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QUARTERLYOADSHEET SUMMER/RAUMATI 1996 $7.50 ISSUE 212 New Zealand Property of the Auckland College of Education Library. eminism PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE FROM LIBRARY. ALIVE WELL

NZ’s Women’s Centres Jerusalem, East & West Shakti Asian Women Therapy on the Couch

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Kate Millington Remember the early days o f the second wave o f feminism, back in A m y R o ss the staunch 1970s, when Broadsheet was very much the focal - and vocal - point of the women’s movement? Many were eager to be Alex Woodley involved and, more to the point, many more subscribed! DESIGN Think about the changes of the past twenty-four and a half Kate Millington years and Broadsheet's role in challenging the status quo and DISTRIBUTION offering an alternative to the mainstream media. It was Anne Else, a member of the first editorial group, who said, ‘We plan to be A n n e H u n t around for quite a while.’ And we have been. THA N K YOU Incredibly, we are only six months away from our Silver Edith Gorringe Anniversary, an amazing event! For a whole quarter century Juliet Leigh Broadsheet has been synonymous with the women’s movement in Aotearoa/NZ. NEXT ISSUE is Autumn 1997. Due on Imagine life without it, because currently that is a very real sale early March. Editorial deadline is 14 January 1997. The theme is possibility. Throughout its herstory, the magazine’s viability has Feminist Art. often been tenuous. Sustained by creative innovation and the CONTRIBUTIONS: Women are wel­ come tosend articles,photos, letters incredible strength and energy of many extremely committed and cartoons. We appreciate writ­ ers sending graphics with their women, it is now the longest running publication of second wave articles. Always include a contact feminism. phone numberand youraddressso we can contactyou regarding edi­ Help us make it to twenty-five years and beyond, don’t let torial decisions. If sending a disk, Broadsheet become a casualty of post-feminist thinking. pleaselabel documentname, word processor system name. We wel­ Subscriptions are our life blood - if you don’t have one, please come Mac 4 or higher, IBM Word 2 subscribe. If you do, sign up a feminist friend. If you want to know or higher. If you have interviewed people,pleasesendtheirsignatures about a feminist future, cross our palms with silver for our Silver on your article to show that they Anniversary! have checked the piece. Material should be sent with a stamped ad­ Subscribe, donate, fund-raise, talk about Broadsheet, write for dressed envelopeto PO Box56-147, Auckland. Writer's Guidelines are Broadsheet. Help make Broadsheet once again a strong radical available on request. network of women and women’s ideas and thoughts, for another LETTERS: The Womanfile Collective may notagree with views expressed quarter century. in letters. Some letters may be ed­ ______Lisa, Amy, Linda 9 ited for length or clarity. W e do not publish personal attacks. Letters J from men are published at the dis­ cretion of the Collective. If you do Broadsheet is on file at the Women's Collection Special not wish a letter to be published, Department, North Western University Library, Evanston, please mark ’Not for Publication'. Illinois 6020 1, USA. ISSN 01-10-8603. Registered a t the G PO ADVERTISING Kate Millington (09) as a magazine. Published by Wom anfile Inc. PO Box 56- 3602401. 147, Auckland, NZ, Printed by Printcorp, Tauranga. RETAIL AND WHOLESALE Anne Hunt (09) 817 4349. Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 1 New Zealand's feminist Magazine Issue 212 for Twenty Four Years------CONTENTS SUMMER/RAUMATI 1996 FEATURES

18 N e w Zealand Feminism Alive and well at your local Women's Centre What's happening in 12 Women's Centres around New Zealand Auckland Women’s Centre . Lower Hutt Women's Centre . The Nelson Women's House . The Women’s Centre, Christchurdi/Otautahi. North Shore Women's Centre . Palmerston North Women's Centre .Take-a-Break, Auckland Te Awamutu Women's Centre . West Auckland Women's Centre . Women's Resource Centre & SPIRAL and Happy Birthday, New Plymouth! 29 The Women’s Electoral Lobby Noeline Nuttal 30 Organising for W om en at W ork Working Women's Resource Centre, Auckland Wellington Working Women’s Resource Centre Shakti - The Strength of Asian Women

Linda Hill talks to Farida Sultana of Auckland's most dynamic new women's organisation Women's Health Movement in the 1990s THAW Health Alternatives for Women Women's Health Action, Auckland Hysterectomy poem by Lindsay Nichols EDEN - Eating Difficulties Education Network 38 Auckland Rape Crisis - New Directions Jane Vanderpyl and Elizabeth Butterfield 41 Refuge - Safety for Women and Children Pippa Nicholson and Mary Clare Bartlett 43 Fiji Women’s Rights Movement Nik Rilkoff 45 Women's Centres in East and West Jerusalem

Anna Gehrke writes to Broadsheet from the Middle East

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 2 CONTENTS SUMMER/RAUMATI 1996

FEATURES

47 A Veil over the East Islam, modernisation and women in Indonesia and Malaysia 52 W om en’s Self Defence Netw ork - Wahine Toa Libby Paulin

REGULARS 1 Collective Comment 4 Herspective Amy Ross Why vote? The patriarchy always wins. 6 Yourwrite 54 Gripes o f Roth Margot Roth ^ Ê K Ē Ê ^ , 55 Overage Charlotte Purdy 56 Christchurch Comment Pat Rosier

STRO KES AND ART ATTACKS 12 Putting Therapy on the Couch

Jenny Rankine reviews Changing our Minds by Celia Kitzenger and Rachel Perkins 57 Three Masquerades

Linda Hill reviews Marilyn Waring's latest book. 58 Irihapeti Ramsden Something for my Grandchildren to Hold Keri Hulme and Marian Evan's new film project 59 The Hungry Heart book review by Jane Tyrer Body Image poem by Fritha Parkes Nic Moon The Gathering Place exhibition review by Kate Millington Feeling Fabulous at 40, 50 and Beyond

Claire-Louise McCurdy reviews Sandra Coney's new book

Naiad's '96 Barbara Bennett reviews the latest in lesbian Mills and Boon 64 Bad News Barbie Young women give their views.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 3 regularPerspective WHY VOTE? THE PATRIARCHY ALWAYS WINS A m y Ross

t occurred to me, as I was might have voted for yourself three undermine and disrespect that?' listening to the panel of po­ times too!") This was popularly To which the appropriate response Ilitical women at the received by the audience, com­ is, of course, ‘No! What was I think­ Auckland Women’s Book forted with the light hearted ing of!’ Followed by a submissive weekend, that there was one reassurance that they should in­ scuttle to the nearest voting booth. issue that was not drawing deed ‘do their part’ and vote. I mean no disrespect to those the unanimity and raptur­ Slogans like ‘Do your part’, who fought for the vote, and in­ ous applause that all the ‘Vote for Change’, ‘Have Your Say, deed I believe they would take others seemed to. When or ‘Exercise your democratic right’ none. Many might actually have Jane Kelsey somewhat cau­ are only a few of the many that we supported the vision that we can tiously put forward the are brought up on. It is drummed create a world without power and challenge, “ I have only ever into us at a very early age that the its abuses, if they could see that voted twice in my life... Why ballot booth is where we ‘are all 103 years later we still have a should I vote now?” to the equal’ and have the ability to system as abusive and destructive panel and the audience, ‘change things.’ Basically we learn as when they fought for the right there was a momentary si­ to shut up and sit down because for women to change it. lence, time hung suspended we are simply so lucky to live in a There is no doubt that voting as an issue of discomfort democracy. gives the grand illusion of change. was flung into our midst. It is this kind of brainwashing Your MP may change, the Prime Both Marilyn Waring that prevents us from being able Minister may change or the party and Anne Else, the other to seriously discuss the merits that calls itself government may two panellists, responded and demerits of voting and our so- change. However, as you also may to the question with cliches called ‘democratic’ system. As have noticed politicians from ev­ ("I’d rather swim for the women we are also subjected to a ery party, ideology or background bank than sit and sink.") kind of emotional blackmail. have a reputation for lying. We are and humour ("If you had ‘Women before you fought for and incredibly used to this, it comes as stood for Parliament you won that vote, are you going to part and parcel o f ‘the dirty game

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 4 regular

of politics’. Why do they do could go on and on. This is the get behind the scenes and expose this? Because they are power controlling those we elect, how this country is really run. arseholes, corrupt bas­ power over all our lives. And we Perhaps then the highly regarded tards? Well, yes, often they vote for it. Time and time again. vote won’t be quite so treasured. are, but sometimes they are As women, shouldn’t we fight So, why not change the system, people who are wonderful to get more women in Parliament, the way things operate? I hear you and committed to changing to be half of those elected, to press scoff, but women do have the abil­ society. women to vote on women’s is­ ity to pull together and create their The harsh reality of oiir sues? Surely then things would own vision. We need to stop think­ political situation is that change? This is to my amazement ing the way that they teach us to these people are limited, the view of many women who I think. Linear, conformist, dull. because the Government respect and adore. It seems to me There are other options. No, it does not run this country. that by now women would be sick doesn’t stop with Communism, Treasury supported by the of being lied to and abused by a Socialism or Fascism. There is the Business Roundtable and male power structure. It is not little-understood Anarchy (which multinational companies male simply because it is domi­ doesn’t mean chaos). Or there is minders keep an eye on ev­ nated physically by men, but anything and everything within the ery MP are on the doorstep because men created it, made it scope of the human imagination. of the newly elected Prime patriarchal, hierarchical, sick. If we simply go on believing that Minister the day after the Democracy is a system like we can change ‘democracy’ and election, telling them what any other, with rules, limits and endlessly vote every three years, they can and cannot do. boundaries. Forcing women into we will be fighting a constant battle Promises made in manifes­ this system hoping that their en­ against patriarchy for the rest of tos, promises that got them ergy, spirit and presence will break our lives. elected, are dumped by down those barriers is naive. They I am not saying I have all the Treasury in favour of ‘good will have to operate within the answers, or that the world will economics’, ‘surplus’, ‘a free confines that it was and is created change overnight, but I am saying market’ and other such New to have. (One of the essays in we can do it. It is long past time to Right jargon. Marilyn Waring’s new book Three turn away from validating a male These people have Masquerades gives a vivid picture system, and fill the uncomfort­ enormous amounts of of the horror of being a woman in able silences with discussion, money, and money in the Parliament.) political forums with visions, and New Right society they have When Fascism was overt, when expand our own horizons. created equals power. They we could see its face, it was fought, It’s up to us. _ have the power to force the challenged with people's outrage sales of our forests, and strength. Now we live in a Tamaki Makaurau Telecom, our radio stations ‘democratic society’ where fascism LESBIAN when at least 9096 o f people is covert, back-room and very NEWSLETTER oppose the sale, the power quiet. It is, however, still there, a monthly to sell the Bank of New virtually unchallenged. Our effec­ Zealand when the govern­ tiveness is stifled as we continue newsletter by and ment in ‘power’ had to direct our activism solely at the fo r lesbians promised they wouldn’t. government. The real perpetra­ * news * views Ask yourself who benefits? tors are unscathed by our * events * ads They have the power to take outbursts. We frantically cam­ Annual subscriptions our health and education paign and desperately hope that are $15. rights away in front o f our this time the people we believe in Post to PO Box 44-056, very noses despite marches, and elect will stop the snowballing Point Chevalier, petitions, protests, deaths, right wing campaign against the Auckland. tears, arrests, promises. I people of this country. We need to

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 5 regularYoxsrwrite Kia ora koutou nga Wahine takataapui hunga haua Hi, everyone, me o tatou Wahine takataapui haumi, Hi, disabled dykes and our lesbian allies, I am a student at the University of Auckland undertak­ Over the past few years I've thought about ing research for a doctorate and am enrolled in the having a newsletter by/for disabled dykes in Women's Studies Programme. I have been a member Aotearoa/NZ. Is there one already that I don’t know of the Hamilton Rape & Sexual Abuse Healing Centre about? collective for the last three years and am currently a Sometimes it seems I'm living in some parallel member of the Auckland Rape Crisis collective. universe with points of contact few and far be­ Feminist collective organising in Aotearoa/New tween. Unacknowledged as lesbian in disabled Zealand is the focus of this research project. I am communities, unacknowledged as disabled in les­ interested in the ways in which commonalties and bian communities. differences among collective members have been ac­ Would you like to be involved in coordinating an knowledged and attended to in feminist collectives. issue, producing it from anywhere in the country Yet this tension is also a source of many innovative (interest so far is from Otautahi to Taranaki), or practices and structures. Developing relations, struc­ contributing anything to it that we could publish, or tures and practices that emphasise equality and keeping things about dollars and subs up to date? commonality, but which also acknowledge and attend Or can you work in small print, large print, tape, to diversity, has been and remains a source of tension Braille or any other languages? Do you have trans­ in feminist collectives. In order to explore this ten­ lating or interviewing skills? Or have any sion, I would like to interview women about their information/ideas about how to produce these or experiences of participating in women only collec­ other accessible formats like non/least toxic photo­ tives. copying paper and ink available in New Zealand? The interviews will focus on your experiences of Any suggestions for a name like 'Parallel Lives' or 'Is feminist collective organising. The interview will take there anyone OUT there?'. Want to subscribe? Who between one and two hours, and will be confidential. should it be for? Anything else? Neither your name nor the name of the collective you Sooo, interested? Don't delay! Contact today! have been involved in will be used in any of the I’d really like this newsletter to happen and for research reports. This research presents a unique that your interest and help is needed. opportunity to investigate feminist collective prac­ Possible theme for issue one,"What makes me tices in Aotearoa/New Zealand. If you would like to really mad is..." If you have stuff to publish, want participate in this research or wish to know more, more info, want to be involved, have ideas or want please phone me (09) 373 7599 ext 4856 or (09) 376 to get the first issue (free - small print, large print, 6615 (home), or write to me at 21 Sussex St, Grey Lynn, tape, Braille), make contact by 20 December 1996. Auckland. Or try your local lesbian newsletter for more infor­ mation. Regards, Write: Parallel Lives Jane Vanderpyl c/- Taranaki Disability Resource Centre 28 Young St PO Box 5015, New Plymouth Fax: Attention Parallel Lives (06) 757 8789 Ph. (06) 758 0982

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 6 feature A Record Number of Women MPs... but still a long way from equal representation

T h irty -fo u r women were elected to Parliament in October 1996. Won­ derful! and congratulations to them all. There are some great women Donna Awatera Huata among the new ones, which includes two in their twenties. Patricia Schnauer But proportional to the larger Parliament of 120 MPs, that is about 796 percent improvement to just over a quarter women. Alliance Act's 8 members includes 2 women in 7 list seats. The Alliance Sandra Lee boosted its women MPs from 1 to 7 out of 13,12 o f which were list seats. Jeanette Fitzsimmons Labour has 13 women out o f 37 MPs; 7 of them list seats. New Zealand Pam Corkery First has 4 women out of 17, all in list seats. National has 8 women, half Laila Harre in list seats, out o f 44. Ruth Dyson, Diane Yates, Jill White (Labour) and Phillida Bunkle Katherine O'Regan and Joy McLauchlan (National) received list seats Alamein Kopu when they lost electorates. Of the 15 Maori MPs, 6 are women. Liz Gordon We think we've got that right, although the NZHerald announced 32 women as the record to date. Printing first names might help next time. Labour Not bad, but it looks like Marilyn Waring, Jocelyn Fish and Georgina Kirby Lianne Dalziel will still need to take that case to the United Nations on our behalf about Nanai a Mahuta 50:50 representation. Jill White Certainly it looks like list seats, and all the gender politics around Marion Hobbs getting a fair share o f women on those lists, have been a good idea. (Also Diane Yates a good idea for Alliance, Act and NZ First who won only one electorate Ruth Dyson each, apart from NZ First's clean-up in Maori seats.) However, we’ll leave Tariana Turia it to the serious political scientists to tell us whether the same kind of Judy Keall, Otaki representative politics in candidate selection couldn't have got us an Helen Clark, Owairaka extra 796 years ago. Still, maybe such comparison is unfair (as well as Annette King, Rongotai ungrateful) since every election is of its own political times, with its own Judith Tizard, Auckland Central dynamics. At least, may we never have another where the nail-biting has Jill Pettis, Wanganui to last so long! Janet Mackey, Mahia With a quarter women in Parliament, perhaps the job will be less lonely and perhaps the boys will mend their manners. At the Suffrage NZ First Breakfast organised by Women's Health Action, Auckland women candi­ Ann Batten dates expressed cooperation and solidarity between parties on women's Jenny Bloxham issues, and we hope to see it in operation in Wellington. At the Women's Deborah Morris Bookshop Weekend a few weeks later, Marilyn Waring called for a Robyn McDonald women's caucus in Parliament, along the lines o f a mooted Maori caucus. As a first task, she suggested taking up Sandra Lee's comments about National violent and inappropriate Parliamentary language - 'using whips', for Georgina Te Heuheu example. We suggest 'vote facilitators' or 'monitors'. Or closing Katherine O'Regan Bellamy's bar. Joy McLauchlan There are lots of good feminist ideas waiting on the back burner for Pansy Wong a change in political climate - not least, the Pay Equity Act. Under MMP Jenny Shipley, Rakaia it will be up to us to keep the political pressure that will help our women Belinda Vernon, Maungakiekie MPs get the numbers to pass the legislation we want through the House. Christine Fletcher, Epsom Linda Hill? Marie Hasler, Waitakere

Broadsheef Summer Raumati 1996 7 regular Broadens/ ( N THE DIFFERENCE IN The Election WOMEN’S PAY Thanks to party lists, there are more women in Parliament than ever before. So how do we compare with the rest of the world? While on the topic o f the cost of sin, it may be timely to look at NUMBERS OF WOMEN PER 100 MPS IN THE PARLIAMENTS OF: the cost of pay discrimination Switzerland 18 (omitted from the Christian Norway, Finland 39 Uganda 17 Coalition's sin bill - an oversight Sweden 34 Nicaragua 16 perhaps?) Denmark 33 Italy 15 Perhaps narrowing the pay Netherlands 31 Poland 13 gap between men and women New Zealand 28 USA, Iraq 11 workers can be put back on the Germany 26 Russia 10 agenda of our newly elected Gov­ South Africa 25 Britain 9 ernment. Cuba 23 France 8 Austria, China 21 Japan 3 WOMEN'S PAY AS A Vietnam 19 Turkey 2 PERCENTAGE OF MEN'S Kuwait 0 Austria 9196 Sweden 9096 Women's International Network Norway 8696 Vol.22 No.2, Spring 1996 Denmark 8496 France 8196 Finland 78% Netherlands 77% Belgium 75% Germany 74% A Narrow Escape New Zealand 74% With coalition talks in progress, New Zealand women can breathe a sigh Spain 73% of relief that there is one coalition party which won't be at the table. The Britain 68% Christian Coalition was defeated in the polls. The Christian Heritage Portugal 68% Party policies had included: Switzerland 67% ♦making abortion illegal except when the life of the mother and the Japan 54% child are at risk Taiwan 52% ♦scrapping the Ministry of Women's Affairs ♦affirming the rights of citizens to discriminate against homosexuals ♦repealing no fault divorce.

The Cost of S £ n s ------Note: The New Zealand statistic And in case we are left under any illusions about the price of sin, the relates to the ordinary weekly Christian Coalition has calculated the cost of our appalling behaviour. earnings of full-time employees Counted amongst our sins are drug and alcohol related ailments ($300 before tax (Department o f Sta­ 000 000) and, of course, Domestic Purposes Benefit payments ($500 tistics, Quarterly Employment 000 000). In all we sin to the tune o f at least $8.3 billion each year. Survey, May 1996). Having promised to reduce the nation’s sin bill if elected to power, the ‘nation's conscience' will have to content themselves with praying for Women's International Network our souls ... with compassion of course. Vol.22 No.2, Spring 1996

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 8 Tax Policy Economist Susan St John argues Purist Islamic group takes Kabul that the new independent family Women in Afghanistan are rallying against Taleban, a fundamen­ tax credit is discriminatory as it is talist Islamic movement which has swept to power in most parts denied to children of beneficia­ o f Afghanistan. ries. The tax credit pays $7.50 per In many of the territories controlled by Taleban, including child each week to low income the Afghan capital Kabul, women have been ordered to stay home families. The moment a benefit is from state jobs until a proper Muslim way is found for them to sought or an injured parent is on work and be educated. They are only to go out if they are accident compensation over three accompanied by a close male relative and they wear a burqa (a month, tax credits for children head to foot covering with mesh disappear. over the eyes). Women in some As Susan argues, those who Taleban held areas have been al­ do not get the tax credit may not lowed to work in health and necessarily have lower child care education, but are not permitted to 0 costs. The child of low income work alongside men. parents may not be taken to the However, women are beginning doctor or have their prescriptions to fight back. In the Northern city collected. More of the child's food of Mazar-i-Sharif, hundreds of may come from foodbanks. women staged a demonstration to This pressure to be indepen­ condemn Taleban rule and demand dent of the state ignores the equal rights for all Afghans. The well-being o f children in all low five-hour rally culminated in a state­ income families. Child protection ment to the United Nations. groups argue that children, rather Abridged from the NZ Herald than the work status of their par­ 11 October 1996. ents, should be the focus of policies. Abridged NZ Herald 3 September 1996 From Co-ed to Single Sex Free Pills Likely by office to monitor the status of Aharangi Intermediate School is women. End of Year preparing to become a girls only A year after 189 states pledged New Zealand women should have college. This switch comes after to make the equality of the sexes a access to free oral contraception community consultation found a reality in the 21st century, many by the end of this year. A process single sex college was overwhelm­ governments are crediting the has begun which will eventually ingly preferred. Research shows United Nations conference in lead to Pharmac negotiating with girls achieve better results in a Beijing for their latest steps to pharmaceutical companies to de­ single sex school. help women. cide which brands will be free. The Education Ministry will Others countries, however, consider the proposal, which is in have been very slow to take on the Women Warriors line with their statistics showing Beijing agenda. that many parents want to send Tough and feisty women in films Few countries have commit­ their girls to a single sex school. and on television may be causing ted new resources to implement Sunday Star-Times 4 August 1996 girls to become more violent, ac­ the women's agenda. According cording to Dr Anne Campbell, a to a survey of 25 nations con­ Durham University psychologist. ducted by New York based In Britain the number o f girls ar­ Beyond Beijing Women's Environment an Devel­ rested for violent crimes like Brazil has promised free cancer opment Organisation, some assaults has risen from 10 per screening examinations for countries are juggling existing cent o f teenagers to 17 per cent in women. The United States is spend­ funds. Others, such as Argentina the past two years. Does this ing SUS1.6 billion to reduce and Colombia, have actually cut mean no more hot dates with the domestic violence. South Africa is resources for women. telly watching Xena? setting up a unit in the president's It was agreed at the confer-

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 9 ence that non-governmental organisations play an important role in the advancement of KILLER Ruled Better Parent women's status. Many women's than Lesbian organisations implementing and monitoring the recommendations A Florida court has ruled that a convicted murderer was a better from the conference, however, are potential parent for his 12 year old daughter than her lesbian now facing problems sustaining mother. themselves financially after The Florida First District Court o f Appeals upheld the ruling Beijing. that removed the child from her mother and placed with her Abridged from the NZ Herald 29 father. Her father had been convicted 22 years ago of murdering August 1996 his first wife. The court heard evidence from the father that the daughter exhibited inappropriate behaviour such as poor hygiene, bad table manners and a preference for men's cologne. The appeals court said the trial judge had weighed all the evidence in making his decision, not just the mother's sexual orientation. The case is to be appealed to the Supreme Court. \^Sunday Star Times 1 September 1996

Parental Leave Contraception in Japan In New Zealand parents can take it is inadequate in helping moth­ The sale o f the Pill is prohibited in up to one year's unpaid leave from ers take care of them and work at Japan, supposedly because o f its their job around the birth of their the same time. potential side effects and because child. In Italy pregnant women are Women's International Network it discourages the use of condoms. obligated to take the last two Vol.22 No. 3 1996 Despite the ban, the Japanese months of pregnancy and the first birthrate is amongst the lowest in three months following the birth, the world. Japanese feminists, during which time they receive full however, say that women should salary (8096 paid by the state). Once Women have a choice of contraception. the baby is three months old a They argue that in banning the pill working mother (or father) can & HIV the government is actually trying choose to stay out for another six to safeguard Japan's booming months at 3096 salary, courtesy of Seven in every ten new HIV infec­ abortion industry. The birth rate the state. Altogether the mother tions are among women between is low as over 1 million abortions can take up to a year after the the ages of 15 and 25 years. In are performed each year. Each birth. However, the last three Malawai and Zimbabwe, studies termination costs around $1800. months are unpaid. have shown that women between For many women that is not There are other benefits not the ages o f 15 and 19 are infected the only price. Tormented by the written into legislation. Women at a ratio of five females to one belief that the spirit of the aborted with risky pregnancies are entitled male. Younger women are at foetus will bring them bad luck, to take nine months of the preg­ greater risk of infection for sev­ some spend up to $2000 on a tiny nancy off work. eral reasons: statue at one of Japan's many abor­ In Italy, challenging maternity ♦ They have less power to refuse tion cemeteries. Each week they benefits is regarded as political sex or insist on condoms being make offerings of toys, warm hats death as it is considered part o f an used and baby food to the statue to Italian mother's birthright. ♦ They may be more vulnerable to show their remorse to the un­ Italy’s birth rate has been in infection as their cervixes are less wanted child. decline for several years. Many mature and they produce less vagi­ Marie Claire August 1996 women note that while the Italian nal mucus (a natural protection state is diligent about encourag­ against infection including HIV). ing working women to have babies, Pacific Aids Alert Bulletin No. 121996

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 10 doing any other work. Even if they complain they are unable to sup­ Ngarrindjeri port themselves while the complaint Women Fight is under investigation. For the Right to Reserved Seats Many Indian feminists welcomed a Practice their Beliefs Government proposal to reserve a third o f seats in Parliament and State Assemblies for women. Some The Ngarrindjeri women are fighting for the right to practice their remained sceptical, warning that spiritual beliefs and customs. Last year the Ngarrindjeri women the bill would make little differ­ applied for heritage protection of their sites of significance on ence to women's lives. Hindmarsh Island in Australia. The Federal Minister for Aboriginal [We'd like to give it a try in New and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Robert Tickner, made a heritage Zealand!] declaration which halted the Hindmarsh Island bridge develop­ ment. However the declaration was overturned in the Federal Court and his subsequent appeal was dismissed. New Women’s When the appeal was dismissed the Ngarrindjeri women and Guesthouse in Wellington men lodged a fresh application. This is currently being considered The Mermaid, a women's guesthouse, by Judge Jane Matthews. has opened in inner city Wellington. The Liberal Government of Australia has set up a Royal Com­ Although women's accommodation mission to investigate whether the story was fabricated. The is not particularly common these Ngarrindjeri women have refused to cooperate with the Commis­ days, the tradition dates back to New sion, which has proceeded despite being able to hear only one side Zealand's colonial origins. Women of the story. who lived in country areas often be­ The Ngarrindjeri women issued a statement to the Commission longed to women's clubs which owned reiterating the truth of their statements and their offence at the property in the cities, providing both inquiry into their secret, sacred and spiritual beliefs. They argue lodgings for visitors and a social or that their laws prohibit them from talking about these cultural political venue. beliefs and customs with men or those not given the information, The Mermaid Guesthouse is open hence they are not entitled to discuss it with the Commission. to women, although male visitors are Programme on Racism Newsletter No. 42 July 1996 welcome in the foyer. The cost starts from $68.00 per night. Abortion: The Facts Victorian Conditions in Bookings can be made by phone or The World Health Organisation es­ the 1990s fax on 04 384 4511. timates that out o f every 500 000 It would appear that many foreign maternal deaths, about 70 000 are domestic workers are being grossly caused by unsafe abortions. Al­ exploited by their British employers. Watte/ Not Wa*vt Not most all these deaths occur in Home office regulations cover­ Two industrial designers have countries with strict anti-abortion ing domestic workers in the UK are taken recycling that little bit fur­ laws. The International Planned assisting in exploiting these workers. ther and written a book called 101 Parenthood Federation believes that The regulatory guidelines suggest 12 Super Uses For Tampon Applica­ repressive abortion legislation in­ to 14 hours work per day with a rest tors. Lois Katz and Barbara Meyer creases unsafe abortions. This, the period of one day off per week. This believe the applicators are ‘too federation says, turns abortion into authorises an 84 hour week, which good to throw away' and have out­ a major killer of women worldwide. with many employers extend readily lined a variety of uses. Complications such as infertility to 110 or 120 hours. They include: can also arise. Domestic workers are able to ♦ outdoor key hider Terminating a pregnancy is il­ accompany a named employer to ♦ toe separators for pedicures legal in 65 countries and punishable Britain. This means that they are ♦ beaded look car seat covers by imprisonment, even in cases of only able to work for that employer. ♦ zipper pulls rape and incest. From the moment they leave the ♦ CD racks Marie Claire August 1996 household they are prohibited from ♦ Christmas tree decorations.

Broadsheef Summer Raumati 1996 11 feature review P u ttin g THERAPY------on the Couch BY JENNY RANKINE

I n a disaster, often the first thing the government does now is deviant. It is also a big switch from announce that those affected have been offered counselling. If a 1970s feminist opinions. police officer kills someone, the hierarchy provides a psycholo­ “We have somehow moved in gist. It’s part o f being a good employer for a company laying off only a few years from radical criti­ staff to provide counselling for those it is depriving of their cisms of psychiatry and the whole livelihoods. mental health system to a general Victims o f crime have long fought to be recognised in the acceptance of therapy as benign, at Pakeha criminal process instead of being ignored. What they get least in feminist hands,” say En­ is someone to talk with about how powerless and frustrated they glish feminists Maggie and Vron in feel, not any alternative to the adversarial structure or a meaning­ an article entitled 'Defying Analy­ ful say in the legal process. sis'. There has been precious little Fifteen years ago I knew hardly any counsellors. Today I know questioning of this trend among 30 women, mostly lesbians, who are either training to be counsel­ feminists. lors or making their living from it. Sarah Welch’s 1994 survey of I want to ask who benefits when New Zealand lesbian mental health found that 68% of her 556 counselling paradigms become respondents had been to counselling at some time, with 45% using the norm ? “ The fact that many a mental health service during the previous year. In the United women turn to therapists for un­ States, three out of every four lesbians has been 'in therapy’, derstanding and feel that therapy according to Rachel Perkins and Celia Kitzinger, authors of has ‘saved their lives’ does not Changing Our Minds - Lesbian Feminism and Psychology. necessarily mean it is doing women Counselling and other service sector jobs are one o f the few or our communities any good,” say occupational areas for Maori and non-Maori women which is still Maggie and Vron. growing. Maori women are creating Maori styles of therapy. Changing Our Minds has a very This is all a massive change from the 1970s, when psycholo­ clear and useful analysis o f how gists were just changing their minds about lesbianism being the counselling world view under­

am not criticising any woman for being a counsellor, or for going to counselling. I'm not saying I think women get no benefit from counselling, or that I'll never go to counselling again (though I doubt it!) I acknowledge the complexity of wom en's lives and circumstances and do not wish to trivialise anybody's pain.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 12 feature review

mines feminism. It is an analysis • The 'prosthetic friendship' of they were abused it was their own which is relevant to any movement therapy undermines our ability to fault’. for social justice. Unlike most cri­ help ourselves and our communi­ As an example of what ‘step­ tiques of current counselling or ties ping out of the victim role’ really therapy by practitioners, which end • It is a fundamentally unethical means, Rachel and Celia cite Nancy up advocating another therapeutic attempt to politically re-educate Johnson, who with the support o f a model, they focus on the concepts clients lesbian group took a class action which counselling, therapy and psy­ • It emphasises our wounds and suit against the United States gov­ chology have in common, rather encourages us into 'perpetual cycles ernment for condemning the people than on their many differences. o f self-discovery'. of Utah to years o f cancer. They This article briefly outlines their argue that for individual feminists, arguments. LANGUAGE what has felt most powerful has “Psychology and feminism been acting in these kinds of pow­ offer different and competing ex­ erful ways. planations for the same difficulties The meaning of political concepts in our lives,” they say. Sara Scott like 'power', 'rights’, 'freedom' and 4 h e r a f y p e r v a d i n g ^ and Tracey Payne argue in a Trouble 'choice' have all been changed in and Strife article that therapy 'leaves the last decade by New Zealand’s FEMINIST & LESBIAN us reaching constantly backwards new right economic revolution, but COMMUNITIES into our own past experience rather also by the gradual predominance V - than outwards to the experience of of therapeutic meanings. In self- J other women to find explanations help groups, rituals and The use of counselling as an auto­ for our lives.' counselling, power has become matic panacea for any crisis implies “Feminism tells us our prob­ talked of as an individual’s per­ that ordinary feelings like despair, lems are caused by oppression; sonal possession. grief, and misery “ ...have now be­ psychology tells us they’re all in the This is in direct conflict with come ‘problems’ in need of mind,” say Rachel and Celia. They my feminist understanding of psychological treatment,^ the au­ quote an example common in het­ power as a collective concept, held thors say. “We have given up the erosexual relationships - a by privileged elites and structures, right to be both mentally healthy woman whose husband wouldn’t in a way which keeps other groups and desperately unhappy at the help with the housework. When the vulnerable and oppressed. No same time.” woman decided she was 'co-depen­ matter what rituals or affirmations Early 1970s feminists met in dent', he became more helpful. To we use to create personal feelings consciousness raising groups to define herself as sick, a psycho­ of power and strength, we can still listen to each other’s experiences logical explanation, was more be exploited at work, sacked, raped so they could analyse women’s col­ successful for her than asserting or beaten. Welfare cuts can impov­ lective position. Support groups in the feminist argument about erish us as well as whole sectors of the 1970s and early 1980s tended women’s unpaid labour for men. society. If we believe we are pow­ to be run by the women involved. Celia and Rachel argue that the erful, and these things still happen Now, support groups are much people therapy works best for are to us, we are then more likely to more common than political groups young, attractive, verbal, intelligent blame ourselves. and are more likely to be run by and successful. “People kept on Celia and Rachel give the ex­ counsellors or use a counselling waiting lists for a few months after ample of child sexual abuse framework. Celia and Rachel quote seeking therapeutic help do just as prevention programmes which from Joan Ward’s Sinister Wisdom well as people who get to see a teach children that they are in article: “Support groups have be­ therapist immediately,” they say. charge of their bodies and can say come self-perpetuating systems of Their major criticisms of therapy no. This is usually false. Jenny dependency, once again encourag­ are that - Kitzinger (Celia’s sister) found af­ ing weakness rather them strength." • It changes political language to ter one such programme ’children Maggie and Vron want lesbian femi- personal meanings were more likely to believe that if nists to "...create a caring

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 13 feature review

community that supports us in organising against sexual abuse. true. Therapy judges some lesbi­ political activity. We want some­ We said that the way any ans and feminists as fulfilled and thing more vibrant, creative and woman reacted to rape was nor­ mature and others as maladjusted, challenging than just ‘support’.” mal, whether it changed her life or 'unself-actualised', or some other When Celia spoke at the seemed to leave hardly a mark. We term for unhealthy and not good Women’s Bookshop in Auckland were suspicious of other services enough. All these terms are based earlier this year, the topic of com­ which treated raped women as cli­ on judgements about 'what kind of munity 'support' for lesbians ents and set up 'professional' personality is desirable or prefer­ stimulated the most discussion. hierarchies of 'counsellor' and able'. “Lesbian-feminists needed to ’victim’. Most counselling Celia and Rachel quote the counter the negative stereotypes of organisations now define raped model of gay and lesbian identity lesbians, so we didn’t talk about women as sick, since they need to development invented by psycholo­ the problems in lesbian life”, she be 'healed' of 'rape trauma', an­ gist Vivienne Cass in 1979, and said. “Therapy came rushing in to other psychologically created used in the 1991 New Zealand fill the gap.” Many women talked condition. Funding criteria and manual Making Visible - Improving about the lack of support they ex­ counselling concepts have both services for lesbians and gay men in perienced in lesbian communities. strongly shaped all support group alcohol and drug treatment and Celia and Rachel warn that, responses, so that peers listening health promotion, published by “We are rapidly approaching a situ­ and sharing experiences to make ALAC in Wellington. The six stage ation where all the bad things that political changes do not get funded model is presented as a linear happen to us, all our distress and and are not seen as 'professional'. progression. The person coming our negative experiences, are taken During her Auckland visit Celia out starts with 'identity confusion', out o f our communities and into said recent United States surveys moves to 'identity comparison' and therapy.” This is impoverishing have shown lesbian therapists are admits to their own gayness in the our communities, depriving us of having sex with clients and doing it 'identity tolerance' stage. If they the range o f our collective experi­ more and worse than heterosexual have support from other gays, they ence. Therapists become the male and female therapists. Thera­ pass through 'identity acceptance' repositories of the stories we used pists and counsellors tend to have and reach the fifth stage, 'identity to tell each other. But therapists low opinions of their peers, she and pride'. According to Making Vis­ can’t tell anyone else because of Rachel say. ible, this includes a strong confidentiality rules. “The more “If you ask therapists how commitment to gay., community we see our distress as a private many of their colleagues they would and some anger at society’s disap­ specialist affair, the more we see be willing to refer a close friend or proval'. ourselves and our friends as un­ family member to, you typically get 'Identity synthesis' is the final able to cope with unhappiness, very low percentages.” developmental stage, representing and so we seek out therapy,” the the height of maturity. According authors say. UNETHICAL to Making Visible, “At this stage Then there’s the problem of being gay is no longer an issue - the asymetrical power relationship RE-EDUCATION what is, is getting on with life.” between counsellors and their cli­ OF CLIENTS ? Supposedly gay people believe ents. When I worked in Auckland themselves at this point to be es­ Rape Crisis in the early 1980s, we sentially the same as heterosexuals. saw all women as potential or ac­ “Therapy is simply a form of trans­ Making Visible says these guide­ tual victims of sexual abuse. Most lation from one language (the lines were written for gay men, but of us had been abused and we language of politics) to another (the that workers with lesbian clients didn’t see, or want to portray, our­ language of psychological health should find them useful. selves as different from any other and sickness),” the pair argue. I disagree. The position of raped woman. We provided peer 'Being non-judgemental' is one of women in a male-dominated soci­ support, and involved the raped the most common claims made ety makes lesbianism different in women who came to us in political about counselling, but it’s just not several significant ways from gay

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 14 feature review

experience. One o f these is the minority of lesbians who choose to identify as lesbians as a result of feminist beliefs or for other rea­ sons. Their experience is not covered by these guidelines. This is an assimilationist model, defin­ ing mature lesbians as those who have ‘grown out o f’ their political rage, and who no longer see their lesbianism as a defining character­ istic in their identity. However, this definition of full Rachel Perkins left lesbian development is accepted Celia Kitzinger right by many psychologists and thera­ as immature. I reject those kinds I see this Western concept as a pists. “Politics becomes a question of judgements, and the right of colonising force, undermining al­ o f personal maturity, with the psy­ psychology and counselling to ready weakened extended family chologists’ own preferred political make judgements about what is and community ties of Maori and stance located at the top of the sick and healthy. Pacific Islands people. The very developmental hierarchy,” say Celia “Therapists are selective feelings we recognise and give and Rachel. “Lesbians who agree about which experiences they will names to are shaped by the societ­ with their therapists’ politics are or won’t validate in therapy,” say ies we grow up in. defined as mature and fulfilled. Celia and Rachel. “While claiming Somewhere along the line, the Those who disagree with their thera­ to Validate’ all women’s realities, idea that we are adversely affected pists are seen as lacking in ‘insight’ in fact only a subset, consisting of by patriarchal structures “ ...has and in need of further therapeutic those realities with which the thera­ been changed into the idea that we intervention.. Nobody enters pist is in agreement, are accepted have all been damaged, are all sick therapy to have her or his politics as ‘true’ reflections of the way and in need of healing,” say Maggie changed; few lesbians understand things are. The others are ‘invali­ and Vron. “As feminists we should that that’s what therapy’s all about. dated’, whether as ‘faulty be highly suspicious of such ideas, Yet therapy is always a form of cognitions’ [thoughts! or ‘patriar­ knowing., .that ideas of health and political re-education.” chal distortions’.” sickness have always been used to When I discussed these ideas control and define women, and to with members of an Auckland les­ r CONTINUALLY place us in positions of passivity bian therapists group, they agreed. and powerlessness compared to “Of course counselling is re-educa­ l RE-PROCESS those whose role is to treat and tion,” they said. But how can heal us.” counselling be non-judgmental if Many therapists and groups run­ Rachel and Celia ask whose counsellors believe most o f their ning self-help or growth courses purposes are served when our clients need re-educating? Some talk about uncovering our 'real wounds are central to our identi­ counsellors are explicit about their selves' from underneath the layers ties. “When our suffering is the re-educating, describing it as 'mod­ of patriarchal training, or however focus, the root cause of that suffer­ elling' appropriate responses or they describe the top coat. Celia ing is obscured...As lesbians, we 'cognitive conversion'. What kind and Rachel counter that there is no used to say that we were strong, of re-educating you get depends on “...real self to be reclaimed and and were going to change the world. the politics of your counsellor. Most loved...this very concept is one of Now it seems our focus has shifted feminist counsellors have the lib­ psychology’s inventions.” The idea to our frailties.” eral feminist framework of the Cass o f a core self independent of soci­ Before the 1970s, psychology model, which defines people moti­ ety is alien to the more communal said lesbianism was sick and devi­ vated by anger at social inequality ethos of most of the world’s people. ant. Since then it has said that

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1 9 9 6 15 feature review

lesbianism is okay, but it has cre­ non-judgement has been extended illness', regardless o f the power ated several serious conditions - to all women’s groups. Arguing structure. internalised homophobia, relation­ with another woman is now called They argue that lesbians and ship merger, erotophobia and 'invalidating her experience', they other women who hear voices, see others - from which lesbians suf­ say. Asking 'Why?' is also not visions, experience intolerable dis­ fer, and for which they supposedly popular, which means we can’t tress or behave inappropriately are need psychological help. “Two question the value structures un­ socially disabled. To enable them weeks after the invention of derlying our feelings and so develop to be part of their communities, homophobia as an illness, it was our political understanding. They they need friends who will listen found that all lesbians suffer from give the example of sexual harass­ and stick by them, even when their internalised homophobia,” Celia ment. Women who had felt w olf behaviour is inappropriate. They says. whistles were flattery started to need practical help with getting to The book argues that psychol­ experience them as harassment meetings and coping with daily life; ogy has had a profound impact on after consciousness raising with asylum and treatment choices. As lesbians and feminists through its other women. They realised the alternatives to the preent mental conception of communities as made judgement that male approval was health system, Celia and Rachel up of wounded individuals, each important to women underlay the want to see protective asylums, defined by that which hurts her. feelings of flattery. “When women alternatives to the present mental The pervading emphasis on ’safety' challenged that underlying judge­ health system which are small and in New Zealand women’s groups is ment in themselves and each other, responsive to their own residents an example o f this. A member o f a their feelings began to change.” and commnities. lesbian newsletter group argued a In Changing Our Minds, Rachel couple of years ago that its pages MADNESS describes an episode of severe de­ should be'safe' spaces for women, pression which left her unable to where readers are not going to en­ work or look after herself properly counter any racist or heterosexist “As feminists we used to know that for more than four months. She comment. So much for vibrant one of the prime purposes of was cared for by a roster o f friends political forums for vigorous de­ [psychiatry, psychology and psy­ who ensured she was never alone, bate! chotherapy] was the controlling and and that she didn’t have to go to a Safety used to mean a real place silencing of ‘deviant’ women, and psychiatric institution. “Her care where women could get away from indeed the defining of femaleness was a success story in the short a man’s fist or weapon, or where itself as deviant and therefore in term,” says Celia. “In the end she lesbians could show affection for need of treatment” say Maggie and went to hospital. I know the diffi­ each other without fear of verbal Vron. “The women locked up, culties, but I don’t want to give up abuse or violence. As Joan Ward lobotomised, drugged and given and abandon [lesbian friends] to says, now it is an environment where electric shocks by the so-called psychiatrists until they’re ‘fixed up’ a woman can express her feelings ‘mental health’ system have always and then start talking with them without fear o f criticism. We’re so included those who did not con­ again.” fragile now that even reading nasty form, who were thought not comments is enough to throw us sufficiently ‘feminine’, considered PRIVATE & PUBLIC, into a spin. too angry or aggressive, who did OR THE PERSONAL “Feminist political discussion not toe the line or spoke too much is increasingly replaced by psycho­ of the truth.” AS POLITICAL logical diagnosis,” say Celia and Madness in women has been Rachel. When one lesbian presents both a patriarchal he, and a reality an., opinion with which another created by the impossible expecta­ Therapists and people who go to lesbian disagrees, she is likely to be tions and limits on women. counselling often say they are em­ told that her beliefs are a result of However, Celia and Rachel also powered to continue their political what is psychologically wrong with recognise that women will experi­ work in the world because o f their her. ence 'major disturbances of thought internal work on themselves. This The false therapeutic claim of

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 16 feature review

argument relies on a radical sepa­ therapists have dismissed the book chological Society over the last six ration of the personal realm and by analysing why I need to think in years, we have alerted people to the the political realm, say Celia and this narrow, rigid way, and accused existence of a gay affirmative psy­ Rachel. It also ignores the politics me of conflating a huge range of chology movement - not an of therapy itself. therapies.” achievement I’m proud of.” “It is seen simply as a hobby., When asked about the impact Celia is concerned at the focus with no particular ethical or politi­ o f radical feminism on psychology, on women as wounded. “Why are cal implications in and of itself. It Celia says, “Psychology has had to we always asking for support? Why is assessed only in terms o f its work harder to maintain power and can’t we focus on our strengths?” presumed consequences for ‘poli­ control over women, to develop She sees groups which discuss ideas tics’ [whenj the very process of lesbian-friendly theories which are and campaign for specific political doing therapy is political.” more sophisticated tools of oppres­ goals as the best environment for Opponents of psychology are sion. The other half of the question lesbians and feminists to act in often analysed in two contradic­ is the effect of psychology on ways which increase their political tory ways. They are either de­ radical feminism - you can’t have power. scribed as especially'well-adjusted' one change without the other. They When I was going through my or 'okay' lesbians who 'don’t need have harnessed lesbians as a new early 1980s diaries for the article in any o f that therapy stu ff (Broad­ consumer group.” this issue on Rape Crisis, I was sheet July 1991), and who fail to Celia says Changing Our Minds amazed at how much a small group appreciate the neediness and des­ has generated a lot of debate and o f volunteer women achieved then. peration of our lesbian sisters. The had contradictory effects. It has We believed that raped women could other argument is that anti-therapy made some lesbians more con­ go through our minimal training, opinions indicate deep-seated de­ cerned to get lesbian counselling and in a few months be speaking nials and repressions which would organisations off the ground, for publicly, writing submissions, benefit from therapy. example the Association for Les­ organising rallies and creating po­ Celia says Changing Our Minds bian, Gay and Bisexual litical change for themselves and provoked such an angry response Psychologists in Britain. other women. And they did. Coun­ from lesbian therapists in the “By drawing attention to what selling has helped to change that, United States that she was afraid was happening in the United States, and it has a lot to answer for. for her safety at some community and by our campaign to have a meetings about the book. “English lesbian chapter in the British Psy­ 9

Celia Kitzingerand Rachel Perkins, Changing O ur Minds - Lesbian Fem inism and Psychology. New York University Press, 1993. Maggie and Vron, Defying Analysis: Does Therapy Depoliticise Us? From the Flam es 13, Summer 1994, Nottingham Jeffrey Masson, Against Therapy, Harper Collins 1993 London Celia Kitzingerjhe Social Construction o f Lesbianism , Sage Publications, 1989 London Pat Rosier, Person and Political, Broadsheet, 175, February 1990 Sarah Scott and Tracey Payne, Underneath w e're all loveable: Therapy and fem inism , Trouble and Strife 3 , 1984, UK Joan Ward, Therapism and the tam ing o f the lesbian com m unity, Sinister Wisdom, 3 6 . 1988 See also Fem inism and Psychology, Sage Publications, London

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 19 9 6 17 feature NEW ZEALAND fem in ism ALIVE AND WELL AT YOUR LOCAL WOMEN'S CENTRE

Earlier this year, Broadsheet Centre is not included - because in the late 1970s and early 1980s. realised there are more ac­ we didn't know about you or be­ They had strong international con­ tive and successful Women's cause our letter is still in your nections as part of the women's Centres out there than we in-tray - we would be happy to health movement to reclaim con­ had known about - or per­ include you in a future Broad­ trol over our bodies - the days of haps knew about each other. sheet. All the material that we mirrors and speculums, and abor­ So we wrote to ask them what were sent is now in the informa­ tion marches! they were all up to and - tion files of the Women's Library More specialist groups, like prompted by collective mem­ at the Auckland Women's Centre, THAW and Fertility Action and its ber Jacqui Fill, from the along with some of the history of daughter Auckland Women's Auckland Women's Centre - that Centre. Please, somebody, Health Action, have taken on the where they found their fund­ write us a thesis! role of providing women's health ing! A number of the older expertise, and most Women's Cen­ These are some, or sum­ Women's Centres, like Auckland, tres now have a more general maries, o f the replies. If your began as Women' Health Centres focus. They are the community centres for our nation of women.

The Auckland Women’s Centre Changes on Ponsonby Rd

s there is anybody out there who will buy us the Women’s Centre? The Auckland City Council, has decided to sell off some of its housing stock - the Freeman's Bay council flats and several community houses, including the Maori Coordinator Jacqui Fill, Librarian Jocelyn Logan Women's Welfare League and Education coordinator Sheridan Pooley house and the Auckland have to be given three years’ no­ wouldn't be bothering us, would Women’s Centre at 63 tice, but anything could happen they? Ponsonby Rd. to the rent. They have also kindly Strange men in suits keep Like some of the given us the first right of refusal measuring up our frontage mut­ Freeman's Bay residents, we to buy the house, but if this tering, "Straw to gold by morning." have been Council tenants mouldering old house wasn't Isn't there some fairy god­ for more than seven years - worth a million dollars for its mother reading this who could since 1979, in fact - so we prime site alone, the Council save Ponsonby women from an-

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 18 feature directory other half-dozen cafe-bars? the Women's Centre, there was The Women's Centre has been the little matter of the rent in­ a very important focal point for crease and the phone bill. Auckland Working grass roots women's groups in When a new management col­ Women's Resource Auckland for over twenty years. lective was elected in August Centre PO Box 5, The original Auckland Women's 1994, they inherited chaos - bro­ Newton AUCKLAND Centre was opened in early 1975 ken furniture, no office at 125 Ponsonby Road - there's equipment, piles of mouldering still a framed photograph of it paper under desks and in cup­ high on the wall at the boards. Rubbish, unpaid bills, a Cromwell Women's / greengrocers there. At the 1978 great deal of health information Support Group Piha conference - the one where and some wonderful herstorical PO Box 149 everyone fought with everyone, papers, now archived with the referrred toby some as 'the death Auckland Public Library rare CROMWELL 9191 knell of Women's Lib’ - a paper books room. was presented about the need for The house itself was almost a big women's centre in central hidden behind an overgrown Devonport Women's Auckland to house all the hedge and unkempt gardens, and Resource Centre women's groups working on femi­ the finances were in a similar nist health and safety issues. And state. There were no bookkeep­ 32 Clarence St the folllowing year, despite the ing systems and there had been Devonport AUCKLAND supposed demise of the women's no audited accounts for three movement, it happened. The years. This seriously disadvan­ women at No. 125 moved along to taged the new Collective in No. 63, a concrete villa owned by presenting the Women’s Centre Helensville Women's the Auckland City Council. The as a credible organisation to fund­ Centre PO Box 141 Auckland Women's Health Col­ ing bodies. HELENSVILLE lective was incorporated in 1979 But there was a lot o f support and sharing the house with them from local women for a new be­ in the 1980s were Womanline, the ginning. A number of them Council for the Single Mother and underwrote a Prometheus loan to Heretaunga Women's Her Child, Rape Crisis, and the get us started. Two years later we Centre Maori and Pacific Island Women's have two paid coordinators and a PO Box 27 HASTINGS Health Collective. library worker, new office furni­ Because of this long associa­ ture including two computers and Horowhenua Women "s tion with the New Zealand and a photocopier. The house has Youth & Whanau international women’s health been painted inside and new gar­ movement, the Women’s Centre dens have been put in - we are no Centre has a special place in the hearts longer hidden behind the under­ PO Box 427 LEVIN of many women working for equal­ growth. We have achieved this by ity for women. hard physical labour, a commit­ The situation changed in the ment to fund-raising, and the late 1980s, as each o f the other dedication of our Collective and Kapiti Women's Health groups moved on, usually to larger membership. 6 Resource Centre premises, leaving the Women's The Women’s Centre is a drop- 7 Ngahina St Health Collective struggling on. in point for feminist and lesbian PARAPARAUMU 6153 Around that time, too, Fertility visitors from around NZ and the Action was beginning to pick up world, a place to find accommo­ the women's health action and dation, and find out about events. information role in Auckland. At There is counselling (including

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 19 feature ------directory for sexual abuse), safe massage resourced information files and for women, a free legal clinic, magazines and newsletters. We Lower Hutt Women's homeopathy, free breast and secured a Taskforce Green sub­ Centre smear checks, and meeting rooms sidy so we could employ Jocelyn 186 Knights Rd for women’s groups. We also run full-time and a number of volun­ a full programme of education teers also come in and help. The LOWER HUTT 6301 classes and support groups, which library is now well utilised by include personal growth, life students for school and tertiary drawing, women’s spirituality, a education projects. We are prob­ Napier W om en's course for women getting back ably the only library in New Health Centre into the workforce, parenting, Zealand that helps women iden­ sexual abuse support groups, po­ tify the books with lesbian content 27 Tennyson Street litical groups, discussion evening, by putting a purple sticker on the NAPIER and more. There are support spine! As we had hoped, the li­ groups for New Mothers, sexual brary means that so many more abuse survivors, lesbian coming women pop in to browse or bor­ Nelson Women's out, women having a hysterec­ row, which makes our Centre a tomy. Women have often used really lively and friendly women's Centre 44 Trafalgar St the Centre as a base to start a space. So come and join! NELSON 7001 group, or to organise around an As with other community issue. And the phone is always groups, a lot of effort goes into ringing, with women wanting in­ fund-raising and funding appli­ New Plymouth formation, or looking up 'W’ in cations. It's a sign of the 'more the phone book when they don't market’ 1990s that the rent keeps Women's Centre know where to turn. going up and the funding pots get PO Box 4030 This year's major project has smaller. We are now well known NEW PLYMOUTH 4600 been the revival of the Women’s for our fund-raising film previews. Library. In the early 1980s These have become popular so­ Womanline started a feminist li­ cial events for the women of brary which ran for a number of Auckland, and are a relatively North Shore Women's years. Although it had been closed painless way of supporting the Centre for a number of years, nearly 1000 Centre. PO Box 40 106 books were still in the house when Over the next three years the Glenfield the new Collective began (but Women’s Centre is going to have about 2000 catalogue cards so if to evaluate its continued needs AUCKLAND 1330 you have anything on your shelves and goals. And we'll be entering stamped 'The Women's Library'...). the political arena as we try and Some books had also been do­ negotiate with the Council, and Otaki Women's Health nated by Broadsheet when they put on pressure through our MP Centre moved from Dominion Rd. to 'Save Our Home', as we join in Maternity Hospital Jocelyn Logan, who once the general protest against the worked in the University Library, selling of publicly-owned residen­ Mill Rd OTAKI was roped in and work began. tial houses for those on low With many more books donated incomes. by women, and funding for shelv­ Jacqui Fill and Linda Hill Palmerston North ing, cataloguing and advertising, Auckland Women's Centre, we now have an amazing collec­ 63 Ponsonby Rd, Women's Centre tion of feminist fiction and non Ph 376 3227 PO Box 4253 fiction. There are also well PALMERSTON NORTH 5330

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 20 Lower Hutt Women's Centre

or to a counselling service. We believe that women need specific services for women only, to work on issues of self-esteem, assertiveness and parenting skills. The Lower Hutt Women's Centre run a programme of speakers and "Women can do a lot of edu­ is a welcoming 1940s-style house seminars on different topics of cation and self development near the station, obtained on a feminist interest. As well as drop- before crisis situations arise - permanent basis, thanks to the in space, the library, information women will know that problems YWCA. Ally Andersun, a counsel­ files and referral services, there are developing and we can supply lor, is the fulltime Development are regular support groups and the facilities for women to begin and Education Officer, and the self-help courses. work on their own issues before RHA funds a part-time adminis­ " For all our workshops we try crisis." trator. There is a management to charge rates that women on "The Centre fills a special role collective and, at present, eight benefits and low incomes can af­ in that women can be quite anony­ trained volunteers. The Centre ford. We believe there is no point mous, they can talk, they don't runs a continuous by-the-week running workshops only high in­ need to fit criteria, they don't volunteers' training programme, come earners can afford." need assessing, they don't need for women who have gained from The Centre also provides sup­ to pay. Some women will hold on the Women's Centre and want to port and self-esteem services, to the Women's Centre's phone develop more skills in a support­ drop-in facilities and an outing number for six months before they ive environment. once a month for women mental come." The Centre's newsletter health service consumers. The Centre describes itself Cronecle - well on the way to "We offer support groups, as a uniquely user-driven being a magazine - is 'a creative education groups, library facili­ organisation that encourages the outlet for writers and artists and ties and company. Many of the women coming to get involved, that means you!' It also gives a women that come are very needy, and develop the kind of activities picture of the level of activity at requiring considerable time and that they would like to do with the Centre. The women there are attention. Our main focus is others - flax weaving, walking involved in lobbying and writing group work, but women often groups, self defence - or becom­ submissions on issues that im­ come to the Centre individually. ing part of the latest intake of pact on women and children, and Often after initial contact they trainee volunteers. keeping women in Lower Hutt up choose to go into group work at 186 Knights Rd, Lower Hutt to date on legislative issues. They the Centre or at some other agency, Ph 569 2711

The Nelson Women's House Te Whare Awhina mo nga Wahine Puawai

Thanks for the opportunity to tell everyone a little about our new all the usual grant applications, house - we have now been here for just over a year. We decided to look and we have found the Nelson for a house we could actually purchase! The idea of having a community wonderfully support­ permanent, safe and supportive house for all women close to the ive. centre of the city really appealed - a caretaker's house owned by the Some fund-raising highlights. Nelson City Council. A fabulously successful auction To date we have raised about a third of the money needed through of New Zealand women's art from

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1 9 9 6 21 feature

around the country. Marilyn War­ Shona McLean. And we have just clinic for children once a week, an ing opened it and contributors had a concert with folk singer arts activities group, a washing included Gretchen Albrecht, Allie Judy Small. machine, a drop-in morning tea, Eagle and Jenny Dolezell. It raised Anyone keen to share their free pregnancy and smear checks $35,000! ideas or wealth with us, please get and, o f course, coffee, tea and the Port Nelson donated $5000 in touch! local newspaper available at any to become a Cornerstone sup­ Three groups are currently time. We are feeling more settled porter and Nelson Girls College based in the house - Women's in the house and are beginning to has taken us on as one o f their Health, Rape Crisis and Young look for new ideas for projects. ’causes' for the year, raising $2000 Women’s Support - and other from a recent mufti day. Broom­ groups use the house for meet­ Jacqui FitzGerald, Coordinator stick Enterprises is helping with ings - including Lesbian Link and 44 Trafalgar St, Nelson wonderful cards, posters and t- FIT, a beyond dieting group. We Ph 3-546 7986, Fax 3-549 2407 shirts designed by local artist have a very cheap homeopathic

m o R A

WOMENS CENTRE

The Women’s Centre has undergone some quite dramatic changes counselling or daytime courses, over the past year. We often say we wish implementing change was if required. Our regular'Women's as easy as talking about it! We have worked hard to restructure our Talks’ will also soon be underway organisation so that it remains true to our stated philosophy of again. supporting all women in an empowering feminist environment. Those Other news, apart from our of you who work in community organisations will be aware that the courses, is that we are now open increasingly tight accountability structures being imposed on us by as a Drop-In Centre from 9 am to our funders are not always compatible with a feminist perspective or 4 pm five days a week. So those of a women's way of supporting other women. We are now overseen by you who would like to bring back a Management Team, which was put in place by the Women’s Centre those overdue library books that Collective when it looked inevitable the Centre would close down last you haven't managed to return year. There was some(!) controversy over putting in this team because because we were always closed, many saw it as being hierarchical and decidedly non feminist. will now be able to do so. That's In 1996 our Centre has a full time coordinator, a full time Centre good news, isn't it? worker, three counsellors and an unpaid management team consist­ Don’t forget our address - it's ing o f Sandra Carslaw, Ruth Gardner, Kay Rollinson and Susi Lawson. wrong in the phone book. Colleen Costello (whom many of you will know) is still working hard It's 2nd Floor, Greenwich at the Centre, along with a very much appreciated group of support House, 221 Manchester St, op­ workers. With this solid foundation of sufficient workers with posite the Holy Trinity Church. sufficient paid hours, we are confident we can get the Centre hum­ Phone 379 7047. ming again. Let us know what’s on around Our Centre activities are well underway in term four. Free town, use our message and notice counselling (three chairs - no waiting) for women remains an impor­ board, drink our tea and coffee, tant part of our work. We are offering continuing education and in return your energy and programmes in self esteem, self defence, lesbian legal issues, creativ­ presence will give our Centre a ity with paint and colour and a personal growth course using real sense of spirit. psychodrama. We will arrange free childcare for women attending

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 22 THE ^di rectory^

NORTH SHORE Papakura Women's WOMEN’S CENTRE Centre PO Box 909 Papakura AUCKLAND 1733

The North Shore Women's Centre ferrals on sexual abuse and rape, began in 1987 as the Glenfield and offers education sessions to Women's Community Health Co­ other groups. Two video-and- South Canterbury operative. In the last year, there booklet kits have been produced, W om en's Wellness have been some staff changes, Broken Boundaries: Understand­ W om en's with several new faces replacing ing Professional Sexual Abuse, and many of those who have been Private Pain: Parents' Responses Community Centre with the Centre for several years. to the Sexual Abuse of their Chil­ 2 Perth St Lorraine Owens began as the new dren. Funding has now been found TIMARU 8601 coordinator in August. for a third video, Kids in Court, The Centre has been i &nning focusing on child witnesses. programmes on eating issues These videos have given the Cen­ since its early days. Initial diffi­ tre a high profile both in New culties obtaining funding led to a Zealand and overseas. Take-a-Break three stage research project. The The latest initiative is free Women's Centre first stage was to establish the 'legal advice on Tuesdays, pro­ PO Box 56818484 extent of sub-clinical eating prob­ vided by women lawyers from Pitt St lems, and was carried out by Fritha local practices. The two hour Parkes. She then did the second clinic has been fully booked from AUCKLAND stage, piloting and evaluating a its second week, and the Centre preventative education pro­ hopes to extend the service to two gramme, as her Masters thesis in days a week. Social Policy and Social Work. The With the advantage of its fresh Te Awamutu Centre has now received a new team of Centre workers and McKenzie Trust grant for the third counsellors, the Centre is plan­ Women's Centre stage and a one year therapy group ning a ten year celebration in 1997. PO Box 399 for eating disorders will be 5 Mayfield Rd, Glenfield TE AWAMUTU launched in 1987. PO Box 40 106, Ph 444 4618 2400 The Centre also provides counselling, information and re Palmerston/ North/ Thames Women's W om en/ y Centre/.______Centre PO Box 93 THAMES This Women's Centre houses the Palmerston North Women's Health Collective, Rape Crisis and Women's Refuge (Te Roopu Whakaruruhau 2800 o nga Wahine Maori is housed separately). These groups have been together ten years now, with just one shift - when we outgrew the house next door. Before that the Health Collective and Rape Crisis were in a house which was condemned. The very first beginnings of a Women's Centre was a Women's Resource Centre in Terrace End, around 1979.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 23 feature

Each of the groups has its and a policy own paid workers and volunteers o f w om an- providing a telephone service and only space - face-to-face contact. The Centre with occa- provides resources, such as a large s i o n a 1 meeting room, for other women's exceptions. groups to use. The groups housed Getting our in the Centre share the costs of Council to power, gas, fax and cleaning. supply this Refuge and Rape Crisis receive house, and install gas heating. community singing group, which Community Funding Agency Other successes are the groups has just put out an Election 96 grants and we all need to apply which have sprung out of, or been demo tape. for other grants and organise supported by, the Women's Cen­ The photo shows our house fund-raising activities. The Coun­ tre - among them the Palmerston in Waldegrave St, with past and cil provides this old renovated North Women's Homedeath Sup­ present members of the Women's house and we each get accommo­ port Group, the Manawatu Health Collective celebrating our dation grants to cover our rent. Women's Learning Group, for tenth anniversary together. Unfortunately this house is under women who have been physically, 53 Waldegrave St threat, because the Council wants mentally or sexually abused by a PO Box 4253 to sell it off and move us some­ man, the Endometriosis Support Palmerston North where else. Group and the New Mothers Sup­ Ph (06) 357 0314 Successes? Establishing a port Group, and the Brazen Fax (06) 355 9088 Women's Centre in the first place Hussies women's community

PAPAKURA WOMEN'S SUPPORT CENTRE

The Papakura Centre began in 1982 when a meeting was called by a group of women concerned about the gap in services to women offered by the Citizen's Advice Bureau, Papakura Network and Emer­ gency Housing. None offered a place where women could meet other women for mutual support, especially on issues like violent relation­ ships, women's health issues and problems arising from 24 hour parenting. This set the pattern of Centre Research by the first coordinator established relationships as the operations for the future. In the major cause of stress among Papakura women, followed by financial past five years they feel they have problems and work. This confirmed the group's initial aims to become a more professional establish a rape crisis and counselling service for incest and child organisation, setting in place for­ abuse, support for battered women, a creche and education mal policies, job descriptions, programmes. A house owned by the Council was provided rent free codes of ethics and confidential­ {Other Councils please note! Eds.] A Violence Against Women group ity, and complaints procedures. was formed and nine women trained with Rape Crisis in Auckland to "Our mission statement made provide rape crisis/incest counselling. They were able to obtain a us look at whether we were actu­ house from Social Welfare to provide short term crisis accommoda­ ally meeting the needs of women tion. Other women trained as 'befrienders' and the Papakura Centre and children in our community," opened in February 1983 with a drop-in and information-and-referral says coordinator Barbara Bowyer. service. In 1985 they were moved to Opaheke Rd to share tenancy with "Why did we need to refer so many Papakura Network, a counselling service. In 1986 the Centre helped on for counselling? So counsel­ set up the Manukau Women's Refuge. ling became our main focus while

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 24 feature ' \ directory ' still retaining the friendly atmo­ that men are more open to seek­ sphere of a drop-in centre." ing help and Papakura is lacking Upper Hutt W om en's The Centre's counselling ser­ in this area" says Barbara. "Our Health Group plan is to extend the building, vices, at very low cost, have gone PO Box40614 from strength to strength. Now with an extra room that will be a UPPER HUTT trainees are taken on placement place for women to meet without for the Manukau Technical Insti­ the intrusion of men. However, tute Certificate in Counselling. this may never eventuate, it will The Centre is planning a sur­ depend on the result of the sur­ Wairarapa vey to ensure that it is meeting vey." Women's Centre the needs of the local community. PO Box 286 "It is possible that we may 4 Opaheke Rd change to a Family Support Cen­ PO Box 909, Papakura MASTERTON tre. It has become very noticeable Ph 09 299 9466, Fax 299 9455

Wanganui Women's Centre PO Box 568 WANGANUI 5000

WOMEN'S SPACE IN AUCKLAND Wellington Women's Centre "Take-a-Break seeks to develop a priest with experience of similar sense of community which links outreach work in Britain as well as 56 Victoria St together women, in a process of with New Zealand congregations. WELLINGTON empowerment." The Centre's primary Maori partner This is the purpose of the Take- is Tamaki Rohe o Taha Maori of the a-Break Women's Centre, set up Methodist Church, and the Centre five years ago by the Methodist has a full time Maori health pro­ Church as a safe drop-in centre for moter, who also facilitates te reo West Auckland women in the central city. Trans­ and waiata classes. At present Women's Centre vestites (who present as women) there are also three Maori and one PO Box 69 116 and boys up to 13 are welcome. Pacific Island nation volunteers and Henderson The Centre offers crisis interven­ a Samoan social worker at the Cen­ AUCKLAND 1230 tion, support, advocacy and health tre. services from a midwife, public This team works successfully health nurse and sexual health with a very wide range of women, nurse, as well as group activities following up on social issues that that spring from the life of the impinge on their lives. Women & Children's Centre. "We are very concerned for the Staff are mainly funded by need of women in boarding houses, Centre North Health, with the parish sup­ and their lack of rights in law,"say PO Box 4312 plying administrative and financial Jean Brookes. Some women com­ WANGANUI 5000 services, and other grants come ing to Take-A-Break have been from a wide range of sources. For interviewed as part of MA thesis the past year the coordinator has research on this issue. been Jean Brookes, an Anglican 64 Pitt Street Auckland 3581322 V ______) Broodshoet Summer Raumati 1996 25 Women's Resource Centre Auckland Christian Feminist Networking SpiraC Anglican based, Ecumenical in action

The Women's Resource Centre is a place of contact SPIRAL is an ecumenical community of women and for women both in the Church and outside it, who men which grew out of the Women's Resouce Cen­ are wanting to develop their understandings of tre. SPIRAL is a reconciling congregation, welcoming, themselves, of God and of the world around them. affirming and celebrating those who are lesbian and We aim to provide resources and opportunities gay. SPIRAL is committed to for women to engage in theological education and ■S’exploring how the Christian tradition makes ministry development in contexts that are affirm­ sense to us living for justice in Aotearoa-New ing to them. We do this through Zealand ■fr a monthly newsletter to 800 plus women and ■S’creating alternatives to patriarchial Christianity men working and worrying to mend creation ■S’ a lending library and resource collection ■«■SPIRAL meets for worship/ritual monthly at St ■S’ email and internet connection Matthews in the City ■S’ workshops and courses ■«■monthly for theological reflection and a shared ■fr oral history recording tea to socialise and to plan the shape of its life ■fr desk top publishing ■S’ networking "The SPIRAL as symbol invites us to be centred as well as to move out to act for justice."

P O Box 11 903 Ellerslie, Aotearoa/New Zealand 409 Great South Rd, Penrose, Auckland Ph 09 525 4179, Fax 09 525 4346 email [email protected]

Te Awamutu Women's Centre

The Te Awamutu Women’s Centre began ten years "We make space available for any women's initia­ ago, after the Women's Refuge and Rape Crisis Collec­ tives that can fit in." tive had been established about a year. Its founders The latest is a herbal remedies course. Trained wanted a separate, more general group that women volunteer members run assertiveness classes, self could join in without having to do training. esteem groups and help with fundraising ventures. "They only sign up that they support our consti­ There is a weekly after school group called 'Earthling tution, and can then take part in the monthly meetings," Club' to develop children's confidence, self-esteem writes June Bright. and powers of negotiation and cooperation. The Centre has a shop front used for topical The Community Funding Agency provides enough displays and to publicise events. Inside are easy funding for one fulltime worker, and three counsel­ chairs, a kitchen table and chairs, and space to display lors, a support worker and a coordinator share it the goods the Centre gives away. Around the walls is between them, keeping the Centre open 10 till 4, a specialised library, inspiring posters and a well Monday to Friday. Other organisations fund some equiped corner for chidren to occupy themselves training and supervision. Every year they collate while their mothers talk. Upstairs is a group space information to be published in the local A-Z. with another chldren's area, a Maori healing room, a "The only support our local Council gives us is recycled clothing collection and a counselling room. permission to use the parking area twice a month and For three years there have been three collectives charge people $5 to sell things at our car-boot sale." (with some membership overlap) sharing the rent. PO Box 399, Te Awamutu Ph 871 8152 Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 26 \ fo/egtAac£ioj((( k/o m & K g directory

The West Auckland Women's Cen­ Women's Centre tre has been going since 1983, 221 Manchester St organised by local women to re­ CHRISTCHURCH 8000 spond to community needs by providing services run by women for women. We provide informa­ tion and referral, workshops and Women's Resource classes on, for example, parenting, Centre self esteem and skills training, health check programme has ex­ Alnwick St workshops, and a regular drop in panded and we now work in WARKWORTH 1492 evening. In 1994, the Centre re­ partnership with local doctors. searched the effect of economic We are also working to meet and policy changes on women women’s needs in the area of with dependent children in West abuse. We have been supporting Women's Resource Auckland and produced Feeling the establishment of the new Centre Stretched: Women and Families in Helensville Women's Centre, and PO Box 9573 Transition. our latest initiative is a support Newmarket We are regularly open on week­ service for Asian women in West day mornings, and currently have Auckland. AUCKLAND 1031 seven part-time paid workers, funded by government agencies, McLeod Rd, Henderson North Health and Community Ph 838 6381, Fax 838 2470 If you would like to be Funding Agency contracts. Our Email [email protected] included in this direc­ tory please write to

B r o a d s h e e t POBOX 56-147 AUCKLAND U ih Happy birthday, V ______)

tion. From the Centre's inception New Plymouth! and throughout its herstory, there has been tension between those Having celebrated its twenty-first birthday this November, the New wishing to provide a radical-femi­ Plymouth Women's Centre lays claim to fame as the longest continu­ nist alternative and those ously running Women's Centre in New Zealand. concerned that such a stance The years have certainly given this Centre its share of the would alienate the very women pressures and dilemmas all too familiar to women's organisations: the Centre is trying to reach. the fight for funding; hostility from community conservatism and the This 'feminist alternative vs. press; and internal friction, often based on ideological differences. coffee club' debate is alive and But talking to Delwyn Pearce, Centre volunteer and twenty-first kicking in New Plymouth, as evi­ coordinator, it is clear that time has neither wearied nor withered this denced by the choice language most aged of centres. recently resounding through the Indeed, the New Plymouth Women's Centre is a reflection of corridors when it was suggested feminism as a whole. There are some problems that could and that a 'beautician' be brought in probably never should be resolved. Such as the long-standing and for one of the Centre's courses. lively debate within the Centre about its politics and public presenta- As Delwyn tells this story, it Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 27 New Plymouth Women’s Centre

has become a matter for good- contemporary wish-list is a greater behalf in court. humoured laughter. The awareness of their existence among The pilot programme for this 'beautician', it was decided, did in­ the public. Many women simply scheme, the HAIP programme in deed have skills and knowledge of don't know the Centre is there. Hamilton, was set up with govern­ value, but the value-laden job de­ In this the Centre has become ment funding. Because HAIP scription was unacceptable and had a victim of its own success. Since collapsed under a huge budget- to go. its own splinter-inception, the Cen­ blow-out, the government has When such conflicts arise it tre has spawned a variety of allowed New Plymouth's FAIT to seems that the Centre is accus­ women's organisations: Rape Cri­ run unassisted for some time on a tomed to simply going with the sis, Safer Centre, Tuu Tama Wahine shoestring budget - which it has majority and 'it all works out in the o Taranaki, and groups that still done with great success. So much end'. use the Centre such as Homebirth success that the government is now The Centre's ability to survive and Women for Non-violence. These funding a position for someone and successfully balance two seem­ groups, combined with feminist else to do what the court advocate ingly disparate views is perhaps inroads into the realm of had been doing. grounded in its origins. It was the officialdom, mean that New Ply­ Delwyn Pearce cheerfully de­ brain-child o f the New Plymouth mouth now offers a comparatively scribes this as being simply one of Women's Action Group. Because broad base o f social support for the Centre's roles outrunning it­ this group was being lambasted by women - so that the Centre often self. "It's time to move on and carry the press and public for its pro­ finds itself referring women right on." While she can see the team abortion stance, it was decided that back out the door. One of its getting together again with a whole the Centre should be conceptually primary functions now is acting as new focus sometime in the future, and publicly distanced from its an information-base and informed she remains aware that the Centre parent-organisation. reference service. has plenty to be going on with. This tactic was in fact so suc­ The Centre was involved with a The Centre currently offers a cessful that the Society for the success-induced redundancy re­ series of low-cost courses, with Protection of the Unborn Child came cently with the New Plymouth free childcare. They cover subjects along and made afternoon tea for Family Abuse Intervention Team. such as self-esteem, anger-manage­ the Centre's opening. They were Originally comprised of volunteers ment, and self-defence. There are either unaware or didn't care that from the police, Victim Support, also Tuesday lectures with women their tea was being swilled by radi­ Refuge, Relationship Services, Tuu speaking on everything from Hepa­ cal feminists - the Women's Action Tama Wahine, Community Correc­ titis B to astrology to lesbians and Group and the Women's Centre tions and the Women's Centre, FAIT the law. Committee being virtually synony­ deals with family violence going Because we are a resource mous at this time. through the courts. As Delwyn centre - providing pamphlets, ref­ The forces of conservatism still says, victims of domestic violence erences to appropriate counsellors seem to consider women's right to all too often find themselves disad­ and services, and lending a listen­ their own safe space a disturbingly vantaged, disempowered and ing ear - six to eight weeks a year is radical concept. Delwyn Pearce devocalised by official processes. spent training new volunteers. was recently told by employment As well as accelerating the slow With all this and more going services not to mention her five progress of cases through the on, recently five of the twelve years of work at the Centre because courts. FAIT is designed to ensure women on the Centre's roster all it might scare people off. that no one slips through the cracks gave birth within three months of However, the Centre today suf­ or is denied the chance to have one another. If there’s one thing fers not so much from bad press as their say: the victim is provided the Centre is not going to be for a from lack o f press. High on their with an advocate to speak on their while, it's quiet!

The New Plymouth Women's Centre would like to extend thanks to the many volunteers who have contributed to the Centre's success over the years.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 28 feature W om en’s

Electoral Noeline has given women's political issues a high priority in L o b b y her own life, and has sent o ff a commendable pile of submissions Noeline Nuttal over her two years as coordinator. "Belt it out on the computer, omen’s Electoral Lobby is a To be able to give worthwhile sup­ read through, check the pages, the feminist non-party political lobby port to women candidates and MPs, clauses and references. Dash down group focusing on issues impor­ WEL believes that there must be a to the YWCA where I run o ff the tant to women. It encourages workable partnership, with ac­ requisite 20 copies, stuff them in women to stand for public office, countability, openness and the envelope and catch the last in local and national government, availability. mail. And feel pleased it’s done. and continues to support them Once more our name appears in when they do. Lately WEL has Lobbying on women’s issues high places." emphasised the need to promote The Women's Electoral Lobby, mod- Local branches reinforce is­ women whose priority is equity elled on WEL Australia, was sues through the newspapers, for women, and a better quality of established in March 1975 and by though networks and friends. Pre­ life. the time o f General Election that paring submissions on women's "Women can do everything and year had 14 branches. Its first issues, sometimes presenting do it well, especially for other national Conference was held in them at hearings, is a key activity women in need, and supported by June 1976, and in 1977 the na­ o f all the branches. women," says Noeline Nuttal, tional coordinator’s position and "Something that we can do WEL's national coordinator. "But the national newsletter were es­ and do well - WEL!" says Noeline. it's no easy task when you are the tablished. token woman on a committee of In the 1990s WEL has a strong Still on the Platform for Action hard nosed businessmen. Harder presence in Hamilton and WEL has been involved in work­ if you are a Maori woman. It can be Wellington, but a better geographi­ shops both before and after Beijing lonely at the top, scary and de­ cal spread is needed. In Auckland Forum for Women, discussing the manding." a number of earlier members went recommendations and taking re­ WEL was pleased to see so on to become MPs or have moved sponsibility for outcomes. many women candidates coming up in other fields. In other areas On Beijing issues, WEL NZ has forward in 1996, and is delighted there are active women but no some contact with WEL Australia. that 34 women have been elected. formal branch. WEL's members In Australia WEL is a force not "Now we must monitor devel­ are women involved in a broad easily dismissed. In promoting opments, policy promises, and range of other organisations and gender equality in political repre­ legislation. Much as we have al­ groups, as well as in the paid sentation, they even attract some ways done, but under MMP we workforce. government funding - something need to do it better. One thing "It often amazes me how many o f an accomplishment in itself in seems certain. We cannot rest. women are actively involved in the 1990s. Because there will always be change volunteer groups as well as run­ "The twelve areas of the Plat­ and we must be there to help that ning a household, earning a living form for Action from the UN Beijing change swing in the best direc­ or training for the workforce,"says Conference emphasise the positive. tion." Noeline. "Of course women have Women have made tremendous There are many issues which always done a number of impor­ steps forward, breakthroughs in cross party lines and need active tant things alongside the areas that seemed insurmountable. input from women organising to­ humdrum, the monotonous and The wonderful thing is where gether. WEL will also be watching the downright boring. For women, women are able to stand tall them­ the track record of the new women prioritising is one of the facts of selves and bring change in the lives MPs on the issues affecting women. life." o f the women they represent."

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 29 feature WORKING "Hopefully we encouraged some women to vote for one o f the par­ WOMEN'S ties that were planning to repeal the Employment Contracts Act," RESOURCE Allison says. The Council of Trade Unions CENTRE reports that the male average weekly wage is now $155 higher than women’s. Since 1991, the AUCKLAND concentration of women in the service sector and in part-time jobs At the beginning o f the year, the issues like sexual harassment and has increased a couple o f percent­ Working Women's Resource Cen­ pay equity and lobbying to get age points. New women employees tre moved from its office on Great them included in legislation - even are less likely to be included in an North Rd, when the Trade Union if National did repeal the Pay Eq­ existing collective contract - if there Centre was sold. The Resource uity Act. is one! Women are less likely than Centre still shares an office with As w ell as responding to men to get paid penal rates on the Council of Trade Unions, but it women wanting information about weekends or get protection clauses is now in Kingsland in the Service employment issues and unions, about the hours they may be asked Workers Union building, along with Allison Enright, the Centre's coor­ to work. The Employment Con­ the National Distribution Union dinator, reports that this year she tracts Act is certainly not working and the Trade Union Workplace organised a very successful series for women! Health and Safety Centre. of seminars on legal issues for WWRC, POBox 68905, The Working Women’s Re­ women - matrimonial property, 35 George Street Kingsland source Centre was started in 1984 custody, domestic violence, fam­ Auckland 1, Ph. 3762156 by women involved in the trade ily law, debt and how to set up a 9 union movement to promote small business. The Resource Cen­ women's participation in union tre has regular inter-union ITS BIOLOGY organisations, and to improve the education on topics like MMP and M’DEAR unions responsiveness to women how to take a personal grievance WOMEN JUST AREN'T members. against an employer. It has also BUILT It has also provided an impor­ produced a new series of pam­ TO CARRY tant network for women who work phlets to inform women about the MEN'S WAGE PACKETS in the Auckland union scene. As laws on parental leave and protec­ an organisation, it was inside the tion against sexual harassment. union movement but also had the On Suffrage Day Allison and other autonomy to prioritise women's union women were out leafleting issues, such as training for women shopping centres with a pamphlet organisers, helping set up the Early about the effects of the Employ­ Childhood Workers Union, raising ment Contracts Act on women. CATH JACKSON ’WELLINGTON USDAW UNTIY BOCKS the most interesting bookshop!

119 123 WILLIS ST, WELLINGTON 2 GILUES AVENUE NEWMARKET PHONE TILLY 385 6110 P.O. BOX 9 8 8 7 AUCKLAND TELEPHONE (09) 523 1023 FACSIMILE (09) 523 3114 Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 30 feature

CENTRE

The various skills of members of the and the odd man - interested in the specific issues. Wellington Working Women's Resource Cen­ These were gender bias in employment institutions, tre include singing and, more recently even the organisation of women workers by US unions; dancing, by Choir Choir Pants on Fire. The home care workers, a report on an international choristers - including an accompanying gui­ conference on pay equity, and another on key issues tarist - delighted September's Annual General for women workers discussed at the ILO conference. Meeting with a programme containing some An important service of the Centre is its Advo­ of their own compositions, while they dazzled cacy Line, a consolidation and extension of its original the audience modelling their new bright, spar­ information function. This was set up two years ago kling waistcoats. "Twirl, girls,” encouraged as a response to the Employment Contracts Act. choir mistress Pinky Agnew, who explained 'We knew that women were particularly vulner­ that these garments were first worn when able to exploitation and may not know about their Choir Choir opened the concert of Australian rights in this industrial environment. We also knew folk singer and song writer 'wonderful, won­ that, with part-time and casual work on the rise, der fuF Judy Small. Judy had asked for Choir many women workers would be even more vulner­ Choir's back-up because they had so success­ able if they did not join their union. All callers are fully performed at her last New Zealand advised to join their union and are given information concert two years ago. about how to do so.' The 17-strong group is about three years Union membership is not a pre-requisite for old and, according to the Centre's getting advice, however. The Advocacy Line is based newsletter,'continues to stun audiences as on an answerphone system, where callers are asked far afield as Marton with its witty words and to leave their phone numbers and volunteers ring magic melodies'. (Loved the one about the them back with practical information and support. Employment Contracts Act.) Members' com­ Anne Campbell, the Centre's recently appointed part- mitment to practising and composing has time administrator, is currently putting on computer paid off - literally - as they donate their details o f the calls between November 1994 and performance fees to the Centre. September 1966, indicating what the problems are The Centre was established in September and who's asking. The largest section (not surpris­ 1991, its main aim being to give women ingly) comes under 'general', as all queries may not advice and support on employment issues. be strictly work related. The callers may be given the Anyone involved in a mostly voluntary educa­ names of organisations - Rape Crisis or DPB Action, tional organisation will identify with the time for instance - with greater experience of managing and effort required to join the scramble for more specific difficulties. Next comes signing con­ money from diverse funding bodies. In the tracts, followed 'a combination of employment last financial year, for instance, the Wellington issues', unfair dismissal, holiday pay, parental leave, City Council provided a grant. Besides Choir sexual harassment, union coverage, redundancy and Choir, other sources o f money were subscrip­ wage arrears. tions and donations, a quiz night ('quiz The Centre operates with a core group and sub­ mistress Pinky Agnew looking as stunning as committees which report regularly. At present they ever in her Carmen Miranda hat', says the would welcome more members, especially for the newsletter), a series o f five mid-winter lec- Advocacy Line, which is staffed by a pair o f volun­ tures/discussions and a Suffrage Day teers for one week about every six w7eeks. The celebration - a dinner on the Friday evening newsletter is reassuring: 'Specialist knowledge is not after Suffrage Day, as a more appropriate at all necessary - you learn as you go.' Anyone time for a working women's night out. interested is asked to phone the Centre on (04) 385 The mid-winter lectures were particularly 3173 and leave a message. successful in attracting a range of women - Margot Roth?

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 31 feature Linda Hill talks to Farida Sultana, coordinator of the Shakti Asian Women's Support- SHAKTI Group, Auckland's most dynamic new women's THE STRENGTH OF ASIAN WOMEN organisation.

/ ■ M S I

t^ J hakti means strength. It is a w Sanskrit word that has the same i k d m & i meaning in languages across eight different countries from Iran to Indonesia. In Auckland it means the strength of women working together in a new support organisation for Asian women which has mushroomed in the woman who came to New Zealand new group. space of little more than a year. with her family. With experience The Shakti organisation which At the first meeting in August o f working with the Shakti Asian Farida had been involved in in last year, around eight women women's organisation in Britain, England is a well established group came. Within three weeks a sec­ she became a volunteer with the working with a well established ond meeting attracted 30 women, Supportline Women's Refuge, but population. Much of its focus is and a fortnight later there were 50. soon began to focus on helping domestic violence. It also sup­ "And this was only word of Asian women, especially those new ports Asian lesbian women. Its mouth, there was not even an ad­ to this country. new offshoot in New Zealand, how­ vertisement. Until December we "Talking with people in my ever, is aimed at a very much earlier didn't have a chair, table or any­ community, I felt there is some­ stage of feminist consciousness thing. Now on the books there are thing missing here. There are and organisation. It offers sup­ 300 families and 17 different cul­ Asian community organisations port to women making their first tures, and we are overloaded but they are for the men, actually. few steps towards independence already." Women go but they cannot voice in a new country. It is that aim The catalyst and driving force their opinion. They don’t join in that inspires Shakti's activities and is Farida Sultana, a Bangladesh the meeting, they look after the projects. children and they eat and they go "If we talk about independence, back home. There wasn't any­ we have to give women education "If you can thing for the women." first, so that they can read and Farida's first step was a small write English. Then they will be drive, speak survey of women of as many dif­ able to communicate with people, ferent Asian nationalities as she they will be able to read the signs, English and could contact, asking about how read the labels." they would feel about a support Farida started an English class, group just for women, and what which is now attended by 100 stu­ have a little bit the needs were o f women in their dents coming twice a week for an community. The response was hour and a half. Some new immi­ of money in very positive, and women began grants have made distressing phoning Farida at her home, want­ mistakes simply in going shop­ your hand..." ing help or just wanting to know ping, because they are unfamiliar what was happening about the with the products in the super- Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 32 "If the husband is abusive, know. That was the main plan Other funding came in small the son behind it." amounts from the women who starts doing Those who seek help from supported and joined the new Shakti also span the range of'Asian' organisation. it too.” nationalities - from Somalia to Fiji. "We ask everybody to support "All the years Fijian Indians us in any way they can. If we get have been here - they are very $5 donation from five people, then markets and cannot read the la­ established here, they have houses, we are talking about some money. bels. Shakti also organises driving businesses, they are working in I just say to everybody, this is lessons for women, in both theory good jobs - but there is nothing for your organisation, it is not five and practice. With some funding the women. They didn't realise people sitting in the office, it is from the Transport Safety Depart­ they need something for them­ entirely yours. And believe me, ment, they now aim to put 30 new selves. At the end of the day they they boil an egg, they sell that egg drivers a year on the road. A speak the same language, they and they put the money aside for doctor and a lawyer sometimes want to come here, you can't turn Shakti's donation. One dollar can come to talk to women about how your back." change a lot of things, because it's services and systems work here. Diane Curtis was a social work everybody's one dollar, one dol­ There is a parenting course, a sew­ student with Supportline when lar." ing class and they would like to Shakti first began. It is also the efforts of every­ add a computer class in the future. "Farida came to us with a very one together that are making Shakti Some women been helped to get clear idea of what she wanted to grow, as those helped become part on to TOPS courses. do," she says. Supportline and the o f the group and help others. Women coming to the classes Home and Family Counselling "A woman who lives in Mt have organised their own culture Agency helped with the offer of Wellington took help from us and mornings, which boost confidence two rooms, with applications for last week I had four more clients by giving the women an opportu­ funding and the legalities of incor­ in Mt Wellington and she is happy nity to show others what they can poration. Shakti's first Board of to drive them if they have any do in the context of their own Trustees was half Asian women, problem. She is taking them shop­ culture. With twelve languages half Pakeha women, and Diana ping. She feels she is part of among twenty volunteers, Shakti was one. Shakti now." helps women with interpretation, Some initial funding was ob­ Shakti also helps Asian women accompanying them in dealings tained from Lotto, a couple of in domestic crisis, referring them with Immigration or Income Sup­ hundred dollars from the City on to other organisations for ref­ port, or to see a lawyer or health Council, another couple from the uge or counselling. At larger specialist. Farida herself speaks Education Department. But fund­ gatherings, Farida says they do Pharsi, Bengali and Hindi, as well ing bodies require organisations not emphasise this aspect, because English. Other volunteers are Ira­ to be registered as incorporated many women still feel these things nian, Chinese, Korean, Malay. societies, with a constitution and should not be talked about - as Usually help with interpretation is at least a year's properly audited many New Zealanders also thought voluntary, but sometimes it pro­ accounts. None of these require­ twenty or thirty years ago. But vides some paid work for the ments can be organised overnight. when something goes wrong in helper. All of them were unfamiliar pro­ the family, Shakti can now be con­ "A large part o f independence cesses to women. Although some tacted. is that you can drive, you can o f Shakti's volunteers are highly "In the last three months we speak English and have a little bit qualified in various fields in their have had 36 crises that we have of money in your hand," says home countries, nearly all are new attended to. Domestic violence, Farida." Then the king of the house immigrants, unfamiliar with New women who want refuge, the fa­ cannot control you any more, you Zealand systems and require­ ther was beating the daughter, the ments. brother threw the sister out of the

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 33 r = \ SHAKTI M Ctevow Sta£&m&n£

Step by Step we will work towards liberation for in this country, and this has women through unity and with respect. huge impact on the women and Shakti Asian women's support group seeks to empower women children." to honour their Shakti, thereby achieving true freedom. Their response may be to turn to Shakti. Since June this ALwiy. year Shakti has been run by 1. To respect all women irrespective o f culture or religious beliefs Asian women alone - with just a 2. To uphold the individual's right to live free of fear little help from other Auckland 3. To inform women of their lawful rights women's organisations. Since 4. To protect and support the interview for this article, 5. To provide counselling and education on personal and social Shakti has moved from the two levels rooms in Balmoral to the Mt Roskill Community Centre at Three Kings (Ph 630 7728), J and the Auckland Women's Centre coordinators have received funding to provide the Shakti house, and husband wife cases are there. If I think about Iran or think women with some formal very common. We are talking about about Bangladesh, Brunei, organisational training. 17 different countries, so 36 is Singapore, it doesn't matter if it is As Diane Curtis says, "There normal." a Muslim country or non-Muslim, is so much that is hard to grasp, Farida does worry at times all are the same. After coming here but the women at Shakti are so about criticism from some that women see that they have rights, open to change, to have a go and Shakti is helping to break up fami­ they can make a choice." do things differently." lies by encouraging women to be "If we talk about 100 fami­ 9 more independent. lies, 30 will break up - this is my "It causes problems for men, opinion - another 50 will be talking because he has treated her like a about things. Maybe more than servant for a long long time, now half of those will be in an average these women stand up and talk condition of family relations. A " ...a lot of back. But my opinion is that one few will be getting better, develop­ day she has to stand up. Maybe ing a good understanding." angry, her life can go on like that for 20 Diane suggests that some of depressed years, but what about her chil­ the tension in Asian families comes dren? In my experience, if the from the situation that many of immigrant husband is abusive, after a few the men find themselves in New years the son starts doing it too. Zealand. men in And he will continue that bad "At one meeting of 100 women, this behaviour with his own wife." we asked how many of their hus­ Farida feels that Asian women bands were employed - and not country. " coming to a new country will inevi­ one was working. Many of these tably make these changes in their immigrant women are educated, family relationships, for them­ many o f their husbands are well selves but also for their daughters qualified in their own countries, and sons who will be growing up in but to practice here they may have New Zealand. to re-sit exams at a cost of hun­ "We can’t carry on how we dreds of dollars which they just carried on in our own country be­ don't have. There are a lot of cause we didn't have any choice angry, depressed immigrant men

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 34 feature

- k THAW THE HEALTH ALTERNATIVES FOR WOMEN

HAW provides a health information service for women in WE CURRENTLY OFFER Christchurch. It has its origins in Sisters Overseas Service (SOS) which began in the 1970s to help women access THE FOLLOWING I legal abortions in Australia. Once abortions could be SERVICES: obtained in New Zealand, it was realised that there were ★ Health information - other aspects of their health that women had insufficient <3 information and choice about. As a result, SOS became in folders which are being THAW with a focus on the promotion of self-help and constantly updated 4 : preventative health care. ★ a library THAW is a feminist organisation which works in a ★ Free pregnancy testing political way by challenging structures and practices s: which adversely affect women's health. ★ Birthing choices informa THAW is staffed by an enthusiastic and committed tion group of women who work on the management team, as 5 ★ Abortion information, paid health workers and as volunteers. This year we have produced a new-look newsletter, a support and referral I new brochure, a new letterhead and have a poster almost ★ Free condoms completed. With our new display board, we are looking ★ Safer sex kits forward to getting out into the community in order to reach more women and let them know about our services. ★ Referral to various prac­ We welcome enquiries from women either in person, titioners and support by telephone or by letter. groups

Hours ★ Talks to women, Monday, 9.30-1.00, both at THAW and in the Tuesday to Friday, 1.00-4.30 pm. community The Cranmer Centre, Cnr Montreal & Armagh Sts PO Box 884, Christchurch Ph (03) 379 6970

WOMEN'S Health Action AUCKLAND

Women's Health Action is a con­ turer. In 1987 Fertility Action be­ teaching as well as the establish­ sumer watchdog and lobbying gan very well known as the ment of a national cervical cancer organisation which also provides organisational base for Sandra Co­ screening programme. As a result health information services to ney and Phillida Bunkle’s exposure of this inquiry, ethical requirements Auckland women. It began as Fer­ of the 'unfortunate experiment' at and protocols, in particular obtain­ tility Action in 1985 with a campaign National Women’s Hospital. This ing informed consent, has been about the contraceptive device, the led to the cervical cancer inquiry by strength in health and other re­ Daikon Shield, by providing women Judge Silvia Cartright, which rec­ search fields. with information and helping them ommended sweeping changes in Women's Health Action claim damages from the manufac­ medical practice, research and began providing wider informa-

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 35 WOMEN'S H ealth A ction AUCKLAND \ News of these issues tion on women’s health from 1989, establish support groups, as the with partial funding from the^ need arises. Examples are groups is covered in Health Department. In the early of women who have had a hyster­ Women's Heath Watch, and mid- 1980s this role had been ectomy or breast implants. a very interesting filled by the Women's Health Col­ "We monitor health services lective at the Women's Centre on to see they meet consumer needs, quarterly newsletter Ponsonby Rd. Women's Health we talk to women's groups and (Sub. $20). Action has a team of expert advi­ organisations, as well as to trainee Ph 520 5295, Fax 520 4152. sors, and has computerised nurses and doctors. We also make information available to women submissions to government de­ PO Box 9947 on a wide variety of women's health partments and local health Newmarket, topics and related political issues. authorities, and provide represen­ Auckland. It runs education course on tatives on government and other women's health topics and helps health committees." V J

HYSTERECTOMY

Humanity! Men named it for themselves - Man! Man the norm, to his shape and thought conform! There is no other way but his. Be his clone - or get lost!

Women writes her power in blood

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 36 feature

EDENEATING DIFFICULTIES EDUCATION NETWORK

L I ello and greetings from EDEN, we are the Eating ♦Creating of sample policies for schools and I I Difficulties Education Network. We were estab­ gymnasiums to adopt. lished to provide a service which offers ♦Lobbying for regulation o f the dieting and cos­ something to «ill women who struggle with is­ metic surgery industries. sues of weight, poor body image, shame and ♦Support groups to break the shame of eating guilt1 around food and eating, and eating disor­ issues and look at the development of healthy self ders. esteem. Services for eating issues are often directed ♦Promoting the inclusion of mainstream images only at clinical eating disorders. We wanted to o f women in the media. provide a service which addressed also the 'normal' obsession with dieting in our society. We believe that there is the potential to create and We wanted to look at why 7296 of women in one sustain an environment which supports diversity and Christchurch study wanted to weigh less, and celebrates women of all shapes and sizes. why an American study found that young women The day -to-day work of EDEN includes running a are more afraid of becoming fat than they are of resource centre in Grey Lynn, where we provide re­ nuclear war, cancer or losing their parents. sources, information and support to people with We have been established in Auckland since eating issues. This service extends to include their December 1990, initially as Women Experienc­ friends, families, health professionals and commu­ ing Eating Difficulties. In 1993, following a nity groups. The resource centre is open two days, and review and restructuring, we were renamed as one evening per week, with telephone services are EDEN. We recently formed a National Coalition available Monday to Friday. We also facilitate work­ with a number of other like-minded groups. shops and support groups, and provide educational We are committed to a health promotion talks as requested. perspective and believe in: ♦Providing information on the dangers (and The work of EDEN is dependent upon successful futility) o f dieting and the difference between fund-raising efforts and the voluntary contribution of good diet (nutrition) and dieting. an enthusiastic and committed collective of women. ♦Promotion o f size acceptance. We welcome the involvement of more women. ♦Education on the social/cultural/political basis o f eating issues. To find out more about this ♦ Education on the media portrayal of women please ring 378 9039. (in particular) and on learning to view media messages with some discernment.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 37 AUCKLAND RAPE p H CRISIS ÊM

n e w Directions

Jane Vanderpyl and Elizabeth Butterfield A uckland Rape Crisis has changed tremendously in its twenty year evolution. What remains constant is the commitment o f its Collective to advocate and provide services for survivors o f rape and sexual abuse, and to address the political and sociological origins of these crimes. The group continues to meet these challenges, but with emphasis now on prevention rather than provision of counselling for healing. The last three years have been a time of growth and serious, fundamental change in direction. The challenge for any organisation undergoing radical change is to maintain its focus and its commitment to the basic tenets of the group while altering ways of doing business or types of services offered. In Auckland Rape Crisis, the changes were not initiated because of financial constraints or lack of commitment from workers, but rather a change in what we perceived to be the needs of the Auckland region. Society’s response to the needs of survivors of rape and sexual abuse is quite different today from what it was back in the mid-1970s. It is easy to forget that there was a time where no one spoke of these crimes. Police didn’t want to know about them social workers preferred not to deal with them, and the government was not prepared to offer medical or psychological help to those coping with the devastating aftermath. That was the climate when Auckland Rape Crisis opened its doors. INTERVIEW with Jenny Rankine, Auckland Rape Crisis worker, 1981-1983

One of the things that stands out in talking with Jenny about her involvement in Auckland Rape Crisis in the early 1980s is the incredible amount o f work the Collective was involved in. At that time the group was one o f the main groups working in the area of rape and sexual abuse that had a radical feminist analysis. Their work included: * A night-time phone crisis line provided confidential support for women and children

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 38 feature

who had been raped or sexually abused. THE 1990s ★ Face to face peer listening and support. Sharon Madgeskind was employed on a PEP Scheme to In the 1990s the Auckland Rape Crisis Col­ provide this. lective felt it was unproductive to continue ★ Education talks to two or three groups per week. offering counselling in competition with These were groups like Country Women's Institute, services like Help Foundation or North Shore women apprentices, school students, Federation of Women’s Centre. We wanted to shift to University Women, Plunket groups, just to mention prevention of rape and sexual abuse through a few. education. No one was doing any compre­ ★ Media interviews on radio and television. hensive work focused in this area. ★ Training people who worked with rape and sexual But what will always be an integral part abuse, e.g, police, Carrington Hospital social work­ of Auckland Rape Crisis is the crisis phone ers, and Rape Crisis groups in other centres. line. In the last year many hours have been ★ Submission on the Rape Law Reform Bill, and other put into developing the best referral service legislation. on issues related to rape and sexual abuse. ★ Collating data from the Women’s Weekly Rape Contact was made with every ACC accred­ Survey (See Broadsheet 106, Jan/Feb 1983). ited counsellor in the region to ascertain ★ Organising a National Rape Crisis workers gather­ where they were, what their approach was ing. and how much they charged. A survivor who ★ Networking with groups like HELP, Carrington's calls Auckland Rape Crisis now will be given Rape Action Group, unions. a clear explanation of how to access ACC ★ Organising a Women Against Violence Against subsidised counselling, and the phone num­ Women network (WAVAW). bers of the sexual abuse agency located ★ Picketing places like Rodney Wayne Hairdressing, closest to her, and also two or three private when they advertised a haircut called the 'just raped counsellors in her area that meet her cul­ look’. tural, therapeutic and financial needs. If she needs a forensic medical examination, she These activities relied on volunteer labour and will be given the Doctors for Sexual Abuse the low paid PEP work schemes. Possibly the least Care information and phone numbers for favourite fund-raising effort was asking for dona­ the Help Foundation or South Auckland Help. tions at pubs. It was felt that men should in some They can provide critical support during an way contribute to the running of Rape Crisis. What examination. If she needs a medical exami­ the women found was that working class pubs were nation solely for her own peace o f mind, she much more generous than middle class pubs. will get the number of a GP in her area who A radical feminist analysis was central to the has experience dealing with these issues. work of the Collective. What the Rape Crisis Centre Resources are also available for legal help, offered was peer support. The volunteer listened and police, Refuge and more. It is no longer just supported women in whatever decision they made, women using Auckland Rape Crisis’s refer­ attempting to develop a relationship of equality. ral services. Male survivors also call and Education work focused on dispelling rape myths similar, gender-specific information is avail­ which blamed women and which focused on rapists able for them. as strangers. The education work emphasised Running simultaneously now with the women’s rights to defend themselves and the right of crisis line is an education for prevention women to say no. Surprisingly, education workers programme for Auckland secondary schools. experienced a high level of acceptance of a feminist Two years ago, Auckland Rape Crisis funded analysis o f a 'rape culture' by many of the groups to the development of an 'ed kit' by clinical whom they gave talks. It was from this work that the psychologists Marion Kirker and Jenny Freed­ current work at the Centre developed. man. These women came up with an ap-

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 39 feature

proach to prevention, decided what informa­ Prevention Unit in Wellington. This has been suffi­ tion to offer and how it should be presented cient to complete this year of programme develop­ to an adolescent group to be effective. Marion ment, but not to sustain the work further. and Jenny presented their work at this year’s While service provision and education develop­ Rape Conference in Wellington. ment are the Collective's main focus, members never This year education co-ordinator Jane lose sight of the need for a strong voice in the Ballantyne has taken the draft that Marion political and social arena on issues of rape and and Jenny developed and refined it further to sexual abuse. Auckland Rape Crisis played a promi­ address the individual dynamics of classes - nent role during the period when the serial rapist was cultural diversity and single-sex versus co-ed at large in Auckland. Women across the city were environments. She has screened a group of expected to drastically change their lifestyles and male and female co-presenters whom she behaviour because of the actions of one pathetic can call on to work with her in the classroom. criminal. Auckland Rape Crisis felt women should The programme is ideally presented in a feel no obligation to change the pattern of their lives, series of three classes, but Jane works to but should rather elect to do whatever made them meet the needs o f each school. She also has feel more comfortable. Auckland Rape Crisis stressed a selection of written material for distribu­ that statistics showed there was far greater danger of tion to all student participants free of charge. attack from someone you know than from a stranger. The programme has been received enthusi­ The danger of speaking out in the media, and the astically at schools like Kelston Girls, Dioc­ potential for media back-lash, was clearly illustrated esan and Hillary. An added benefit is inter­ this year in a 60 Minutes episode dealing with the vention and support for those who disclose false accusation of a young man for rape. Every past or current abuse after attending the sympathetic word Rape Crisis spokesperson Toni class. The programme is being offered to all Allwood said about the ordeal o f this man and his schools in the Auckland region. There is no family ended up on the cutting room floor, leaving charge, but a donation is often received from the impression that the poor mem was being victimised the schools. by some sort of Rape Crisis conspiracy. The timing This shift in focus for Auckland Rape of the broadcast with National Rape Awareness Week Crisis has been exciting and rewarding, but fund-raising couldn’t have been worse, but pointed also has financial risks. Funders still give up perfectly what archaic retribution women’s groups preference to the provision of crisis services, still face when they enter the public arena. and to treatment over prevention - even prevention of crimes with such high levels of Toward the Year 2000 repeat offending. This year Auckland Rape Crisis's funding from the Community Fund­ Auckland Rape Crisis has endured. In spite o f the ing Agency was slashed in half. This was a financial challenges of sustaining a prevention-fo­ severe blow. Fortunately, the education, cused programme, the Collective is optimistic about programme has had generous support from continuing to offer skilled support and referral ser­ the Federation of University Women, the ASB vices to callers and rape and the sexual abuse preven­ Charitable Trusts, the Portage Licensing tion programmes in schools. Trust, the Sargood Bequest, the Todd Foun­ This is our commitment to survivors past the dation, the George O’Connell. Trust, the C.R. year 2000. 9 Stead Trust, Auckland City and the Crime

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 40 feature 'Refuge Safety fo r women and cfiddren

Pippa Nicholson and Mary Clare Bartlett

he effects of the economic The National Collective of In­ tacts with women and children policies of the past decade dependent Women’s Refuges is a that year, and the expertise and have weighed heavily on vul­ support service for women and knowledge of refuge workers also t nerable families, whanau and com­children victims of violence, with contributes to the community in munities. Many families and a network of 56 affiliated houses various other ways. whanau have spiralled into a ‘cycle throughout the country. There are In the last ten years there has o f poverty’ - poverty in a spiritual also independent refuges. Women also been a greater level of aware­ as well as an economic sense. The and children are housed in Ref­ ness about domestic violence, and increase in domestic violence is a uges from one night to several the dangers to women and chil­ symptom of violent economic and months, depending on the com­ dren living with violence. This political policies, such as the 1991 plexity of their situation or the greater awareness and recognition Benefit Cuts and tax reforms which level of need. The address of each of the magnitude and effects of plagued the ‘have-nots’ and ben­ house is confidential, so that domestic violence has meant a efited the‘haves’. As a movement, women and children have privacy four-fold increase in the use of our Refuge evaluates domestic vio­ and safety. services. This does not, unfortu­ lence in this wider context, and we In 1995, 7,095 women and nately, translate into an equivalent attempt to empower women to the 9,845 children sought Refuge for increase in funding. Such is the best of our ability, although we the year of 1995. Nine out of ten nature o f the beast. Once again a have limited resources to do so. children who come to Refuge had women’s organisation of prime im­ In 1992 80% o f the violence in witnessed their mother being portance to society is expected to New Zealand was in the home. abused, and half had been abused run largely on women's unpaid Forty percent of murders in New themselves. labour, with a decreasing annual Zealand were domestic, and fam­ Former residents seek contin­ operating budget. ily violence happens in one in every ued support from Refuges. Refuge Last year our services were seven households. workers had 21,770 follow up con­ operating at a bare-minimal finan-

Broadshoot Summer Raumati 1996 41 feature

cial threshold, which we were told women and children using them. Because o f the new Domestic was ‘at crisis point’. Spurred on by Refuge is a women-based Violence Act, there is now greater a new sense of urgency, the dedi­ organisation involving all ages, need for our movement to be re­ cated women of the movement races, sexual orientation, political evaluating the ‘violence and power have banded together, determined and religious beliefs, and social and control wheel’, which has been to claim back the right to provide and economic backgrounds. Refuge's analysis model. The Act a sustainable and quality service Like other non-profit is now more comprehensive, tak­ to women and children living in or organisations, we have had to ing into account same sex partners experiencing violence. We now ‘smarten up our act’, or play ball and elder abuse, and other house­ have a strategic plan which sets with our funders. For the sake of hold relationships. These issues out directions and enables the the women and children and belief will mean a lot more work for our movement to respond confidently in the work we do, we have spent movement, and more time to be to the external environment and many hours defining, describing found to work through these is­ demands. what we do, how we do it, when we sues. 9 omen’s Refuge can be do it, and what form that has proud as a movement taken, etc. We are now reaching that we are one o f the the stage where all this stocktaking few organisations that practices should begin to pay dividends! We bi-cultralism through our commit­ are doing this so that the National ment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Collective of Independent Women's Refuge’s commitment to Tino Refuges can be fully resourced Rangatiratanga is reflected in the and acknowledged. We want to be parallel development of Maori and able to provide the women and Tauiwi services, with Maori and children who enter Refuge or are Tauiwi caucuses working along­ helped by Refuge in the commu­ side each other. All Refuges are nity, with a more comprehensive targeted to the cultural mix of the service.

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 Libby Passau, Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland. C o n tin u in g Education Fax 09 373 7419, phone 373 7599, ext 7423. TtAraPukenga

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 42 Fiji feature Women’s Rights Movement Nik Rilkoff

FWRM MEMBERS LEAD THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY MARCH, SUVA, FIJI. 1996.

T^h e Fiji Women’s Rights Movement was estab­ The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has em­ lished in 1986 to lobby for legal, social and economic barked on a three year programme with a focus on reforms in the many areas in which women are the employment and economic rights of women. In discriminated against. It now has a membership of this they are working in partnership with Oxfam New approximately 300 women, and a growing number of Zealand, who has already been supporting the Move­ ’Friends o f the Movement’ who are men. ment for four years. For six years, the Movement has been actively involved in an anti-rape campaign. During this time, it became apparent that violence against women was not just physical but economic as well. Economic oppression severely limits women’s domestic and The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is a women’s lifestyle choices. When women are faced with vio­ collective with a participatory board of directors. lence at home, are deserted by their husbands, or are The board comprises a broad cross section of women forced to leave home for other reasons, they find - from home caregiver to corporate lawyer - with a themselves in low paid jobs and are extremely vul­ multi-ethnic balance. Its director, Praveen Sharma, nerable and powerless in the face of poor working is a recent university graduate who is quickly becom­ conditions, unfair terms of employment, sexual ha­ ing one of Fiji’s leading activists. The Movement has rassment and other forms of exploitation. an office with administrative staff including a com­ Around a third o f women in Fiji are in paid munication officer, Davila Waqausa, who edits the employment, the vast majority in occupations at the bi-monthly newsletter, Balance. lower end of the wages and working conditions scale. With funds from Oxfam New Zealand and the “The prevailing myth in Fiji society is that women New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, only work for ‘pocket money’ which supposedly the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has developed a justifies the low income they earn,” reports Praveen project to counteract exploitation, improve the pay, Sharma, Director o f the Fiji Women's Rights Move­ terms and conditions o f women in low-paid jobs, and ment. “But many thousands of women work because to educate the community at large about issues and their families are largely dependent on their in­ problems faced by an increasing number o f women comes. Increasing numbers of women workers are in Fiji today. sole income earners, often supporting their children, Women have been badly affected by economic aging parents and other extended family members as policy changes of recent years. At the instigation of well.”

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 43 the World Bank / International Monetary Fund, the “The Labour Department won’t act if a person Fiji Government has implemented structural adjust­ calls in with a complaint,” said Praveen. “ But if they ment policies including deregulation of the labour get a call from us about a problem, the inspectors go market, a Value Added Tax, Tax Free Zones for out straight away. They listen to us, so we can really foreign companies, corporatisation and privatisation. help people get justice in the workplace.” The union movement has been drastically affected The Women's Employment and Economic Rights by the new labour laws introduced by the post-coup project which the Movement has undertaken is a government. All this in the name of economic three year programme. The first phase highlighted growth, and at the expense o f the poor and unpro­ the labour laws which discriminate against women. tected in society. In Fiji, many women and their In the second phase, recently completed, the Fiji children fall into this category. ISound familiar? Women's Rights Movement engaged in a vigorous Eds.J education campaign to inform the people o f Fiji The tax free economic zone, introduced in late about the labour laws while highlighting those areas 1989, led to a tremendous increase in foreign invest­ of the law which are archaic and in urgent need of ment in manufacturing, especially in the garment reform. industry. This has increased the exploitation of women workers and has been a major campaign issue taken on by the Fiji Women's Rights Movement. Investors in Fiji enjoy exemption from taxes for up to 13 years, easy repatriation of capital and profits, The final phase, just getting underway, will cheap electricity and no problem bringing in expatri­ involve the drafting of equal opportunity legislation ate staff - at the expense o f local workers. With a large for presentation to the Fijian government in 1997. pool of women workers, little labour legislation or There will be a wide range of lobbying activities to regulation o f working environments, and little at­ ensure that political parties support its introduction tempt to enforce what legislation does exist, women in Parliament. Additional lobbying will be aimed at are especially disadvantaged. improving employment policies and processes, and increasing the involvement of women workers in union activities and in decision making processes at all levels of government.

As well as poor wages, the Value Added Tax also affected workers by increasing the cost of living with no corresponding wage increase. In 1991, it was estimated that an average family of five would re­ quire a weekly wage o f Fiji $58.11 to survive. By 1994, this had nearly doubled. Nevertheless, the Garment Wages Council set the minimum wage for a skilled garment worker at 94 cents an hour. The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement has documented many cases of employers paying considerably less. For additional information on The Movement receives calls from workers seek­ Oxfam’s partnership with the Fiji ing help and has an impressive success rate in Women’s Rights Movement, or redressing grievances with employers. Regular radio Oxfam New Zealand’s Gender and broadcasts help women in rural areas understand their rights better and provide information on what Development Programme and how help is available to them. If women require advo­ you can help, please contact Carol cates in the courts, women from the Movement will Painter, Oxfam New Zealand on help. The result is that the Fiji Women's Rights 09-358-1480 or 0800-400-666 or Movement is now well established as a women’s write to Programmes, Oxfam New advocacy agency. Zealand, PO Box 68 357, Auckland.

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 199644 feature Broadsheet was excited to receive this letter and a fascinating bundle of feminist brochures from a Hamilton woman travelling in Israel. W OM EN’S CENTRES Next stop Turkey.. IN EAST & WEST JERUSALEM Women on the West Bank ANNA GEHRKE

have been living in Israel for the last three a bi-monthly bulletin on their research. Two issues and a half months, and on a recent trip to I obtained covered disability, adoption of the UN Jerusalem visited the Occupied Territory Women's Convention, an Arab Women's forum in o f the West Bank. I was surprised to learn Cairo and the General Union of Palestinian Women's that within the slum-like conditions o f the draft Principles of Women's Rights. Palestinian refugee camps is a very active women's movement. I passed through the high security border to check out an address in East Jerusalem that I had been given for a One floor up I came across the Women's Centre Women’s Centre - and found not one but for Legal Aid and Counselling. Their role is to three different organisations. provide women lawyers for women with legal prob­ The first floor of the building houses lems. Living under Israeli law can cause many the Women's Studies Centre, where one of difficulties, such as having one's ID confiscated by the directors, Maysoon, sat me down and soldiers, and therefore losing all rights as a resident explained that it was the Intifada-the wide­ of Jerusalem. I saw this happen myself at the Jerusa- spread civilian movement for Palestinian lem/West Bank border right outside the Centre. For independence from 1987 - that sparked a Palestinian women this can mean no access to health movement for women's rights within Pal­ services, or even no access to family members. Other estinian society. Palestinian women saw problems include being arrested by Israeli authori­ that fighting for human rights had to in­ ties and being held 'under suspicion' for up to six clude a demand for women's rights and months, or suffering random, sometimes violent that, if their people were to achieve self- 'inspections' of family homes. rule, they wanted to ensure that women would participate in government. The Women's Studies Centre works at a grassroots level towards this goal, sur­ veying local women to find out what they On the third floor, the Jerusalem Centre for need and want, holding workshops and Women runs its busy headquarters. Established in classes on topics the women choose, and 1994, their main goal is: providing a large library of feminist litera­ "To advance Palestinian women's and human ture in both Arabic and English. They have rights issues by incorporating them in all systems also made several films on Palestinian and structures of Palestinian society. The Centre women and their lives, and publish Sparks, aims at establishing a coordinating network with

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 45 feature

A_/ Fatten, an 18 year old Palestinian, beheld the vista of the rocky Palestinian organisations, as well as with mountain from 30 feet off the Arab and international women's ground. She stood on a pole organisations..." with a rope fastened to her safety Their projects address the new chal­ lenges facing Palestinian women as their harness. Her support team at the society struggles for independence from other end of the rope, those Israeli rule. They organise protests, train­ keeping her from falling and ing and empowerment sessions for women, smashing into the ground, included and activities for young women, including teenage girls from Israel. "We've got a series of camps for Israeli and Palestinian girls to meet and talk with each other. On you,"called out the Israeli, some projects they work together with Bat Palestinian and American Shalom, an Israeli feminist centre in Jerusa­ teenage girls in her support group. lem. "We won't let you fall. Trust us." I was very impressed with all the inspi­ "I had to trust them," said Fatten. ration and hard work I witnessed, and went away with new perspectives on the Palestin­ "Perhaps if I trust them here, I can ian struggle - not to mention some trust them enough to make peace challenges to my previous assumptions with them back in our homeland." about the situation of women in a Muslim society. Bat Shalom and the Jerusalem Link

Bat Shalom is a feminist centre for peace a 'Bus for Peace' campaign to draw attention to the and social justice, working towards a demo­ connections between the oppression of the Palestin­ cratic and pluralistic society, where ian people and the violence inside Israeli society women will be of more influence. The Jerusalem Centre for Women was created "By bringing together women peace ac­ following meetings in 1989 and 1991 between promi­ tivists, women educators and women nent Palestinian and Israeli women. Besides the community leaders, we are striving to raise activities Anna Gehrke describes, they campaign for one another's consciousness and to create the release of Palestinian women political prisoners. together a culture o f peace and social jus­ The two groups work together on some projects tice in Israel." through a coordinating committee called the Jerusa­ Besides a calendar o f activities, Bat lem Link. Both groups have connections and support Shalom's facilitators meet with low income, from women's and human rights organisations in predominantly Mizrahi women to discuss Europe, Canada, the US and Scandinavia. important social and women's issues, in­ terwoven with music and singing. There is Bat Shalom PO Box 8083 Jerusalem 91080 also a women artists forum and a weekly Ph. 02-631477 Fax. 61983 forum for newly arrived Ethiopian women Jerusalem Centre for Women PO Box 51630, and a regular Friday 'open house'. Follow­ Jerusalem Link Ph 02 574 7068 Fax 574 7069 ing the assassination o f Rabin, they began email [email protected]

"Pettsoe' ~ EcjjiActiity betvje&w AraJyy owid/Jewy

Pe&/C€/ — ly efcvj e & w hAe/w a/vbcl/ \A) o~Ywe/v\/'

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 4 6 An interesting analysis is worth sharing. This article, slightly abridged, is from ISIS's Women in Action 3/95 and The South China Morning Post 29 July 1995. It looks at the links and paradoxes between modernisation and Islam, and what this means for women in Indonesia and Malaysia.

A \/BtL own m

i bout 15 years ago, Santi None o f this stops Santi, who more extreme than those of other Soekanto became the first works for Indonesia’s best-known Muslims interviewed for this story, woman in her family to English language newspaper The Santi represents the face o f a new, wear a veil. Since then, her mother Jakarta Post, from specialising in conspicuously Muslim middle- and four sisters have followed her the high-profile, male dominated class that is becoming more en­ example. Now 33, Santi, a devout field of political journalism. She trenched in Indonesia and Malay­ Muslim from Jakarta, does not says she does her best to interview sia. Indonesia has the world’s shake hands with men, nor does males in the company of another largest Muslim community, about she like to find herself alone with person, explaining that: "There is 85 % of its 190 million people. a man who is not her husband or a a clear limitation in Islam about The rise o f an intensely reli­ close family member. She feels it how men and women should com­ gious (but not fundamentalist) her duty not to watch ‘revealing’ municate." class of professionals has coin­ television programs such as Although her views on con­ cided with both countries’ head Baywatch. tact between men and women are long rush towards economic

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 47 feature

modernisation, leading to arrest­ A Malaysian newspaper col­ ing of women is a practice that ing contrasts and paradoxes be­ umnist and commentator, Rustam was almost unknown in Asia 20 or tween contemporary trends and Sami, has noted this trend and 30 years ago.) reclaimed or imported traditions. other signs of Islamic revivalism In plush shopping malls and in his own country. He believes ebra Yatim, a short story department stores in Kuala the Islamic revival filtered through writer and one of the Lumpur, women in firmly secured Malaysia and then Indonesia founders of the Indonesian scarves and veils hover around the through the influence of students women’s group Kalyana Mitra, sees cosmetics and perfume counters, who studied abroad (especially in the Muslim resurgence in Indone­ paying Western prices for quintes­ the Middle East) in the 1970s and sia as a new form o f nationalism sential Western brands such as 1980s, and in the wake of Muslim and a direct reflection of the aspi­ Passion and Chanel. euphoria at the Iranian Revolu­ rations of a new middle class, many In Jakarta, yuppie women ar­ tion. of whom have conservative rural rive at work in designer suits with “All over the world, Islam is roots and use their religion as a their prayer clothes in tow so they rediscovering itself. I think at defining attribute. ‘You have your can visit the office prayer room up first, it rediscovered itself not nec­ house, you have your BMW. You to five times a day. essarily at a highly intellectual eat in McDonald’s, send your kids In Malaysia and Indonesia, level. At first, it was trying to off to plush Islamic schools and attendance at mosques are up, reread an identity, it was looking you present yourself as a devout and more mosques, Islamic study around for what would differenti­ Muslim,” she says. centres, universities and schools ate it,” he says. Among Jakarta’s upper- are being built. In Indonesia, sev­ He sees Islamic revivalism in middle classes, Yatim commonly eral Islamic radio stations have his native country as a search for sees contradictions and tensions started broadcasting in recent a distinctive identity by ethnic caused by the coincidence of in­ years, and more Muslim-inspired Malays. (They represent the big­ creasing prosperity and the flight newspapers and magazines are gest racial group in Malaysia and to tradition. being published. Indonesia estab­ all are officially defined as Mus­ This year alone, she knows of lished the legal foundations for an lims.) However, he believes the three women who assumed they Islamic banking system three years Malaysian Muslims’ new empha­ were in modem marriages but their ago, and in a recent promotion, sis on tradition or ritual has not husbands took second wives with­ the Muslim Bank Pertanian Malay­ been accompanied by sufficient out their consent. In every case, sia offered customers making de­ rigorous debate. He and many she says, these tertiary-educated, posits a free prayer mat or com­ others, for instance, believe the careerist women felt their mar­ pass which points to Mecca. veil was historically specific to the riages were based on equal rights. Another important indicator Prophet Mohammed's wives, and And in every case, Islamic courts of the rise in Muslim conscious­ is therefore not mandatory for all sided with the polygamous hus­ ness and wealth is that pilgrim­ Muslim women today. bands, despite a 20-year-old secu­ ages to Mecca by Asians are in­ Despite this, Rustam says, lar law requiring that the first wife’s creasing dramatically. This year, “There are people who say that explicit consent is needed for a Garuda airlines carried 195,000 you shouldn’t ask these questions, man to take a second wife. pilgrims from Indonesia on 24 that these are accepted procedures Yatim says polygamy is less aeroplanes to the Haj. In 1991, it and if you raise these questions, it common now in Indonesia than it used just seven aeroplanes to carry amounts to being an apostate.” was under the Sukarno regime, 79,346 pilgrims. He adds that his wife, a chief partly because Indonesia’s first An academic from West Java librarian at an Islamic organisation president had several wives, while is amazed by the number of her in Kuala Lumpur, has come under president Suharto and his wife have colleagues who were 'statistical' great official peer pressure to cover made clear their preference for or passive Muslim 10 or 15 years up since the spirit o f revivalism monogamous marriage, and are ago but who have since made the swept through Malaysia. (The veil­ looked upon as role models. pilgrimage.

Broadshoet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 4 8 "You have your house, you a tightening of personal proposed by the Kelantan govern­ have your BMW. behavioural codes that would be ment, the only state government considered extreme by Western led by the fundamentalist opposi­ You eat in standards. tion Parti Islam Se Malaysia (PSA). In Indonesia in the late 1980s, Under these laws, those found McDonalds, it was decided registry offices guilty of crimes such as adultery, could no longer perform marriages, armed robbery and apostasy would send your kids which meant mixed religious mar­ be subject to punishments includ­ riages were virtually impossible. ing flogging, amputation of limbs, off to plush In Malaysia, where economic stoning to death and crucifixion. prosperity and revivalism are both Enactment of this Bill depends on Islamic schools more conspicuous than in Indone­ support at federal level - which the sia, Islamic laws governing per­ Mahathir government seems un­ and you present sonal behaviour seem to be more likely to give. strictly enforced. One man inter­ Though support for PAS weak­ yourself as viewed says he would not dare ened in the recent federal election, drink a beer in public now, though it is still in power in Kelantan, a devout he did so during his student days where street signs warn women to 20 years ago. cover themselves, and where M uslim .” In Kuala Lumpur recently, a women have been banned from Singapore singer was fined for working night shifts or appearing being found in an up-market hotel on stage. Nevertheless, she believes the room with her boyfriend, under Norani believes it is a 'rational ‘ambiguities’ that result from the khalwat laws which were intro­ enough' approach of the Malay­ interplay o f the ultra-modern and duced in the 1980s and forbid an sian government to seek to the ancient will ‘fall on our unmarried Muslim man and neutralise extreme elements by children’s shoulders ... I have a woman to be alone in close prox­ adopting its own Islamic feeling we are spawning a very imity. programmes. However, she also confused generation,’ she says. believes that because of this strat­ The rise of the new Muslim orani Othman, an academic egy, "the present government is middle class has a potent political and a member of the high- constantly driven to adopt poli­ dimension in that both the Malay­ profile Malaysian women’s cies and strategies that contradict sian and Indonesian governments group Sisters in Islam, believes its own agenda...of encouraging a have adopted their own agendas Malaysia’s attempts during the Muslim culture of modernity." of moderate Islam in order to past decade to combine official Since the 1980s, says Noran, neutralise extremists and their Islamisation policies with more official pressure has been added Muslim political rivals. modern lifestyles have thrown up to social pressure to spell out that, For instance, many govern­ contradictions that: "If you are a Muslim, all your prob­ ment ministers are members of "...are now at their apex, lems must be addressed legally the Indonesian Association of mainly because the kind of Is­ under Sharia [Islamicl law." Muslim Intellectuals, which has lamic resurgence that has taken A startling example of the its own influential newspapers, and root in most Islamic countries, as mistreatment of women under Is­ pushes for a more Islamic ap­ well as in Malaysia and Indonesia, lamic law involved the case last proach to government while stop­ since the Iranian Revolution, has year o f a leading Malaysian politi­ ping well short of advocating a been the orthodox, the backward." cian who allegedly had an affair religious State. In late 1993, the Sisters in with a minor, a 15 year old school­ Even so, in both Malaysia and Islam met the Prime Minister, Dr girl, who got pregnant. Eventually Indonesia, some pro-Islamic gov­ Mahathir Mohamad, to tell him of the case against the politician (un­ ernment policies have resulted in their concerns about hudud laws der secular law) was dropped. But

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 49 M alaysian Muslim women because of her pregnancy, the girl, ties, so it is common to see female who had helped the police with students in tight jeans and T-shirts might work their inquiries, found herself li­ sitting in tutorials alongside stu­ able for prosecution for fornica­ dents in veils, long-sleeved smocks and possess tion under Islamic law. and men's socks. The decision was announced Though many people see the a degree by a deputy minister in the Prime new assertion o f Islamic values in Minister's Department. It provoked Asia as a repudiation of Western but w ill a national outcry. In the end, nei­ materialism, in Kuala Lumpur ther the politician, who is now shopping mall I saw one young always be, facing separate corruption charges, veiled woman in jeans and a nor the girl was charged but other sweatshirt with the letter USA and primarily, men who had sex with her were. the American flag emblazoned on Despite cases like this, Norani it. an obedient passionately believes that because "There are many veils and o f its multi-culturalism (it has large many levels of veiling. Not every w ife and Chinese and Indian populations) woman in a veil is submissive and and its recent economic prosper­ not every woman in a veil is pro­ m other ity, Malaysia is in a unique posi­ gressive," explains a Middle East­ tion to be a modernist, model state ern academic who was recently for other Muslim countries. based in Kuala Lumpur. She also thinks that in many She believes it is simplistic to to work. Muslim societies, fear o f debate is see women covering themselves At a conference held in Jakarta 'endemic' because of possible re­ solely as a manifestation of gen­ last year called Islam and the Ad­ prisals from fundamentalists. der oppression or as a type of vancement of Women, Indonesia’s After being misquoted by a Malay­ Arabic cultural imperialism. In State Minister for the Role of sian language newspaper about the Middle East and now in Asian Women, Hajjsh Mien Sugandhi, her views on polygamy recently, she has seen women put on Mus­ said, "Many Muslim women still one of the Sisters of Islam was lim garb for spiritual reasons, but live in darkness and backward­ compared to the condemned writer also for social and professional ness and are restrained by tradi­ Taslima Nasrin, who went into hid­ gain if they or their husbands want tional cultural views being put in ing after fundamentalists issued to impress a Muslim hierarchy in the name o f religion, which are in death threats against her. business or politics. She has seen fact contradictory to the soul and it worn as a result o f peer pressure spirit of Islamic teaching.” he veiling o f women, girls and or in the name of being a good (and These views are increasingly sometimes babies is probably comfortably kept) wife and mother, endorsed by Islamic modernists the most emotive and visually or even as a fashion gesture. In in Asia, who are anxious to chal­ strikingT feature of the rise of Asia's February 1995, one o f the biggest lenge Western perceptions about new Muslim bourgeoisie. That this women's magazines in Indonesia, Islam oppressing women. is most common among the better Femina, featured a fashion spread educated and has coincided with on Islamically correct fashions for ainah Anwar, another mem­ the adoption of some feminist in­ the fasting month, Ramadan. ber o f the Sisters in Islam, fluenced reforms (such as better This academic believed pre­ researched the effects of re­ education for girls) makes it all dominantly Muslim countries have vivalism on university students the more intriguing. a preoccupation with controlling several years ago. Though she Some Indonesian universities women. This is tempered in Indo­ thinks attitudes are becoming and tertiary colleges tried to ban nesia and Malaysia by both gov­ more relaxed in Malaysia than they veils in the 1980s. Now they are ernments strongly opposing fun­ were during the 1980s, she found permitted in school and universi­ damentalism and urging women veiled girls were unlikely to attend

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 5 0 feature W rapped wom en. a student dance, ride a bicycle, 40s), if we should decide to cover The key watch television in a room with up, nothing would change, except boys or join a campus drama our physical look, because we are issue is group. confident we know what we stand She thinks the key issue raised for. w hether by the practice of veiling is whether ‘But for the young people ... it circumscribes women’s behav­ when you’re forced to cover up veiling ior. and people in charge at schools Zainah, an analyst with the and universities and older students circumscribes Institute o f Strategic and Interna­ are asking you to cover up and at tional studies in Kuala Lumpur, the same time regulate your be­ w o m e n's says, “That is where my concern is havior - that’s where the control among young people. At our age comes in.” behavior. (the Sisters are in their 30s and

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Women’s SELF DEFENCE Network WAHINE TO A Libby Paulin

TJ L hhe Women’s Self Defence Net­ work - Wahine Toa is poised on the The Herstory brink o f a very exciting project. Along with the other Aotearoa/New The Women’s Self Defence Network available in the southern part of the Zealand women's self defence net­ - Wahine Toa started its life as the South Island to meet this demand. works, Positive Action and the Southern Women's Self Defence In trying to get women’s self Lytollis Network, it is about to re­ Network. The initial energy for its defence instructors down to rural ceive government funding (!) to creation came from two extraordi­ Southland, Alison met Cerridwyn teach self defence to Form 1 and 2 nary women, Alison Broad and Young, who was at that time study­ girls, nationwide, over a three year Cerridwyn Young. Alison was, and ing at Otago University and teaching period. The networks are working still is, the community education self defence part-time. Cerridwyn together on this and are planning organiser for Southland Rural Edu­ had trained in the Sue Lytollis/ to teach 12 0 to 160 courses be­ cation Activities Programme. In YWCA method of women’s self tween February and June 1997. The 1986, she became aware that, al­ defence in 1983 and was a very number of courses will increase in though there was a great demand experienced instructor. Alison and the second and third years, with for women's self defence courses Cerridwyn together hatched a plan more than 16,000 girls being taught in her area, there were very few to run a Self Defence Teacher train­ over the whole period of the project. women’s self defence instructors ing programme, to produce some

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 5 2 the coordinator position, skilled women’s self de­ which is now pent-time. The fence teachers who would benefits of having a paid help meet the increasing coordinator have been enor­ demand for high quality mous and we are very women’s self defence grateful to Lottery Welfare courses. Cerridwyn re­ for this funding. cruited two more self To date nearly 60 defence instructors to help women have gone through with the training. Mary our teacher training process. McFarlane helped with the Between February 1988 and planning and delivery of August 1994, these women the training programme taught self defence to a to­ overall, and Bets Stallard tal o f 21,481 women and trained the women in the girls from Te Kuiti in the specifics of teaching girls. North to Rakiura (Stewart Island) in After an initial hold up with fund­ changed to reflect both the geo­ the South. ing, the training camp was held in graphical changes and the February 1988 at Camp Longwood bi-cultural nature and processes in Riverton, Southland. that the organisation was develop­ Become a women's This was the first o f a series of ing. The first three batches of self-defence trainee training camps. Others followed at trainees were an ethnic mix, but Warrington, near Dunedin in 1990; dominated by tau iwi. The Tutira We are now planning our training at Kelvin Heights, near Queenstown training was solely for Wahine for 1997. Partly because of our new in 1992; and at Tutira, Hawkes Bay Maori. A fifth training is planned project to teach girls self-defence in 1994. for May 1997, at Kelvin Heights, and is open to women of all through the schools, we are cur­ Change and growth ethnicities. rently actively seeking trainees. As with many organisations, a If you are interested in training and would like to find out more, With the 1992 training camp, lot of voluntary time and effort has please contact; women from the North Island be­ gone into the creating of Women’s Alison Broad on (03) 218- came part of the organisation, so Self Defence Network - Wahine Toa. 4389 (work) the name Southern Women's Self We were, therefore, most excited to or Libby Paulin (03) 443- Defence Network was no longer an receive Lottery funding for a paid 8383 (work and home). accurate description. In 1993 the coordinator in 1991. We have been 9 name and the constitution were able to secure ongoing funding for r Conveyancing Centre % BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 624 Dominion Road, Balmoral, Auckland

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Suburbia's News, Thursday, October 3,1996 Mysterious MS Makes Her Hark Santa's Sleigh in Sleight of Hand?

When she arrived for work at the window and informed her that a cussion was brisk enough to wake local Women's Centre yesterday lady Santa with reindeer and sleigh everybody up. morning, administrator Ms Zoe had just landed. She explained to Ms Collins released to the News Collins was puzzled to find a Christ­ him that it was much too soon for a copy of the letter from the un­ mas tree bearing presents. Equally this to occur, and the ensuing dis- known spouse: surprising was a letter purporting to be from Ms Claus explaining her Dear Sisters, early visitation. You will probably be surprised to hear from me at such an unseasonal time A women’s self defence class o f year (except for those catching the overseas mail). In fact, I expect you was held at the Centre the previous have never given my existence a thought - but isn't that just the way of the evening, but the tutor said force­ world including our North Pole nest, Claus Trophobia? fully that in October women were On the whole, I have preferred to remain anonymously in the just beginning to get over last Christ­ background but as Tm sure you know, the Employment Contracts Act has mas and no way would they be made life increasingly frenzied for us working women, and I need to get interested in making pretty prezzies an earlier and earlier start on the Xmas cakes and mince pies and so on. and holding hands and dancing It s harder nowadays to get all the toys finished and property sleigh- around a Christmas tree. packed by Xmas Eve, becausethe kiddies want all that electronic gear that "And," she added, "if Father our workers are unfamiliar with. So in addition to everything else, I've had Christmas did make an appearance to take on the job o f trouble-shooter and finisher. he wouldn’t last long with all of us I'm sure I don't have to tell you all what it' like, but I'm worried as well practising on him." that it's only about a week to the election and you ought to be thinking Community Constable Irirangi about the messages you want to send to significant people. Fve gift Hunter agreed that preliminary wrapped a few and, post election, you can take it from there. enquiries had shown no signs o f a In solidarity, forced entry, adding that indenta­ Saintlee Claus (Ms) tions in the Centre's law suggested THE LIST OF GIFTS IS; sledge tracks. Animal droppings Jfs Billy Birch, a Boys Own Ego model that he can practise making also found were initially described structural adjustments to. as those of some kind o f deer, and $ Tim Shadbolt, a teething ring. the letter allegedly from Ms Clause # Treaty Settlement Minister Doug Graham, a fiscal envelope made o f was undergoing expert analysis. sealskin. Constable Hunter asks people # Parliamentary press gallery, a wig resembling Helen Clark’s hair for to contact her if they were in the their in-depth political analysis. area from about 1 1 pm on and saw # Treasury, feminist economics texts (by for example Anne Else, Miriama any unusual activities in the vicin­ Evans, Anne Horsfield, Prue Hyman, Jane Kelsey, Marilyn Waring) ity o f the Centre. A News reporter # Business Roundtable, appointments with optometrists to correct spoke to a local resident who wishes tunnel vision. to remain unidentified. She told $ Jenny Shipley, a personalised waiting list for a nurses and doctors the News that her small son had dressing-up kit. woken her at about 2 am, saying sfs Jim Bolger, fish-hooks to impale worms on. that he had heard jingle bells. Then, Education Minister, vouchers for attending a school where pupils are as she carried him back to bed, he mostly from the Undeserving Poor, plus instructions for tracing his own looked over her shoulder out the learning curve. o Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 54 regular

O v e r A g e ing into the male oppression. tion managers. Riled that is was Charlotte Purdy Overall, the doco was a posi­ the very song that two years ago I tive look into the world of prosti­ fought successfully to have tution. I wasn’t going to show banned off this same radio sta­ 'm riled, riled beyond be­ these women as being at best vic­ tion. This time, though, it hap­ lief. Haven’t been this way tims of society, or at worst victims pened in a day and I was taken far Ifor a while. Not since I was of themselves. I find that more seriously. a hard-core feminist. See, patronising. To understand people Feminism in the 1990s is a I’m not a hard-core femi­ and their stories well, you must funny thing. Many say we are a nist any more. I was when empathise with them to the point dying breed... 'we need a I lived in Hamilton, oh my of understanding their feelings. repackage'...'young women don’t gosh, was I ever. Me and You must tell their stories, not appreciate what’s been done for Melissa planning to spray push your own political agenda. them’... 'young women are too ‘pigs’ into the nearest rugby So overall, coming out from seeing scared to join the movement'... field with weed killer before this doco women felt empowered 'the battle is for the bitter'... they the big game. I mean we because the sex workers we inter­ think the battle is won. I believe had serious plans. Fuelled viewed felt empowered. Empow­ there are more feminists around by rage at the million years ered because they made choices than ever before - because young of female oppression that shaped from their past that fur­ women don’t need to identify as Women’s Studies taught us thered the choices for themselves feminists these days, they simply all about. I’ve mellowed out and their children. are. The need for visibility is not now, feminism is no longer This may seem strange, but as high as when you're battling the top of my agenda. As a when you’re locked into a world of just about every system that’s been young film maker I am a having sex with men because you in place for a thousand years. In vehicle for people's stories, see no reason to say ‘no’, getting the 1990s we are a generation which slice through politi­ $10 0 for it is a bloody good job. brought up amid rapidly changing cal systems and identity Contradictory or not, these women attitudes by parents, media and politics. Feminism has sim­ see their power in getting money governments. Those o f us who ply been incorporated into for sex, and many remain positive had a state education have been everything I do and feel, so throughout an essentially nega­ shaped by women teachers who I’m now fuelled by hope, tive world. I don’t believe I am were instrumental in these chang­ not anger. perpetuating male oppression, as ing philosophies. Young women It’s interesting coming one feminist challenged, through consider themselves equal. Most from such a radical femi­ telling a story through the eyes of believe the world is their oyster. nist background and then the people involved. Thought and Most will naturally continue to challenging those very be­ after-thought is left up to the audi­ challenge the men they come liefs in the films I make. ence. The contradictions are obvi­ across, because we assume the For example, the doco I ous enough. world and equality is our right. made last year ‘Hookers, But as I was saying, I was I have the utmost faith in Whores and High Heels’ really riled as I rang the radio future generations, the utmost challenged many assump­ station blaring the words: faith in film, the media, parents, tions about the sex indus­ 'Six niggers in one car on one teachers and schools to influence try, particularly those of bitch, systems, changing and develop­ radical feminists. The very She was scared and it was ing this world. I do think we need title caused more contro­ showing to stop having babies, though... versy than it was worth. I And we said fuck you bitch Hmmm, thoughts for the next guess the academic femi­ And kept going.’ Overage column. 9 nists saw the ‘reclaiming God, I felt like my old self identities’ aspects but many ringing up that radio station, the other people saw it as buy­ Complaints Authority and the sta­

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 55 regular Christchurch C o m m e n t Pat Rosier

t feels like summer in Christchurch today. enjoying my garden immensely and working with it Sunny, warm, a balmy breeze, the spring bulbs in a more consistent way than I have ever managed I fading and the summer flowers beginning before. (I remember a comment of May Sarton’s in their splendid display. I’ve just come home one of her journals that no-one could be a real from a couple of hours in a cafe with a good gardener before they were forty. Well, it’s taken me friend. I love cafes and the little frisson of 14 years longer than that.) pleasure I get at my fantasy of being part of I have some regular work, a day and a half a the intellectual life of the world as my friend week at Christchurch Polytechnic as Sexual Harass­ and I display - rather like the flowers really - ment Prevention Co-ordinator. This is suiting me our thoughts and feelings about concerns in well at present and I supplement it with freelancing. our lives and in the world generally. I come So life goes on and the death o f my daughter in away with a sense of having been involved in January is becoming part of my life. It does not get a rich and rewarding exchange, enlivened, any easier to bear, nor do I miss her any less or feel encouraged and lightened by her presence in any less grief. Rather like a tree growing around my life. Thank you, Lynne. something Helen being dead, irrevocably dead, is I have bought my now ex-partner’s share becoming part of me, part of my life. I want it to be of the house and am, for the first time, sole different and know it cannot be and I still have my owner of a property. I owned a house with a life. To give that up because Helen’s life ended husband once, and another with my then prematurely would be wrong - and pointless. partner and a friend, and one in Nelson with Driving home from the outing time with Lynne, Glenda. And of course initially Glenda and I I got to thinking - stimulated by one part of our bought this house together. So now I am conversation - about participation in life and how solely responsible; aspects of that I enjoy, that has gotten confused with competition. When other aspects seem daunting. The change in we do something, whether it be paid work or sport house ownership is the concrete manifesta­ or whatever there is an expectation about that we tion of the ending of Glenda’s and my should try and be the'best'. I would like to suggest partnership. I guess the real 'cause' of the a change in focus, a nod back at some o f the ending is that we each came to want a differ­ feminist values of the seventies, a concern to take ent kind of relationship. I still struggle with part in and engage with whatever we do because it this, with my 'failure' to retain a relationship is enjoyable and/or worth doing and never mind that I believed utterly to be a lifetime partner­ making comparisons. Most of us will never be the ship. And I am moving on. I am entering fully 'best' at anything and that does not matter one little into friendships, with a confidence I do not bit if we do what we do fully and wholeheartedly. feel in relation to sexual/partner relation­ ships, and deriving a great deal of pleasure 9 and many rewards from this. I am also

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 56 Strokes and Art Attacks book review Marilyn Waring Three Masquerades ■, ESSAYS ON EQUALITY, WORK AND HUMAN RIGHTS Auckland University Press, 1996

JL hree Masquerades was deliv­ Some of the material is fasci­ processes and protocols, bringing ered hot off the press to the nating - for example, Helen Clark's us up to date on feminist issues Women's Book Weekend in views on marriage. and politics in this global political Auckland, and Marilyn read ex­ The second essay began with arena. My doubts about the United cerpts to the hundreds of women at much appreciated goat shit for ur­ Nations - is it just the PR depart­ the opening event. ban gardens and developed into an ment of the IMF? - were not allayed That was the weekend before economic analysis of shit on a grand by Marilyn's comments on civil, the election and over the week I scale. The recycling of dung as political, economic, social and cul­ read her first essay, a disturbing fertiliser, the eco-consequences of tural rights: account of her own and many other its diversion into use as fuel, and "It all sounds wonderful. There women's experiences of alternatives for both are never prop­ is a just a large gap between the marginalisation and humiliation by erly costed or debated as policy. lofty rhetoric...and individual ac­ male colleagues while in public of­ The production of dung, for either cess to any machinery to guarantee fice. My god, I thought, what am I use, is women's work done 'for these rights." (p.l 1 2 ) sending these poor women off to free'. This means it has both no I found Three Masquerades an with my vote? value, making it invisible, and no easier and more interesting read It would be comfortable to cost, making alternative arrange­ than Marilyn's previous work on think, well, it was dreadful for ments unattractive. Once again, global economics, because of the Marilyn, of course, but in the 1970s, Marilyn points out that ignoring hundreds of anecdotes and illus­ under Muldoon... But Marilyn docu­ what half the population does trations that she has gathered in ments more recent experiences than makes nonsense of economics. her travels. I would have liked more her own, crossing party lines and The third essay looks at recent explanation o f how she came to be drawing on her considerable inter­ steps in international politics to­ in some of these places and what national contacts among women in wards making women's rights exactly her role was - a bit more politics. All have similar tales to human rights. It opens with the auto-biographical detail. However, tell. It is not an essay that will make story of a woman granted refugee I'm already regretting my promise many women rush to put them­ status in Canada because her own to pass this book on to the Women's selves forward as candidates. It and her husband's family were forc­ Centre Library. may be an essay that makes us all ing her to be circumcised. Marilyn Linda Hill 9 angry enough to demand change in provides a surprisingly readable the way Parliament, at least, is run. explanation of the UN labyrinth of

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 57 \m project

IRIHAPETI RAMSDEN SOMETHING FOR MY GRANDCHILDREN TO HOLD A Women's Gallery Inc/ Spiral film Keri Hulme, director; Marian Evans producer

The Film When Irihapeti Ramsden challenges, in research, teaching, The Director turned 43, she celebrated be­ nursing and the arts demand a cause she had lived longer substantial work. Because of and Producer than either her mother or her Irihapeti’s health status the work Keri Hulme trained as a director at grandmother. She looked for­ has to be done urgently. In mid- TVNZ before committing herself ward to holding her grand­ September she leaves for a confer­ to writing and says,' It’s like riding children. But she developed ence in England and we should like a bicycle, you don’t forget.' She chronic asthma. And then, to film her there, at two English and Marian Evans were founding just before her 50th birthday, locations related to her paternal members of the Women’s Gallery breast cancer. Her life expect­ ancestry and in Paris where there Inc. Marian, now a lawyer, worked ancy is now very short. She is is a significant Maori family por­ with Irihapeti and Miriama Evans unlikely to see her grandchil­ trait at the Bibliotheque Nationale. as the Spiral Collective who first dren. Because o f this, two We are therefore looking for fund­ published Keri’s book, the bone women with whom Irihapeti ing to enable us to start work with people. She will transfer her legal has worked for fifteen years the necessary resources of cam­ and production skills as a curator are making a film about her. eras, stock and crew. and publisher of this project. Both This will show her grandchil­ women strongly believe that this dren what their grandmother film must be made right now and wanted them to know about The Costs are deeply committed to doing her, her family background, Rosemary Fullerton-Smith has whatever is necessary to make life, ideas and work. In par­ worked in film for years and has something that Irihapeti can leave ticular it will illustrate how worked with Irihapeti on an asthma with love and confidence for her and why she responded to a video. She has offered her ser­ grandchildren. 9 particular moment in the his­ vices as a production consultant tory of Aotearoa New Zealand and to create a formal budget for Donations may be sent to the\ and where she fitted in an us as soon as we know exactly Women’s Gallery Inc P.O. Box international context of other what our needs are. She estimates 5833 Moray Place Dunedin visionaries and philosophers we will need at least $150,000. We (Attn: Juanita Ketchel); or like Paolo Freire and Frantz are looking for grants; and loans direct credited to The Fanon. For those to whom o f any sum (to be repaid when we Women’s Gallery account at Irihapeti is not known, here sell the film, locally and overseas). ANZ George Street Dunedin and overseas, the film will These will of course be formally A/c No 010906-0198017-00. introduce and illuminate a re­ acknowledged in the film. We Further information can be markable woman. estimate we need around $50,000 obtained from Marian Evans The complexity and at the outset, to cover the overseas Ph 64.3 4821779 fax depth of Irihapeti’s back­ costs and filming Irihapeti at home 64.3.4821238 email marian ground and her contribution in mid-October. to the resolution o f bicultural \ ^ [email protected]

Broadsheet Su m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 5 8 book review Anorexia and Bulimia This being the case, I believe we might benefit The Hungry Heart from listening carefully to more stories of women tormented by their relationship with their bodies and Margie Thomson food. Let’s look for the similarities, the common Angela Me Carrthy ground, and maybe in that find some solutions. Hodder Moa Beckett $24.95 Anorexia and Bulimia - The Hungry Heart serves us well as a beginning. Let it be that - there are too many more stories to be heard for this book be the final word. X knew that this book was being written, but I didn’t Jane Tyrer 9 realise it had been published until I received a large number of calls at the Eating Difficulties Education Network from women who had read the book, been ( \ moved by the stories o f women like themselves and vowed to seek out help. The book touches a nerve, Bod y Im age provides information on where to go for help, and shows that women can and do recover from the Carve out hollows debilitating effects of an eating disorder. That is reason enough for this book. This book has a role for From my buttocks women with eating disorders, their families and friends. Shave my hip bones The bookrelates the stories of women with anorexia and bulimia. What I wonder is, how do those women Gaunt and spare feel who have yo-yo dieted for more than 15 years? Or women who binge eat without purging? Or those women who have had their stomachs stapled or Slice my betraying breasts liposuctioned, how do they feel? I believe there is the Right off possibility that the book could further isolate these women by defining their experience as somehow less Daring to shout my sex serious, less ‘real’ than those with anorexia and/or Aloud bulimia. When so much was forbidden I think it is useful to view eating issues as a continuum representing women’s experience, with some behaviours being more extreme than others but Maybe then I would be beautiful resulting from many of the same pressures. This book could have reached a wider audience, had it been more Maybe then inclusive o f the range of women’s experience around I could impress myself food and our bodies. In my work, I observe high levels of despair and hopelessness which are not always Hugely related to the presence of a clinically defined eating Upon the world disorder. A recent Australian study in work on eating and Fritha Parks anxiety, found that 5096 of teenage girls have the same worries about their figures as anorexia sufferers. In Britain work on eating and anxiety by Janet Polivy and Peter Herman found that ‘Eating disorders or dis­ turbed eating behaviours and attitudes could be V______) considered to be within the range of normal behaviour.’

Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 59 exhibition review Nic Moon The Gathering Place

W;; N o Moon’s exhibition 'The Gath­ um| - ering Place' held at Outreach Gal­ lery, Auckland, 1 - 1 1 October ably demonstrates why this lesbian femi­ Works such as the hand cast paper colours from a limited palette pre­ nist artist was the 1996 recipient of iconic goddess in 'Women Reclaim sented an extremely tactile surface. the Sharon Alston Grant. It also the Night', and 'Women Reclaim Nic says this is reflective of ‘the further emphasises the importance our Homes'display a powerful femi­ nurturing women’s environment' o f the existence o f such grants and nist message - that women are not that she now lives in. It is the the role they play in supporting valued members o f society - and at 'discovery of a sense o f woman’s those artists who do not fit within the same time present messages of community that nutures you' and the mainstream of current art prac­ self-empowerment. within this the use of 'women’s tices. Nic says of her current work ritual to connect with the environ­ From the onset Nic Moon cre­ that it has come about after an ment and the earth, to centre and ated an ambience that enticed and 'unsure experimental stage... work­ gather for my art work.' This ritu­ lured one into a warm and uplifting ing through the roles society expects alistic approach to her work was space, where she presented a strong o f women.' As she says, lesbianism demonstrated by the installation collection of her latest evocative was never presented as a 'possibil­ Protection Ritual'. Constructed and sensual oil paintings. Featur­ ity' during her schooldays. She says from canvas, muslin and muka fi­ ing central core imagery, feathers, of her work that it is not explicitly bre hung in diaphanous curtains empty bird cages, nests and eggs, lesbian in content, but very much with a faint image o f a woman, as if Moon discloses in her statement of 'woman orientated’. The notion of risen from smoke, hovering through intent on the gallery wall: 'breaking free' and discovering self the layers. The work is full of “ Chicks, birds and ducks... identity is depicted by sequesent 'ancient herstory' and the channel­ names for the wonderful little feath­ images of empty bird cages appear­ ling of ancient energies. ered creatures I grew up loving and ing thematically in several o f her Nic has not decided where she wanting to protect. They are also larger paintings. will apply to do her post graduate the names used to degrade and There is a strong sensuality in studies, whether to stay in New disempower women. much of her work, from the glow­ Zealand or to travel overseas. In "This work is my response to ing orange and pink hues to the the meantime her work will con­ the disempowering female roles I whitewashes and light veils of tinue to tell her story, women’s grew up feeling pressured to pur­ colour that appear to drift across stories and confront issues from a sue in our patriarchal society." the surfaces. Nic says that she is feminist perspective. It is also a reaction to a male very interested in combining sur­ "When I feel safe to walk alone university tutor’s claim that femi­ faces and textures. It is admirable at night... When women are safe in nism is no longer an issue. that she manages to achieve such their own homes... When it is ac­ For Nic Moon, feminism is cen­ luminosity in her work. As a com­ ceptable for me to become a tral to her art,as is the work of Allie mitted eco-feminist artist, she powerful and wise old woman... Eagle an inspiration to her. She avoids using turpentine with her When our ancient and recent learnt printmaking from feminist paint, because o f its toxicity. herstory is taught in school... artist Carole Shepheard while at Nurturing and the need to pro­ "Only then will I believe that school before completing a BFA in tect that which is precious to the women are valued in this society. Design at Ilam and a Diploma of self is explored through the symbol "So who is feminism no longer Painting at Nelson Polytech. The of the nest. The triptych 'Sanctu­ an issue for?” importance o f politics in her work ary' is particularly successful in its is a self evident in her latest show. execution. Muted, soft, tonal Kate Millington?

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 6 0 book review feeling fabulous at 40, 50 and Beyond Sandra Coney Photographs by Gil Hanly Tandem Press, 1996, $39.95

ife begins at 40? Maybe not, but Signs of Stress and Monthly Sav­ it certainly doesn’t end then. And ings Targets to Give Desired An­ for many women midlife can be nual Income are some examples. too much. Paid work and domes­ Gil Hanley's photographs of tic work conflict and pile up. The interesting, active midlife women children you assumed would go are a sad reminder of how seldom Feeling Fabulous at40,50and are still there, or have come back we see images of women who are Beyond is an excellent resource for again. Your partner (if you have other than young, thin objects of individual women to use to make one) is having a midlife crisis. You our gaze. Initially Tandem Press changes to enhance their lives. are bombarded with images of supplied me with a photocopied But the 'social revolution of the youthful bodies - and the spectre proof text for review. It had no 1960s and 1970s’ didn't bring posi­ o f an impoverished old age. You cover and only spaces for photo­ tive change to all women, and much don't have time to stop, reflect, graphs, except for recurring im­ that was gained has been, or is in assess and change and you haven't ages of a wonderful woman danc­ danger of being, structurally ad­ got the information you needed to ing in the margins. Whenthebook justed away. Will the book inspire start the process. arrived, the inspiring little figure women to work together to con­ Feeling Fabulous at 40,50and lost her anonymity. I could see tinue the 'revolution' that was Beyond: A Hand book for Midlife she was Mary Jane O'Reilly, who started, to work together for the Women could help. Advertised as started ballet when she was four. redistribution o f work and em­ providing women with the tools Suddenly that flexibility and physi­ ployment, the assurance of decent they need to enjoy and exploit cal exuberance didn't seem quite housing, health and incomes? The midlife to the fullest, it is, like all so accessible. Was it all too late? Sandra Coney's work, well re­ I asked myself. information is there. I hope so. searched, well written and acces­ 'Todays's midlife women are Claire-Louise McCurdy 9 sible. Christine Hansen's design a force to be reckoned with', as­ and Gil Hanley’s photographs com­ serts the opening sentence of the bine with her words to make a very first chapter. 'The women who edible attractive package. You can start created a social revolution for their woman where you want to. There are sex in the 1960s and 1970s are chapters on health, exercise, meno­ now defining what it means to be label pause, the law, paid work, midlife women.' available releationships, body maintenance But directly, in the facts and at and more. They are interspersed figures, and indirectly, in that the with the stories of fifteen women book needed to exist at all, Sandra whose names may be familiar - Coney documents the limits to WHO Sukhi Turner, Miriam Saphira, Lois that social revolution. Each sec­ SLAPPED Muir, Ros Noonan and Alison Holst tion of the book describes aspects JOHNNY are among them. All have achieved of women's context or being that change and success at midlife. needed to be addressed. So many 4 7 4 There are lists and tables to photo­ of us are disadvantaged in em­ Q ueen copy and pin in noticeable places: ployment, in law and in income. Street Help for Hot Flushes; Ten Simple The 'successful' women are a very Auckland Steps for Skin Health; Physical small proportion indeed. 0 9 3 0 2 3 2 7 ^ /

Broadshoet Summer Raumati 1996 61 book reviews Once again in our Summer issue, Broadsheet reviews the latest Naiad '96 'Mills & Boons' of Barbara Bennett lesbian literature

Heart_ on Fire Diana Simmonds I was very excited to read that Naiad believe more and more of the signs: the ‘questioning of they have, with Heart on Fire, finally found a ideas about gender and otherness’; italicised lesbian romance to rival Curious Wine. I’m not words repeated at relentlessly frequent inter­ sure why this thrilled me, since I hated Curious vals; the self apparent packaged in resoundingly Wine, but that’s the effect hype can have. hollow phrases. Finally, I could no longer avoid Despite the promises, I didn’t actually loath the ugly truth - post modernism was rumbling this book with quite the same intensity. Heart down the tracks of this book faster than I could on Fire is competent, with reasonably likeable say ‘postantideconstructianarchism.’ As the characters, a sweet little storyline and no novel’s girl-boys (woe-men/differ-bits) take a obtrusively unpleasant politics. If I hadn’t breathless and definition defying leap onto the had a romance too many in my youth, I might bandwagon of queer politics, the book comes even have enjoyed it. With restrained implau- at times perilously close to collapsing into sibility, the novel tells a gentle tale of stranded absurdity, stereotyping, and smug banality. A sapphic singers, pasta recipes, and the twang­ must for brave new gay-girls and romantic train ing of heartstrings in a cliche-cluttered enthusiasts. Australian outback. It also comes complete with a boggling but entirely resistable scene of decorous defloration. All in all, this book didn’t actually set my little old heart on fire, T h e S e a r c h but then again, how far can you really trust the Melanie MeAllester opinion of someone who didn’t adore the Sometimes a novel comes along that satisfies extensively loved Curious Wine? A must for at such a profound aesthetic and emotional newly-out romantics and credulous country- level that we know our lives and the way we see music fans. the world will be changed forever by having read it. Keep looking, because this isn’t it. Side Tracks Formulaically scrupulous, with immaculate Teresa Stores kit-set characters and a tensely paced plot, The Search is a pristine piece of detective pulp With an innocently kitsch looking sepia cover, with all the emotional clout of an infomercial. Side Tracks looks like what it essentially is: With the plot revolving around the abduction another sweet little lesbian romance. As I read of a child, the picture which emerges of the this tale of wanderlust and groping sapphic trafficking, abuse, and murder o f children is discovery set in the surprisingly gay days of truly disturbing. The book is occasionally the Great Depression, I began to sense a both moving and shocking. However, one is rumbling in the firmament of formulaic fic­ ultimately left with the sense that this book tion. With mounting horror I began to notice should have been either more serious or more

Broadsheet S u m m e r R a u m a ti 1996 6 2 book reviews

And one more, published by Spinsters Ink .. . frivolous. As it is, the attempted blend of pure entertainment with the depiction of grievous social ills is a disquieting failure that borders The Well-Heeled Murders on the exploitative. A must only if you must. Cherry Hartman

Now end Then If you were to read Priscilla has Two Mommies Penny Hayes with one eye, the Womens Weekly with the other, while glancing through On Our Backs, The latest offering from tried and tried author you would not only have three eyes, but also qualifies as one of the strangest, most bewil­ a reading experience similar to that offered by dering experiences of my life. Reading this Well-Heeled Murders. The novel follows psy­ book is like walking through a space-time chotherapist amateur sleuth and co-parent distortion in an hallucinogenic haze. Tidily extraordinaire Morgan McRain as she tracks written, with a pleasantly fluffoid style of narrative and characterization, this rollicking foot-fetishist murderers through a fog of psychobabble and genteel kinkiness. Both - nay, stampeding - tale chronicles the adven­ tures of a show-rider and a department-store she and the novel wobble along a fine line between By-Goddess feminism and the ‘Look- clerk who fall in love and run away to the Wild Mummy,-I’m-wearing-lipstick’ school of bra­ West, pursuing fame, fortune, and a bed of vura and coy rebelliousness so ably pioneered their own. If you like historical romances with plenty of torrid yet surprisingly coy sex, a by Rita Mae Brown. Things begin badly with wooden, superficial characters, psychology- large dose of improbability, and a plot that doesn’t so much twist as leap up and break its text dialogue, and a smattering of misplaced self-righteousness. But as the book picks up own back, you will probably like this book. A must for newly-out equestrians and other speed it becomes more comfortable with it­ self, settling into a rattling little mystery with trick-riders. a good-humored edge. An entertaining exer­ cise in lightheartedness, The Well-Heeled Murders is a fun, fluffy read. A must for newly-out chiropodists and Imelda Marcos fans. r

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Broadsheet Summer Raumati 1996 63 magazine review Bad News Barbie

R arbie and her string bean image are constantly being remodelled and remarketed to young girls from new angles - Wedding Barbie, Executive Barbie, Do you have a Barbie? How often do you play with Ocean Friends Barbie, Disco Barbie, Hollywood Hair her? Barbie... Not much. If you thought Barbie the doll was bad enough, What about the clothes the girls were wearing in the then check out Barbie, the latest magazine for girls fashion pages? aged between 5 and 12. This little glossy hit the news They were nice. stands a couple of months ago, courtesy of the So would you want to buy the next issue7 Barbie empire. No. Broadsheet thought it would be of interest to ask some of the younger women in our community what Maya Edgerton Bachmann (age 7) they thought of the magazine. I don’t want to look at it. I hate Barbie! (After a quick flick through the magazine) That’s a Petra Millington Leary (age 5) cool whale picture. ‘Do you like this magazine?’ I like the colouring-in page. Bridget Butler (age 11) Anything else that you like? Liked the articles on colours and how your favourite No. colour can reflect what sort o f person you are. Would buy it again and really liked the things you Georgia Hessell McCallum (age 7) could buy, like the clothes, the Chinese pyjamas and Do you like this magazine? pin cushion. Yes and no. What did you like the most? The poster. (Ocean Friends Barbie frolicking with a This robust piece of quantative and qualitative re­ whale.) search indicates a 7596 hope for a feminist future!

% TAKE THE HASSLE OUT OF YOUR XMAS SHOPPING! 100% cotton t shirts from $15 top new Zealand designers 10% discount for Broodsheet readers . VICTORIA PARK MARKET AUCKLAND J Broodsheet Summer Raumati 1996 64 7 \ GROUPS - SUPPORT Women's CHECK IT OUT Homestay LESBIAN SUPPORT COMING OUT GROUPS WHEN MAKING A PH. (09) 5285119 Pam and Alison invite you PAYMENT TO PO BOX 3833 to stay in their spacious, BROADSHEET FOR AUCKLAND sunny home in SUBSCRIPTIONS, Greytown Wairarapa. LESBIANLINE TELEPHONE Twin and double rooms. RESOURCE COUNSELLING Separate guest living KITS,DONATIONS FOR SUPPORT A N D room. Cooked breakfast. PLEASE WRITE COUNSELLING BY Dinner by arrangement. CHEQUES OUT TO LESBIANS FOR LESBI­ Ph (06)3048454 ANS THEIR FAMILY AND WOMAN FILE INC. or w rite FRIENDS 9 Mole Street Greytown HOURS 10AM-10PM PH. (09) 3765173 thotvCkycrU' fColourful, quality^ CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING BOOKING FORM 100%cottonwash- TO ADVERTISE IN name. . able menstrual BROADSHEET: pads & resources Send your advert to Classifieds, address for free cata­ PO Box 56-147, Auckland. logue, send 40 Underline any words you wish to number of insertions cent stamped appear in CAPITALS. advertisement self addressed Classified rates ...... 50 cents per word + GST. There is a ...... envelope to - 10% discount off all ads pre-booked fMOONTIME ’ in two issues or 20% discount off ads PO BOX 836 pre-booked in four issues. You may NELSON also pre-pay, or an invoice will be sent to available in you after publication.For other advert sizes; health food Phone K a t e Millington (09 >3602401 shops.

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