QUARTERLY AUTUMN/NGAHURU 1997 $7.50 ISSUE 213

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New Zealand's fem in ist magazine WOMENĒ We've all been waiting for... BOOKSHOP Books by, for and about women The 228 DOMINION RD, MT EDEN, Square Edge, Church Street, AUCKLAND 3 Palmerston North. Journey At the Valley Road lights P.O. Box 509 Home Phone / Fax (09) 630 7162 Phone(06) 358 2644 by Cathie Dunsford WOMEN'S BOOKSHOPS SUPPORT WOMEN SUPPORT YOUR WOMEN’S BOOKSHOP

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EDITORIAL Welcome to the Autumn issue for 1997. Inside you will Barbara Bennett find a diverse selection of articles, several on the theme Janet Fraser of Feminist Art - an interview with Claudia Pond Eyley, a review of Miriam Saphira’s exhibition, a profile o f a Linda Hill woman tattooist and interviews with women about why Lisa Howard-Smith they have chosen to exhibit art on their own body. On Kate Millington the cover Selena displays an amazing tattoo by Maree Docherty. Am y Ross Already we are looking forward to our next issue, Alex Woodley which will be Broadsheet's 25th Anniversary issue. We DESIGN are currently planning a number of exciting events to Kate Millington celebrate a quarter of a century of Broadsheet. Details DISTRIBUTION about what will be happening haven't been firmed up yet, but what we can say is: we'd like your help. A nne Hunt The Collective is keen to receive all sorts o f input, THANK YOU submissions and ideas to make the magazine and the Edith Gorringe celebrations, worthy of our Silver Anniversary. We'd like to hear about where you were 2 5 years ago - if indeed you Christy Hartlage were around at the time - how Broadsheet may have Next Issue is Autumn 1997. influenced your thinking, your politics, your life! Were Due on sale early July. you perhaps involved in Broadsheet, or have you contrib­ Editorial deadline 14 May. uted material, any time over the past quarter century? The theme is We re interested in how you see the magazine, its Broadsheet’s 25th relevance to and impact the women's movement and birthday! how you think it may have influenced feminism in CONTRIBUTIONS: Women are welcom eto send Aotearoa/New Zealand. articles, photos, letters and cartoons. We ap­ Send a short article, a poem, an open letter to other preciate writers sending graphics with their like-minded women, or an anecdotal piece from your articles. Always include a contact phone num­ ber and your address so we can contact you recollections. We plan to feature excepts from early regarding editorial decisions. If sending a disk, issues, to compare how far we have come - or perhaps please label it with the file name and word not! - on the issues that were important in 1972. It's processing system name. We welcome Mac 4 going to be an exciting experience getting it all together, or higher, IMB Word 2 or high. If you have so become involved, and perhaps we will create the interviewed people, please send their signa­ ture on your article to show that they have momentum, a budding swell, that will deliver a third checked the piece. Material should be sent wave of feminism. with a stamped addressed envelope to PO Box 56-147 Auckland. Writer's guidelines are avail­ able on request. Lisa and Linda LETTERS: The Womanfile Collective may not agree with views expressed in letters. Some letters may be editored for length or clarity. We do not publish personal attacks. Letters from men are published at the discretion of the Collective. If you do not wish a letter to be Broadsheet is on file at the Women's Collection Special published, please mark it 'Not for Publication' Department, North Western University Library, Evanston, Illinois 6020 1, USA. ISSN 01-10-8603. Registered at the GPO ADVERTISING: Kate Millington (09) 360 2401. as a magazine. Published by Womanfile Inc. PO Box 56- RETAIL AND WHOLESALE: 147, Auckland, NZ, Printed by Printcorp, Tauranga. Anne Hunt (09) 817 4549. OTHER: Lisa Howard-Smith (09) 834-3472 > BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 1 Dear Broadsheet reader, Oh, how we hate to write...... but with great sadness we have to inform you all that Broadsheet's 25th birthday issue will also be its last. Feminist publishing in New Zealand has always been a marginal activity, and so too are all radical magazines. Broadsheet has not been the only magazine to experience a drop-off in subs, with falling incomes and impulse purchasing. It has also been a casualty of these New Right, 'post-feminist' times. We took some hard decisions in late 1991 when we went to totally voluntary production and quarterly issues. This meant we have been able to sustain the magazine for these extra years, but with an increasingly low profile. Gone are the halcyon days when the Broadsheet office was an accessible resource for both the movement and the mainstream. But what has brought us to the crunch has been what Lisa calls 'the personnel deficit' - when there are so few of us that all our collective energy goes in producing the magazine, with none left for essential tasks such as promotion and marketing. Reluctantly, we have decided to cease publication and to wind up in a responsible way. We feel it is appropriate to go out with a bang, not a whimper - the celebration of twenty-five years! Watch for our very last Special Issue in July 1997, and for details of our birthday festivities.

The Broadsheet Collective Alex, Amy, Anne, Barbara, Claire-Louise, Janet, Kate, Linda, Lisa

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 2 eminist art Issue 213 Ngahuru/Autumn 1997

e e c t u r e * / > TATTOOED WOMEN Maya Dannan 14 MAREE DOCHERTY, TATTOO ARTIST Linda Hill 16 CLAUDIA POND EYLEY, FEMINIST ARTIST talks to Kate Millington 22 ARTIFICIAL REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY - A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL Janet Fraser 24 ON BEAUTIES AND CUTIES Madhu Kishwar 27 MANUSHI, INDIA’S FEMINIST MAGAZINE 32 A DISSERTATION ON THE OBJECTIFICATION OF WOMEN A poem by Maya Dannan 33 WOMEN-RUN ORGINISATIONS: DOING IT OUR WAYS Judith Pringle and team report on their research in New Zealand 35 CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN’S REFUGE RESPONDS TO THE NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT Susan J. Wurtzburg 39 THE CASE OF MS R Francis Joychild reports on an Appeal Court success of great importance for women 44 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND RETALIATION Tighe Instone 47 PAGANISM - A FAITH FOR FEMINISTS? Helen Heliotrope. r e g u l a r * 4 HERSPECTIVE 5 YOURWRITE 6 BROADCAST contents 50 GRIPES OF ROTH 51 CHRISTCHURCH COMMENT 64 CLASSIFIEDS stroke* & a rt attack* 52 BERYL FLETCHER, THE SILICON TONGUE Angela McCarthy reviews the book and interviews its author 56 TAKING THE HIS OUT OF HISTORY: MIRIAM SAPPHIRA Exhibition review by Janet Fraser 57 GERALDINE BROOKS, NINE PARTS OF DESIRE reviewed by Shonagh Lindsay 58 NEVA CLARKE MCKENNA, AN ANGEL IN GOD’S OFFICE reviewed by Claire-Louise McCurdy 59 STICK FIGURE: A PERSONAL JOURNEY THROUGH ANNOREXIA AND BULIMIA reviewed by Sian Me Ewen 60 DO WOMEN TALK TOO LOUD? Raewyn Alexander 61 THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT Film review by Janet Fraser 63 WHAT’S ON THE BOOB-TUBE? Television review by Cody Fruean BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 3 regular

Eco-feminist ART by Fiona Rennie

first came across eco-feminism at art school tion, community, new technology and the restora­ five years ago. I was looking at artists who tion of a raped landscapes - a raped wairua - spirit Isaw the environment in a holistic way, not of the land/earth. as something to be exploited for personal In 1995 the Waitakere Council hosted the first gain. I read Susi Gablik’s The Re-enchant­ Eco-Art Symposium at Corban’s Estate in Henderson. ment of Art, and discovered artists like Art that talks about, or has a direct effect on the Robert Janz who sits with a vase of flowers environment in a replenishing nurturing way. Sym­ and draws each day as they bloom and die. posiums are a great way of communicating with a This is time gathered into wholeness, the large number of people and forums. Discussion on cyclic rhythm of life. Artists like Judy a sustainable future is something you don’t get in Chicago did much in the 1970s to highlight an art gallery. women’s new-found flowering in the male In adopting Agenda 21, formulated at the Earth dominated art world. Never before in his­ Summit in Rio in 1992, Waitakere City has commit­ tory have women had the voice to freely ted itself to supporting a new society that is inclusive, express ourselves creatively. protects the environment and encourages creative To link feminist issues with ecology, the solutions to present problems. For example, Char­ study of how all things are interconnected, lotte Fisher spent time in the Waitakere ranges opens a path to a new kind of spirituality for mapping and noting the variety of plants found in me. Art school expects you to create big art a 3 metres by 1 metre section of native bush. She for big busines. Instead I looked at the then transferred a sample to the Corbans Estate, paradigm shift that allows artists to work replicating the ecosystem on man-made grassland with the environment and community in a - which had been forest three generations earlier. holistic and healing way. It is easy to Charlotte planted a microcosm o f the bush that has parallel the position of women with the a right to be there! A job to do there! To filter the degradation of the environment, but I be­ water before it goes into the now polluted stream. lieve it is now time to take individual We urban dwellers have changed our environ­ responsibility, regardless of gender, to look ment so drastically, stripping out the trees, covering at the issues that affect the future o f us all. the earth, mismanaging the waterways. Artists like Issues of sustainability, stability, integra­ Charlotte teach us to appreciate the cycles we have

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 4 gone through with the land and purpose or intent of hu­ show us one way to redress the mankind to extinguish balance, to give back. Eco-femi- life on this planet. Hope nism is about expanding the web lies in the realisation of of self-knowledge, and becoming the interconnectedness involved in the healing process. of our body/mind with Art is the process. our environment. A I have been artist-in-residence transformative power for Waitakere City, working on that gives us an aesthetic community arts, developing a pro- without destruction or gramme to teach children dominance. environmental art. We have done Now it is time to see native plantings, made propaga­ how important our roles tion shelters, made a mural using as women are, as native flora as collage, and held nurturers, as gardeners ginger and flax paper-making and guardians of the earth. nature. We live blinded by rou­ workshops. We need to create an art of tine. Make a space, become Taking part in ecological ac­ balance and attunement, to cre­ involved by planting seeds in your tion has an inherent ethic based ate spaces in our physical world community. Plant more trees. on the premise that it is not the to contact the spiritual that is Y o u r write; ______regular Thanx Jenny Rankine, For the points made about the growth that comes from being sur­ of Family Law, ie. the adversarial danger of therapy being used to rounded by women sharing their nature of the law, the lack o f rec­ shut women up (both ways),and to strengths for the common good. ognition of the emotional side of focus on their personal power Has the New Right brainwashed Family Law and the power imbal­ rather than their collective power us into giving up consciousness ance between men and women in (‘Putting Therapy on the Couch’, raising groups in favour of sup­ the Family Court arena. Broadsheet 212, 1996). port groups? How clever o f them. Women as Family Court Con­ I regard myself as a feminist Let’s turn this around. sumers has been giving support to counsellor, and I am listed as such June Bright women for three years and be­ by the Accident Compensation Cor­ lieves that with this support the poration. It was goôd for me to be Dear Broadsheet, women are better equipped to cope reminded about the difference We, Women as Family Court Con­ with the professionals within the between personal empowerment sumers, congratulate Broadsheet Family Court system. and collective empowerment in the on its Spring 1996 issue with its We are happy to supply your context of counselling. comprehensive article on Family readers with further information I believe, with Celia Kitzinger, Law. We concur with all that has about our organisation, and an­ that discussion and action groups been highlighted, as the issues swer any questions. can increase political power and raised are the same as those expe­ Yours sincerely, support women in knowing that it rienced by the founding members Joanne Nelson is society that has the problem, o f WAFCC and our clients. Women as Family Court not them. Weekly counselling ses­ We are particularly concerned Consumers sions are truly an inadequate about the lack of flexibility of the PO Box 8089 substitute for the healing and professionals working in the field Christchurch Ph. (02) 349 6105

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 5 regular A Woman's Health Research Centre for B ro ad cast New Zealand?

New Law on Matrimonial Property? Options for establishing a Women's Health Research Centre Divorce Equity is inviting people to mail copies of the following pro are being explored by the Women's forma letter to Cabinet members, and to encourage others to do so. Health Committee of the Health They hope to deluge Cabinet with enough letters to ensure matrimo­ Research Council. nial property will be on the 1997 legislative agenda. They will then Sandra Coney from Women's widen the focus at the Select Committee stage. Health Action and Ruth Bonita of Judith Tizard and Diane Yates will be presenting the petition Auckland's School of Medicine will shortly. Many thanks to those who collected signatures. speak on these on Tuesday, 25 Lynne Dempsey, Divorce Equity, PO Box 7070, Te Ngae March at 6pm in the Health Pro­ To: motion Forum seminar room, 27 Rt Hon Jim Bolger Hon Paul East Gillies Ave, Newmarket, Auckland. Rt Hon Winston Peters Hon Jenny Shipley Women from community Rt Hon Don McKinnon Hon Jack Elder organisations and people involved Rt Hon Bill Birch Hon Tau Henare in women's health research are Hon Doug Graham Hon John Delamere invited to comment on the pro­ Hon Chris Fletcher Hon Max Bradford posal before it goes to the council. It is understood that Cabinet is currently setting its legislative For further information contact agenda for 1997. Auckland Women's Health The National government of 1993-1996 failed to act on its Action, Ph (09) 520 5295, Fax promise to introduce new Matrimonial Property legislation (09) 520 4152, PO Box 9947, during its term in office. Newmarket Auckland. E-mail I am calling on the National-New Zealand First coalition [email protected] government to honour that promise, and without further delay to place the proposed reform of matrimonial property law on the 1997 legislative agenda for introduction this year. SAFETY IN TAXIS Yours faithfully, Last year the YWCA published a Address: brochure that gives advice for women and children using taxis. Women and children can ask Sick o f b e in g for a woman taxi driver when or­ dering a taxi. You don’t need to BULIMIC? Free Pills Yet take the first taxi on the rank. All taxis must display the taxi num­ Associate Minister of Health, ber and photo o f the driver. If the The North Shore Women's Centre Katherine O'Regan, indicated photo is not of the driver, do not in Auckland is running a year long that free oral contraception get in. course for women with bulimia. will not be available until the There is safety in numbers. The course has been developed in new year. And so we dig deep Share a taxi with friends. response to the need to provide in our pockets or wait with Vs Women, January-February 1997 longer term support and re­ crossed legs. sources.

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 6 f CONTRACEPTION AND ABORTION^ Health researcher Ausaga Fa'asalele is completing OSTEOPOROSIS a post-graduate study to find out the attitudes of The Dairy Advisory Bureau which ran the 'Look Samoan women to contraception and abortion. After Dem Bones' campaign says up to 80 per­ Forty New Zealand and Samoan born women were cent of women now understand the link between interviewed. Ausaga had noticed, in her work as a calcium and osteoporosis. What isn't known is Plunket nurse, that a disproportionate number of the number of people acting on the message. Samoan women were having abortions. Women are more at risk from osteoporosis The women interviewed tended to be resistant than men, as they usually have smaller bones to the use of contraception. Ausaga believes this with less calcium and because of its connection attitude is rooted in the traditional values of with oestrogen. Samoan women who feel they know the rhythm of Dairy products are the richest source of their bodies. Abstinence, breast feeding and with­ calcium. Bony tinned fish such as salmon, nuts, drawal were thought to work, as were traditional tofu, baked beans, broccoli, muesli and whole massage techniques designed to turn fallopian grain cereals are also good. Salt, salted meats tubes. ‘Maybe modern women are not as con­ and too much caffeine can deplete your calcium scious of their regular bodily changes as the older intake. generation were.' If you are not getting enough calcium from Many women supported the idea of contracep­ your diet, you may wish to take supplements. tion, but were reluctant to use it. If taking calcium supplements, check the None used abortion as a form of birth control. amount of elemental calcium they contain and Single women in New Zealand and Samoa face use the figure to calculate how much you are negative family and community pressure when getting from the supplement. The dissolvability they become pregnant. Inter-generational com­ of supplements is important. Chewable and munication may be part of the problem. Some effervescent forms appear to dissolve more older women felt that the younger ones assumed readily than solid tablets. they would be rejected if pregnant, so they have a You'll maximise the benefit by taking supple­ termination. The older women felt if they were ments with your evening meal. encouraged to talk to their elders they could work Consumer advises: through the situation together and find the best O Keep calcium rich food in your diet solution for the mother and child. O Minimise salt in your diet Health Research Council o f New Zealand O Get plenty of exercise Newsletter 19 December. 1996 O Spend a bit o f time outdoors each day O If you're an adult, swap to calcium fortified milk and yoghurt. O Keep your weight at a sensible level. WOMEN’S HEALTH A range of Consumer 350, July 1996 INFORMATION health care op­ The Women's Health Information tion s are Support and Education (WHISE) provided, including traditional and Centre in Hamilton has been con­ holistic approaches, allopathic and Continuing Education tracted by the Midland RHA to natural therapies. The Internet Continuing Education is offering provide women's health informa­ ensures access to world wide in­ a Certificate in Women's Studies. tion. It is a community based formation. The course is part time and can be health information service where For details, contact WHISE, 1st done by distance or on-campus at women can access free, compre­ Floo„ Cnr Alexandra & Collingwood the University of Auckland. Pa­ hensive information about medical Sts, Hamilton, Ph. (07) 838 0341, pers include Women in Society, conditions. Fax (07) 834 0038. Women and Health, Women and

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 7 Work, Women and Popular Cul­ ture, Women and Literature and EGYPTIAN Women and Social Change. N o prior qualifications are nec­ essary. WOMEN For further information con­ tact Libby Passau at the Centre for Fight Back Continuing Education, University o f Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Egyptian women are increas­ Auckland. Ph. 373 7599 ext 7423. ingly resorting to extreme forms o f violence against hus­ bands and partners who rape and abuse them. According to National Jawad Fatima, professor of psy­ Appreciation Day chology and sociology at the American University in Cairo, In the United States women's women see murder as their groups and other NGOs declared only defence against a life of 26 October as the National Day of cruelty in a male-dominated Appreciation for Providers of Abor­ society. tions to honour clinic staff, doctors A study o f 387 cases of and other medical practitioners men murdered by women who have bravely resisted assaults found that frenzied violence and threats, including murder, to showed up in more than half provide abortions and other re­ the cases. In the past women productive health care to women. used poison and killed quietly. Now they use weapons such as The National Day of Appreciation knives, cleavers and axes. was initiated by Refuse and Re­ Most o f the women were victims of rape and other abuse in their sist! as part o f the campaign relationships. Others faced losing their husbands to other women. October 96: A National Month of This meant the loss of social stigma and economic hardship - Resistance. divorce is a form of social execution. Women Envision All the women in the study were convicted of premeditated 38-39, Oct.-Nov. 1996 murder and were imprisoned. The new movie The Woman and the Cleaver has been based on the case of a woman who attacks her husband after he squanders her inheritance, repeatedly rapes her and sexually assaults her daughter. National Women's NZ Herald 29 January 1997 Hall of Fame American civil rights activist and and of the Quest: A Feminist Quar­ Leadership, continues to work de­ lesbian theorist Charlotte Bunch terly, a leading journal for feminist veloping channels for women to has been inducted into the Na­ analysis and policy in the 1970s. take leadership on global issues. tional Women's Hall o f Fame in She has also published extensively. She joins women such as Su­ Seneca Falls, New York. She is a professor in the san B. Anthony, Amelia Earhart, Charlotte was a founder of Bloustein School of Planning and Margaret Mead and Eleanor Washington DC Women’s Libera­ Public Policy, Rutgers University Roosevelt. tion in 1968, of The Furies - a trail and as the Executive Director for Ms. Foundation for Women blazing lesbian collective in 1971, the Centre for Women's Global

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 8 feature TATTS ARE POPULAR IN THE WOMEN’S COMMUNITY. HERE FOUR WOMEN TALK TO MAYA DANNAN ABOUT TATTOOING.

Tattoed Women Maya Dannan

Do you rem ember the first time you saw tattoos, or How do you feel about tattoos on your first impression o f them? women? Ruth The first time I saw tattoos was at school when KAY: I think it’s what they have of one of the boys brought in a magazine full of people themselves. I don’t think of it as in porn-type poses showing their tatts. It all looked something you have to wear be­ so odd and hyped, I never linked it to the tattoos I’d cause you belong to something, or seen. My grandfather had one on his forearm. Even something like that. I always think now when I see those books, they show a side of of a woman’s tattoo as being some­ tattooing that’s not real to me. thing that she wants on herself ANNA: I can’t remember the first time. It would have and not something that she’s been been on men and I was quite anti, and I was even more told to have on her. anti when I found out that women had tatts (includ­ RUTH: I think it’s a powerful thing ing ancient Egyptians). I thought it was mutilating. for a woman to take a tattoo - if she As my feminism got more developed, I became more does it from herself. It’s like claim­ aware of the cultural significance of tattoos. And ing her body as her own. then I felt all right about it for other people but I never JENNIFER: Since I got my tattoo thought of having one for myself. So I became a bit I’ve met a lot of women who have more open minded about tattooing mainly with re­ tattoos and I think it’s quite neat. spect to women. I really like tattoos in general as an JENNIFER: I don’t remember the first time I saw art form. I guess with women, it’s tattoos, I remember wanting one. I knew about the a bit different - they often do it in parlour in Vivian St and I’d been in there. But it was a more private way. You’ll find a real personal thing. I guess the idea I had right at that a lot of women have tattoos the beginning was sort of different cultures and put in places that aren’t normally maybe tattoos in ancient times. visible, so I think they do it for

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 9 MANY ARE MARKEDLY DIFFERENT FROM THE GENERAL PARLOUR TATTOOS THEIR EXPERIENCE AND THE SIGNIFICANCE THAT TATTOOS HAVE FOR THEM.

different reasons. lives in a totally different world from me and I wasn’t Do you think women’s tattoos that connected to his place or the sort of thing he are different to the general usually does. parlour tattoos? What’s tattooing about for you? KAY: I never look at men’s tat­ KAY: For me tattooing is about being able to do what toos, so I couldn’t tell you. I’m not I want. interested in what they wear be­ RUTH: Tattooing was a part of me redefining myself. cause I know a lot of them would I got mine done when I was going through a process of be wearing them for some reason looking at what I was expected to be and who I really that I don’t connect with. am. And my tattoo was part of that process. It was part JENNIFER: I don’t know if I’ve of me saying, This is who I am and this is what’s seen enough of women’s tattoos important to me. to say. Obviously, they don’t get ANN A: When I think about tattoos now, I don’t really the caricature-type tattoos, the think about men’s tattoos and that’s partly because I’m sailors' tattoos - well, they may do, lesbian, so I’m very women-oriented and men are really I’m not sure. All I know is there are quite peripheral to my life most of the time. So if I a lot of different styles of tattoo think about tattoos, I think about women’s tattoos and and I’ve seen women with butter­ I just think it’s great. I know that it has a lot o f very flies, roses and unicorns. different significances to different women. Some­ RUTH: I’ve seen some beautiful times I know what these are, sometimes I don’t. When and unusual tattoos on women. I think of it, I remember a couple of Maree’s tattoos Particularly work by women tat- which are very delicate, but mine is exactly how it tooists. They take the art a bit needs to be - he did it right. further and kind o f personalise JENNIFER: Tattoos are about art for me. They’re also the images and designs a lot. Like about making a statement - for whoever does it, but Maree Docherty [Amazon Tattoos, more so for women because it’s not an accepted thing Tangamoana] has done Judy Chi­ in the mainstream. It’s some sort of a statement, cago-type designs, a lot of Celtic basically an assertion of yourself, of your indepen­ work. Designs that are really per­ dence and perhaps your independence from the general sonal to the client, and really suit dictates of society. the client. When did you decide to get a tattoo? ANNA: I do think women’s tattoos RUTH: I knew I wanted to get a tattoo for nine years are different. Although I did go to before I finally did. I’m lucky I didn’t rush into it or else a regular male tattooist for mine. I would’ve ended up with a black rose on an anarchy He’s a very good artist in terms of symbol, and that’s not really me anymore. drawing or reproducing some­ ANNA: I spent ages deciding what to have. I knew I thing. Mine’s a snake, so it’s a very wanted one when I met Kay and saw the bird on her good drawing, it’s a very good foot. I knew I wanted something and I knew it was on looking snake, it looks great. So it my ankle too or at least around that area. But I didn’t was fine to get my tattoo from know what I wanted for quite a long time. And then him, although I was aware that he some years later I was re-reading The Paradise Papers,

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 199710 When God was a Woman and just ♦ boom out of the blue I knew I The oldest tattoo ever found was on a needed a python and I knew it was woman’s mummified body. Her name was going to go twice round my ankle Amunet and she lived 4,000 years ago in and it does. the 11th Dynasty of Egypt. She was a KAY: It took me a long time to get priestess of the goddess Hathor and her my tattoo. I was living in the mummy was found at the site of Thebes. country when I decided but it Her tattoo is a pattern of dots and dashes, wasn’t till I moved to Wellington similar to abstract Nubian designs. The that I got it done. I went and tattoo is blue black in colour and is on her watched the man who is the best lower abdomen, thighs and arms. tattooist in New Zealand [Roger Ingerton of Roger’s Tattoo Art]. I ♦ In New Zealand, Maori women traditionally went to see him because I was wore the moko on their chin. They were teaching nurses at the time and we needed to know about the equip­ tattooed at an early age, and their moko ment that they used, in terms of was an expression of identity. Sometimes nursing. But actually what I really a moko was given to commemorate a spe­ went to do was get him to do a cial event and women often got their tattoo on me. And he did it too, it mother's or grandmother’s design. Each didn’t cost me anything, he just line of a moko tells a story and was given in bloody did it. a sacred ritual. From 1900 to World War I JENNIFER: What I tended to do moko were widespread, and there was a was to go to the tattoo artist and revival in women taking the moko from say I want something like this and 1930-1950. Now they are very rare. he’d sketch it on and we’d fine ♦ tune it. I knew the general design, In Europe, tattooing was banned by the like the one on my chest. I knew I Christian church. It was to do with old tribal wanted a dragon and I wanted its insignia and the rites of pre-Christian spiri­ head down here and I wanted it tuality. Tattooing was a common tribal breathing fire and I wanted its tail custom of the Piets and the Celts of Britain. up over my shoulder. So that’s ♦ exactly what he did. But he was The Ainu of South East Asia, the peoples of experienced, so he knew and could Polynesia, Japan and the Native Ameri­ do details that I hadn’t even known cans including the Inuits all practised the art were possible. So I went with what of tattooing on both men and women. In he came up with. Japan, for example, women would get tat­ toos on their forearms and on the back of How did you find the process of their hands. These indigo patterns signi­ being tattooed? fied different family groups. RUTH: It was quite painful but I was determined to get my tattoo. ♦ Lady Randolf Churchill, Churchill’s Ameri­ And that’s what you have to go through to get one. can mother, had the design of a serpent ANN A: The first time he did it, he eating its tail tattooed on her arm as a just did one loop around my ankle, symbol of eternity. which I didn’t like, but it was all I ♦ could cope with in terms o f pain really. It took an hour and he

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 11 didn’t usually do it for more than it works on two levels. One, as your traditional rose an hour at a time. I went back and tattoo and, two, as a yoni symbol - which has a he put another loop on and he was spiritual significance for me. It’s quite good because delighted. But it was incredibly people rarely ask me the significance of it. Some­ painful and I found it difficult. It times I tell them anyway. wasn’t that my resolve weakened, ANNA: It’s really hard to put into words and I’ll just not for a moment. It was because tell you a bit of it. Among other things, it is to do with my leg would start jumping after a concretising, and keeping in my awareness, and while with the pain. He said the owning my past. And it’s very definitely connected ankle was one of the most painful with religion and values and all o f that. It has to do parts to have a tattoo on, because with spirituality and it’s old and very connected to it was right on the bone. In fact, pre-patriarchal times. the part that was on the Achilles JENNIFER: I’d been involved in karate for two years tendon was even more painful. My and the dragon is sort o f an icon in Eastern tradition. leg kept jumping and I said, Look, And it’s a good luck symbol to the Chinese. I wasn’t you’ll just have to hold on to it and totally clear at the time but it seemed to be connected go for it. And I was thinking the to karate and it was also connected to making a break. analogy was giving birth - it’s in­ It was a statement about my beliefs and also about credibly painful but I’ll just be so my spirituality. pleased to have it when it’s over. KAY: I have the tattoo on my foot because I spent a And that’s exactly how it’s been. lot of time in the bush when I was young. Then, when KAY: I had no trouble getting I got to my thirties, I suddenly got arthritis and had mine done. It never worried me. to stop bush-walking. And the thing that I loved JENNIFER: Getting it done wasn’t about being in the bush was the birds. I was really such a huge deal for me. I went upset that I couldn’t do it any more, really upset that along with a friend, who got a I couldn’t see the birds like I always used to. So I lovely tattoo. He responded to the decided I’d get a fantail on my foot, and I did. There’s pain and was just very uncomfort­ also a Maori connection that I can’t put into words able. Maybe it’s the higher pain just now. I want to get another one on the other foot, threshold or something, I found it a kea. I saw them a lot when I used to climb uncomfortable but I didn’t find it mountains. The reason I need a kea on my other foot traumatising. It was sort of a is because once when I was climbing, we’d reached process - it was part of something the hut where we were staying for the night and I went that I knew I was going to do and up the mountain a bit further. I was sitting there, I did it. I was very clear that I right on top on my own, and one o f these birds, a kea, wanted my tattoo, so I just went came and it went around me several times. I felt very about getting it in a very matter of funny, I couldn’t work out what it was. Then all o f a fact way. sudden I had thoughts o f a woman I knew back in the Is there a special significance to town where I was working. I’d been away climbing for the design o f your tattoo? a week, so I hadn’t been near town or anything for a RUTH: I did end up getting a rose. while but I kept having this woman in my head. It was I got a white rose. I like it because very funny, as if she was there, and the bird had

“TATTOOING SHOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WOMEN TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR BODIES ON THEIR OWN TERMS AND FOR THEIR OWN ENDS.”

CHRIS WROBLEWSKI, TATTOOIST AND AUTHOR

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 12 brought her. When I got back to town a week later, what and gave me a lovely big smile and do you think I found? The time that the bird went that was it. It was totally around me was the time that she died. It makes me unobtrusive and I know that tat­ think of the Maori connection to those birds. And toos mean different things to Maori that’s why I need it on my other foot. than they do to Pakeha. That was What kind o f responses have you had to your tattoo? a really nice encounter. RUTH: A lot o f people think it’s a fake one, for some JENNIFER: A lot times people are reason or other. But I usually get a positive response just blown away by my tattoos. to it. I held back telling my Mum about it because she Often people are really into tat­ didn’t react too kindly to my early stages o f wanting a toos and they think they’re really tattoo. One time I came home with my forearms cool. Some people have seen my plastered with realistic-looking tattoo transfers and tattoos as a thing that reflects low she wasn’t too pleased with that. Then one day she told self esteem, just a couple of people. me that she wanted to do something radical. I thought They seemed to see it as self- she was talking about liposuction or something, but it mutilation, but I don’t relate to was tattooing. She wanted to get a shamrock tattooed that. To me it’s about self-celebra­ on her shoulder, just for her, not to show anyone. So tion! I told her about mine and she really liked it. KAY: When people notice my tattoo, they want to know about it in a good way. ANNA: Sometimes I forget about my tattoo and then a child will say, ‘Oh, look at that, Mummy!’ Then the response is often very patriarchal, like sometimes it’s ‘Don’t make personal remarks’ but sometimes it’s ‘Oh God, we don’t want to talk about that.’ But I was in the supermarket once, two or three years ago, and this Maori guy came up behind me and said, ' Excuse me, I’ve just been admiring your tattoo’,

The University Certificate in Women’s Studies Study part-time over two or more years to complete the six module Certificate

1997 Campus Modules 1997 Distance Modules (Correspondence) • Women & Society • Women & Society • Women & Popular Culture • Women & Health • Women & Literature • Women & Social Change • Women & Social Change • Women & Popular Culture • Public & Private Worlds: Women & Work • Women of Ideas NO PRIOR QUALIFICATIONS ARE NECESSARY - For further information contact Ē j f Libby Passau, Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland. Continuing Education Tt Arc Pukenga Fax 09 373 7419, phone 373 7599, ext 7423.

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 199713 feature Linda Hill provides a personal view of MAREE DOCHERTY Tattooist

J f i r s t met Maree at the women's Maree decided to teach herself peace camp at Waihopai, where tattooing in 1989. She wanted a one of those eavesdropping sta­ particular tattoo for herself, but tions was being built to monitor could not find any woman tattoo­ our Pacific neighbours. She was ist in the South Island who could the one who strode off into the do it for her. Other women she paddocks each morning and came spoke to also expressed interest in back with fresh herbs for our tea, being able to go to a woman rather and whipped up a potato masher than a man. Since moving up to out of No.8 fencing wire - really! the Manawatu, she has created her An impressive woman. own style o f art and design under When I went to live in the business name Amazon Tat­ Christchurch for a bit, she and her toos. I first saw her work at the partner were living out at Darfield. first Wellington Lesbian Studies This was in the days of the great Conference. She was at a table Darfield Debate, dreamed up to covered with designs and photos provide a few hours o f annual of her work, talking over ideas interest in the unremitting bore­ with keen customers. dom o f Darfield rural life - now captured and mainstreamed by TVNZ. Instructions for dropping by Maree's place for a cuppa were, "Past Darfield and it's the house on the left just after the brown pinto pony." And it was. The pinto was one of the horses that periodi­ cally hauled Maree's gypsy caravan around the South Island.

JENNI

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 14 "My art is on women only. Both analyst jobs in Wellington a couple lesbians and heterosexual women o f years ago, I began thinking again come to me because it's important of Maree’s tattoos. If I really be­ to them to be tattooed by a woman, came a Wellington public servant - or to avoid the tattoo shop scene. whoops, state employee - 1 would Twenty odd years ago some men need some symbol of self-asser­ wouldn't tattoo women, or stipu­ tion to remind me who I was. An lated what kind of tattoos they amazing armband tatt just flash­ would do and where. As a woman, ing out from my sleeve would be I reclaim the right to determine just right. Jenny Rankine offered who I tattoo and where on the to do me a design, and one for body I tattoo. I have my own herself, and we would drive down ethics. I won't do any designs that one weekend to see Maree I find offensive - for example, im­ Docherty. But the Wellington job JENNI ages that I consider anti-female, never happened - probably as well racist or violent." for all concerned - and, so far, nor Most women come to her with have the tatts. an idea of the design that they At present Maree is touring want. Some bring a drawing they and tattooing in Britain and other have made themselves, which European countries, her fare ad­ to the tattoo. Maree does not use on any other vanced by women there who know "I consider tattooing very sa­ client. Sensitive to the issue of of her work. As with most good cred and special, and make the cultural theft, she uses motifs from tattooists, advertising is mostly process special too. I want tattoo­ Maori art only on women of Maori byword of mouth, and she realises ing for women to be accepted and descent. she will have to travel both around appraised for the art form that it Many women choose one of New Zealand and overseas to keep is." Maree’s own drawings, which are herself in work. Maybe when Maree comes to simply stunning. Fine art, com­ "Unfortunately I have been un­ Auckland later this year, I'll get my plex designs, often with Celtic able to support myself full-time tatt. The idea is still very attrac­ themes taken from her own heri­ from my art. Tattooing is a very tive. tage. When I first saw them, I competitive male-dominated area. ‘When I am old, I shall wear realised the blurry women's sym­ But some women understand how purple’...and tatts! bol on my hip just didn’t make it. difficult it is for a self-employed I acquired it in the late 1970s, artist to survive economically and when my sister turned up with a prefer to support another woman." fresh new rose on her shoulder. I Her tattoos cost anything from Appointments wanted something a bit more $35 upwards, depending on size, can be made meaningful, though the guy in the detail, colours and time to create by phoning K Rd shop didn't know what a the design. A large tattoo, for woman's symbol was. More into example the whole upper arm, may Amazon Tattoos, anchors. Our mother was a bit be cheaper or a similar price to (06) 324 8741 shocked by our tatts at first. Then several small tattoos which take or, while M aree she realised, she said, that under­ the same time for preparation, is overseas, lying her reaction was a belief that sterilising and clean-up. Machine phone Hilary on we were lowering our market tattooing is quick and gives more value' to men. So she decided that detailed work, but Maree also does (06) 324 8952. tatts were just fine by her after all! work with hand-held needles w hich W hen I was applying for policy give a more traditional, older look

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 15 Claudia Pond Eyley

You are a successful established artist now. How has it been, getting to that stage of your career? I was at art school in the mid 1960s - Elam School o f Fine Arts, so I've been working all that time as a professional artist. When I had children, I incorporated them into my life-style, the kids were down in the studio with me. I never actually took a break. A lot o f women do, and they find it hard get back again. But I was one o f those artists who had a baby in the pram at all the art gallery openings, or a baby in a back pack. So my children are an integral part of my work, not only physically but also in the content. The shield work for instance. I related to my eldest daughter Brigid, especially for the ‘Menache Shield’. And my recent work, exhibited at the end of 1994, was the culmination of work called ‘Persephone, Departure and Return’. These were about both daughters growing up, about having children and the growing up and grieving I did when they suddenly emerged into adulthood. Departure metaphorically. Basically sex, drugs and rock

Claudia Pond Eyley has had a long association with Broadsheet, contributing many drawings, poster designs, covers and articles over the last 25 years. She talks to Kate Millington about her life, politics and art, and how the three intertwine.

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 16 ‘n roll, when your wonderful nurtured child trans­ had to look at myself and say, what do I have to offer forms. The Greek myth of Demeter, the goddess as a woman artist? I looked around me and there mother, and Persephone the daughter who gets weren’t many artists (working) of my age and my abducted into the underworld, was the subject experience. My peer group tended to be males. matter I was particularly interested in. And yes, because I feel that my generation is Perhaps you could explain the concept o f the Shield one that has gone forward and has incorporated paintings. children into their lifestyles as artists. There’s The shield paintings are a format I developed when women like Robin White, Gretchen Albrecht, Carole I went to the Sydney Women’s Arts Festival in the Shepheard and Christine Hellyar - she had her child early 1980s with The later on. In the genera­ Mothers’ Show from tions before that, women The Women’s Gallery. artists just didn’t make During lunch times I’d art unless they were go up to the New South single, rich spinsters, or Wales Museum. I’d didn’t have a family, or take a sketchbook and if they did they had ser­ a notebook with me, vants. Certainly women as I do wherever I go, who were known as art­ and make drawings. I ists in the 1940s were in saw a shield from New that position. Guinea, and made a couple of drawings. I What women artists have was also very inter­ been inspirational toyou ? ested in Aboriginal I can’t really say because storyboards. They tell there weren’t any women a myth and a journey, artists around me, only a life journey, and all males. the symbols were sym­ My consciousness was bolic of such a thing. raised and I became in­ We packed up the volved with the women’s show and came back to New Zealand and I had the art movement in the mid 1970s. Germaine Greer sketchbook just sitting in my studio, open to the came here and there was a lot of talk about it. And page with the shields. It was just like a light bulb Allie Eagle was very influential in encouraging me to going o ff in my head. Bing! I put five ideas together. become involved, although I was resistant to start I had been collecting images from all sorts of with. different sources, and I hadn’t thought of a vessel Why? for them, I didn’t have a container, but there was Because there was a lot o f stigma attached to it. It this shield with a chevron shape, so I played with was all very new. There wasn’t a Women’s Art that. I drew it up on a big sheet of canvas and filled Movement up until that time. Then I travelled and each one of the chevrons with an image that I became more involved with it. This was what my wanted to convey. experience was, so if I was to have the deepest A lot of your work uses mythological sources. Is there meaning in my work, it was going to have to come a correlation between this and archeology, the un­ from deep within. earthing of layers and the way' you seem to work in So it was around this time that you started to call layers? yourself a feminist, and a feminist artist? Yes, because life is in layers. You develop and you Oh, absolutely! I got involved with the Women’s pass through different stages. As an artist, after I’d Gallery in Wellington. I was a founding member. been working professionally for ten years, I really The wonderful thing about that was going down for

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 17 the opening and being involved for a couple of City Gallery, as it was then. We had our own team weeks, living with other feminist artists from all of designers, graphic artists and photographers. around the country - they weren’t just painters and The entire gallery staff was turned over to our sculptors, they were also writers - for this superb, needs. We also did a collaborative installation in wonderful couple of weeks of performances and the upstairs gallery, which I think was absolutely story telling and poetry reading, as well as the visual amazing, but was really marginalised in reviews. arts. During that time the Women’s Gallery became Maybe it was a bit before its time. It was very quite a hub, quite a centre for women speaking. It intimate and personal. We didn’t get much feed­ was very revolutionary. The newspapers were up in back about it except for a negative review by a very arms about it. It was exciting to rush out and buy well-known male reviewer. the paper - “What are they saying about us this time?” Oh, there were arrows flying from every direction into the women’s space, from women and men, I must say. And you were exhibiting feminist art in mainstream galleries as well, like RKS Gallery. You and Carole Your work often combines painting and printmaking. Shepheard had the Shields exhibition together, didn’t My original shields used photocopying techniques, you ? That was feminist art, was it accepted? which was all very new and revolutionary at that No, it wasn’t. The director of the Wellington Gallery time. I had one tested at the Auckland Gallery at that time, 1985, wrote a disclaimer to that exhi­ Conservation Department and they lasted in the bition. It was on the wall. kiln there for four days, and that is the equivalent How did the exhibition get into the gallery, then? of thirty years, so it was archivally okay. I used There had been a change o f staff. It had been primal glues to attach them and then I would paint booked in before by Dr Anne Thorburn, the previous over the top of them and the images would show director, who was a feminist artist herself. She through. invited Carole and me to exhibit there. It was a My first shields were tributes to women artists fabulous show, I must say. That particular Director and I was reproducing works that they themselves was told off by the City Council for being mealy had done, maybe a portrait. Eventually after a mouthed. There were a few red faces about because number of years I discovered photographic screen it was such a successful show. So many people printing where I could reproduce original handwrit­ came to the gallery, but in a patronising way that ing or whatever it happened to be. So I started director said it was because it was a ‘women’s developing screens and I’ve got over a hundred and show’. “They had lots of people because they were fifty images now. all women who were interested.” You have regular words that reappear like icons, It was like a retrospective. It was a huge show such as blood, fire, stone and water. What are their for both of us. It took up the whole of the Wellington relevance to your work?

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 18 They are done with rubber stamps and they are the spiritual elements, the lunar elements of a con­ tinuum. You have the four elements, the four directions of fire, water, earth, air and the lunar ones. I was really making a reference there to a continuum, a monthly lunar cycle, which is consis­ tent with the subject matter I’m using about mothers and daughters and the generational thing. I also use some of my own children’s drawing that I have collected over the years, as well as images of women collected from museums, archeological books, etc. So a considerable amount of research goes into each piece? Yes, I travel a lot. Each year I tend to backpack off somewhere, Mexico or Asia. We drag our fares together and when we get there, it’s cheaper than living at home. This way I collect imagery that I will be able to use in my work. In fact, with the Moruroa Peace Flotilla work that I’m doing at the moment, I’m also using silk screens. I did all the banners for the boats that went out to Moruroa to protest nuclear testing, and I was really interested to see what they looked like at sea. Banner production for the Peace Flotilla But because the Greenpeace boats were confiscated, we didn’t get any visual material back. As different skippers and activists come back, I have been interviewing them and taking copies of any visual Arts Council Grant to travel around the world materials they might have, such as photographs. I and look at political art, so I felt well this is on my have been able to take some of these images and doorstep, here we go! So away I went to the meeting blow them up to use as silk-screens. and of course I was the only one who turned up! Nora turned up after awhile and we bought these plastic PVC banners back to my house, because the flotilla office was absolutely packed with people doing things, coming and going, getting ready for So these banners that were flown from the boat. How the boats to go away in two days time. Nora and I big were they? Did you screen print them? worked on them on the kitchen table. They are huge! I think about eight metres long. I That's real women artists’ stufp used ink pens rather than paint or screen printing. Yes, the kitchen table. Well, we took it all over to the They are hideously smelly and I’m really sensitive to flotilla office and rushed home, because it was that sort of stuff, so I got as high as a kite making going to be on the Holmes Show or something like them. that. I was high as a kite, we both were from the My friend Nora West, a fibre artist, met me at an fumes from these damn pens. At six o’clock, I Association of Women Artists meeting and asked turned on the TV and there was a banner heading me if I would be interested in helping to make some the New Zealand news. On the national news and it banners for the boats. Fourteen boats were going up had been on my kitchen table an hour before! to Moruroa, and she said six other people would be On Sunday night I turned on the BBC World coming along and we would all meet tomorrow at News and there was the banner leading the satellite twelve o’clock. About ten years ago I was given an World News, so I thought, well, if you’ve got some-

BROADSHEET Ngohuru/Autumn 1997 19 Boots to help the Greenham Common women to keep their feet warm, and jumpers and coats. Right. Then I went to Amsterdam and Paris. The Rainbow Warrior had just been bombed and I got quite a lot of flack while in France if people found out that I was from New Zealand. It was really quite heavy. So nowadays you could call yourself an eco- feminist artist? Yes, I guess so. I’ve just done a mural for Greenpeace, so I guess that’s eco- art. I am on the Voting Assembly for Greenpeace so I’m quite involved with Greenpeace issues.

It’s 25 years since you were first at art school. Has feminism and the women’s movement made an impact on art institu­ tions during those years? I would say so, yes, there’s definitely an acceptance, and there’s the books and re­ thing to say, that's certainly the way to do it. I was sources that just didn’t exist way back when I was absolutely hooked on banner making then. first a student. I remember Alexis Hunter, who is You have worked against nuclear arms for a long now a well-known feminist artist living in England. time. You have a VAANA mural up on Ponsonby She did a piece with a whole lot of students where Road. they dressed up as suffragettes and talked about Yes, I’m a member of the Visual Artists Against that earlier movement, and this was way before the Nuclear Arms, and also in Artists Against Apart­ women’s movement happened, so there was a con­ heid. I did a banner for a huge women’s march, sciousness, albeit during the hippie era. WAND, Women Against Nuclear Destruction, and a How do you feel now about the Women’s A rt Move­ poster for that in the early 1980s. Twenty thousand ment, feminism and art? Sometimes when I hear women walked up Queen Street. I still have copies women talking about the late 1970s, early 1980s o f that work. I really am interested in political art and I think, yes, they were really exciting times, but and I have travelled all over the world looking at what’s happening now? posters, murals - Mexico, New York, London. It’s gone really right-wing in lots o f ways, hasn’t it? I went to Greenham Common in England with I m doing some post-graduate work now and look­ my daughter, and while we didn’t stay there - it was ing at feminist issues more formally. I have found the middle of winter - 1 really admire those women putting my work into a context using the discourse so much. I had a rented car and as the local of French feminism and other theorists has been merchants would not sell firewood or any sort of very difficult for me at times, so I have been really fuel to the Greenham Common women, one of my challenged in my work. But I also take heart in the jobs was to go and buy fuel and provisions for them. fact that there have been a couple of Masters theses Yes, we used to get requests in. Australia for Ugg written about my work. I take heart in books like

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 20 SuziGablik’s The Re-En­ at the School of Archi­ chantment of Art tecture. (Thames & Hudson), I like teaching which talks about eco- something that is issues as the future of slightly removed from art. There are people what I am doing on a who have written essays day-to-day basis. I re­ insisting that art is ally enjoy the students, dead. Then you get this and I’ve watched the other movement com­ School of Architecture ing up and saying it will change from what was be if artists don’t do quite a male bastion something about this, with only a handful of and be eco-feminists women students to al­ and be aware of the most half women planet. So as far as the students. While there new art is concerned, are still not that many there are some wonder­ women teaching, the ful books being brought numbers are slowly in­ out now. Another one creasing. There is a by Suzi Gablik is Con­ handful of women I versations Towards the work with and we look End of Time. out for each other, which is really nice.

"BRIGID LEAVING HOME”

Tell us more about going back to Art School? WTien you finish your degree, what then? Well, I actually work in my own studio here at home. A reason I was doing the varsity thing was qualifi­ As someone said, I run my studio from out of the cations. All my peer group, even at the School of boot of my car! At art school, I find the theoretical Architecture, are working towards their PhD, if they dialogue very interesting. In fact this morning we haven’t it already. So doing my Masters degree is a were talking about pornography and the new cen­ career move. It’s all very great being an artist, trying sor, who is a woman, and the brave decisions that to make a reasonable living, but the materials cost she has made. What is okay and what isn’t. Should so much. Trying to find a balance between working there be censorship, that sort of thing. What I really at a job that you find satisfying, being able to give like is I have a peer group of people my own age, all information, and having time and money to make doing their Masters. That’s what I’m finding stimu­ the works of art, is quite a delicate balance. I am lating. And hanging around in coffee bars once or looking at least another fifteen years o f being out in twice a week, it’s quite nice after you have been the workforce to support my art work in some way. sitting in your studio for twenty five years! I spend thousands o f dollars each year on materials, What was your reason for returning? it’s a very expensive occupation! My job at Auckland University seemed to be in © jeopardy. The whole university has been restruc­ tured and, as it turned out, I was reinstated. I teach Freehand Drawing to first and second year students

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 21 feature A R TIFICIAL REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY A PRIVATE MEMBER’S BILL

Janet Fraser

Since the birth in 1978 o f Louise Information Act 1985, these laws associated with the abortion de­ Brown, the first child born as a fail to directly address surrogacy, bate. result of in vitro fertilisation, de­ or the right to donor information, Ensuring that the medical and bate has raged in international in relation to technology-assisted legal apparatus for human assisted forums. In New Zealand, however, births. reproductive technology operates the issue has long been in the ' too Modelled on legislation from ethically and in the interests of hard’ basket - until Hamilton East Britain, Canada and Australia, women is an especially significant MP Dianne Yates presented her Dianne Yates' bill covers these is­ feminist agenda. In Living Labo­ Private Member’s Bill on Human sues. It also establishes an ratories: Women and Reproductive Assisted Reproductive Technol­ authority to license clinics which Technologies, Robyn Rowlands ogy. provide reproductive technology provides alarming documentation “Medical technology is out­ services and to control their prac­ o f the potential hazards and eco­ stripping ethical considerations on tices, including storage and use of nomic, psychological and physical this vital issue"says Diane Yates. embryos. Specifically banned are costs that women undergoing this "My bill will bring long overdue human cloning, human/animal therapy have experienced over­ legislation. It seeks to licence surrogacy, genetic manipulation, seas. clinics, keep centralised records, germ line modification, genetic While reproductive technology prevent cloning and outlaw the screening and sex selection. may be a medical breakthrough sale o f babies and of body parts, Genetic engineering is com­ for childless couples, few women tissues and fluids." mon in horticulture and animal are prepared for the personal costs. In her view, New Zealand gov­ husbandry. A recent television In the United States, for example, ernments have been ' dragging the news item showed a sheep being a single IVF treatment can cost chain’ since an issues paper in the cloned in a surrogate mother ewe $8,000-$ 10,000, with the success mid-1980s. Policy development of another breed. The application rate quite low on a single attempt has suffered from politicians’ re­ o f such technologies to human - only about 1496 result in a live luctance to face a thorny issue reproduction is a proven possibil­ birth. A New England medical with possible electoral conse­ ity. In 1994 there was a global journal puts the actual cost of quences. furore over the creation and sub­ delivering a live infant, including Although aspects of surrogate sequent destruction o f a human all medical and laboratory ex­ parenting come under the Adop­ embryo in the United States. Nor penses, at around $67,000 if the tion Act 1955, the Guardianship should feminists overlook the com­ child is conceived in the first at­ Act 1968, the Status of Children plex parallels between the tempt, and up to $115,000 for six Act 1969 and the Adult Adoption bio ethics involved and arguments attempts.

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 22 The potential danger to the Clearly it is not appropriate Diane Yates' women and children is high. Com­ for these agencies to be self-regu­ plications are the rule rather than latory. Diane Yates intends to Private Member's Bill the exception. They include ovar­ ensure there are guidelines gov­ on erning the control and supervision ian hyperstimulation and side Human Assisted effects from Perganol and other of practices associated with hu­ hormonal treatments, increased man assisted reproductive Reproductive rates o f abortion, a high rate of technology. Technologies was Women who enter these multiple births with a higher pos­ drawn from the ballot sibility of low birth weight, programmes are often inad­ neurological and sensory defects equately informed about last year and intro­ or cerebral palsy. alternatives. Assisted reproduc­ duced in Parliament. What must be recognised is tive technology is coercive in that It is likely to have had the huge potential for human fail­ it is now the preferred means of ure and exploitation in this field of dealing with infertility. Janice its second reading by science and its implications for Raymond has pointed out that it is the time you read this the women and children involved. also sexist. - in mid March. Research and experimentation are "When technological reproduc­ built into these programmes at a tion perpetuates the role of women If the Bill gets majority fundamental level, as is the poten­ as breeders or encourages women support, it goes before tial for surgical or medical to have children at any cost, this is a Select Committee 'misadventure'. Furthermore,the not reproductive self-determina­ procedures are carried out by sci­ tion. It is conforming to old social which will receive entists who may be personally rules garbed in new technologies submissions from the driven to push the boundaries of and the new language of individual public before the technology, either for reasons of rights and choice." advancement or in the financial final A c t goes to its interests of multinational corpo­ third reading. rations funding their research and See also ' The Gen on Genetics' by Judy You can help get this development. Strid in Broadsheet 209, Spring 1996. Bill passed by lobbying your MP or the Minister of Health.

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BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 199723 Demonstrations by Indian women against feature the Miss World Contest held in Bombay last year flashed onto television news screens around the world, sensationalised by threats of self-immolation. The coverage we saw tended to emphasise opposition on cultural grounds rather than feminist ones. Despite the furore, in January this year the India media celebrated the selection not only of a Miss India World, but a Miss India Universe and a Miss India Asia-Pacific. Madhu Klshwar, a founder of the Indian feminist magazine Manushi, wrote a lengthy article on beauty in 1995 (No.88), excerpts from which are repinrted on pp. 28-31. At the time of the protests, however, this article, first published in The Times o f India, expressed mixed views about the campaign of protest.

by Madhu Kishwar

A he bitter controversy surrounding the holding of the Miss after winning the Miss Universe i World contest in India brings back memories of the early title, Sushmita Sen went in for 1970s when, as president of one of the most prestigious surgery to improve’ upon her women's colleges in India, I worked very hard to get the breasts. Manpreet Brar, the fol­ Miss Miranda beauty contest abolished. A few years later lowing year’s winner of the Miss I also led a successful campaign to prevent St Stephen’s India contest, underwent a surgi­ College Union from holding a Miss Delhi University con­ cal operation to ‘improve her test. In those days beauty contests were confined to a very smile’. Their lives revolve around few elite institutions. The Miss Miranda beauty context starving themselves and doing then had pretty much the same glamour and status among endless robotic workouts to burn its relatively restricted audience as the Miss India contest up calories so they can keep look­ has acquired today. ing like trim, painted dolls with a However, now that a fierce battle is going on to stop monotonous, sickly smile plas­ the Miss World beauty contest, I find it hard to take sides. tered on their faces. Not that I have changed my mind about the harm beauty They know they will be cast contests do to women. These kind of shows make women off like used condoms the mo­ not only self-hating but destructively competitive towards ment they start showing the other women. It is worthwhile remembering that even slightest sign of ageing, even be- BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 24 fore wrinkles appear or their sive security arrangements for the obscenely over the amount of pay­ breasts begin to sag. They are beauty extravaganza. offs this will entitle them to visibly frightened at the prospect. Others have sought the inter­ extract, while they have them­ Their bodies and smiles can be vention of government to selves become legally entitled to hired by anyone to sell any junk, officially ban the contest. Some watch the whole show on behalf provided they are paid good new converts to feminism ap­ of the court! Those who think money. We are told these are not proached the Karnataka High this is an unreasonable charge mere Barbie dolls, but beauties Court in an attempt to get the would do well to remember that with brains who are expected to contest declared illegal. The our police routinely extort regu­ put their physical assets at the court’s response was equally ab­ lar money and sex bribes from service of worthy social causes. surd. While clearing the decks for prostitutes and brothels, apart While they may have occasionally holding the Miss World pageant, from subjecting them to endless hugged spastic children for photo the High Court simultaneously harassment, all in the name of sessions and waxed eloquent declared that it will monitor the implementing the law banning about Mother Theresa being their Miss World Contest for ‘obscen­ prostitution. role model, we only see Sushmita ity’ and stipulated guidelines to I won’t go into the hackneyed Sen and Aishwarya Rai using their safeguard the show against turn­ debate over the difficulty in de­ puppet-like charm to persuade ing ‘vulgar and obscene’. It fining obscenity. For many people to consume aerated, threatened that should there be Khomeinis of the world, even the flavoured sugar-water sold by any ‘indecent exposure of the uncovered head or elbows of a Pepsi Cola at exorbitant prices. bodies of the participants amount­ women are obscene. For those While I have no doubt that ing to obscenity and nudity’, who force women to stay behind beauty contests are stupid, silly, appropriate cases would be pros­ burquas and veils, even the un­ and an insult to womanhood, I ecuted by the police! covered face of a woman appears feel equally uncomfortable with While there may be differences obscene. The anti-obscenity laws the tenor of the campaign to stop of opinion on whether parading in India are so Victorian in their the Miss World Beauty Contest. in a swimsuit is obscene or not, I absurd prudery that almost all The campaign began on a deadly have no doubt that the policemen the temples in India could be shut note when some feminists in Ban­ expected to act as the moral guard- down if the laws were to be even galore threatened to form suicide ians of society are drooling half-seriously implemented. Most squads if the beauty con­ o f our ancient gods and test was allowed to be goddesses preferred jew­ held in India. Many oth­ \\0V\ TO WIN A BEAUT? CONTES? j els to clothes. They ers have since jumped in began to be clothed only this feminist crusade, in­ in the 19th century un­ cluding the right wing der the scorching gaze Bharatiya Janata Party. and Victorian morality Another group of femi­ of our erstwhile colonial nists in Bengal broke into rulers. and vandalised the The sight o f women Godrej showroom - the parading in bikinis to win company who organised a beauty contest may or the beauty pageant. not be ‘obscene’, but it is Many others have threat- certainly stupid. It ened to physically would be stupid even if BESIDES LOOKING 600D, YOUR EYE* MUbT obstruct the show. All BECOME MOliT WHEN TALKIN6 ABOUT THE they paraded clad in these threats have led to WORLDS POOR CHILDREN... sarees or kimonos for the organisation of mas­ ______Rustam Vania the same purposes. How-

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 25 ever, the attempt to get a beauty ten about in Femina. All of this contest banned on grounds of while Femina, in particular, and "I have a terrible ten­ obscenity or display of nudity is the Times o f India group, in gen­ even more stupid, for it is playing eral, actively worked to spread dency to put on weight. in to the hands of real or potential this disease in India and lend it If I have more than two Khomeinis. In fact, feminism in respectability. No one protested India specialises in the politics of against Sushmita Sen and chapatis at a go ,1 bloat. demanding state bans, it revels in Aishwarya Rai when they won the using authoritarian methods to two international beauty contests If I have one extra bis­ combat all the social customs and in 1994. I suspect the Miss World cuit, I feel so guilty, I cultural values that feminists dis­ Contest is being targeted: approve of. That is precisely why (1) because of Amitabh Bacchan’s wander around the many like me, who are not in political connections, and house moaning that I favour of beauty contests, never­ (2) because it is the easiest way to theless feel unable to join the get a lot of international public­ look fat. Of late I have current anti-beauty contest cam­ ity, whereas effectively stopping become obsessed with paign. a regional beauty contest would The organisers of the Miss demand a lot of sustained hard food. If I see a two-day World contest are right in asking, work and be given an insignifi­ old chapati that a dog why is it that those who are in a cant amount of publicity in do-or-die mood to get this par­ comparison. wouldn't eat, I start ticular contest banned seem to It took us a whole year long have been totally unconcerned as campaign to mobilise a college d ro o lin g ." the beauty contest culture spread body of a mere 2000 students to Madhu Sapre, like a virus through our country put an end to the Miss Miranda fashion model over the last couple of decades? House beauty contest. But the & former Miss India Today every small town, every work paid off. At the end of it an local club has its own beauty con­ overwhelming majority of stu­ test and fashion parade. Up to dents were against the contest. culture has proliferated all the 1970s, only a couple o f elite Even then we did not call for a around. institutions used to organise a blanket ban to be imposed by the The question is not of abol­ Miss So-and-so contest. Today college authorities, who at that ishing this or that contest, but of virtually every women’s college in point defended the contest as a changing cultural mores in an the country holds its own show. symbol of Miranda House glory enduring fashion through moral What did the feminist protesters and ‘hallowed tradition’. We and intellectual persuasion, rather do to halt the spread of this cul­ organised signature campaigns than coercion, so that a new so­ ture? Why was Miss Femina India and called for a vote. The beauty- cial consensus comes into Contest never challenged? They cutie elite of Miranda House knew existence. The question is how to could have easily initiated cam­ they were a hopeless minority make women self-respecting so paigns for the boycott of Femina and sabotaged the college refer­ that such contests do not come to magazine in order to prevail upon endum on the issue with the help acquire such a high status in so­ the Times o f India Group to hold of the administration. Even so, ciety as they have today. This such frivolous shows. Far from they were so isolated, on account task requires patient and sus­ boycotting Femina , many of our of being such a minuscule minor­ tained work which includes feminists patronised that maga­ ity, that they had to abandon the respecting the right of people to zine and happily wrote articles contest. choose differently - even to make for it. Many considered it an It has not yet been revived, stupid choices. honour to be interviewed or writ­ even though the beauty contest

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 26 M■ V Ia d h u Kishwar is a founder and leading about the situation of Indian women - their figure o f Manushi, India’s feminist magazine living and working conditions among different for nearly 20 years. With a circulation of around castes, classes, communities, regional and oc­ 7000, Manushi has subscribers and contribu­ cupational groups - ‘as a precondition for the tors not only from all over India, but among development of theory and practice by emerging overseas Indians and other women who are movements’. interested in keeping in touch with women’s The magazine has been a hub o f activity for issues in India. New Delhi feminists; lobbying and organising Manushi is a coined word, a feminisation of demonstrations; offering legal advice and tak­ the Sanskrit for human being. It is a way of ing up key cases affecting women; helping or saying woman' without the connotations of referring on women in distress; using speakers, ‘w ife’, ‘mother’ or ‘lady’ carried by the usual street theatre and songs to raise debate; pub­ Hindi words. lishing books and pamphlets. The initiative for this feminist magazine English is the language of the educated elite came in 1978 from a group o f women students in India, but also a common tongue for commu­ and teachers at Delhi University named Stree nication between the 17 official languages of the Adhikar Manch (Forum for the Rights of Women). country. For over eight years Manushi appeared It was one of a number of alternative magazines in both Hindi and English, but it was found that which appeared after the Emergency of the mid few substantive contributions were in Hindi and 1970s, a period of press censorship and clamp readership for the Hindi issue remained low. A down on civil liberties. Manushi was the only Hindi language publishing arm, Manushi one to choose issues concerning women as its Prakashan, now focuses on anthologies of sig­ primary focus, as a means o f collecting and nificant articles, self-help booklets and some disseminating news about women’s struggles in books. different parts o f the country, particularly rural Initially Manushi was a feminist collective, struggles against landowners, which the main­ run entirely voluntarily. Today it has two paid stream media ignored or treated as ‘law and administration workers and is brought out by ‘a order problems’. By identifying and communi­ group of women and whoever is willing to help’. cating the issues, and learning from each other’s Or brave enough to help. Manushi’s introduc­ experiences, these sporadic struggles might be tory booklet reveals some of the difficulties of strengthened and less easily repressed. being an active feminist in India: Editorial policy on contributions to the maga­ ‘’As soon as women begin to become ac­ zine has been to focus on the concrete reality of tively involved in Manushi work - which usually women’s life situations and struggles, through leads to their becoming relatively more asser­ gathering information and evaluating local tive at home - their parents, husbands or events and groups. Reports come from activists in-laws often react violently, and manage in remote areas, often narrated on tape by those effectively to prevent them from maintaining for whom writing is not easy. even minimal contact with us. Sometimes Also important has been information gath­ young women were even locked up by their ering by Manushi's own workers and volunteers parents and threatened that their education

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 27 would be discontinued or that Like Broadsheet, Manushi relies Manushi, C/202 Lajpat Nagar 1, they would be thrown out of on subscriptions rather than ca­ New Delhi 110024, India the house if they continued to sual retail sales, and on its readers email: come to the Manushi office. to introduce the magazine to new [email protected]. Their reading was censored readers, activist groups and teach­ and their movements watched. ers. One such supporter has Subscriptions to Manushi Trust Some parents hurriedly ar­ recently organised a Manushi India Rs 90 individual, Rs 150 ranged their daughter’s home page on the Internet, where institutions. marriage, while some hus­ the contents page of the current NZ $NZ30 individual, $US36 all bands shifted residents with issue and a key article or two will overseas institutions the same purpose. ’ appear: http://www.imsc.enet.in/ ~tabish/Manushi

These excerpts from 'When India 'Missed' the Universe' (Monushi, No.88, May 1995) elaborate the feminist analysis behind 'On Beauties and Cuties' above. Madhu Kishwar dis­ cusses the complex and changing con­ nections between the beauty contest culture, tradition-bound Indian women by encouraging them to enhance their physical and sexual appeal. To see Indian westernisation and women parading confidently in front of men and being nationalism in India. sexually provocative could be seen as a sign of self-assertion of their womanhood and sexuality. But these contests are hardly a celebration of women’s beauty. They end up reducing their bodies and their whole existence to well- packaged products to act as vehicles for consumer goods... Protests against beauty contests, the use of women as sex objects and the commodification of women’s bodies have been key components of women’s movements in the west. Western feminists realised that beauty contests, by their demonstration effect through various media, had the

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 199728 serious potential to harm women tening to folk songs, that stamped look down upon beauty contests. - physically, mentally and emo­ you as an unfashionable bhenji The bhenjis, on the other hand, tionally. Unfortunately, we in forever. have now become great enthusi­ India are catching this western I am not against elites per se, asts of beauty contests and fever years after thinking women but I am against those elites whose fashion parades. It is a case of in the west challenged and dis­ claim to superiority depends particular aspects of western in­ carded these concepts of beauty... solely on their economic status fluence reaching certain sections and political clout rather than on of our population at different r c racism any moral or intellectual worth. paces.... The Miranda House beauty lobby and cope^-cat c d itc s represented the copy-cat elite - l/ictoriatrism , L culturally and intellectually. One strand of our opposition to Miranda House was like an intel­ While I never regretted challeng­ the Miranda House beauty con­ lectual slum o f the West. My ing the hegemony of the test echoed some of the issues fellow students prided them­ westernised elite in Miranda raised by western feminists in selves on knowing about the royal House, I did recoil in horror to see their protests against beauty con­ family o f Britain but would not the results of a shift in power tests. For instance, among other have heard of a man like from the English Department to things, our campaign leaflets Chaudhary Chhotu Ram of the non-elite departments like talked about how the beauty con­ Haryana, or have a interest in Hindi and Sanskrit. A few years test trained women to view Sardar Patel. They could write a later when Miranda House hired themselves as sex objects and to treatise on Jane Austin but would its first principal from the San­ remain engrossed in attempts to not condescend to read Mahadevi skrit Department, she brought become sexually attractive to the Varma. This elite prided itself on such a repressive culture with her male eye at the cost o f developing its alienation from its own people, that the institution became other talents and human quali­ its own culture and traditions. unrecognisable. Innumerable ri­ ties. But that was only a small This was before the ‘ethnic’ diculous restrictions were placed part o f our objection. For me, the became fashionable and South on students. Iron grills and huge more important motivation be­ Asian Studies departments in iron gates were introduced to bar hind the campaign was to fight western universities began pro­ the movement of students from against the vicious forms of elit­ moting and funding research on one part of the college to another. ism perpetuated by the Indian literature and politics... The college began to resemble a super-westernised elite of our These days, to declare oneself a cage... Challenging the monopoly college. Their contempt for those ‘Third World feminist’ is to open of the westernised elites did not who did not dress according to the gates of many career oppor­ necessarily bring a more benign the correct fashions o f the day, tunities which otherwise would culture. The home-bred elite can did not speak English with the not come your way - research easily bring with it repressive appropriate public school accent, grants, fellowships, teaching as­ karwa chauth culture and or did not boast of a suitable signments, invitations to khomeinivad for women. address in one of the elite colo­ international conferences, project That is why I am extremely nies of Delhi was so corrosive funds and so on. You are at once wary now of joining campaigns that it destroyed the self-confi­ admitted as a member of the in­ against beauty contests and the dence of many who felt rejected tellectual elite of the world... So like. Most of those who are op­ by this group. The beauty contest we have the interesting phenom­ posing them today have a was a mere symbol of this nasty enon in India whereby fashionable tendency to advocate oppressive elitism which enveloped all as­ beauty contest holding elites of norms for women in the name of pects of student life... If you were the 1960s and 1970s have taken protecting Indian culture - seen viewing Hindi films or lis­ to feminism and have come to Bharatiya sanskriti.... more often

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 29 than not repressive Victorianism spreading at this pace, fuelled by ally provocativeness in women’s in an Indian garb. For them, sex interested sections of the mass clothing...Since the entire family itself is a bad word, and women’s media, women in India are in for takes an active part in selecting a bodies something of an embar­ a lot of trouble. bride, in India a woman is ex­ rassment. In India we are not tyrannised pected to be pleasing to a vast The moment that one ex­ by the pressure to stay trim. If I range of people and not just one presses distaste for beauty put on some weight, most of my man. This plays an important contests, it is assumed that one friends and family are likely to part in ensuring that popular wants every woman to look like tell me that I'm looking healthy. norms of beauty are not entirely an inmate o f a Ghandhi ashram, Likewise, whenever I have lost a male defined, as in the west.... and to lead a self-repressed life.... few kilos, I am constantly besieged with queries like: ‘Have you been 7~he Didi/Amma 7~ie B arite d offllestietic ill? Why are you looking so pulled down.’... It is widely believed that

if a woman is happy in marriage, Some western feminists find the her body should fill out.... The concept of beauty that comes Indian obsessions with respect­ to us from the west has very little Unlike in the west, where ing women as mothers and sisters women’s youth is highly valued to do with beauty and more to do offensive and an expression of and old age dreaded, women in with marketing a self-view to denying women their selfhood. women whereby they all try to India are respected and taken far That is really missing the point look and behave like standardised more seriously as they begin to altogether, for this ideology pro­ get older... As they become moth­ products - rather than normal vides women a way out of the sex human beings. This makes ers and grandmothers, they often object trap and gives them oppor­ women self-hating by wanting to emerge as authority figures in the tunities to deal with men in a conform to a pre set glamour doll family. That is why, by and large, range of close relationships with­ Indian women do not dread age­ image. out having to be constantly viewed For years western feminists ing as do western women. Perhaps as sex objects. Thus there is that explains the absence of anti­ have grappled with how men have much less pressure on women to wrinkle creams in the Indian come to define beauty in such a be forever sexually attractive to market - though there are dozens way as to manipulate women into men. The ideology o f mother­ o f brands o f ‘Fair and Lovely’ considering themselves attractive hood has a major plus point in creams floating around... only when men find them sexu­ that...while society often con­ ally provocative. Much o f this is Age in fact lends tremendous dones a man behaving badly to advantage to women in India, and tied in with a sick obsession with this wife, a man being rude or that is why many women learn to youth in western culture... nasty to his mother is socially use this advantage rather than So far, the main unhealthy looked down upon. A dutiful son hide it. In western culture, by aspect of our notion of beauty is is held up as a social ideal. contrast, as women grow older our tendency to consider dark Likewise, women as older sis­ they become more pitiable... Even skin a sign of ugliness. A heavy ters, aunts and even grandmothers after feminists made beauty con­ premium is put on women being can exercise a great deal o f power tests less respectable among the ‘fair skinned’. (In this respect and influence over men who are elite, women continue to be under Indians are no less racist than expected to assume responsibil­ tremendous pressure to be sexu­ some white skinned ity for and behave respectfully westerners.)... ally interesting to men and try to towards women in these roles. mould their bodies to be copies of Eating disorders and plastic You don’t have to be a real blood models in fashions magazines. surgery are relatively unheard of sister or aunt for that. Most western fashions, designed in our country. But if the eupho­ Neighbourhood boys are expected ria over beauty contests keeps mostly by men, emphasise sexu­ to behave in a brotherly fashion

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 30 towards girls of that area who can legitimately expect that they will come to her help if a girl is being k/k&tfidMOUg fKd/( WoMcfOU. mūrrg, ? harassed by someone....Not only do men listen to a woman more respectfully once she has estab­ lished this kind of role with them, These days beauty contestants must exhibit 'personality' but it also saves her from being sexually harassed or being treated as well as beauty. To demonstrate this in 1997, prospec­ as a sex object...This didi-amma tive Miss Indias were asked, if they could marry any famous advantage does not work as well man in history, who would they choose and why? The on the over-westernised men. If the culture of beauty con­ winner favoured George Washington; she would study his tests takes root in India, it will leadership skills, to use herself. A leader am ong beauty erode some of the areas of queens. strength traditionally available to women in India. It brings in vi­ Readers in New Zealand will consider the question barely cious forms of competitiveness proto-feminist, but consider for a moment the possibili­ among women and makes them ties... self-hating as they get excessively self-involved and begin to look Graham Bell, for the marital property in patents. upon other women as rivals and Bill Gates, for those late night computer glitches. competitors, desperate for a cer­ Prince Charles - you'll never run out of tampons! tain kind of male attention. It makes them more and more uni­ Or those of more local fame... dimensional creatures who are Lord Rutherford, for a blast. more easily manipulated by men Mickey Savage, for the nostalgia. because they see themselves mostly through the eyes of men. Winston Peters, for the name of his hairdresser While millions of men indulge in (well, where else would he get his goss?). sexual fantasies about Sushmita Tukoroirangi Morgan, for a supply of wonderful and Aishwarya, I cannot imagine young men wishing they had them undies. as a sister, or too many fathers/ mothers being anxious to have them as daughters. ®

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BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 31 feature

A Dissertation on the objectification of W om en:

She offers him her friendship He doesn't see

She offers him her affection He doesn't notice /

She offers him the strength and joy of her passion He doesn't understand

And with his hand in a firm cock-grip He says:

"Nice tits, tight box."

Maya Dannan 1995

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BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 32 featu re Manyfeminist enterprises have flourished (and declined) over the past25 years, but there is very little public information on women-run organisations, feminist or otherwise. At the Auckland Regional Womens Studies Conference last September, a group of women at Auckland University's School of Business & Economics discussed their research on women's organisations in New Zealand. 'tlomen-ain organisations DOING IT OUR WAYS;

Judith Pringle with Heather Carpenter, Tina Fitchett, Angela Heising, Megan Somerville, Margaret Turnball and Sharon Collins

usinesses are profit-focused with other organisations and work­ tic ‘not like men’ alternative. The organisations, which use differen­ ing for social change. richness and creativity of this tial allocation of tasks and of power However, feminist collectives organisational functioning was il­ to maximise time efficiencies and may place too great an emphasis lustrated by material from four financial returns. However, United on processes, to the detriment of organisations studied in some States research suggests that getting the job done. There are depth, as well as by general com­ women’s businesses are ‘coopera­ difficulties too in being women- ments drawn from the survey. tive networks of relationships, centred when the funding for many A third of the organisations, rather than primarily a separate of the organisations comes from both businesses and non-profit profit-making entity’. bureaucratic governmental sources organisations, described them­ Some research on feminist col­ and carries strict rules of account­ selves as feminist. A key feature of lectives explores the tension ability. In addition, most women’s these was informality, and this was between theory and practice, or the collectives have minimal funding true even of the larger organisations feminist ideology of empowerment and can spend much o f their time - 7 percent had more than 100 and equality and the need to get making funding applications, rather employees or members. For ex­ things done. Broadly, feminist than engaged in ’transformational’ ample, communication was through organisations are ‘pro-women, po­ activity. informal chats, new staff or mem­ litical and socially transformational’ To explore these issues, we car­ bers were gained ‘o ff the street’, and the personal is intertwined with ried out a national postal survey of and conflict and poor work were the political. They are likely to be 503 mainly Pakeha women-run dealt with primarily by talking it active in the minimisation of power organisations. The criteria for se­ over. Half of the businesses and differences and aim to maximise lection was that the majority of two thirds of the non-profit the empowerment of women. This decision-makers were women and organisations were non-hierarchi- occurs within organisations the majority of the staff or mem­ cal and this was reflected in the through, for example, the rotation bers were women. The findings daily functioning. Leadership was of tasks, the sharing of informa­ showed the great diversity of prac­ interactive or participative, and tion, consensus decision-making, tices among women running their consensus was the preferred style and externally through networking own show, far beyond the simplis­ of decision-making.

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 33 The non-hierarchical function­ not a cross-section of the female organisation was successful in the ing was reflected in the pictures population. The organisation had sense o f achieving its major objec­ that people drew of their a clearly feminist ideology but in tives, although equity issues were organisation. A third were non- some ways it did not seem to cel­ rather marginalised. Somewhat traditional structures, most ebrate the positiveness of being ironically, informants saw the work­ commonly circles, ellipses or female; for example, the physical ing environment as conducive to wheels, and many had the names of environment was drab. Adherence personal and professional well-be­ the people included. These pic­ to a rather radical feminist ideol­ ing. tures showed the organisations as ogy may have contributed to a The third was a small organic, dynamic and inclusive. limited variety of women using the organisation in the health field More them 1500 different words centre and perhaps a more deliber­ which aimed to be an innovative were used to describe the character ate commitment to the diverse model and consciously provided or culture, but the most common values of the potential clientele may alternatives o f healing which were were: friendly, professional, car­ have enabled it to better achieve its more client-centred. The primary ing, supportive, feminist, fun, goals. goal was not one o f economic gain. committed, team, positive, coop­ The founder was a feminist and erative. alluded to democratic decision­ The descriptions for these When making but in daily organisational organisations stretched across ste­ practice she was the main decision­ reotypes of both femininity and a person maker. However, this organisation masculinity. Most of the did succeed in providing a service organisations commented on the joins... that was identified by the founder differences from male-run as feminist in style, one that pro­ organisations. Many emphasised the whole vided a nurturing, cooperative and process and an environment for inclusive environment for her cli­ nurturing relationships, as well as family joins! ents. being professional, efficient and The fourth was a women-run service-oriented. business aimed at helping indi­ Following the survey, half of Another was a large non-profit vidual and organisational the organisations agreed to be vis­ organisation which had within its development. The organisation was ited and studied in more depth. patriarchal structure a well-defined divided into teams and there were The four briefly outlined here were female niche. The gender o f the active attempts to minimise power chosen to show a range o f styles of organisation as seen as male in differentiation between people in operating. spite of the predominance of the organisation irrespective o f the One was a declared feminist women, as some of the employees hours worked or the roles held. organisation. Day-to-day function­ noted it is ‘run by a woman, but 1 Members did not have titles, but ing maintained a women-centred don’t know whether you would de­ these were used in negotiation with focus. There were collective and scribe it as woman-run’. They noted outside organisations, so as to avoid participatory management pro­ a tension in the organisation be­ some of the dilemmas between val­ cesses for effective organising, a tween being ‘hierarchical, ues held within the organisation women-safe space and very good patriarchal and objective and the and its ‘public’ face. This networks with other related essence [of activityl being female organisation decreased the bound­ organisations. Key feminist values which is supportive and nurturing’. aries between home and work, with o f the organisation were inclusive­ So within this organisation there it being possible to work from home. ness, affinity for and acceptance of was an awareness of the complex­ As well, the philosophy of inclu­ all women. However, as is com­ ity of being masculine and feminine siveness was voiced as, “When a mon with many feminist collectives, but a tendency to resort to simple person joins...the whole family the women using the facility were female-male opposites. The joins!” The organisation achieved

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 34 feature DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS AN /CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN'S REFUGEN URGENT SOCIAL RESPONDS TO ISSUE. IN NEW ZEALAND THE VTHE NEW DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACJj NEW DOMESTIC Susan J. Wurtzburg VIOLENCE ACT HAS PROVIDED GREATER LEGAL PROTECTION TO C h ristm a s Eve 1996, 11 pm. I wished that all women and children My partner was driving us home could enjoy a festive season like the one THE VICTIMS OF after a relaxing evening with in the poem: ’Twas the night before DOMESTIC ABUSE. friends. My thoughts were drift­ Christmas, and all through the house, WHILE THERE ARE ing peacefully when, glimpsing not a creature was stirring, not even a MANY POSITIVE a roadside police cruiser, I was mouse.’ However, this is not the reality suddenly made aware of the for many New Zealanders. To change REFORMS IN THE tremendous good fortune in this, there needs to be increased aware­ NEW ACT, THERE my life, and in that o f my part­ ness and outrage at the costs of domestic ARE ALSO ner, my family and my friends. abuse. A strong stand o f ‘zero tolerance DIFFICULTIES IN As we drove by the police ve­ for violence’ must be adopted by the IMPLEMENTING IT hicle, I briefly observed an whole community. officer running, a figure stand­ Domestic violence is a serious social SUCCESSFULLY, ing in the back-lit doorway, and issue and a major health problem in New MANY OF WHICH another individual motionless Zealand, as in other areas o f the world. RELATE TO in the background. My family Bluntly, domestic abuse strips a woman FUNDING. THE chatted about our evening, of one of her most basic human rights, oblivious to the scene, while I the right to safety in her home and com­ CHANGES ARE thought about Domestic Inci­ munity. Carried to the extreme, it may REVIEWED HERE dents, POL 400s, and the other kill her. As Julie Leibrich, Judy Paulin FROM THE police jargon which cushions and Robin Ransom point to the New PERSPECTIVE OF us from the horrible reality of Zealand statistics in Hitting Home, CHRISTCHURCH domestic violence. I wondered “ Between 1978 and 1987, 47 percent uneasily about the women or of the 193 female homicide victims were WOMEN’S REFUGE children waiting inside that killed by an existing or former male CLIENTS. house. partner; there was a history of abuse in

WOMEN-RUN ORGANISATIONS its business goals by combining over separateness, competition and Further reading: women-run qualities (noted in the individual success. But not all Myra Merrilee and Patricia Martin (eds) survey) with business acumen. women. The diversity of women- Feminists o f the New Women’s Movement. When women establish and run run organisations provides a Temple University Press, 1994 their own organisations, variety plethora of models for Wendy Weeks. Women Working Together: flowers. Many women work well in organisational functioning and a Lessons from Feminist Women’s Service. groups where collectivity, co-op­ great range of work environments. Melbourne, Cheshire, 1994 eration and mutuality are favoured CD

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 35 and emotional well-being, and its CHRISTCHURCH WOMEN’S REFUGE CLIENTS socio-economic impact, domes­ In 1995, 168 women and 186 children were forced for tic violence has been - and still safely reasons to spend at leastone nightin Christchurch tends to be - a ‘crime of silence’. Women's Refuge. Over the year, 1,988 bed nights (use This means that the perpetrators of a bed for a night) were provided to Refuge clients. often escape accountability and Admission figures were variable throughout 1995, rang­ continue to offend. But attitudes ing from nine new admissions in April to a peak of 62 new are changing. In New Zealand, admissions in May. violence against women is now The figures for 1996 were even higher, and also regarded as a serious social and fluctuated. December was particularly hectic, with 21 health issue. This changing so­ women and 31 children admitted, registering an over­ cial climate has resulted in the whelmingly busy 355 bed-night total for the month. This passage of new pro-active legis­ contrasts with 151 for December 1995,242 for December lation. 1994, and 36 for December 1993. These high 1996 figures do not include non-emergency clients assisted through Th e new Domestic Violence Act the 24-hour crisis line or our 'community' clients. All of these statistics indicate an ongoing need for a was implemented 1 July 1996. safe residential facility for abused women and children. The opening paragraph declares Despite the legislative advances, women and children strongly that the goal of the Act still are not adequately protected by existing community is ‘to provide greater protection mechanisms. from domestic violence’. The This Christchurch Women's Refuge is one of three in severity and frequency of domes­ Christchurch which are affiliated to the National Collec­ tic abuse in this country both is tive of Independent Women's Refuges. The other two recognised and is addressed le­ are the Battered Women's Trust and the Otautahi gally. This is a very important Women's Refuge. declaration since domestic abuse In addition to providing a place of safety, Christchurch is often a ‘dirty little secret’, in ‘Women's Refuge assists increasing numbers of women the words of one abused child, and children who do not come to the Refuge house but with limited public acknowledg­ remain 'in the community' while accessing refuge ser­ ment of its prevalence or effects. vices. Some of this increase results from a new initiative There are also important defi­ with the Christchurch Police. Since February 1996, police nitional changes in the new attending a domestic incident notify an advocate work­ legislation. A ’domestic relation­ ing for the three affiliated refuges. Depending on the ship’ now includes all cohabiting circumstances, contact may be made with the woman New Zealanders (ie. lesbian part­ victim immediately or at a later date. For Christchurch ners, flatmates, friends, and all Women's Refuge, initial telephoning to the 200-plus family or whanau), not just those women contacted in 1996 has required a tremendous living in a marriage or de-facto amount of additional logistic effort. Nineteen of these situation. Under the previous women requested on-going support, an additional strain act, many Refuge clients were upon Refuge resources and voluntary workers. not safeguarded by the legisla­ tion. In addition, the definition of ‘violence’ has been broadened, 56% o f these cases” (p. 28). Such Chapman’s protest lyrics, “ Last and now includes physical, statistics are chilling - the deadly night I heard the screaming...” sexual, and psychological abuse. real background to Tracy Despite its cost in lives, health In the past, Refuge clients who

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 36 could not demonstrate bodily in­ under the new Act. Why have jury were not considered to have the local insufficient funds been allocated been abused, under the criteria of for community education? the previous legislation, although population has Although the strong sanctions psychological scars were often for breaches of protection orders horrendous. not been under the new Domestic Violence A very important shift in the adequately Act should make it easier for legislation has been the explicit women to remain safely in their inclusion of protection for chil­ informed of own community, the real test will dren. Violence against children be in its effective enforcement. or abuse observed by children is their rights Higher numbers of women re­ regarded as harmful, and will not questing protection under the new be tolerated. under the Act places pressure upon existing There have also been many new Act police and court resources. There important changes to the process is little indication of additional of obtaining a protection order, funds or staffing to cover the its implementation, and penalties in fact virtually non-existent. The increased demand for services. for breaches. All of these modifi­ committees to approve these In the first month under the cations are designed to protect programmes are still in the for­ new Act, applications the women and children legally, and mative stages. This is not Christchurch Family Court for to assist them in gaining protec­ surprising given that the Domes­ protection orders almost doubled. tion quickly and easily. tic Violence Rules were issued on National statistics also showed Some aspects of the Act will 10 June 1996, only a few weeks tremendous increases applica­ need to be debated in court. Of prior to the Act’s implementa­ tions for protection, reports special concern are the defini­ tion. The result of this delay was Patricia McNeill, Operations De­ tions of both ‘relationship’ and confusion on all fronts - the legal velopment Manager, Case ‘psychological violence'. Until profession, the courts, service pro­ Processing in the Departments these points are argued in a court viders such as Refuge, law for Courts in Wellington. From of law and the precedents estab­ enforcement, etc. The situation July to September 1996, there were lished, it is difficult to address a is improving, but there is still a 1,736 applications without notice concern of Women’s Refuge that tremendous educational deficit (where the abusive partner is not some clients may not have access among the women who most need notified until after the temporary to the new Domestic Violence Act this information, let alone the application has been granted). In or to justice because they are not general public. last month under the old Act, deemed to fit within the defini­ The media has given minimal only around 400 equivalent or­ tions. coverage to the new Act. I have ders were granted, compared with contacted numerous reporters 509 applications in the first month The general lack of information, trying to get a good analysis of under the new Act. both for the public and for service the Domestic Violence Act in the Large numbers o f children are providers, and the lack of ‘pro­ local and national press, but the affected by these protection or­ gramme providers’ or counselors, response has been complete lack ders. From July to September are difficulties which directly re­ of interest. Why is this? Despite 1996, 2804 children were pro­ flect the lack of resourcing for the the noble efforts of groups such tected by applications without new Act. as the Canterbury Abuse Inter­ notice. Not only do the orders Provision is made in the Act vention Project (CAIP) and the have implications for the safety for programmes for protected per­ Community Law Centre, the local and custody of these children, sons - that is, the victims of population has not been ad­ they are legal recognition of the domestic violence - but these are equately informed of their rights stress that violence puts on chil-

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 37 dren, and of its effects on their behaviour, which may include Christchurch Women’s Refuge: Crisis Phone (03) 364-7306 their future development into Battered Women’s Trust: Crisis Phone (03) 364-8900 abusive or abused adults. Otautahi Women’s Refuge: Crisis Phone (03) 364-7706 To attempt to counteract this cycle of violence, the Department FOR FURTHER INFORMATION for Courts funds counselling for National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges: the children of applicants and for National Office, Wellington Phone (04) 499-1881 the applicants themselves. How­ Women’s Access to Justice Team, Law Commission, ever, immediate availability is a PO Box 2590, Wellington. major problem, and the old standby, ACC counselling, is ex­ FURTHER READING tremely difficult to access for Department for Courts (1996) Standing Up to Domestic Violence: children except in cases o f sexual A Guide to Protection Orders and the Domestic Violence Act. abuse. Many child victims re­ Wellington main untreated, despite the Heise, Lori L., with Jacqueline Pitanguy and Adrienne Germain rhetoric and intent of the Act. (1994) Violence Against Women: The Hidden Health Burden. In raising these questions, I World Bank, Washington would like to begin working to­ Leibrich, Julie, Judy Paulin, and Robin Ransom (1995) H ittin g wards some change. I ask you to Home: Men speak about abuse of women partners. Depart, of join me in considering these is­ Justice/AGB McNair. sues seriously, researching the Domestic Violence Act, 1995 situation in your community, and Domestic Violence Rules, 1996 Wellington. contacting Members of Parlia­ ment or other governmental WORLD WIDE WEB RESOURCES bodies about these points. The new law is a wonderful http://www.cybergrrl.com/dv/body.html UK Statistics on Domestic Violence by Tara Godson, with piece of legislation, but we need citations. to ensure its adequate resourcing and enforcement. http://www.igc.apc.org/fund/the_facts/crime.html Domestic Violence as a Crime, with citations. Family Violence Prevention Fund, San Francisco

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BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 38 I m p o r t a n t l a w c h a n g e s b e n e f i t i n g w o m e n h a v e feature RECENTLY BEEN ACHIEVED THROUGH... The Case of Ms R Francis Joychild

n October last year five Ap­ In the District Court tic purposes benefit so as to feed, Ipeal Court judges overturned The case concerned an appeal by a clothe and house herself and her the conviction of a woman for woman I'll call Ms R’ against her son. Sometimes she managed to benefit fraud, drawing on ar­ conviction by the District Court get part-time work and notified guments by the Auckland and the High Court for benefit the Department of Social Welfare Women Lawyers Association fraud. Her name has not been (DSW) so that her benefit could be (AWLA). This decision is a suppressed but, to avoid further adjusted accordingly. step towards recognition of distressing publicity, is not used To claim the benefit Ms R had Battered Women's Syndrome, here. filled out a DSW application form. and has changed the criteria Ms R had been living with a It asked whether she was married for eligibility for the Domes­ violent man for 18 years - we’ll call or living in a relationship in the tic Purposes Benefit. him Mr T. He became violent nature o f a marriage. She an­ In April 1996 AWLA ap­ within the first year of the rela­ swered ‘no’ each time she applied plied to appear as amicus tionship and she wanted to leave for the benefit. Within weeks of curiae' - a ' friend o f the court' him, but could not. He told her Mr T finally leaving her for an­ - in an case due to be heard by that if she tried to leave he would other woman, the Department the Court of Appeal. The case hunt her down and kill her. He called her in and ask her if it was raised new matters of consid­ assaulted and raped her on a regu­ true that she had been living with erable public importance and lar basis, and she was twice Mr T for 18 years in a relationship the AWLA believed the court hospitalised with injuries. Mr T in the nature o f a marriage. She should have the benefit of a had other relationships and came said that she had and was then women's perspective. Leave and went as he pleased. prosecuted by the Department. was granted, and the AWLA Mr T never at any time pro­ In the district court, the law­ appointed barristers Denese vided any financial support to Ms yer for Ms R produced evidence Bates QC and Frances Joychild R; in fact he often demanded that she had been in an extremely to appear on their behalf. money from her. She paid all the violent situation and could not This is the first time a bills - rent, power, telephone, food, leave it, and that she was receiving New Zealand court has granted clothing and all necessaries for no financial support. Even the standing to a women’s group her child. She worked intermit­ witnesses for DSW gave evidence to intervene in a case because tently, up to about five years in when cross-examined of having it involved important issues total. Then she was unemployed witnessed regular and shocking for women. and, not having any other means incidents o f violence. Dr Gail of support, she claimed a domes­ Ratcliffe, a psychologist with con-

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 39 siderable experience of such cases, m itm ent had assessed Ms R as suffering to it and Ms R had no means of from an extreme form o f Battered w a s Women’s Syndrome. bound to At that time the courts con­ Mr T by support, so should have a sidered a list of factors* for fear only. deciding whether a person was The v io ­ right to a benefit. living in a relationship in the na­ lence had ture o f marriage. None o f the rem oved factors are paramount, each of any emotional commitment which He emphasised the physical them had to be considered sepa­ might otherwise be assumed from indications of a marriage -18 years rately, then together on balance. the fact that she had stayed living together, having a child together, The factors were: with him so long. He also argued moving cities together, sharing a 1. Whether and how frequently the that Mr T had never supported her bedroom, keeping personal belong- parties live in the same house. financially. ings in the bedroom, social 2. Whether the parties have a The District Court judge said activities together and presenting sexual relationship. she had no doubt that Ms R was themselves to the outside world 3. Whether the parties give each telling the truth, and also accepted as a family. other emotional support and com­ the evidence of Dr Ratcliffe and panionship. others. She said that Ms R had IN THE COURT OF APPEAL 4. Whether the parties socialise been in an appalling relationship, Auckland Women Lawyers ap­ together or attend activities to­ but nevertheless it was a mar­ proached the appeal from various gether as a couple. riage-type one and Ms R knew it angles. We made submissions and 5. Whether and to what extent the was. At the time of filling out the produced up-to-date research on parties share the responsibility forms, therefore, she had an in­ violence to women, including Bat­ for bringing up and supporting tention to commit a crime and so tered Women’s Syndrome. We any relevant children. was guilty. Because the judge called on the expertise o f feminist 6. Whether the parties share house­ found there were circumstances legal academics Nancy Seuffert and hold and other domestic tasks. ' out o f her control’ Ms R was not Ruth Busch from Waikato Univer­ 7. Whether the parties share costs given a prison sentence, but had sity and Elizabeth McDonald from and other financial responsibili­ to pay back $44,759 at $10 per Victoria University to help us find ties by the pooling of resources or week and do 150 hours commu­ the most reliable and helpful in­ otherwise. nity service. formation to put before the court. 8. Whether the parties run a com­ We also researched the origins of mon household, even if one or IN THE HIGH COURT the Domestic Purposes Benefit other partner is absent for peri­ Ms R appealed to the High Court (DPB). We produced in court the ods o f time. but was unsuccessful; the convic­ Report of the Royal Commission 9. Whether the parties go on holi­ tion was upheld. The judge of Inquiry into Social Security, day together. accepted the lower court evidence 1972, which had recommended the 10. Whether the parties conduct but said: benefit, and the parliamentary de­ themselves towards, and are “Although the appellant was bates of the time, to show the treated by friends, relations and trapped in the relationship, she reasons why the DPB was intro­ others as if they were a married still did have the necessary men­ duced. Sharron Wooller, a law couple. tal element .... she elected to graduate, provided very helpful Ms R’s lawyer argued that Ms continue with the relationship al­ research in this area. R was not in a relationship in the though it might have been almost We also researched the inter­ nature of a marriage because she impossible for her to have got out national human rights issues had no mental or emotional com­ o f it.” involved, with expert assistance

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 199740 from Dame Sylvia Cartwright, High rights. Ms R was robbed of these under the Declaration on the Elimi­ Court Judge and a member o f the rights by the severe and sustained nation of Violence against Women, United Nations Women’s Commit­ violence happening to her in the adopted by the United Nations tee which oversees the Women’s home. General Assembly in 1993, to pro­ Convention. We pointed out that the courts tect women subject to violence Our first argument was that have to pull back the veil from the and to ensure they are not the facts of the case raised funda­ private sphere. Traditionally what victimised again by gender-insen­ mental human rights issues and happens in private is seen as out­ sitive laws or other practices. We that the government had interna­ side the reach o f human rights. directed the court to the Report of tional human rights obligations Yet this is where most violations the United Nations Special which required the conviction to of women’s human rights take Rapporteur on Violence Against be overturned. place. We pointed out that, for Women; to the Beijing Declaration Our second was that Ms R was most people, the image of a slave adopted by the United Nations at entitled under the social security is a black man toiling in the plan­ the Fourth World Conference on law to a benefit in her situation tations in the southern United Women, and to the 1994 Victoria because she was in need and had States two hundred years ago, but Falls Declaration o f Principles for no other means o f support. We here was a woman who was a slave Promoting the Human Rights of argued that she was not living in a in her home in New Zealand in Women. relationship in the nature o f a 1996. She was completely con­ This last document was pre­ marriage. trolled by Mr T in all aspects o f her pared by senior Commonwealth Finally, even if she was con­ life. She had no protection from judges and sets guiding principles. sidered to have been in a persistent rape and violent physi­ It recommends that judicial offic­ marriage-type relationship, the le­ cal and emotional abuse. ers be guided by the Convention gal defence of necessity should We argued that the effect of on the Elimination of all Forms of apply. She had no choice but to the State prosecuting Ms R was Discrimination against Women break the law. that a battered woman was being when interpreting and applying punished because she could not the provisions of national consti­ WOMEN’S RIGHTS ARE leave the relationship. If she had tutions and laws, including HUMAN RIGHTS left it, she would have been en­ common and customary law. We argued that the violence that titled to the benefit. The only Ms R suffered deprived her o f her reason she did not and could not A RIGHT TO SOCIAL SECURITY most basic human rights, includ­ leave was the violence. A second argument, with a human ing the right to life - she was We produced literature and rights link, was that New Zealand’s threatened with death if she tried statistics which showed the real social security legislation should to leave Mr T - and the right to be danger o f death and assault to be interpreted in accordance with free from slavery and from cruel women leaving violent men. Ms its international human rights com­ and unusual punishment. Ms R R’s fears of the consequences of mitments, and these were to had described herself as Mr T ’s her leaving were entirely realistic. provide social security to those 'servant’, and Dr Ratcliffe had We argued that the court had a with no other means of support. said in her evidence that it was an duty to ensure Ms R was not pun­ Ms R had no other means o f sup­ accurate description o f the true ished because she was a battered port, so should have been able to situation. The Universal Declara­ woman and could not escape vio­ claim a benefit. When she applied tion of Human Rights and len ce. international human rights cov­ T h e enants, which New Zealand has G o v - ^The only reason she did not ratified, places international legal emment obligations on the government to had ob­ leave was the violence. guarantee protection of these ligations

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 41 o f the impact it would have had on A marriage-type relationship her mind and will.” Judge Thomas considered the cannot be assumed when origins o f the DPB and stated that Parliament had not intended to make a woman ineligible for a there is no financial support. ^ benefit simply because she was sharing premises and domestic ex­ for the benefit, she was simply this defence in a situation of Bat­ penses. She had to have merged exercising this right. tered Women’s Syndrome where a her life with his so that they were That led to an examination of woman had claimed the benefit. living together as a legally married New Zealand’s social security leg­ The New Zealand Court o f Appeal husband and wife. islation, which is based on the was most reluctant to consider He held that where there is a premise that those persons who changing the law in this area, how­ battering relationship, all the are married or living in a marriage- ever, as it had not been argued in physical indications have no or type relationship are dependent the lower courts. very little weight. A battered on their spouse or partner, and so woman is living under the same not in need of support unless both THE DECISION roof out o f fear and helplessness, have no other means of support. Three of the five judges allowed and going to social events with her With regard to the criteria for the appeal, saying the submis­ partner for the same reason. No ' a relationship in the nature o f a sions by AWLA were of assistance conclusion of commitment can be marriage’, we emphasised the per­ in their decision. drawn from these actions. manent lack of financial Judges Richardson and He too held that financial in­ dependence and submitted this Blanchard presented the judgment terdependence is critical before a was the critical factor involved, that, for the purposes of deciding relationship can be regarded as a not just one among others to be what a relationship in the nature marriage. He found that Ms R had taken into account. We argued of marriage is, the primary focus no voluntary or willing commit­ that for the purposes o f the Act, a should be on financial commit­ ment, she was a slave or chattel, marriage-type relationship cannot ment. They said that, had it been and she had no financial depen­ be found to exist where there has necessary to consider the effect of dence. been no financial support. Battered Women’s Syndrome, this In a minority judgment, Judges Furthermore, a woman cannot would have been of some conse­ Gault and Henry declined the ap­ be found to have a commitment to quence, and it is a fact to be taken peal as they detected no ' error of the relationship just because she into account in determining of law’ in the District or High Court has been living with the man for a whether a relationship is in the decisions. They considered that long time, if it is a violent relation­ nature o f marriage. marriage should be given its ordi­ ship. When the sex was a series of Judge Thomas referred to the nary meaning and under that Ms rapes, there could not be said to be disastrous effects of violence R’s relationship fitted the tests of a sexual relationship for the pur­ against women and the extensive being a relationship in the nature poses of a marriage. Ms R’s impacts which it has on the basic of a marriage. They also found bonding to Mr T was terror - not rights o f women. He set out the that, despite no continuing com­ love, not emotional commitment facts of the violence in detail be­ mitment to the relationship on her to the relationship. cause, he said... part (because she was bonded by We also argued that the de­ “ 1 do not believe that anything fear and terror), she had not yet fence of necessity’ should be less can fully convey the horrific brought the relationship to an end, enlarged to include this type of nature of the battering relation­ so it was still a relationship at the situation. We cited a Canadian ship which Ms R endured, or time she claimed the benefit. They case where the court had allowed otherwise lead to an appreciation did not accept that in today’s con-

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 42 ditions financial interdependence relationship in the nature of a mar­ This case is an example o f the was an essential feature of a mar­ riage for social security purposes. role which women lawyers can and riage. Secondly, when assessing eli­ should be playing in balancing the Having made these state­ gibility for a benefit, the possible gender bias in our male ments, they nevertheless strongly Department of Social Welfare must dominated justice system and in deplored violence against women use genuine financial interdepen­ ensuring that issues of signifi­ in the home. They suggested that dence as the decisive fact in cance to women are put squarely the Director General of the De­ whether there is a relationship in before the courts. partment of Social Welfare change the nature o f marriage. ® DPB application forms to allow an Not decided in this case was assessment of whether there is whether a defence of necessity * First identified in a High Court financial support in a de facto could apply in these circum­ decision, Thompsons Department relationship. If there is not, then stances, or whether Battered o f Social Welfare (1994) 2 NZLR the Director General should exer­ Women’s Syndrome can be a de­ 369 cise his discretion in whether to fence to a criminal act. provide someone with a benefit.

This decision has had two very Financial interdependence is significant outcomes for women. Battered Women’s Syndrome critical before a relationship can has been extended in law. It is now relevant to an assessment of whether someone is living in a be regarded as a marriage, j

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BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 43 feature Domestic VIOLENCE and RETALIATION

he law was originally devel­ oped for and practised by men. It has to date embraced men’s reali­ ties and men’s needs, although this is beginning to change. More women, who are consumers of le­ gal services, are protesting about their negative experiences, and the numbers o f women practising law are increasing. The way the law has dealt with domestic violence, in the past, high­ lights this fact. Most domestic violence that comes to the atten­ tion of the legal services is perpetrated by men against women responds to domestic violence, she woman who retaliates does not and children - around 96% o f it. is likely to provoke social disap­ mean that her actions have to be Violence is used by men to exer­ proval. The law is interpreted and condoned. Appropriate interven­ cise power over and maintain implemented by members of this tion, support and education are control of women and children. disapproving society and decisions vital in preventing women from Historically society and the law are influenced by such public becoming so desperate that they chose not to interfere ‘behind views. too resort to violence. closed doors’ but increasing pres­ Women who have been sub­ It is important to distinguish sure from women’s organisations jected to prolonged violence do, between what is being done, and has brought about some change in on occasion, retaliate. Such a why, to a woman who is battered Aotearoa/New Zealand. woman may find the law is brought and what she is doing, and why, Campaigns have been con­ in by her provoker/abuser to ‘deal’ when she retaliates. Male violence ducted to increase public with her and used manipulatively against a female partner is about awareness, and efforts are being as another means to control her. the possession, power over and made by police and legal services Frequently the law treats these control of that woman. A man to respond to the needs of bat­ isolated actions by women with knows exactly what he is doing tered women and their children. far greater severity than it treats when he uses violence as a means Nevertheless, social attitudes re­ the constant violence they have to get his' woman to do what he sist change and battered women been subjected to. wants her to do. A woman’s retali­ are frequently the subject of preju­ Considering and understand­ ation usually occurs because she dice. No matter how a woman ing what is happening to a battered has been driven by fear and des-

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 44 peration to resort to drastic ac­ tion. She is generally unable to Women’s Action for Justice subject her partner to prolonged violence, nor is her violence likely Women's Action for Justice is a totally vol­ to make him fear for his life. She, however, may live in constant fear untary organisation which has formed in that her life or her children’s is in response to the plight of battered women danger from his prolonged, sys­ locked up in New Zealand prisons. At the time tematic violence. they were battered, the law was inadequately In Ann Jones’ introduction enforced and protection was negligible. These ‘Women whoKill’to Donna Ferrato’s women fought back and are now serving life book Living with the Enemy (Aper­ sentences. ture, 1991), she observes: You know women like these women - you “There are plenty o f other co­ meet them every day. They are mothers, ercive techniques one person can grandmothers, sisters, daughters, and the law use against another: bribery, ver­ has confined them to a prison cell because in bal abuse, lies, withholding of desperation they retaliated against their affection or sex or money, threats abuser. o f abandonment or violence, prop­ Women's Action for Justice is raising funds erty destruction, sexual assault and making resources available to enable and so on. Women use some of battered women in prison, who cannot obtain these techniques too, but it’s a legal aid, t^explore every possible avenue of rare woman who backs up her appeal, ‘nagging’ by blackening her As well 6s fund-raising, Women's Action for husband’s eyes or breaking his Justice is lobbying Government to provide arm or raping him. And never in legal aid for battered women who are in prison, history have women been entitled and to allow a statutory defence of 'self pres­ by law to do such things. When a ervation' which would be appropriate to the man commits such acts, on the reality of a battered woman who retaliates other hand, there’s little a woman against her abuser. can do to stop him, except give in. In terms of armaments, the battle If you feel strongly about the plight of bat­ between men and women is decid­ tered women in prison, please write to the edly one-sided.” (Writer’s Minister of Justice, the Attorney General and emphasis.) your local MP. If you are able to help these People who practise law un­ women pay their lawyer's bills, please send derstand a violent man’s defence contributions to: o f ‘provocation’ when, for example, Women’s Action for Justice, he says his partner has left him, PO Box 33 275, that she loves another man or he is Christchurch. sexually inadequate. The law does not understand the pressures that provoke a woman, cause her to act in desperation and commit a vio­ not a crime if the assaultive man Certainly some progress has lent act. Ann Jones points out assaults ‘his’ own woman. But if been made in New Zealand to­ that, “The odd thing is that the the woman defends herself that wards improving legal support for criminal justice system tradition­ act is a crime and the criminal women who are battered. How­ ally regards the crime of assault as justice system will punish her.” ever, there is little understanding

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 45 in law for the woman who retali­ who has suffered physical, sexual tory defence based on self preser­ ates, especially if she kills. The or emotional abuse at the hand of vation. media’s propensity to vilify such a a man is more likely to wait until It is important to place do­ woman and sensationalise her he is incapacitated by drink or mestic violence in context. It case, long before it ever gets to asleep, and the consequent delay occurs, for the most part, in the trial, does not help either. between the last violent word or home, which is supposed to pro­ In 1994 the Australian Law act and her retaliation is much vide shelter, safety and security Reform Commission found in its more likely to constitute premedi­ for the family. Child rearing is the report Equality before The Law: tation leading to a murder most important work that each Women’s Access To The Legal Sys­ conviction, rather than be generation is charged with - yet tem that ‘gender bias pervaded recognised as provocation. many women are struggling to the law and the practice of law.’ The organisation Justice for carry out this work in an environ­ The Victorian Law Reform Com­ Women in the United Kingdom ment where they, and their mission, in a 1988 report on has been dealing specifically with children, are often under siege and Homicide, has pointed out that this issue for some years and be­ in a society where they are blamed, provocation as a legal defence is lieves that a new defence of ‘self unsupported, and frequently not based on what things done or said preservation’ should be introduced believed. would be ‘sufficient to provoke a which, like provocation, would re­ It is imperative, not just for reasonable man’. Thus the basis duce a conviction from murder to the women who are battered but of provocation lies in ‘hot blooded manslaughter. This would be a for the next generation that they killings in the course of fights’. defence open to any person: are rearing, that the law and the Provocation as a legal defence ★ who kills a partner or someone practise of law supports them, pro­ requires three elements: in a familial or intimate rela­ tects them and that legal ★ The act of provocation tionship, and practitioners understand what is ★ The loss of self control ★ who has been subjected by that happening to them. If the law’s ★ Retaliation proportionate to the person to sexual and/or physi­ perception of events is blinkered provocation. cal abuse and intimidation, and by narrow definitions that are un­ The requirement of proportion­ ★ who has an honest belief that able to incorporate the context, ality is inherently gender biased there was no alternative. reality and respective size and because generally women are sim­ A petition was sent to the New strength of the parties concerned, ply unable to retaliate Zealand Parliament in December then the its ability to dispense spontaneously against a man’s su­ 1995 calling for the introduction justice is hobbled. It is vital that perior physical strength. A woman of legislation to provide a statu­ the law is amended. ( b)

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BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 46 Paganism

a fa itiifor fem inists? Helen Heliotrope

aganism offers feminists powerful males occupying the a meaningful alternative to pa­ top rank and the ‘undeserving triarchal religion. It is the belief poor’ filling the extensive bot­ that the entire universe is an tom rank. In between are evolving, interrelated, energy- layers of middle ranks - the force (or Deity). Although socio-economic middle class, pagans come in different vari­ women, children, and minor­ eties, they all believe that the ity groups of all kinds. The divine is present in the physi­ sub-systems of patriarchal cul­ cal world and in each and every ture also follow the ranking life-form. Pagans call this de­ model - religious, economic, ity the ‘Goddess’, or by one or political, legal, and educa­ more o f ‘Her’ many partial- tional systems are all manifestations, for example, hierarchical. Even the nuclear Isis, Aphrodite, Papatuanuku, family, the basic unit of patri­ Kali. Most pagans believe that archal culture, is rank-based. the male principle is also di­ Patriarchal ranking also per­ vinely represented in the form vades our morality - there is a of god (or Horned God or Green Man) or ‘His’ partial- hierarchy o f self-sacrifice and sinfulness - as are our manifestations, for example, Odin, Dagda, Pan. perceptions of normality and appropriateness - there Pagans believe that the world and the body, is a hierarchy of social and linguistic acceptability. rather than being a distraction from spirituality, are Given that patriarchy is about ranking and that part-and-parcel o f our spiritual awareness. The feminism is concerned with egalitarianism, it seems deepest expression of spirituality is the celebration illogical that feminists participate in and support the of life, of conscious awareness, and of our being part linchpins o f patriarchal culture; that is, traditional of the greater process of evolution. religious and economic systems. These function to Feminist Paganism is individual-psyche based serve the interests o f the upper ranks o f society and (‘the Goddess is within you’), and therefore is not to maintain the status quo; to explain the structures structured on a hierarchical model. By defining and operations of patriarchal society, and to ensure ‘Goddess’ as primal energy, with the intrinsic prop­ the social control of the population. erty of continuous evolution, feminists can opt out Christianity is a very patriarchal religion (as are of patriarchal religion and still meaningfully com­ Islam and Judaism). Its basic tenets and biases are mune with/relate to the Universe, knowing that their part o f our culture. ‘Christian feminists’ believe that spirituality is not in conflict with current scientific they can change patriarchal Christianity from within knowledge or with their commitments to the better­ - by changing inappropriate language (‘He’ becomes ment o f women, children, oppressed peoples, and ‘S/He’); by pushing for female priests; and by empha­ the Earth. sizing creativity over redemption, joy over sinfulness. Patriarchal culture is based on ranking, with Christian feminists believe that they can have their

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 47 no-one’ sums up Pagan ethics. This specialisations that separated the Feminist implies not self-centred individu­ individual from seasonal cycles alism, but giving consideration to favoured natural competitiveness, Paganism the effects one’s behaviour will especially in males. have on the external world. Following the Roman imposi­ is not Paganism is congruent with tion of Christianity, the Goddess modern science. The physical sci­ religion in European went under­ structured ences tell us that evolution is ground. It has re-emerged in the universal and nothing is fixed. The twentieth century with the envi­ on a universe is both self-organising ronmental movement, with and self-maintaining. It operates feminism; and with a resurgence hierarchical in a creative, open-ended way of interest in ESP and the occult within the boundaries of its own between the 1950s and mid-1970s. model. self-generated ‘laws’ (o f nature), Current Neo-Pagan groups show and shows no evidence o f follow­ characteristics of their founders - ing any blueprint by God-the-Father. some are feminist orientated; some cake and eat it too. That is, they are strongly environmental; some can retain ranking but make it are strictly traditional; and some gender-equal ranking. The Deity are very ‘new age’. Neo-Pagan still occupies the top rank, hu­ groups exist in the United States, mans still control society’s Canada, Australia, New Zealand, structure and functioning in the Finland and the Baltic Countries, usual way, but women get more Iceland and all of Europe. say in things than previously, and The social sciences tell us that Many feminists regard the God­ the Church becomes more nature- paganism is the ‘old religion’. Pa­ dess religion (Neo-Paganism) as friendly. In essence nothing really ganism was the religion of the another form of patriarchy. God­ changes, however. Ranking still world before patriarchy developed dess replaces God and, aside from reigns supreme: Goddess priests - around 5000 BCE. It was the reli­ a sort of nature-worship, every­ congregations - other people - liv­ gion of Paleolithic and Neolithic thing remains the same. This ing things - non-living things. peoples, of the gatherer-hunters overlooks several important facts: Modern Paganism involves the and the early agricultural societ­ For pagans the Goddess is syn­ revival and reinterpretation of old ies. These early Goddess onymous with nature and the pre-Christian beliefs and philoso­ worshippers had a written lan­ evolutionary process, and not with phies. While some Neo-Paganisms guage, multiple art forms, and the an external creator-or-the-universe. are hierarchical in structure, this rudiments or advanced forms of ▼ Feminist Neo-Pagans do not wor­ is more an intrusion of patriarchy all the skills found in modern so­ ship the Goddess/evolutionary than an inherent characteristic of ciety. They had a religion focused process. They celebrate life and Paganism itself. The traditional on regeneration and the natural nature. Pagan holistic view of the Uni­ cycles of the seasons and nature. ▼ Feminist Neo-Pagans do not hold verse and respect for diversity Their culture was female focused, with ‘power-ranking’. They are by means that each human is respon­ peaceful and nature orientated - definition anti-patriarchal and anti- sible for her/his own beliefs, and more egalitarian than any pa­ exploitative. They are pro-nature, spiritual development, and moral triarchal society to date. From pro-women and children, pro-di­ codes. The role of ritual-organiser 3000 BCE, population pressures versity, and pro-consensus. is temporary, a position given to and the invasions of patriarchal ▼ Feminist Neo-Paganism differs any pagan who undertakes to or­ tribes led to the replacement of from Christian Feminism and Cre­ ganize a social gathering or Pagan Goddess society with patriarchal ation Spirituality in the attitude to festival. ' Do as you will, but harm social structures. Occupational human culture. Creation spiritu-

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 48 ality sees culture as an extension world’s people had 2.3 percent of o f human control over the future - the world’s income but now have while Neo-Paganism sees culture 1.4 percent. The richest 20 per­ It is as an evolutionary experiment of cent of the world’s people have nature - and like the Universe it­ increased their share of the world’s illogical for self, a temporary phenomenon. wealth from 70 percent to 85 per­ That is, human creativity is cent. What is there for the lowest feminists bounded by the evolutionary pro­ ranks of society amidst the pov­ cess. erty, the violence, the disease, and to support Technological advances have the social and religious emphasis produced computers, robots, tele­ on material success and moral sin­ the linchpins vision, etc., all of which are fulness? The global village is contributing to the development spiritually empty. o f patriarchy: of world-communication and the This leaves a meaning-gap that phenomenon of a ‘global village’. Paganism can fill. Feminist Neo- traditional However, this village is patriar­ Paganism is good for mental health chal in structure. Rich countries and self-esteem; for the body; for religion exploit poorer countries, and the the victimised and scape-goated same hierarchy abounds within lower classes; and for the diver­ and countries. Recent United Nations sity o f species and for the Earth. statistics show that thirty years economics. ago the bottom 20 percent of the

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BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 49 regular G rip es o f 1Zo€h/ Margot Roth

At last. My true talents are to be work and are really uplifted by it. allowed to blossom. Until now, And it's when our fans are in­ the Broadsheet collective has ac­ spired to try to follow in our cepted my contributions (authors footsteps that they begin to un­ collection offers triumphalist sym­ often describe theirs as humble derstand a little of the Toil and bolism and multiple affirmative contributions but ever modest moi Trouble that accompanies the images in celebration of, in prefers to leave it to others to pass imaginative genius struggling for acknowledgement of, the eternal judgement)... and the trouble with perfectionin performance, whether absolutes love, death, the need to these long parentheses is that one this be singing and dancing, paint­ communicate, the need to believe.” loses the thread. On the whole ing and so on, acting or writing. This mere humble woman ar­ Broadsheet has classified my col­ The T and T may come (often) tiste wonders about those eternal umn as Current Affairs. As I don't from one's earthbound nearest and absolutes, because in her doubt­ want to be badgered by nosey- dearest; (more often) from lack of less crass view one such absolute parkers about who is currently money; from brusque computers; is the need to survive, which all the affairing with whom, even if moi from paternalistic ignorant crit­ love in the world can't guarantee were interested in such trivia, I ics. And no matter how often unless the material conditions are prefer it to be considered Current yours truly is hailed for producing there too. But though one's soul is Events But now that we have Femi­ another mistress piece, moi (self- in a state of permanent (if mourn­ nist Art as the theme of this issue, effacing as always) invariably has ful) poesy, one cannot honestly my imagination can really flow. Doubts. claim to be a poet as such (except (You can already tell that you're in My intuition reports (can a in one's own very private Journal) the presence of a true artiste by feminist artiste have feminine in­ and therefore may be too coarse­ the way I'm decorating the text tuition?) that you lot don't grained to appreciate and with italics.) The delicious dictio­ associate moi with the T&T re­ comprehend this example of over­ nary definition of artiste is ferred to above, but more with its heated prose. professional performer, esp. bubble bubble, just because one And here's a cultural critique singer or dancer’. so bravely conceals one's soul's from a letter to Quote Unquote And that's really moi as I sing dark turmoil. But conscientious which pointed out that some un­ and dance over the page, coura­ to a fault, your author sees it as a der-educated clever clogs at geous in moi's own little way, duty to follow, if possible, Impor­ Creative New Zealand (nee the Arts holding back the tears when con­ tant reviewers of Notable literary Council) had invented the new word fronted by the horrid rude artistry. But, dear reader, can you fora' as a plural o f Forum', a messages the computer sees fit to bring a feminist slant to the fol­ word that doesn't have a plural in send moi from time to time. Com­ lowing sentence by a Landfall its original Latin. (An ordinary s is puters are so masculine, don't you contributor writing about another added if we want to multiply a think? They have no conception chap's poetry? forum.) of the sensitivities, or the vulner­ ”A gathering-in of disparate Let's hear then our stra on abilities of us womanly creative pieces which touch base theme- pulsating dra by all us girl cha artistes nurturing artistic appre­ wise with the rest of his various singing praise of our ma who be­ ciation among countless others output of published prose and po­ have with decora while despising who view and read or hear our etry and exhibited pictures, the false fora. (§)

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 50 regChristchurch ula r

C om m en t Pat Rosier

The first anniversary of the death there was a panel of young women, Mina McKenzie (Rangitane), I o f my daughter Helen has been chaired by Jenny Coleman, newly thought, “How come I have not and gone. The rimu tree we planted appointed lecturer in Women’s heard of this woman before?” The at the service we had here at the Studies at Massey University. first woman, and the first Maori to house has grown a good 15 Donna Matahaere (Ngai Tahu), become a museum director in New centimetres. There was a time in Lennie Court, Francesca Alice and Zealand, she has a unique and winter when I thought it might Jenny Collet spoke to the theme of multi-faceted insight into ‘cultural have died, it went all brown and the conference, ‘WomenintheNine­ property’ issues. looked lifeless. But no, it is thriv­ ties and Beyond’. They were a And there was Huia Jahnke ing in its cocoon of shade cloth. I group of active (and activist), in­ (Nga Kahunugnu), who talked of am glad o f that. telligent, articulate, forthright her in-depth research with six Maori The Women’s Studies Asso­ women with strong ideas on their women who work in education. ciation conference this February, place in feminism and the world. Again, it is the layers and com­ at Massey University in Palmerston It was exhilarating to listen to plexities of their lives, the realities North, was the first for over two them give the lie to the over­ encompassed in a ‘sound-bite’ ap­ years. I went, o f course. ‘Of generalisation that young women proach, that are so fascinating and course’ because I have been going don’t care about or are not inter­ so important to any genuine un­ to Women’s Studies conferences ested in feminism and social derstanding of the issues. since 1980. It was a smaller con­ justice. There was much more to ference than earlier ones in terms Later in the conference I went stimulate and inform me. Like the o f the numbers attending, and to Donna Matahaere’s paper ‘Voice address by Kristin Bervig Valen­ large in what the presenters of­ and the burden of representation’. tine from Arizona State University fered. It was an academic paper, in diffi­ on narrative and story-telling. In some years Maori women cult language, and I experienced She’s here as a visiting scholar. If involved in the organising of the that thrill and exhilaration that you get a chance to hear her, don’t conference have decided to have a comes from having to apply my miss it. And Judi Pattison and separate or parallel conference. full attention to follow ideas and Alexandra Stephens with a This was not the case in Palmerston thoughts that challenge the ‘re­ tantalisingly short time to discuss North this year and the most ceived wisdom’, that make issues ways of involving women in ‘de­ memorable sessions I attended more complex, more accurately veloping’ countries in agricultural were presented, in whole or in expressed. Donna’s paper was research and development. part, by Maori women. The pres­ about what happens when a Maori And...I’ve run out o f space. There ence throughout the conference woman becomes any kind of were over 40 presentations in all. o f Ephra Garrett (Te Ati Awa), a spokesperson or ‘voice’ for Maori And the debate at the Women’s doyen o f wom en’s studies at women; she becomes a (false) ‘rep- Studies Association AGM about Massey, was a forceful reminder resentative’ of and for Maori men contributing to the Women’s that women’s studies in New women. (This in no way does jus­ Studies Journal. Damn, I’m over Zealand has a rich history. tice to the paper.) my word limit. Find someone who On the opening Friday night Listening to keynote speaker was there and ask them! (§)

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 51 BOOKREVIEW

THE SILIC O N TONGUE Beryl Fletcher Spinifex Press, 1996

From the first page of this novel, I’m won over with the ‘meeting’ of Alice, an old woman telling her life story to an oral historian. Alice has a wonderful turn of phrase and, through her, the setting for this book is laid down in a thoughtful, yet inspiring manner. The Silicon Tongue weaves through the gious organisation. At the orphanage Alice stories of a family of four generations of meets Emily, a young girl who has realised mothers and daughters. But this family has the need to pretend to play to the rules of not evolved in any kind of ‘normal’ way. those in charge while quietly sabotaging Rather it has been ripped apart at the seams them. It is with the help o f Emily that Alice again and again by the social norms of each is included in a ‘shipment’ of young women generation that punish so called ‘bad moth­ to New Zealand. ering’. Initially life in New Zealand is okay for Each generation faces conception out­ Alice and Emily, as good as it can be for two side the norm - and the grief and difficulties young working class women. But the brutal­ that follow and are overcome. ity of the times for young working class The childhood of Alice, a great-grand­ women with no family or money soon comes mother now, is the first and dominant story to the fore. Rape and murder result. Alice in The Silicon Tongue. She is asked to tell her ends up married to a man who is not the story because an oral historian is gathering father of her child (and knows it). And so the stories about the domestic servants that story moves on. came to New Zealand from Britain in the Author Beryl Fletcher uses her chapter 1930s. Alice has agreed because she has a structure to intercut the stories of Alice, her need for her daughter Joy to hear her story daughter Joy, and later those o f the oral and forgive her for the decisions she made. historian and her lover. Alice’s early story is one of oppression By doing this, she moves you between and vulnerability. From the start Alice had the present and the past o f all characters. little chance to make any choices in life. She However, at no time does it get confusing. was the child of an unmarried servant, whose She deftly uses the present to reset the scene father was almost definitely one of the males in each chapter. in the household where her mother worked. Joy has also experienced great grief and Her mother Elva was eventually kicked sorrow in her life. The reader meets her as out of the house and they ended up on the she is trying to trace her child, put into a street. The upshot was Elva turning to drink in despair and Alice ending up in an Strokes <5- A orphanage run by a reli­

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 52 closed adoption over 30 years ear­ lier. This tragedy has made her incredibly resentful towards her INTERVIEW mother Alice. Yet we readers know Angela McCarthy the motivations behind Alice’s talks to author behaviour over Joy’s baby, once again conceived out of wedlock. Beryl Fletcher This development in the book is handled extremely well by Beryl about her latest novel Fletcher who gives the reader, as a THE SILIC O N TONGUE ‘fly on the wall’, knowledge of the motivations behind both women’s decisions. he Silicon Tongue is an interesting tale o f technology, women Another layer is added by the and storytelling - why such topics? oral historian Wendy and her lover I am very interested in the changes this century with women’s Isobel. The dilemma of revealing storytelling. For a long time women’s stories were orally family secrets and history is ex­ transmitted, but then women got hold of books and literature plored through Wendy, who in a big way. And now as we near the end o f the century, there wonders whether Alice should is a new tool of communication, the Internet. So I decided to open up old wounds by telling Joy write a book about a old woman who becomes obsessed with the true story of her existence. computers. I wanted to take on the new technology and debunk Through the book, Beryl the myth that old women can’t understand computers and Fletcher shows how everyone has technology. Communications technology is the marker of our a different perception of events - a age - like or leave it. different reality or truth. This is You have a real passion for the Internet? particularly well demonstrated Yes, I think it’s wonderful, even though a lot o f it is juvenile male through Pixel, Alice’s great-grand­ crap. It is a way of transcending the human body and going out daughter, who is a net-head who into the Internet as a mind. That’s what you are out there - a sometimes wears a barcode on her mind. head, as depicted on the books It’s a great resource for a writer because you have access to cover. She seems to spend more people who tell you about their lives. But I don’t think it will ever time on the internet than in ‘real’ take away from face to face relationships. I see it as something life, yet her understanding of what that adds to life and I believe more and more women are getting is going on is very intuitive. into it. This novel points out how It is also being used in stupid ways but what’s new? It’s like much women’s lives can be af­ the pornography on the ‘Net. Most of it is like smutty 14 year old fected by their roles as conceivers boy jokes. Amazon nudes and stuff like that. Quite boring. and mothers. By exploring these There are some great women sites on it. I look at sites like roles through her characters, Beryl WebGirlz and Virtual Sisterhood. There is a weird chapter of a Fletcher raises the question of the newsgroup called Out Feminism which is all men saying how power of love and the need to have horrible women are and how women shouldn’t have abortions. a connection to other people, It’s great, I love putting rude comments in that site. whether it be biological or other­ When did you first get into the ‘Net? wise. It is a well written, readable Back in 1993. It was just starting and there were no pictures, just book, full of characters with depth, text on DOS. Now it’s all on Windows, which makes it much energy and personality. easier. I use it to get all kinds of information and advice, like Angela McCarthy a pharmaceutical site I visit frequently to get information on things - like the side effects of a drug, for example.

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 53 Is it possible to use the technology to get revenge as have all been lost. Pixel does in the book? In the book you show how events are not only different Yes. I invented that particular virus she uses, but from person to person but from generation to genera­ yes, it is possible. There are great possibilities for tion. revenge. You don’t need to spill blood, you just get Yes. A good example of that is the rape scene, which the buggers on the ‘Net. Any smart person can put occurs in 1940. When Alice was raped she said, a virus on the computer. I love the idea o f nice clear “Well, I guess my dress was too tight.” There’d be revenge - virtual revenge. No one gets hurt and you very few women in New Zealand now who’d say that, feel satisfied. and if they did, others would remark about it and say But The Silicon Tongue is more than a revenge novel. that isn’t true. In those days, any woman that turned The revenge is there because I couldn’t have Joy as a a guy on was seen as causing the problem. Men were victim. I had to give her a way to pay back. I get sick seen to be out of control and if something happened o f these books where women are losers, so my it was because women didn’t control the male. I do women win. Alice wins by surviving and having her think that idea has changed a lot, thank goodness, story documented. Joy wins by finding her daughter but that was the current ideology and that was and a job, and she takes revenge on her boss through terrifying because whatever happened, the women the virus. got the blame. Men couldn’t lose. In the book, you write from a number o f different The difference in viewing events between Alice and peoples’ point of view - Joy, Alice and Isobel. How Joy is very/ strong over the baby. difficult was that? Alice knew bloody well that Joy couldn’t look after It’s a hard but challenging form of writing. You’ve that baby on her own, but emotionally she never always got to say who is speaking, especially when helped Joy deal with it. Women in those days had you’re writing in the first person. You have to be very miscarriages or gave babies up and they were never clear in your own mind as to whose point of view allowed to talk about it again. you’re covering. I don’t believe in secrets, let’s get it out in open Alice’s story is very sad in parts....was it based on any and deal with it. Like the latest issues around fertility story you knew? and surrogacy - let’s look at choices. We don’t need It was total invention but it is a common story, a mix the moral brigade coming in and saying what should of women’s stories. I’ve spent the last 30 years or shouldn’t be done. What we need is discussion so listening to women’s stories - 1 really love talking to we can make choices. old women and find their stories absolutely fascinat­ You offer an interesting angle on such issues in The ing. We live in a golden age compared to women living Silicon Tongue. in the first part o f this century, we really do. I think we’ve got another horror story on our hands. Why have each woman telling their own story'? We don’t even have any legislation here yet around I have the same events seen through different eyes surrogacy. Dianne Yates has a Private Members Bill because that’s what happens in reality. Your memo­ underway to ban the sale o f body parts including ries of things and the way you tell your stories about sperm and eggs. A lot of information is anecdotal something can be quite different from the other but there does seem to be enormous trade in embryos person involved in the same event. and surrogacy and its quite frightening. Joy certainly sees things very differently from her Pixel isn’t frightening though. She’s fascinating. mother. \ou have to put both points of view. I have the Joy was a hound when she was young and had a baby grandmother saying that Pixel is a tenant, not one of when she was 15. But the shock of having the baby us, not of our blood. taken away meant she became Miss Straight. Yet no Yet Alice comes around and grows to love Pixel - why matter how much she tries to fit in at work, she still did you do that? ends up in the shit. She’s bewildered, she’s a woman That’s the power of being a fiction writer. I wanted who is defined by a lack. Everything society defines to show four points of view and I’m very interested as the sign o f a good woman - baby, husband, job - in the issues of blood and kinship and who belongs

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 54 to who. I think it’s a vital human issue, because own mother’s life, because what I know is really quite people do care deeply about it. People like to know superficial. You get fragments, you can’t see it like their past and who and where they’ve sprung from in watching a movie. I’d love to get into my mother’s terms o f kinship, language, country, culture. I had head and see what it was like for her growing up. this sudden bizarre vision of people wandering around Is there a bit o f her in Alice? the world trying to trace where their egg and sperm Yes, she lived in a community o f women a bit like came from. I really do think that will happen. that. There was a strong sense o f the women getting So I constructed Pixel. She knew she came from together. They were very subversive. Those women her birth mother who is also her sister. And she says, knew all about abortion and how to deal with things I’m here now, so what are you going to do to me? And using things like hot baths and gin, pennyroyal tea. there is no simple answer. In the book, most o f the women are living alone. Do you think the advances in fertility control are evil, Yes, I did that quite deliberately. then? Why? No. All I’m saying is that as q community we need to It has been my observation that the sad lonely widow debate these issues carefully. We should debate image isn’t true. In fact there is often a renewal of whether women in their sixties should be fertilised. enjoyment of solitude. To be alone emotionally, We need to understand what fertility drugs do to our physically and financially is something women bodies. We don’t know these things, we don’t know haven’t been allowed to do for hundreds of years. the truth about these things. As a community, we And now women are relearning the pleasure of being should decide whether we want to do it, whether alone. If you’ve always got other people around you, there should be freedom of choice, and whether the you’re not tested and when you’re tested you make children who are born this way should be told the real choices. If you’re not scared of being by your­ truth. That is all I’m saying. self, you can walk away from a bad relationship and Pixel is loved, she is fine. She hates the body and I think that is a huge liberation. loves the abstract mind. I leave her in the novel on We’re kept in check by fear o f rape and living a note of hope that she will enter reality more. alone in a house. Once you know you can survive I don’t see her as dysfunctional, but as fun. I like alone, it is an ultimate freedom. It is absolutely Pixel. She has a tattoo on her face but it’s a wash off. important. It is all trickery, all appearance. She’s a woman of our The women in The Silicon Tongue all live alone age in that way because she sends up the appearance for at least some period of their life - some find it issue. great and some grieve over it. Why is there an attraction between Alice and Pixel? Technology is keeping people connected too? I concentrated on the very old and very young. Alice The ‘Net offers women a way of talking to other can’t forgive her own daughter but she falls in love women that they normally wouldn’t meet and that is with this weird cyberpunk because for one thing, neat. I have a friend aged 65 who is a real ‘Net head. Pixel is fairly interested in Alice’s life. She wants to I read an interesting theory that women have a very make it into a virtual game and Alice is flattered. practical approach to the ‘Net. They use it to get Alice’s own daughter has always called her a liar something whereas men have much more emotional about her past, told her she read too many books and relationship with it. It is a generalisation, but I do has exaggerated her past. think there is truth in it. Yes, you set that up very early on in the book, that One woman I know is corresponding regularly sense of not believing by the daughter. with Moslem women and she is learning so much But Pixel is saying wow, let’s recreate your past, it is about that culture. You can correspond about all history. sorts of things - it cuts across all sorts of boundaries. I always had this fantasy about what it would be You could also get a range o f people in there deliber­ like for my kids to relive my life and see what it was ately sabotaging information too, couldn’t you? like to be me and why I made the choices I made. I Oh, yes. But then what is new? That happens to also have often wanted to have known more of my people all the time in the media and in corporations.

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 55 EXHIBITION REVI EW HERSTORY Taking the his out of history By M IR IA M SAPHIRA Janet Fraser the arena, cultural taboos around The mixed medium technique she discussing such matters and pro­ uses involves snippets of texts hibitions on the language needed taken from recognisable literary meant that bias and resistence to works, pieces of half-tone images argument were built in to the battle. from covers o f 1950s lesbian pulp Collective silence was the enemy. fiction, and oil painting, built up Women needed to free up social through layers of screenprinting. spaces (and services) in which to The medium supports the mes­ Miriam Saphira is known to many heal and to reclaim themselves. sage where she puts materials and o f us as a feminist activist. She Miriam's activism was largely context together in the service of has played a significant role in mediated through a creative identity. It works as a postmodernist spearheading the movement to­ struggle with language, in order to strategy to encourage us to not only ward widespread recognition and formulate effective arguments. It enjoy the art at the level of abstrac­ addressing of violence against was an artful agenda aimed at tion but to also to read her work in women and children - domestic challenging the ideologies which recognition of difference. violence, rape, incest. Legislative stereotyped sexuality and located In Taking The His Out O f His­ reform and the setting up of sup­ women within rigid frameworks tory, Miriam rejects essentialist port services such as Rape Crisis of reference and existence. The definitions of women, hopelessly Centres and Women's Shelter Net­ drive which was, and is, behind bound to masculinist philosophies works are some of the visible her activism can also be seen in and theoretics encoding the femi­ outcomes of her contribution to the call for symbolic reform nine as biologically determined and the movement. Less visible but through 'a politics of enuncia­ in opposition to him self. By perhaps more significant are the tion', evident in her latest body of rejecting naturalised definitions shift in public perception o f these (art) work at the Oedipus Gallery. o f male/female and by asserting a issues, and their politicisation. The imagery Miriam produces lesbian identity in terms of These achievements are no is positive, textually layered, difference,she challenges the capi­ small feat. At the time she entered colourful and emotively uplifting. talist instinct to homogenise,

INTERVIEW b e r y l FLETCHER

The ‘Net is a patriarchal place, let’s not mince words, to do the same with the ‘Net. Get in there. Claim that but we need to get in there and make a claim. Women space, go everywhere. have to get in there. What are you writing about now? I used to think I would never go to a mixed gym I’m working on my fourth book - it’s about taking a and work out, but then I decided I should because I community from another era and bringing them into wanted to use their equipment, which was much the modern time. It’s about desperation to live with better than what I was using. We need to recolonise your own kind and not be too individual. and go in there. In the 1970s we went in to men-only bars and didn’t care if we got chucked out, we have

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 56 colonise and neutralise gender in its service, and woman in her place. BOOK To define a lesbian identity REVIEW Miriam dislocates it from the het­ erosexual imperative defining the NINE PARTS OF DESIRE: woman at the level o f desire.' I am THE HIDDEN WORLD OF ISLAMIC WOMEN not a woman, I'm a lesbian', was Geraldine Brooks Monique Wittig's famous state­ Doubleday, 1995 ment. If a woman is socially constructed as the object of male “Almighty God created sexual desire in ten parts; then he gave nine desire, then a lesbian is 'other parts to women and one to men.” than woman', for a woman is not Geraldine Brooks uses this quote from Islamic Shiite leader Ali to only an object of desire, she is also begin her book on the hidden world of Islamic women. It is an apt the object of another lesbian de­ illustration of the underlying misogyny of the world’s fastest growing sire. religion, but does not explain why it appeals to so many middle class It is little wonder that Miriam Islamic women. I use the term middle class deliberately for although Saphira's work attracted a shal­ few women get to choose Islam as a religion, those who do are unlikely low, scathing and fatuous review to be at the bottom o f most societies. from Keith Stewart (Sunday Star This was the question I began the book with, and one I wanted 14-2-97). His comments reflect answered since a good friend’s conversion to Islam over a year ago. Her not only an extraordinary level of subsequent withdrawal from former friends, interests and beliefs had old fashioned misogyny, but a left me intrigued and piqued. basic ignorance of the political Geraldine Brooks’ book went some way towards helping me under­ role o f art. stand the religion’s appeal to the fervent as, despite differences across The life o f art, and also its history and culture, the emotional motivations and zeal are not specialness, demand that we par­ dissimilar. She describes a fundamentalist Islam in revolt at imported ticipate. It demands a level of western values and ideologies, but whose dogmatic faith in basic tenets activism in order to make it mean­ and a vision of the ‘one true path’ parallels that of fundamentalist ingful. Saphira's awareness of this Christianity. is evident in the 'storical' refer­ With a journalist’s nose for the best people to tell her story, she ences to our own herstories, in her depicts the contradictory political, religious and cultural forces shap­ hommage to the Paris women ing Islamic women’s lives from Malaysia to Pakistan. Colette and Romaine Brookes, Arriving in Egypt in 1987 as foreign correspondent for the Wall Hannah Gluckenstein and Rosa Street Journal, Geraldine soon finds her gender excludes her from the Bonheur, a literary reference to adventurous story seeking she had anticipated. Her frustration leads Lucie Marcha, the sources taken her to realise that the other world of Islam - its hidden women - could from the biographies of Holly­ be a rich source of material and an in-road into understanding the wood lesbians Marlena Dietrich, fundamentalist revolution she sees happening all around her. Mercedes D'Acosta and Greta She begins with her yuppie Egyptian secretary, who overnight gives Garbo, and the characters from up a sophisticated lifestyle for the austerity of chador, the black shroud lesbian pulp fiction in an artful worn head to heel by fundamentalist women. construction of difference and Her quest to understand Islamic women criss-crosses the Middle identity, for our pleasure. East, Africa and Asia. The voices she records include the women The exhibition was well sup­ guerrillas of Eritrea who, when freedom is won, return to villages where ported and was well worth the their emancipation is despised; the American wife of an Islamic visit. For women who didn’t get Republic scion who believes her Californian sensuality will keep her there before it closed on 22 Febru­ husband docile but ends up a virtual prisoner in their home; and radical ary - perhaps next time. Lebanese women attending a revolutionary conference in chador who

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 57 in the privacy o f their hotel suite dictions she comes across. Most Geraldine goes looking for the reveal themselves clad in flimsy reveal the misogyny and patriar­ reformist zeal about women that lingerie and minus a single body chal power structures that characterised aspects of early Is­ hair - as much victims o f a pre­ dominate modern Muslim lam but finds scarce evidence o f it scribed sex appeal as any Western women's lives. The reader be­ in the present. Instead she finds women. comes intrigued by the dichotomy the greatest hope for change in the Interwoven through these Islam represents for women - the nascent feminism of devout Ira­ women’s tales are the historical tantalising offer of security based nian women who, working behind antecedents of their situations - on their reproductive role, con­ the safety of their chadors, are the Koran and more particularly trasted with the rights they give making a case for women’s rights. Mohammed’s hadith. Mohammed, up. Because no matter what academic Islam’s sixth century prophet, gen­ To the Western woman strug­ or political reproofs are levelled at erated a massive body of anecdotal gling to manage home, career and Islam by its women critics, unless traditions about his life, and these family while her unpaid domestic those same women ‘flaunt their hadith subsequently became the labour goes largely unacknowl­ piety’ they are ignored by the male second most important source of edged, the status accorded the role religious establishment. religious instruction for the Is­ of wife and mother under Islam At the book’s end I was left lamic faithful after the Koran. cannot be totally ignored. How­ with the familiar, bitter taste of Ironically Geraldine recreates ever, it is to Geraldine’s credit as a men’s power over women and the Mohammed as a man who perhaps journalist that she shows us just enduring contradiction of a reli­ loved women too much. After his what Muslim women sacrifice in gion which sets no limits on the first wife’s death he eventually its place - the freedom to interact sex married couples can enjoy, but accumulated nine wives and had equally with men across the whole which condones genital mutilation increasing trouble coping with gamut of human experience - sexu­ for girls, removing their later abil­ them. As the jealousy, intrigue ally, intellectually, spiritually and ity to enjoy that pleasure. and scandal mounted, so did his materially. Shonagh Lindsay visions on women’s role in the new religion. The prophet was com­ manded to seclude his wives. They were to live behind curtains and BOOKREVIEW only go out when totally shrouded. Tragically, however, many of these messages from God - meant ANGEL IN GOD’S OFFICE: MY WARTIME DIARIES.. only for the prophet’s wives - were Neva Clarke McKenna gradually applied to other Muslim Tandem Press, 1996. women, eventually filtering through to Arabia and its You saw the film War Stories? In Gaylene Preston’s film, Neva Clarke neighbouring lands. But as Brooks McKenna describes being almost raped by three Palestinian soldiers in observes, Islam did not have to Italy during World War 2. The mental picture of her standing in a field mean the oppression of women. in the dark, clad in only a sanitary towel, as the soldiers who interrupted So why did it absorb almost every the attempted rape pursue her attackers, is one o f the vivid images anti-women custom it came across remaining with me from that film. That experience was not the only, nor over the course of history? even the most distressing, of all that happened to her during the war. Unfortunately, Geraldine Neva was one of the first three women to travel overseas in the Brooks’ book lacks the theoretical Clerical Division of the New Zealand Women’s Auxiliary Corps. While analysis with which to answer this in Italy she kept diaries, which were later copied and given to the question. She writes lucidly and Turnbull Library and to her son John Clarke (of Fred Dagg fame). When ironically about the many contra­ Gaylene Preston told him o f her plans to make a film of ‘the war stories

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 58 our mothers never told us’, he produced the diaries, and her origi­ BOOK nal intention to exclude women on REVIEW ‘active service’ was abandoned. Neva McKenna Clarke appeared in the film and the interest it aroused STICK FIGURE established an audience for the A Personal Journey Through Anorexia and Bulimia diaries. Christine Fontana We have been told (some) Hill of Content Publishers, 1996 men’s stories and histories of war, but the quiet heroisms of survival This is Christine’s personal story, written in diary form, o f her struggle amid disruption, deprivation and with anorexia and bulimia nervosa. It is written in five parts, each the death o f others has tended to detailing her life through the stages of anorexia, recovery and then to be ignored. These diaries detail bulimia. With sometimes frightening detail, Christine describes the the day-to-day realities of the last feelings, thoughts and obsessions that are an integral part of eating world war, for soldier and civilian, disorders. occupier and occupied in Italy, as “I find vicarious pleasure in food. There is joy in watching others a New Zealand woman saw and enjoy it. There is joy in reading about meals, in watching meals on TV, responded to them. The diary in watching other people eat, in imagining dinner scenes as little skits format maintains an immediacy, in your head. I read recipe books, looks at pictures of food, and breathe helping to bridge the fifty-year gap, in the aromas o f bakeries as I pass them." as does her her emotional hon­ This book provides a real insight into what goes on in the mind of esty. The good times, the a person experiencing eating disorders, in particular the distorted/ friendships, the humour and the disordered logic. humorous are there, but desola­ The complexities of an eating disorder often go unnoticed, as tion and anger form a powerful graphically portrayed by Christine’s struggle to find an identity for thread through the book, as land herself and trying to separate out from her family. There is the constant and homes are destroyed, men die good person/bad person internal dialogue that occurs daily as life goes or are damaged. on, yet seemingly passes you by. While you try to concentrate on work In her brief foreword, the au­ or home when all you can really think about is food, food and more food thor claims to be far too sceptical - when your next binge will be, what you will be consuming. Or how to to imagine the book ‘will alter the avoid eating with the family that night, so that your weight loss can be thinking of anyone with power or maintained. And, as Christine states, it is well recognised that many ambition’, but she does ‘hope a anorexics go on to develop bulimia, and that, unlike anorexia, there is spark will flicker in someone some­ nothing glamorous about bulimia nervosa. where’. Her resilience and strength “You will be hard pressed to find a bulimic who is proud o f herself, are central to the book, but so too, or who is happy with her life as it is. ” is the painful stupidity of war. Stick Figure is a well written book, and especially disturbing if you The title? In Italy, Neva worked too suffer from an eating disorder. Disturbing because here are your for the military secretary, the man same thoughts and feelings mirrored on every page for all to read. who decided whether officers in However, there is the comfort o f acknowledging that you are not alone the Division would be ‘promoted, in your dilemma. It is also a book that will prove beneficial to those demoted, transferred, decorated’, involved in the care and support o f those grappling with the addiction a man so powerful he was known of an eating disorder. Christine is to be applauded for her courage in as God. His clerical staff were writing such a personal account. It is a strong testimony to her on­ therefore ‘angels in God’s office’. going recovery. Claire-Louise McCurdy Sian McEwen

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 59 COMMENT

Where have all the men gone , headlined Weekend Books, a regular column in the New Zealand H e ra ld (17 August 1996), The columnist, Gordon McLauchlin, asserted, "Women's writina is becoming so dominant in New Zealand that the literary voice of men can hardly be heard '' Author of the novel. Fat, Raewyn Alexander was quoted in this column. Here she reflects on w hat she might have said had she known the position the interviewer was going to take DO WOMEN TALK TOO LOUD?

I went to see a show earlier this year I imagine publishers look for with the idea women are drowning entitled Monologue of a Madwoman what will sell and support that. out men’s work? What is there to be (or Difficult Women). It arrived here Knowing publishers’ interest in the afraid of? Do we see men being fresh from the Edinburgh Arts Fes­ money side of things, their experi­ ghettoised, made to take on a tival. Linn Van Hek and Joe Dolce ence in the fiscal dance, it wouldn’t woman’s name to be noticed, as resurrected female artists, mainly be any other way. If the work is not Dustin Hoffman in Tootsie became writers, who have been belittled, up to the mark, then fewer books a female to get an acting job? Or is maligned or ignored in our recent will see the bookshop shelves. They it that views held as gospel are now past. We were shown the strength don’t print female writing because being set alongside contrary views? and vitality in these women’s work, that’s what they see, they print Don’t we have a mountainous pile despite a climate of destructive what they think is good. of men’s work stretching back for forces. Sylvia Plath. Virginia Wolf- I read books I like. For decades centuries? And despite a recent who was denied entry to the univer­ I barely read women writers, then I surge in women being published, in sity library due to her sex. She consciously sought them out, for a New Zealand a glance at best-sell­ wrote anyway. We write anyway. year or two. It was a complex and ers’ lists shows mostly male names We triumph anyway. We would do difficult search. I enjoy writing as authors. so more easily, and for the good of which challenges and excites me, I read recently about an ava­ us all, if we did not have to contend something that gets me thinking, lanche of women’s books being with the idea that there isn’t enough beyond romance or adventure. I published, as if these stories about room, enough eyes to read or ears was rewarded with some fine jour­ love affairs, religious experiences, to hear our work. neys into all kinds of worlds, the sex industry and more, are to There’s an infinite variety of inspiring. Now I find I don’t think become a pile of rocks on the tomb voices on this earth. The validity of too much at all about the sex of an o f dead male writers. Come now, these voices is ultimately tested by author, but more about the story are women really so heavy? Any the audience. As long as the work they tell. Then I may look at the man worried about women’s writ­ is made available, people may de­ person who has created the book. ing burying male writing should cide on its value. As a writer myself I know I may take out some insurance. It re­ I was recently presented with be anyone, anything, when I write. quires no premium, just dedication the idea that so many women are I can write as a rock or a piece of to the art of writing and stretching being published now, men cannot ocean if I wish. I may be male, yourself a little further than before be heard. Various possible reasons female, a man who wishes to be a each time you put pen to paper, or for the plethora of female writing woman, a woman who has forgot­ tap-tap the keyboard. Hard work were put forward. It was consid­ ten herself so much she believes isn’t something I’m afraid of. It ered that more women write than she is a demon, or an angel... ensures my own satisfaction, and men. Perhaps more women get Are we to quibble over who is so far it’s meant I get published. accepted for publication. I doubt if writing, or what is being written? Raewyn Alexander there are statistics to confirm or Are we interested in dividing our deny this. fragile community against itself

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 60 FILM REVIEW

THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT starring Geena Davis and Samuel L. Jackson, directed by Renny Harlin.

For anyone with a capacity to sus­ a s trid e , pend their politics for enjoyment she hauls and who has the heart and .head the child for the classic Hollywood Lethal to her Weapon-type non-stop action feet, brushes her down and in a no- into the murky underworld of es­ thriller film, this is not to be nonsense tone tells her that life’s pionage, Intelligence, federal missed. Generally speaking I do a school o f hard knocks, sweet­ politics and economic policy - a not. However, I can say without heart, so get used to it and get on world where truth and reality is equivocation that it is one hell of with it. arbitrary and where trust is weak­ a film. Samantha recognises that ness; a world where the boundaries Geena Davis (remember these episodes are driven by the between sanity and psychopathy Thelma and Louise) is indisput­ dark and compelling instinct of are fragile and artlessly merged. ably the power force in this film, in another persona, which is not only We learn from this film, how­ which she is unutterably and confusing but threatens to disin­ ever, that while the psychopath is objectifiably gorgeous, though tegrate the bonds o f trust that always unpredictable, he/she is perhaps bordering the insane. form the basis of the family rela­ predictably dangerous; but also She portrays Samantha Caine, tionships. that there exists a space where a suburban school teacher whose She decides to seek out her consciousness exceeds such in­ idyllic life with a fashionably past to recover and resolve this stinct, with a potential for sanity sensitised and near-perfect male disturbing aspect of her alter-ego. to prevail over decisions and and her well-adjusted 8 year old The gradual paring back of her choices. This is cleverly bought to daughter Caitlin (impressively per­ identity uncovers Charly, a highly our attention when Charly, at the formed by a young Yvonne Zima, trained federal machine for US height of her blood-lust, is forced previously Rachael in ET) is rudely Intelligence, presumed dead until to abandon her mania in favour of punctuated by episodic events of her great and unwitting exposure responsibility, in order to rescue bizarre behaviour completely at on national television as Santa in a her child kidnapped by her mur­ f odds with herself. The audience Christmas Parade. She is accom­ derous pursuant, an ex-lover called will find these personality panied in this journey by a Timothy. It is again evident when dyscrasias perfectly believable and deadbeat private detective, Mitch Timothy is forced to consider the may well find themselves identify­ Hennessy (performed by Samuel value of Caitlin’s life in view of his ing with them, such as the scene Jackson, otherwise known to us as paternity. For a brief moment as where Caitlin falls while ice-skat­ the bible-toting hitman in Pulp Fic­ he adjusts his focus to look into ing. As she lies whimpering at her tion). her eyes, a fleeting hint o f recogni­ mother’s feet, Samantha’s primary Samantha is systematically tion is evident. With his back protective impulse shifts abruptly discarded as Charly’s re-entry into turned, however, he dispassion­ from the caring and doting her life is accompanied by a series ately relinquishes her fate to the (s)mother to the Other. Standing of predicaments which take her higher agenda of espionage and

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 61 destruction. technical excellence of The absence of the film. women other than There are some Geena in the film is amusing and quirky glaringly evident, but little asides to Thelma perhaps not totally and Louise, no doubt without reason for to redress some of the there is little space for criticisms levelled at ‘the woman’ in such a the film. In one of the script. All the same, it closing scenes, Geena would be inappropiate (presumably to write off Geena’s Samantha) casually role in this film as drives across the vast mere tokenism. While Geena may forms of representation. American landscape behind the not be representative of what radi­ Presumably her ability to wheel of a Thunderbird convert­ cal feminists o f the 1970s had in achieve this is associated with the ible, hood down, sunnies and scarf mind for women, she exists as a fact that the film director, Renny on. Along with this, her penchant result o f such change and stands Harlin, is her husband. This does for blowing away Big Mac trucks in her human imperfection as an not detract from the brilliant per­ and objectionable males prevails, example of a particular type of formance of a true professional. and girls - there’s much much woman emergent in the 1990s In preparation for the film, Geena more! media. Within the perimeters of (and the other actors) underwent My advice - see it on the big the film script, Geena gives an intensive physical training pro­ screen. strength, vitality and believability gramme in handling tactical The moral of the story - never to the multiple characterisations weapons and contact combat cho­ trust the psychopath presumed of her role, and this is enhanced reography, and did most o f the dead, because as soon as you turn by a level of self-definition which hazardous stunts themselves. your back on him/her, it’ll be back would be absent if left entirely to This, aided by sophisticated graph- with both barrels blazing. the traditionally male-defined ics technology, adds to the Janet Fraser TELEVISION REVIEW WHAT'S ON THE BOOB-TUBE?

When Broadsheet asked me a while incorrectly, my partner took the things to elevator and road cross­ ago to write a few words about remote control and pressed the ing buttons). We turned it o ff and what (if anything) is on television button repeatedly, because of on at the wall, we thumped the for women these days, I was more course, it all depends on how fre­ side of it (remember ‘The Fonz’ than happy to oblige. About 30 quently and firmly it is pushed, and the jukebox), we fiddled with seconds later my TV broke down. but it still didn’t work. I replaced every last knob, but nothing Of course. the batteries. Not a flicker. So we worked, not even the threat of That tragic night I came home waited...and after about ten min­ being put out for the inorganic and pushed the ‘on’ button on the utes of staring, silently willing it collection would scare it into func­ remote control. Nothing. I pressed to come to life, I repeatedly pushed tioning. it again. Still nothing. Assuming the button myself (even though I All this ineffectual pushing of that 1 must be pressing the button laugh at those who do similar buttons continued at various in-

BROADSHEET N gahuru/Autum n 1997 62 tervals throughout the night. Come think we’re idiots? bedtime, both of us had lost count You could try how many times we’d pressed that watching Sailor Moon damned button, so when the tele­ (animated teen/ vision belched into life at two am woman with impossi­ we both got a hell of a fright. In my bly long legs and pre-awake dream-state I thought pre-pubescent pro­ it was some kind of New Zealand portions), or Lana on Air raid, and she thought it was Coc-Kroft and the rest a midnight visitation from the X- of the Mountain Dew­ Files. berries (non-animat ed The television was grappled to version complete with the ground, turned off, and taken belly buttons). The to backyard repairland, and we moral of both appears had to entertain ourselves. Sur­ to be ‘Girls can to any­ prisingly enough, time has passed thing ... as long as without a single thought about they wear next to owning an Abdominizer, a pair of nothing’. Thank Eagle Eyes, 16 Ginzu steak knives goodness for Velma and Miracle Natural Glow Anti (from Scooby Doo), at Wrinkle Hypoallergenic SPF 55+ least she gets to fig­ cream. I have forgotten who Kirsty, ure out the clues, and Rangi and Nick are, and no longer has a healthy curvaceous weight. classic’ sepia toned war movies ask friends if Ian has caught Cindy So what if she shows a bit of thigh, with their ‘all hero, one woman and David yet. Not to mention the at least her legs don’t look like with red lipstick’ plots. When will time I save by NOT having to look they’re about to snap off. Gillian Anderson (X-Files) stop run­ for the remote control. Recently I rang an ad in the ning in those stupid low heeled So wh it’s on television? I can paper about a minor role in Xena, shoes and get herself a pair of truthfully say, nothing that I can who not only always gets her man, decent flat-soled boots? My ankles watch. But dead TVs aside, there but constantly has a woman. I ache with fear each time I see her is nothing that I miss watching, managed to answer yes to all their sprinting down a dark and cobbled nor is there anything that would over-the-phone interview ques­ lane. Baywatch has brought an make my life incomplete if I missed tions, except for “Do you have entirely new meaning to the slang an episode. (Well, I do like Babylon long hair?” “You see”, the inter­ word for television, Boob-tube. 5, but I’m not traumatised if I viewer explained, “in order to make As women, about the only posi­ don’t get to watch it). the show as authentic as possible, tive message for us that comes As for what’s on television for all the women must have long from watching television is the women ..well, assuming that hair.” When I told her that I did knowledge that we, at least, do not women a m’t really actually enjoy have long hair, except that it was belong to the gender to which most watching inane talk shows (today’s under my armpits and on my legs, programmes are specifically example - ‘You’re too fat to be my she hung up on me. I’m sorry, I aimed. Let’s be grateful for that friend’, says Ricki Lake) or didn’t realise the Ancients shaved. much, the Topp Twins and their smoochy three part mini-dramas, When will television program­ carefully screened innuendo, and any infomercials whatsoever, and mers realise we’re sick of cars that for The Terms of Endearment Sol­ ‘girl tries to find boy, fails, so tries can talk and change into inde­ stice. to find another one next episode’ structible cyborgs that clear the Cody Fruean comedies...absolutelynothing. Do world of nuclear weapon wielding scriptwriters and programmers villains. We’re tired of ‘ye olde

BROADSHEET Ngahuru/Autumn 1997 63 Clxitefifietlb'

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