. bances, like depression, can sively researched, well-pre­ land’s use of domestic detail is Clodagh’s nickname (Dodo) have a functional value for sur­ sented addition to the unobtrusive but gives her was a little heavy-handed and vival in the face of trauma. A women’s health series. It is characters a believable con­ Leo’s mother Oriole Finnigan feeling of depression is a very relevant to this country text while her dialogue is ex­ and her insurance salesman natural stage in the process of and I recommend it for cellent. The reserve and hesi­ Harold, a flight of fancy. Man grief and does not just occur “everyperson’s” bookshelf, to tancy between Clodagh and turns out to be a Mrs Hawkins as Hilary suggests, “when los­ be read, lent and used as a re­ Gillian at the start shows which may or may not be sig­ ses are not mourned con­ source and reference. □ clearly and their changes of nificant. More successful were structively”. Unremitting de­ Sue Fitchett tone register on the page. references to the natural world pression after a loss is the “— I’m glad he’s decided to around the characters. Here problem. On the whole Hilary THE FLEDGLING______look for work on a more per­ the birds’ associations with describes differing casual manent basis, I said. — It’s humans were more subtle. In theories and treatment merits/ Margaret Sutherland no way to live really, is it? one moving passage Ms disadvantages fairly, so her Oxford University Press — How do you mean? She Sutherland makes no mention statements in regard to natural $16.95 sounded defensive. of birds but still conveys the remedies, particularly vitamin — Living from day to day. feeling of having missed the B6 (“they are certainly harm­ Mever knowing. seasonal flight which nature less”) are surprising. There is The Fledgling was first pub­ — Mever knowing what? intended.

44 Broadsheet, April 1987 art installation, a ritual and medical problem, rather than tributions to culture at the other events at Outreach in as a complete experience, and Women and Culture exhibi­ Ponsonby for two weeks in Au­ Juliet wants to enable a group tion held by the Association of gust. of women to communicate Women Artists at Outreach “We have phrases for what it meant for them. late last year. menopausal women and little Juliet is already contacting “I don’t know what will come old ladies,” said Juliet, “but no women through the Family out of the project,” she said, phrase or language for the Planning Association, which “whether it will be angry, women in between. So I’ve re­ holds regular menopause celebratory, mellow. But I surrected an old word. These workshops, the YWCA and know that with those women, it women are so devalued in Maori women’s groups. Juliet will be powerful.” Pakeha society, so invisible. is offering to run one-day Any women interested in Many men between 50 and 70 workshops for any interested being part of a workshop or have accumulated power, Auckland groups, using crea­ the project can send a status, authority and visibility. tive activity as a vehicle for br­ stamped self-addressed en­ They have so much power inging out writing and images velope to Juliet at 98 Marsden they don’t even have to func­ about women’s experiences of Ave, Mt Eden, Auckland 4 and tion efficiently anymore, on menopause and after. (The she will send them informa­ their boards or in their man­ first one she has scheduled is tion.□ agement positions. Values 5 April at Outreach.) These will “Resolving to forget Leo she about ageing are different in be followed by workshops for was reminded of him in a Maori and Pacific Island cul­ women interested in being BROTHER-LOVE______dozen ways, in winds, in ture. Because of the differ­ part of the colaborative pro­ scents, when she saw late ences that will require a diffe­ ject. Juliet emphasises that SISTER-LOVE______summer roses blooming in rent way of working.” women don’t have to be ex­ Elizabeth Smither______a front yard or glimpsed a fi­ “Menopause, when a perienced at creative activity to Hodder & Stoughton gure ot like build walking woman’s fertile years end, is participate. ahead. By association she an incredibly important transi­ Juliet’s vision for the instal­ $29.95 had been made vulnerable, tion in a society that defines lation includes walls papered and knew a desire to get women in terms of their fertil­ with text and enlarged photo­ This novel is a kind of travel away which was sharpened ity. I want to ask those women graphic images, and lines of journal. Isobel is in England by the knowledge that in los­ what the losses are when you knotted fabric hanging from for a few weeks with her dearly ing Leo she had also lost the cease to bleed, and what are the ceiling with personal sym­ loved brother and to see the prospect of doing so. She the gains. Women of that age bols attached. There will be a sights. As anyone who has thought of moving, but with­ have incredible wisdom central shelter sructure con­ stayed with long lost relations out him did not have the im­ through their life experience. 1 taining various symbols and knows, holidays can be very petus to go. Yet the wish for want to validate it and celeb­ objects for use by people look­ stressful. This pair of siblings change remained. One rate it, and bring it out through ing at the project. This struc­ draw on all their resources of morning in the library, as creative work. I want to make ture provides a framework for tact good sense and diplo­ she changed over newspap­ those women highly visible.” the content, which will be pro­ macy to ensure that their pre­ ers on the reading tables, “What started the whole vided by the women. Juliet will cious time together is in­ she scanned a headline... project was my menstrual take the women’s writing and tensely enjoyable. Barrels of Grapes from cycle ceasing 2V^ years ago. 1 images to another stage of Isobel ventures to London Spain; the simple words often woke in the night feeling finished artwork, distilling the on her own from time to time. with their promise of abun­ hot, but 1 didn’t recognise what material into a simple form. We are vicarious observers to dance, sweetness, sun, stir­ was happening. It happened “1 want to devlop a ritual to her impressions of chaps met red in her such an acute gradually over five years. I mark this transition, which will in the train, actresses at parties feeling of loss that she went mentioned it to the doctor, happen at the installation. and the domestic life of poetry away to the cloakroom and and she told me almost casu­ Within the women’s move­ publishers. All of whom are wept.” ally that I’d been through ment, often older women described with wry humour. To call The Fledgling a menopause. 1 felt elated be­ enjoy the activity, energy and The spouses of the two sibl­ classic is to overstate its im­ cause it had been so easy, and ideas of the younger women. 1 ings also receive attention. portance in the body of Mew shattered because 1 couldn’t want to reverse that. Older Sascha is a successful Zealand writing, but it is well have another child, even women have survival skills, businesswoman just begin­ written and enjoyable to though that was the last thing I humour, wisdom and experi­ ning to see beyond her own read.D wanted. An enormous ence. But society invalidates expertise and talent to the bul­ Judith Laube threshold had been crossed them and they often don’t lying misogyny of her man­ and 1 didn’t even know I’d been have confidence in what they agement colleagues. At the doing it. have to offer.” same time she is becoming conscious of her delight in the THE CRONE PROJECT “It made me wonder how “The project will be videoed. many women are going I’m doing that now with all my country life she is beginning to Jenny Rankine inter­ through this and not having projects to create a permanent share with her husband. Its the viewed Juliet Batten this important transition record. I also want to make a foreshadowing of eventual conflict between her personal about her next collab- marked. There’s a spiritual di­ book which will be printed and mension to it — it’s part of the have only a few hundred num­ and professional life. erative art event life cycle of women.” During bered copies. I’d like to photo­ Meanwhile back in the an­ the collaborative Menstrual graph the women and accom­ tipodes Isobel’s husband is Mary Daly defines a crone as a Maze project, which Juliet pany the photographs with a getting up to naughty tricks in woman who is “an example of facilitated in 1983, she very simple text of their own her absence. “Leering up” is strength, courage and wis­ realised the importance of words. The book and the video the way I’d describe it. All good dom ”. Juliet Batten seized on honouring girls’ first menstru­ depend on my getting fund­ fun till the stoned joker the word to describe women ation, to mark in a positive way ing.” Juliet has facilitated sev­ crashes through the who are going through crossing the threshold into life eral collaborative and greenhouse roof. Even then menopause, or who have re­ as a woman. Menstruation is cooperative women’s art pro­ there’s a funny side. What was cently experienced it. A group talked about more now, but jects, the most recent being an it they said about people in of these women will create an mostly in a negative way as a “Gnearthing” of women’s con­ glass houses?

Broadsheet, April 1987 45 This novel pays the same the Homebirth Association, as for these reasons, but also be­ careful attention to detail that well as government and public cause they are the experiences is found in First Blood, support of domiciliary midwif­ of New Zealand women; Smither’s murder mystery. ery practice. Joan also in­ women I see every day, my However now the focus isn’t cludes very relevant discus­ next door neighbour, my on who did it, what we learn sions on racism and classism friend, myself. The plays avoid here is how a stranger survives in modem childbirth prac­ the distancing effect that can on unfamiliar territory. And tices, and a survey of the de­ stand between the audience Smither applies the best of her velopment of the Plunket Soc­ and the story when the setting practice as poet to her prose. iety and the La Leche League. is another country. With her Travelling overseas is quite Should the midwife be characteristic combination of often served up to the folks at “saved”? How does her/his sensitivity and pathos, home as a hectic progress practice differ from what is psychology and political state­ from highlight to highlight. presently offered within the ment, Renee breaks the si­ Brother-love Sister-love is present system? What are the lence of ordinary women... the just as concerned with the “tri­ health needs of mothers and mothers... the daughters... vial” detail between the sights. their families in New Zealand “Elsie” opens in a men’s uri­ How you wangle an invite to today? This book helps ans­ nal. Three blinds, beautifully stay the night Putting your feet wer these questions. It is a painted in greyblue marbling up in the cathedral graveyard must to read, not only by those and brick provide a when you’re tuckered out midwives were the norm. She interested in understanding background for the urinal, from traipsing around the then critically examines the the background to the present mop and bucket, cleansack, crypt. changes that took place which struggle to “save the midwife”, basin, paper towels, mirror... And there is a change of led to midwives being re­ but for all health care workers, all the basics of a public focus in the human relation­ placed by what she describes especially midwives, nurses “men’s” with rubbish, ships described here. The as the power elite, the obstet­ and medical practitioners in­ cigarette butts strewn on the heterosexual pair bond is usu­ ricians . One quickly picks up volved in the maternity ser­ floor. We hear the singing first ally given pride of place in who Joan sees as the goodies vices. and then Elsie appears, aging family drama. Sometimes it’s and the baddies. By the 1950s, Thankyou Joan for daring and grey and shapeless in her forgotten that brothers and homebirths were becoming a to take a stand in the political faded blue smock. “Morning, sisters may know each other rarity and most births took struggle for the right of mid­ urinal!” she addresses the ob­ just as intimately. And a lot place in hospitals. As more wives to practise midwifery in jects of the “men’s” as though more considerately. technology became involved New Zealand, and for proc­ they were old allies in the cold This is not a novel to use as in childbirth, the obstetricians laiming the rights of women silent war for money and self­ a quick escapist read. I became more and more and their families to hav ac­ esteem, and begins a wouldn’t try to tackle it on an pivotal to the birth outcome. cess to an alternative form of monologue that is simple and aeroplane, but if we crashed “Control” of the process was childbirth practice. Your chal­ sane. The political statement and I wanted some diversion the all important thing. This lenge is being heard. □ of one who has had to deal lit­ on the desert island, it would contrasted with the midwives’ Lynne Milne erally and metaphorically with be just the thing.D approach of support and non­ the shit of society. She has not Janet Charman. intervention. Midwives in this had the privilege to pretend. system were expected to sup­ SECRETS______Constantly reminded of her place by boss, Mr Foster, lines port the practice of the obstet­ by Renee______ricians and learn the art of like “touch muck and you be­ SAVE THE MIDWIFE obstetrics, rather than act as Produced by Working come muck” come out easily Joan Donley______advocates for the mothers and Title Theatre______as a simple fact of life. She knows that Mr Foster’s lips New Women’s Press learn the art of midwifery. Directed by______Childbirth in New Zealand had curl when he talks to her, but $21.95 moved from a social, women- Andrea Kelland______she also knows that they’re centred event to a medical Touring N.l. April-May “both past it” and “it’s all a Joan Donley is a well known one. matter of money”. critic of New Zealand’s present The midwife who wanted to The lines are memorable; system of maternity care. Her practice midwifery not only When women tell their own lines heard many times — or­ arguments do not come from had to fight the now powerful stories, name their experience, dinary talk — made powerful purely an academic study, but medical profession, but also are subjects of their own and real, coming direct from from personal experience as a the nursing profession, which dramas, it is both gruelling this honest down-to-earth mother, grandmother and a increasingly incorporated and revelationary. It is only woman whose only privilege in domiciliary midwife. Her politi­ midwifery into the practice of then that we realise women’s life is that she sees it all. There cal stand on the rights of nursing. By accepting this as­ stories, the stories of the is no empty theory here. “1 am women and families in New sociation, midwives also ac­ mothers, have not been told. the invisible woman... the ex­ Zealand to have access to cepted a position of subordi­ Being always the object, the tension of the mop...” hit me homebirths supervised by a nation to the medical profes­ “other” in relation to a male right in the guts. While she midwife is very evident. sion. Thus, by the 1970s mid­ hero, director, cameraman or energetically scrubs and Though Joan’s book is wifery had become medical- playwrite, the woman serves cleans the urinal, the basin, the more a polemic than a serious ised, incorporated into the mainly to reveal aspects of a lavatory (behind the blind), historical study of midwifery in nursing profession, and was hero’s physical or emotional Elsie’s stream of conscious­ New Zealand, it does capture practised in hospitals not life, it is a rare and enlightening ness meanders through many the essence of the New Zea­ homes. experience when we hear the such lines and it is revealed in land midwives’ struggle to sur­ Joan argues that this mater­ voice of the woman direct... the course of them that she vive against a strong medically nity system does not meet the “this is how it is for me... this is has won the Golden Kiwi and it dominated maternity system. needs of women and their my experience”. It is gruelling is her last day of “cleaning up In a readable, though at families. The vanguard for because the stories of the other people’s shit”. This times disjointed style, Joan changing the present system, mothers, in a social drama not creates an extraordinary takes her reader back to a time she believes, is active con­ their own, are disturbing. dynamic in the monologue in New Zealand when sumer demand for These three short plays which and in the personality of Elsie homebirths supervised by homebirths, as represented by make up Secrets, are powerful where she is at once looking

46 Broadsheet, April 1987 forward to the first time in her she had... “it’s your power" she currently writing. life of having enough money says when she gives her back Virago have just released and how she feels, and review­ her watch. And now she is free one of Jean Devanny’s novels, ing her life as a poor working to search for herself. Cindie ($13.60), which cover class woman and mother. The dialogue format some­ the period of indentured Elizabeth McRae as Elsie how did not work so well for labour in Queensland’s sugar achieves a sensitivity and me as the monologue-stream cane plantations (1896- poignancy along with a tough­ of consciousness technique of 1907). Through the story of ness and inner strength as her the first two plays. 1 found the Cindie, a servant, then valued story continues; her face by woman addressing the audi­ plantation manager who turn lighting up with the won­ ence, a photograph, intimate spurns marriage, Devanny der of a small child and filled and exciting and full of very conveys much historical de­ with sadness and pain as the vivid images, an inclusion, a tails. Just my kind of novel! act of a desperate girl reminds journey into the mind. In the In Femininity: The Politics her of her own daughter... dialogue I felt excluded, a gap of the Personal (Policy Press, 1 he blinds of the urinal turn depths to which it takes its au­ between audience and actors, $30.25) Barbara Sichtermann to reveal a bright white sparkl­ dience into the profound re­ as though I was observing a critizes the “dull dogmatism” ing kitchen with an odd sense percussions of tne secret on scene through a window, but that the “women’s movement of wonkiness in the rough the psychology of the child/the this may have been partly due came dangerously close to” lines of the matchlining on the woman/the mother. “Sandra” to the unclear resolution. and poses challenging new bottom half of the walls and is an important play, incredible In revealing the lives of the ideas on such subjects as or­ the blowing curtains. Just a in the seeing, powerful and ter­ mothers, in casting light on gasm, sexual desire, and abor­ hint of things being perhaps rible in its insight and not to be the unacceptable, unlocking tion. Full of stimulating not quite as they seem. And missed. I think it should be the secrets, Renee simultane­ thoughts and unlike other this becomes slowly and ter­ shown on television. ously reveals the profound re­ German translations, is very rifyingly revealed in this bril­ Black screens were wheeled percussions of the abuse of readable. liant second play. “Sandra”. on to cover the blinds for women/the mothers that Suzanne Kappeler attempts Again it is a monologue, a “Grade and Joy”, the third and moves through the genera­ a feminist critique of pornog­ stream of consciousness, a last play of Secrets. The table tions like the hereditary dis­ raphy in The Pornography of woman alone facing her and crystal ball are one of a ease that killed Joy’s baby. Representation (Policy Press, ghosts, her past... here there is fairground fortune teller. Ber­ And it is only by knowing it, by $34.95) which she says much no looking forward. Ber­ nadette and Elizabeth come women naming their experi­ involve “moving from a con­ nadette Doolan as Sandra, ad­ together in dialogue here, de­ ence that we can stop being tent orientation to an analysis dressing the photograph of aling with their ghosts to­ victims, forgive each other and of representation. I got fed up her daughter “Hello Darling!” gether. There is immediately a find ourselves. As Renee ends wading through some of the begins a marathon story of tension between them, an ag­ “Grade and Joy”... now and jargon but her analysis is a val­ breakdown and horror; of the gressiveness, a taunting, by only now that she (and she uable addition to the pronog- internalisation of the values of the fortune teller Grade to­ could be any one of us) knows raphy debate. the father, who, while being in­ wards her young client Joy, and understands is she free to I found the novel The Odd sane, has yet rationalised his that I found difficult to under­ begin the search for herself. Woman by Gail Godwin (Col­ insanity in terms acceptable to stand. She takes Joy’s watch Secrets are three plays well lins, $13.15) disappointing as a society of disturbed values. and describes it as having worth seeing.D it didn't live up to the blurb on “Cleanliness is next to godli­ power which she attributes to Julie Sargison the cover. Jane Clifford, a ness” she quotes like a small a male owner. She analyses single English lecturer (not sanctimonious child, as she her client’s Cancer nature and another one!) is having an af­ lifts yet another sterilised glass how it will be for her when she fair with a married man. out of the oven for yet another leaves her mother's house. LISTING Found it tedious as the prom­ glass of sherry. And as the Joy struggles against the ised analysis is lacking. glasses of sherry go down, so spiritual maxims, “Nothing BO O KS WE D O N’T HAVE Athina Tsoulis the story is revealed. Sandra happens by chance, every­ SPACE TO REVIEW. Elizabeth Mavor compiled and becomes the child manipu­ thing’s meant” and reveals the • All titles can be bought or edited A Year With The Ladies lated by the father, the mother death of her three year old ordered from Broadsheet of Llangollen (Penguin, whose love for her own child is daughter by a hereditary dis­ Bookshop. Prices include $13.20) from entries in impossibly tainted and takes ease she did not know about; GST. Eleanor Butler’s journal with alarming forms, and the ter­ “it wouldn’t have happened if I excerpts from letters and from rified broken woman who is had known”, “it was her fault Jean Devanny (New Zealand Sarah Ponsonby’s receipt and utterly lost and over whom she — I hate her” — Joy is refer­ author best known for the account books. The wealth of must constantly keep con­ ring to her mother, who failed Butcher Shop gives a colour­ domestic detail is fascinating, trol... keeping everything spot­ to tell her of the disease. Again ful account of her life in the but 1 found the collapsing of less. She slips in and out of Renee is casting new light on newly released Point of Depar­ the years into a seasonal for­ these roles, becoming child­ old cliches, the language of ture, the Autobiography of mat a bit confusing. like, haggard and weird and the people churned out to Jean Devanny (Gniv of Jo Spence has produced a pulling herself together by “cover” the living, put plasters Queensland Press, $40). It very courageous book in Put­ turn. 1 felt both extreme horror on wounds too deep to look at; contains lots of fascinating in­ ting Myself in the Picture, and extreme compassion. the pretence/mystery also in formation on her early years in (Camden Press, $42.95). The Bernadette, through Sandra, the image of the fortune teller. NZ, and later in Australia text and photographs com ­ creates an intense and terrify­ Here though I tailed to grasp (1929-1962), particularly her bine to show the development ing journey into the mind of a the real circumstance, the re­ conflicts within the Australian of her political consciousness woman destroyed. And all the vealing of the secret and was Communist Party. However, through a range of life experi­ while a sinister image of flies left with a feeling of this play as her daughter, Pat Hurd, ences that includes cancer. recurs and recurs until one being obscure. For this reason says in the epilogue “the au­ The photos shock, amuse, can almost feel them and hear it did not really happen for me tobiography does not do JD move. Another theme of the them. “Sandra”, dealing with as the first two plays did, al­ justice, . . . It remains for a book is her process of gaining three generations of women, I though I enjoyed the sense of biographer to tell the full confidence in her work and in think is an extraordinary power Joy achieved and that story.” Watch out for the biog­ herself as a creative woman. achievement, skilful in the the fortune teller conceded raphy that Carole Ferrier is Pat Rosier.

Broadsheet, April 1987 47 PALESTINE CONFERENCE PUBLISHED NOVEMBER P E A C E IS MORE THAN THE ABSENCE O F W AR

2 and 3 May 1987 Fraser House, Willis St Wellington Wendy Lee: NZ Women and Palestine Write: Conference Convenor Wellington Palestine Group P.O.Box 642 Photographs by Gil Hanly Wellington With introduction by Sonja Davies, and essays by Karen Mangnall, Kathleen Ryan, Hilda Halkyard-Harawira, Fe Day & Tamsin Hanly, Yvonne Duncan & Alyn Ware. Documents the THE WOMEN WALK COOK peace movement in Aotearoa. WOMINS RETREAT BOOK $1995 AND HEALING CENTRE Selected Recipes for the NEW WOMEN’S PRESS I would like to make contact with Outdoors other womin who are interested in Over 180 recipes, 17 Sections exploring the idea of setting up a including Picnic Fare, Holiday centre, based on natural healing Meals, Tramping Menus and therapies, for womin and children Wicked Treats! Compiled, AUCKLAND who are victims/survivors/adver- handwritten and illustrated by WOMENS saries of rape and other violence. women for women. HEALTH COLLECTIVE I have 5 acres of bare land in a Orders to Women Walk 21 63 Ponsonby Rd fairly unique setting, 30 mins from Toledo Place Christchurch 8. We offer: Hamilton. I would like to farm it Ph 841-921. organically. If you are interested Price: $ 14.00 includes postage. • Information and Referrals • Counselling please write to: Womins Healing • Massage Centre, c/o Marion Place, Hamilton. • Naturopathy • Herbal Treatment • Support Groups • Classes Jeanette Keukelaar % • Menstrual Sponges HOLISTIC THERAPIST FOR ^ • Feminist Library WOMYN O Women’s cP Counselling for all personal issues Womens Health is Bookshop Ltd. Bodywork: Massage womens strength Centoning N.Z.I. ARCADE ------Phone 764-506 ------(Deep muscular therapeutic massage) GARDEN PLACE, HAMILTON Reflexology Shiatsu HOURS Mon - Frid 10am - 4.30pm LESBIAN COUNSELLING SERVICE Phone 412-9261 Please leave name and phone number Friday 10am - 8pm Alcohol and drug abuse Saturday 10.30am -12 noon counselling Phone 80-656 Couples and relationship counselling Phone Ingrid or Cathie 686-111 DRUGS/ALCOHOL SELF HELP GROUP Lesbians trying to abstain from alcohol or drugs Wednesday 6pm at WOMEN'S PLACE BOOKSHOP Women’s Centre, 63 Ponsonby Rd, women's books * music • art Auckland. All dykes welcome. cnr tory & courtenay place Phone Frankie 767-967 po box 19062 or Wendy 398595 Wellington phone 851 802

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48 Broadsheet, April 1987 STUNNING NEW POSTER! — WRITE YOUR OWN CAPTION — NEW WOMEN’S PRESS

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