NOVEMBER 1995 More UBC woes? pg 3 CMPA $2.25 INSIDE KINESIS #301-1720 Grant Street Vancouver, BC V5L 2Y6 Tel: (604)255-5499 Fax:(604)255-5511

Kinesis welcomes volunteers to work on all aspects of the paper. Our next Writers' Meeting is Nov 6 for the Dec/ Jan issue, at 7 pm at Kinesis. All women welcome even if you don't have experience. News Kinesis is published ten times a year by the Vancouver Status of Women.Its objectives are to be a non-sectarian UBC strangles debate on Poli Sci department 3 feminist voice for women and to work by Rebecca Harding actively for social change, specifically Execution order commuted for Sarah Balabagan 4 combatting sexism, racism,classism, homophobia, ableism, and imperial­ by Agnes Huang ism. Views expressed in Kinesis are Students rally for education 5 those of the writer and do not by Ezekiel Sam uels necessarily reflect VSW policy. All Dealing with domestic violence 6 Racism and sexism at UBC . unsigned material is the responsibility of the Kinesis Editorial Board. by Agnes Huang Funding for single mom's employment program cut 6 EDITORIAL BOARD by Andrea Imada Fatima Jaffer, Lissa Geller, wendy lee kenward, Agnes Huang, Robyn Hall, Laiwan, Alex Hennig PRODUCTION THIS ISSUE Centrespread Manuela Lucchese, Effie Pow, Amy Chen, Meh Najak, Dorcas, Sharyn Carroll, Dorothy Elias, Lori Motokado, Persimmon Blackbridge, Nancy Pang, REPORT FROM BEIJING 95 Fatima Jaffer, wendy lee kenward, Introduction 9 Agnes Huang, Shannon e. Ash, Huairou NGO Forum diary 10 Laiwan by Fatima Jaffer Advertising: Sur Mehat The struggle for democracy 11 Circulation: Cat L'Hirondelle, Andrea by Aung San Suu Kyi Imada, Linda Gorrie, Chrystal Fowler Indigenous women's rights 12 Distribution: Carolina Rosales by Winona LaDuke Production Co-ordinator: Laiwan Typesetter: Sur Mehat Lesbians march in Huairou 14 photo essay FRONT COVER Lesbians strategize against conservatism 14 Thai women at the opening ceremony, by Rebeca Se villa 4th World Conference on Women, Beijing, China Reviewing the Forum and the Conference 16 Aung San Suu Kyi photo by Fatima Jaffer by Sunera Thobani Asian women organizing 18 PRESS DATE by Winnie Wun Wun Ng October 24, 1995 SUBSCRIPTIONS Individual: $20 per year {+$1.40 GST) or what you can afford Arts Institutions/Groups: $45 per year (+$3.15 GST) Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the Americas 21 VSW Membership (includes 1 year by Guadalupe Lesca Jolicoeur Kinesis subscription): Review: The Journal Project 22 $30 per year (+$1.40 GST) by Janet Nichol SUBMISSIONS Five Asian Canadian women writers/performers in review 23 Women and girls are welcome to by Sook C. Kong make submissions. We reserve the Review: Lit from Within 24 right to edit and submission does not by Janet Askin guarantee publication. If possible, submissions should be typed, double spaced and must be signed and include an address, telephone number and SASE. Kinesis does not accept Regulars poetry or fiction. Editorial guidelines are available upon request. As Kinesis Goes to Press 2 Lesbians march at Huairou.. DEADLINES Inside Kinesis 2 All submissions must be received in Movement Matters 7 the month preceding publication. Note: by wendy lee kenward, Patty Gibson and Shannon e. Ash Jul/Aug and Dec/Jan are double Bulletin Board 25 issues. compiled by Manuela Lucchese Features and reviews: 10th News: 15th Letters and Bulletin Board: 18th Display advertising (camera ready): 18th (design required): 16th Passionate about women's issues?

Kinesis is produced on a Warner Want to see those issues In these pages? Doppler PC using WordPerfect 5.1, PageMaker 4.0 and an NEC laser Come to the next Writers' Meeting printer. Camera work by OK Graphics. Printing by Horizon Publications. on Monday November 6

Kinesis is indexed in the Canadian for the Dec/Jan issue, at 7 pm Women's Periodicals Index, the Alternative Press Index, and is a at #301-1720 Grant Street, Vancouver. member of the Canadian Magazine Telephone: (604) 255-5499 Publishers Association.

ISSN 0317-9095 Publications mail registration #6426 SKY Lee..

NOVEMBER 1995 with the big B's blatantly racist and nice guy and give budgeting lessons to sexist comment. And apparently over people receiving welfare. 3,000 women in Quebec were a bit pissed Apparently, according to financial off at his remarks and held a rally to tell planning wizard, Tsubouchi, itonly takes his so. $90 to feed oneself for a whole We just (literally) received a letter month...that is, if you like to eat a lot of from the Centre for Women's Global bologna, and other processed things. He Leadership in New Jersey announcing also suggested that poor people should the 5th annual 16 Days of Activism barter for everything to get the lowest against Gender Violence Campaign (No­ price possible-keep your eye out for vember 25 to December 10.) The theme that 69 cent can of tuna...Tsubouchi of this year's campaign is "Bringing swears it's out there. Here's an update on an update we Everywoman's Health Centre and in­ Women's Human Rights Home," and It seems we have to spend a lot of brought to you last month in As Kinesis side the bubble zone will be making an they're calling on women everywhere to time as feminists, as activists, debunk­ goes to press. In our October 1995 issue, appearance in court on charges of violat­ take up actions. They'd also appreciated ing the great myths the media tries to we reported that women's reproductive ing the bubble zone. We'll keep you knowaboutactionsbeingplanned...soif pass off as news. According to the me­ rights in Alberta were dealt a blow when posted on the verdict. you're working on one, drop them a dia, women who attended the 4th World Ralph Klein announced his More on the topic of bubble note at Douglas College, 27 Clifton Ave, Conference on Women were too mired Covnservative government would no zones...some good news for women in New Brunswick, NJ, 08903; or fax: (908) in mud rain, and too harassed by Chi­ longer pay for abortion services.. .except BC from south of the border. Early in 932-1180. nese security forces to have gotten any in cases where abortion is "medically October, the US Supreme Court rejected What would As Kinesis goes to press work done. So, if you were looking for necessitated." That was his plan. a constitutional challenge by a group of be if we didn't take the opportunity to news about women at the NGO But it seems his master plan had a anti-abortionists of that country's ver­ comment on Mike Harris and the On­ Forum...period...it definitely was not in little glitch...he needed someone to de­ sion of the bubble zone law—they don't tario Conservative government. Hope­ the dailies. fine that little phrase, "medically neces­ violate freedom of speech or freedom of fully sometime soon we won't have any We've been talking to our own sitated," Klein tried to get doctors to religion. cuts, cuts and more cuts to report from Fatima Jaffer whose had been hobnob­ play 'dictionary,' but they didn't want So the thinking up here is that, if the back east. bing with lots of international gals she to play that game. They told Klein the courts in the US-the supposed great Just when we thought they were met at the NGO Forum, and she's found decision of whether or not to have an defenders of free speech and individual being mean and nasty by cutting welfare out that it wasn't just the mainstream abortion was between a woman and her rights-have given the okay to bubble spending by 22 percent, they get even media in Canada that had no idea what doctor...and told him to go away. zones there, then there's a good chance meaner and nastier by talking about was happening in Beijing...apparently, So now poor Ralphie, doesn't have a the courts here will do the same...but changing the definition of "disability" almost all media outlets jumped on definition, and he's had to scrap his that's not for sure. But we'll have to wait so the Conservative government can CNN'slead anfocussed on fighting with whole anti-choice plan.. .1 ucky for women for a constitutional challenge first any­ disqualify the "not-really-disabled-peo­ logistical problems as the main happen­ in Alberta. way before we'll find out the answer. ple" from receiving social assistance for ing at the NGO Forum. On this side of the Rockies...pro- As Kinesis goes to press, Quebec is people with disabilities. If you want a taste of what was choice advocates in BC are going to get about to go to the referendum polls. And But hey, just when we thought there really going on at the Forum, check out a chance to see whether or not the prov­ the question of the month is....what did was no hope for Harris and company, our firt special supplement on ince's Access to Abortion Services you think about Lucien Bouchard's com­ they actually turn around and show us Beijing...and if you're still hungry after law...or more commonly known as the ment blaming white women in Quebec how caring they can really be...Last sampling Part One of our coverage... well "bubble zone" law...has any teeth. Next for not having enought (white) babies? month David Tsubouchi, minister of then, you'll just have to wait til Kinesis month, an anti-abortionist caught doing Without dwelling on it anymore, we just community services, thought he'd be a goes to press again for another bite. anti-choice things outside the needed to say we're totally disgusted

VANCOUVER-STATUS»OF. WOMEN

Thanks! It's fall in Vancouver. The sun peeks the women who helped sell raffle tickets through theccchillycloudsas the trees and who volunteered their time and shed their red-gold leaves on the heads energies at the event: Erin Graham, Our thanks to Vancouver Status of Women members who support of Kinesis volunteers comfortably attired Fatima Jaffer, Laiwan, Dorcas Wilson, us year round with memberships and donations. Our appreciation to in layers of Kinesis t-shirts as we duti­ Anthea Whittaker, Centime Zeleke, fully show up for production, day after Jennifer Johnstone, Faith Jones, the following supporters who became members, renewed their mem­ day after beautiful day. Winnifred Tovey, Andrea Imada, Moira berships or donated to VSW in October: We've got a whole heap of thank Keigher, Balbi Bazran Kalia, Melina Udy, yous to say this month, mostly to all the Rose Gilbert, Janine Fuller, and Cat Winona Baker, Cathy Bannick, Barbara Curran, Patricia women who helped make the Kinesis L'Hirondelle. Dubberley, Elaine Everett, Mary Frey, Marilyn Fuchs, Michael and benefit a huge success. We raised enough More thanks to the wonderful money to put a smile on Andrea, our women who showed up for production Connie Geller, Teresa Gibson, Erin Graham, Lynda Griffith, Heidi hard-working fundraiser's face, and for their first experience of proofing, Henkenhaf, Jennifer Johnstone, Barbara Karmazyn, Angela Kelly, everyone seems to have had a great pasting up and partying in the produc­ time. Funny about Kinesis benefits, no tion room: Manuela Lucchese and Sharyn Barbara Lebrasseur, Karin Litzcke, Jane McCartney, Kathy matter how much time or effort we put Carroll (hey, and they're both from On­ McGrenera, Bea McKenzie, Lolani Moreau, Christine Morrisey, Gail into it, whether it's big or small, it al­ tario!) ways brings out the best bunch of Thanks also to new writers: Rebecca Mountain, Margaret Ostrowski, Emi Pech, Carol Pettigrew, Neil women, and is one of the fun-est events Harding, Aung San Suu Kyi, Winona Power, Dana Putnam, Patricia Sadowy, Andrea Saunderson, Mark in Vancouver every year! (It's not just us LaDuke, Rebecca Sevilla, Winnie Wun who thinks so; everyone says that, hon­ Wun Ng,SookCKong,GuadalupeLesca Schneider, Dawn Simpson,, Gale Stewart, Jeanne St. Pierre, Sheilah est!) Jolicoeur, Janet Askin and Manuela Thompson, Gale Tyler, Karon Webber, Lynne Werker, Elizabeth So, thanks to all the women who Lucchese. cameouttoour Benefit thisyear. Thanks Join this illustrious group of Whynot, Shelagh Wilson, Rita Wong, Barbara Young. to our entertainers (who were a hit with women...show up at the next Kinesis all of us): Elaine Stef, May Zhu, Eileen writers' meeting on Monday, Novem­ Thanks so much for your support! Kage, SKY Lee, and Frannie Sheridan. ber 6th at 7pm or call Agnes at (604) 255- Thanks also to Judy Senang for doing 5499. childcare. And many, many thanks to Cheerio.

NOVEMBER 1995 JNEWS Sexism and racism at UBC: Deal of denial

Rebecca Harding grams—had been adamant about his McEwen report labelled the support for the suspension. participants and defenders of After some last-minute backroom One week before the senate meet­ the McEwen Report, "Red dealing, the University of British Co­ ing, the Graduate Council, made up of Guards," "McCarthyists," lumbia (UBC) lifted a suspension on faculty and students in graduate studies "hysterical feminists" and admissions to the graduate program in programs, held its own vote on a similar "dissidents." the Political Science (PoliSci)department. motion to lift the ban. The grad council Students at UBC are in an With this move, the university sends a defeated the motion in a landslide. At uproar about the high-handed clear message to women and people of that meeting, Grace had encouraged behaviour of the academic ad­ colour that it will not tolerate any chal­ people to vote for a continued ban. ministrators. lenge to the sexual and racial discrimi­ He said, "overturning the suspen­ Annabel Webb of the Alli­ nation and harassment students say is sion would send a message to many ance of Feminists AcrossCam- rife in the department. graduate students that a narrowly con­ puses says she is shocked by The lifting of the suspension came ceived notion of Faculty priviledge is the power playing that went just hours before the Senate—the high­ more important than providing an ap­ on in making the backroom est decision-making body on academic propriate and hospitable learning envi­ deal. She says it was made with issues made up of student representa­ ronment for students...It would also send no student input, and in fact tives, faculty and administrators—was a message to women, visible minorities most students were caught expected to vote on a motion to re-open and other disadvantaged groups that unaware that a deal was even admissions to the Poli Sci graduate pro­ their efforts to achieve equity will con­ being negotiated. gram. tinue to be overridden." Amanda Ochran, a gradu­ Student activists at the university It therefore came as a shock to many ate student in geography and a contend the lifting of the suspension on who attended the senate meeting that former PoliSci student, says admissions was a "power play" to sub­ Grace had struck a deal with the PoliSci she suspects the deal, which Students burn a dummy outside the meeting vert what many anticipated would be a department and the University admin­ the mainstream media calls a place of the university's senate. clear majority of the university's senate istration. "compromise," was struck be­ for the continuation of the admissions Grace says he lifted the suspension cause the university adminis­ ban. because the PoliSci department agreed tration wanted to put a stop to all the faculty in the department know it's New admissions to the PoliSci de­ to take steps towards creating a more media attention UBC had been getting wrong. This was not due process." partment has been su spended since June, equitable and harassment-free environ­ as a consequence of the McEwen report. To students, the lack of interest UBC on a recommendation in a report written ment. She says she believes the PoliSci hasshown for due process wasapparent by Vancouver lawyer Joan McEwen. The The memorand u m sets out the seven department has orchestrated the media even before the lifting of the ban when report concludes there is a basis for terms the PoliSci department says it will attention in support of their position so UBC President David Strangway threat­ allegations of pervasive sexism and rac­ comply with if the suspension is over­ that the administration, desperate to ened students with a possible libel suit ism in the department [see Kinesis Sep­ turned. The changes are more adminis­ minimize the unwanted press, would for putting up posters expressing their tember 1995.] trative than substantive, such as the have to cut a deal with the department. opinion of the Poli Sci department and Since the release of the McEwen agreements toannounce publicly its com­ "The PoliSci department got what it the university's response to the McEwen Report four months ago, the university mitment to educational equity; to com­ wanted by behaving worse and worse," Report. and the PoliSci department has offered mit itself to deal promptly with allega­ says Ochran. "If admissions to Political The posters went up a week before no apology to students who filed the tions of harassment and discrimination Science had remained cut off, it would the Senate meeting all around campus. harassment and discrimination com­ in full accordance with University policy; have set a precedent for universities One advertised the senate meeting with plaints recorded in McEwen's report, and to issue three reports on its actions nationally and internationally, and it the words, "Stop PolitiKKKal Science." nor have they formally acknowledged in 1996. would have generated more bad press A political cartoon of the Dean of the that a problem exists in the department. Studentsat the meeting were visibly for UBC." Faculty of Arts, who was critical of the As well, no disciplinary action against frustrated that the senate debate and She says if the vote had been al­ McEwen Report, appeared on another any faculty member has ever been taken. vote on the admissions suspension was lowed, the senate would have likely poster. So when student senators showed stopped before it even started. A number voted to keep admissions to the PoliSci Strangway ordered campus secu­ up to the Senate meeting on October of students heckled Dean Grace as he graduate program closed. As of October rity to take down the posters, saying 18th, they were fully prepared to partici­ addressed the senate meeting. 13, caucus leaders within the senate and they fell beyond "the legal limits of free pate in a discussion on the admissions During the speech given by acting student lobbyists confirmed that at least speech." suspension and on issues of harassment, head of the PoliSci department David 43 of the 90 senators would have voted UBC Women'sCentre'sRashid feels discrimination and equity in the Poli Sci Elkins, students were heard chanting, to keep PoliSci admissions closed. Only that the whole question of whether or department. Students also showed up to "Down with white supremacy." One 10 senators publicly admitted support­ not to re-open Political Science graduate witness the senate vote. student hung up a dummy as a repre­ ing the reversal of the suspension. admissions is a moot point. She says, At the meeting, students were sentation of the practices towards women "With those kinds of numbers, it "Focusing on whether to re-open or keep greeted with a surprise announcement and people of colour within the Political would have been almost impossible for admissions shut shifts the discussion by the administration that a decision Science department. The dummy was them to get a vote to lift the ban on away from the substantial issues, such had already been made and that the later burned outside of the meeting's admissions," says Ochran. as creating an environment free from planned voting and debating would not place. Kamila Rashid of UBC's Women's harassment and discrimination." occur. All along, there has been a barrage Centre says that one week ago, main­ Meanwhile, women and people of In a memorandum, UBC's adminis­ of coverage in the local and national taining the suspension of admissions colour who have reported incidents of tration, the Political Sciencedepartment, media, most of which delegitimizes the seemed like a done deal, at least until sexist and racist harassment and and the Dean of Graduate Studies an­ McEwen report and the students who steps were taken to address the allega­ discriminition, and those who have been nounce they have reached a deal, and filed the complaints. As well, the origi­ tions of racism and sexism. She says she vocal on the PoliSci issue, are now the that admission to the PoliSci graduate nal issues of racism and sexism have doesn't understand how the environ­ most vulnerable. program would be re-opened immedi­ been buried under the charges of "as­ ment in PoliSci could have changed in As Ochran says, "it is now open ately. The memo was signed by John sault on academic freedom," made by just one week. season on them." Grace, the Dean of Graduate Studies. faculty members of the Poli Sci depart­ Rashid says that everyone knows Rebecca Harding i a pseudonym for a Up until then, Grace—the only per­ ment. the deal is wrong, "Dean Grace knows student at UBC. son with the authority to makedecisions In a bizarre twist of political mud- its wrong, the students know its wrong, concerning admissions to graduate pro­ slinging, the media and the critics of the NOVEMBER 1995 NEWS Sarah Balabagan: migrant workers' rights: Fight for freedom

by Agnes Huang 30th—the second time she has appeared "Sarah does not deserve a single day before the court. in jail, nor should we pay a single centavo Sarah Balabagan, a sixteen-year-old The first time, the court acknowl­ to bail her out for a crime she did not Filipina domestic worker convicted of edged Balabagan had been raped, but commit," say the BC based groups. murder in the United Arab Emirates still sentenced her to seven years in GABRIELA is calling on a coordi­ (UAE) won't have to face the firing prison for manslaughter and ordered nated mass action to ensure justice for squad, but she may not get to return her to pay her employer's family 150,000 Sarah Balabagan. Together with home to the Philippines in the near fu­ dirhams (US$40,000). The court also or­ MIGRANTE (International Alliance of ture either. dered his family to pay Balabagan 100,000 Filipino Migrant Workers) and BAYAN In mid-October, the family of her dirhams (US$27,000) in damages. (New Patriotic Alliance), GABRIELA employer—the man Balabagan is ac­ GABRIELA, a national alliance of will be staging a picket at the UAE Em­ cused of murdering, Mohammad women's organizations in the Philip­ bassy in Manila on October 30, at the Abdallah Al-Baloushi—agreed, in ac­ pines, says that "without a doubt, ac­ same time when Balabagan's case is be­ cordance with UAE's Islamic law, to tions on a local and international arena ing heard. [Kinesis will cover the court's accept "blood money" and withdraw calling for justice for Sarah Balabagan decision in its Dec/Jan issue.] their demand that Balabagan be put to played a significant role in the decision Women's and migrant workers' death. of the UAE president to persuade the rights groups in BC are calling on sup­ One month earlier, the UAE court of family." Numerous protest actions were porters to send letters to the ambassador appeal convicted Balabagan of pre-medi- held not only in different parts of the of the UAE calling for a complete acquit­ tated murder, dismissing her claim that Philippines, but in other countries as tal, unconditional release and immedi­ she had acted in self defence and had well, including vigils and letter-writing ate repatriation of Sarah Balabagan. stabbed her employer with his knife campaigns in Vancouver. Groups in Write to: His Excellency Al Shaali, because he was raping her [see Kinesis, Vancouver coord inating actions around "Without a doubt, Ambassador, Embassy of the United October 1995.] His family had pressured Balabagan and other migrant workers' Arab Emirates, 3000 K St. NW, Suite 600, hard for Balabagan to be given the death rights are the Philippine Women Centre, actions on a local and Washington, DC, USA 20007; or fax: sentence. SIKLAB (an organization for migrant (202) 337-7027. Women's and migrant workers' workers), and the BC Committee for international arena Send copies of all responses to: rights groups in the Philippines and in­ Human Rights in the Philippines calling for justice for SIKLAB, PO Box 127, 6416 Fraser St, ternationally launched a concerted cam­ In a joint press release, the groups Vancouver, BC, V5W 3A4; or fax: (604) paign to pressure the President of the say, "these protest efforts not only cre­ Sarah Balabagan 322-9852. UAE Sheikh Zaid Bin Sultan al-Nahayan ated a groundswell of international out­ Women interested in understand­ and Philippine president Fidel Ramos rage, but also contributed in exposing played a significant role ing more about the situation of migrant for a full acquittal, unconditional re­ the connivance of the UAE government workers, the Philippine Women Centre lease, and immediate repatriation of and the Ramos regime in the exploita­ in the decision of the will be holding a grassroots women dis­ Sarah Balabagan to the Philippines. tion, oppression and neglect of migrant cussion group to address the issue of While the UAE and Philippine presi­ workers." UAE president to 'What are international human rights?' dents would not push for full acquittal The groups add that while Ramos persuade the family— Wednesday, November 8th at 7pm. The for Balabagan, they did call on the Al- may claim that the dropping of the de­ meeting will be held at the Centre, 1011 Baloushi family to withdraw its demand mand for the death penalty for Sarah GABRIELA E. 59th Ave, Vancouver. For more infor- for the death sentence in favour of a Balabagan was due to his government's mation, call (604) 322-9852. lighter penalty. own diplomatic efforts, it is his policy of the UAE, and was forced to leave to help Agnes Huang has been following migrant Although the execution order was exporting cheap labour that put women, support her family because of lack of zuorkers' rights issues for Kinesis. withdrawn, Balabagan was not acquit­ like Sarah Balabagan, into situations jobs in her home country. ted of the charge and may still face a where they are vulnerable to oppres­ Women and migrant workers' prison term. She is scheduled to appear sion, abuse and exploitation. groups say the campaign must continue before the UAE Sharia court to deter­ Balabagan was only 15 years old to ensure that rights of Sarah Balabagan mine her innocence or guilt on October when she left the Philippines to work in and other migrant workers are protected.

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NOVEMBER 1995 NEWS Federal cuts to post-secondary education: More rainy days ahead

by Ezekiel Samuels Last month, students in British Co­ and Capilano colleges, and by commu­ lumbia organized demonstrations to pro­ nity groups and unions. test the proposed cuts by the federal UBC's AMS decided to hold its government to social program spending, "great trek" on October 13th to coincide and specifically to education. The cuts, with the university's annual open house. which will become effective when the The open house brings a lot of people Canada Health and Social Transfer from the general public onto the cam­ (CHST) is implemented on April 1,1996, pus, and student protesters used the will take $90 million away from funding occasion as an opportunity to send a of post-secondary education in the prov­ message to the public about the threats ince. to access to post-secondary education becauseof the pending cuts. The organ­ On October 11th, students at the izers said they wanted the public to be University of Victoria (UVic) helda mock aware that if federal cuts to social spend­ trial of the federal ministers responsible ing go unchecked, more and more peo­ for the cuts in front of the BC provincial ple could be denied the right to educa­ legislature. Prime Minister JeanChretien, tion. Finance Minister Paul Martin, Minister of Human Resource Development Lloyd The Vancouver protest also took Axworthy, and Revenue Minister David place in pouring rain. The initial crowd Anderson were all convicted and sen­ that gathered at Connaught Park for the tenced to life times of poverty for their start of the trek was around 200 people. assault on post-secondary education and But as the marchers worked their way social programs in Canada. along a main street leading to the UBC campus, lots more joined in. By the time The demonstration in Victoria coin­ the trek arrived at UBC, 1000 people cided with a national day of action called were a part of the demonstration. Slo­ for by the Canadian Federation of Stu­ gans such as "education is a right" and dents (CFS) to protest cuts to federal "stop the madness" were chanted fer­ transfer payments for post-secondary vently. education. The CFS called for the day of action in mid-September, and whi le many Once at UBC, a rally was held with campuses did participate, several stu­ speakers from student organizations, dent unions found it difficult to organize feminist groups and unions. The speak­ actions and mobilize students on such ers addressed the links between the . short notice. The weather was also a various cuts to social spend ing—cuts to buying food for her child or paying tui­ percent of federal transfer payments goes factor in the relatively low turnout at education, to social assistance, to medi­ tion to get job training. towards post-secondary education. Af­ UVic's demonstration, where about 200 care. They also spoke about the u rgency Shazia Islamof UBC's women 'scen- ter CHST comes into effect, approxi­ people braved a downpour. to present a unified force against the tre made it clear that cuts to education mately $90 million less will be available cuts. Two days later in Vancouver, the and the resulting rise in tuition fees for universities and colleges in the prov­ Alma Mater Society of the University of A number of speakers referred to would make post-secondary institutions ince. British Columbia (UBC) held its protest scenarios that would likely follow the even less accessible. And referring to the And each year following the imple­ march against the cuts. UBC students implementation of the CHST, such as a university's response to charges of rac­ mentation of the CHST, the federal gov­ were joined by students from Simon single mother having to choose between ism and sexism in the political science ernment plans to transfer less and less Fraser Universi ty and Camosun, Langa ra, department [see Kinesis Stytember 1995, money to the provinces. In seven years and page 3], Islam pointed out that UBC's from now, BC will have lost all its fed­ "chilly climate" for women eral transfer payments. By the years students—and in particular, women of 2008/2009, all block funding from the colour students—was already pushing federal government to the provinces will women off campus, adding that in­ be eliminated completely. creased tuition costs would push them UBC has been told to expect an eight even further. percent cut in its federal operating grant On April 1,1996, the federal govern­ for next year. And because UBC has a ment plans to bring in its Canada Health policy whereby students must compen­ and Social Transfer program, replacing sate for inflation and decreased fund­ the current federal provincial transfer ing, students are bracing themselves for payment system—transfer paymentsare a jump in tuition fees. The Alma Mater used to fund health care, social services Society has predicted an 80 percent in­ and education in the provinces. The crease in tuition for the next school year. CHST will combine the current federal Studentsparticipating in the protest transfer payments into a single block actions in Vancouver and Victoria say funding to each province. One danger- the federal government must stop ouscomponentoftheCHSTisthatitwill targetting students and poor people for dismantle national standards for wel­ the country's deficit problems. At the fare (see "Cutting off CAP," Kinesis June heart of the two protests was a call for 1995.1 the Liberal government to balance the In total, the federal government federal budget by reducing the $7.2 bil­ plans to cut $6.6 billion in transfer pay­ lion in coporate tax breaks and subsi­ ments for social programs. For BC, this dies, rather than by cutting funding for Students, community and labour activists trek to UBC to protest federal will mean approximately $840 million social programs. funding cuts to post-secondary education. Photos by Chris Nuttat-smith. less in funding for health care, social Ezekiel Samuels is a pseudonym for a services and education. Currently, 11 student from UBC.

NOVEMBER 1995 NEWS Violence against women: Band-aids not solution

by Agnes Huang In response to a series of highly stabbing deaths of his former wife and What is needed, says Stuart, are risk cases involving serial criminal har­ publicized murders of women by their her boyfriend. very long-term, systemic solutions, such assment. The special unit would consist former male partners, politicians and Following these two murders, BC's as changing society's attitudes towards of a police officer and a social worker. police are scrambling to come up with Attorney General, Ujjal Dosanjh, di­ violence against women and battered BWSS' Gail Edinger, who with solutions to ease the fears of the public. rected his senior ministry staff to look women. But she adds, few politicians Laraine Stuart coordinates a program into electronic monitoring systems as a are willing to make the breadth of com­ on violence against women in relation­ Over the last month, the mainstream means of combatting violence against mitments needed to bring about societal ships, says her organization supports media has focused attention on domes­ women. With electronic monitoring sys­ changes. the idea of a special unit for domestic tic violence, following a spate of mur­ tems, an alarm would be triggered if the One major limitation of electronic harassment cases. But, she says, the fol­ ders of women in Vancouver that fea­ electronic bracelet came within a certain monitoring is that a man would have to low-up team should include a battered tured prominently in news reports. In proximity of a woman's house. be under a court-imposed restraining women's advocate, and not a social particular, two recent cases have re­ Laraine Stuart of the Battered Wom­ order before he could be required by law worker. ceived more media attention than is usu­ en's Support Services (BWSS) says that to wear an electronic bracelet. Edinger says, given that social workers ally given to the hundreds of other cases politicians pick up on measures such as Stuart says she also fears that elec­ would havetoworkwithin theconstraintsof of domestic violence that happen in the electronic monitoring because they are tronic monitoring will give women the theFamilyServices Act, rhesupport women province. seen as concrete and practical solutions. false sense that they are safe from abu­ wouldreceivefromsocialworkerswouldbe . In one case in Coquitlam, a man But in reality, while they may be well- sive male partners and ex-partners. But more limited, and may be biased. She says murdered his former in-laws outside a meaning solutions, they are only band- since electronic monitors trigger alarms advocates involved in the follow-up team church, before going to the home of his aid solutions because they do not ad­ only when a man approaches within a would be a more ideal model because they estranged wife and killing her. In the dress the systemic nature of violence certain distance of a receiver device, are independent and separate from any other case, a man is being charged with against women. there would be no warning or protection system. for a woman if she were not near a Edinger and Stuart are both mem­ receiver. Receivers would be placed only bers of a Coordination Committee of in a woman's home and workplace, and over 50 active members who work on Federal cuts to employment programs: there would be nothing to stop a man numerous areas within the broad spec­ from being violent towards the woman trum of violence in relationships. Edinger outside of those places. says the Committee has talked at length As another response to the height­ over the years about developing a fol­ Single moms ened public awareness and fear of do­ low-up response team made up of a mestic violence, the Vancouver Police police officer and a battered woman's Department recently announced plans advocate. It hopes to be able to work to establish of a special unit that would with the Vancouver police department do follow-up work with women in high- to influence the make up of the special program axed unit.

by Andrea Imada Federal Finance Minister Paul Laurel Johnson, who works with Martin is wielding the Liberal axe Focus, says it is the only program of again and once again, young single its kind serving the needs of this spe­ mothers in Vancouver looking to re­ cific group, and she fears that if the enter the workforce are feeling the program goes under, young single brunt of the attack. mothers will be left to "fall between The Vancouver YWCA recently the cracks." 4i A c a Z I N got word that effective December 31 st, Over the past four years, 136 federal funding for Focus, its pre-em­ young mothers have participated in ployment training program for young the program with more than two- The 1995 Canadian Magazines single mothers, would be gone. [Fed­ thirds securing jobs or further educa­ eral funding for the program comes tion opportunities. for Everyone Catalogue from the department of human re­ Johnson say the YWCA is looking sources and development.] at all avenues of funding in order to MORE THAN (^25CT) MAGAZINES continue the Focus program, includ­ To make up for the pending fed­ __ TO CHOOSE FROM! eral cutback, the program applied to ing sponsorships and donations. But the provincial ministry of skills, la­ they are also appealing to the com­ (_^/ ur 1995 Canadian Magazines for bour and training for funding, but munity to write letters of support to Everyone catalogue is bigger and better was turned down. local MLAs and MPs, and to Human than ever. Use it all year long to find the Resources and Development, and the perfect gift. Or treat yourself, at home The YWCA Focus program is in­ and at work, to the latest information tended to assist young single moth­ Ministry of Skills, Labour and Train­ ing to prevent the cancellation of the from coast to coast. ers, between the ages of 16 to 24 years, To get your new catalogue, fill in this to prepare for and access further edu­ program. coupon and mail it today with $5 cation, vocational training or to ob­ Letters should be directed to: (including CST, shipping and handling). Duncan McRae, CJS Manager, Hu­ We are also happy to accept VISA or tain suitable employment. The pro­ Mastercard orders by fax or phone. gram provides young mothers with a man Resources and Development, diverse range of personal develop­ #415-757 W. Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1 Al; and Dan Miller, Minis­ ment programs, education and skills 130 Spadina Ave. Suite 202 Toronto ON AA5V 2L4 training, coupled with support serv­ ter of Skills, Labour and Training, Tel (416) 504-0274 Fax (416) 504-0437 ices such as childcare and parenting Room 109, Parliament Buildings, Vic­ information. The combination is one toria, BC, V8V 1X4. that helps overcome some of the fun­ For more information, contact YWCA damental obstacles that single moth­ Focus, 806-750 W. Pender St, Vancou­ ers face in trying to enter the ver, BC, V6C 1G8; tel: (604) 688-4666. workforce.

6 NOVEMBER 1995 MOVEMENT MATTERS by Patty Gibson listings information Movement Matters is designed to Comfort be a network of news, updates and Action guide Organizing information of special interest to women redress for welfare for medicare the women's movement. Submissions to Movement Matters The Canadian Coalition for "Com­ The National Anti-Poverty Organi­ Women's organizations, including should be no more than 500 words, fort Women" Redress (CCCW), a To­ zation (NAPO)—has produced an Ac­ the Vancouver Status of Women, the typed, double spaced and may be ronto-based group, is working to dis­ tion Guide to help people organize to National Action Committee on the Sta­ edited for length. Deadline is the seminate information and increase protect national standards for social as­ tus of Women, The DisAbled Women's 18th of the month preceding awareness in Canada of the issue of sistance. Network, and the Vancouver Women's publication. "comfort women." Comfort women is NAPO has launched a nationwide Health Collective, have joined with sen­ a euphemistic term used to describe by wendy lee kenward campaign to mobi lize people against the iors, people with disabilities, anti-pov­ women who wereexploited by the Japa­ federal spending cuts to social programs erty activists, other community groups nese army during World War Two to and the elimination of the Canada As­ and health care unions to promote and provide sex to Japanese soldiers. sistance Plan (CAP). On April 1, 1996, protect Canada's public health care sys­ Happy birthday It is estimated there were over when the Canada Health and Social tem. Sojourner 200,000 comfort women. The majority Transfer (CHST) takes effect, not only The BC Coalition for Health Care of them were Korean, but Dutch, Chi­ will social program funding be cut by Reform was formed several months ago This September marked the twenti­ nese, Filipino, Indonesian, Malaysian $6.6 billion, but also four of the five to respond to the provincial govern­ eth anniversary of Sojourner: The Wom­ and Taiwanese women and girls were national standards for welfare guaran­ ment's plan to regionalize the delivery en's Forum. Over the years, Sojourner has also forced into this sexual slavery. teed under CAP will be gone. of health care services in BC, as well as been a forum for women to inform, chal­ Many womenand girls werelured away CAP has been in existence since 1966 to the increasing attack on medicare. lenge and encourage each other. from their homes with false promises, andsetsoutguaranteesoftherightofall The Coalition is holding its first Sojourner started out as the wom­ or were threatened or kidnapped, and Canadians to social assistance, includ­ public event on Thursday October 26 as en's newspaper of the Massachussets many were raped repeatedly—some by ing the right to welfare when in need; the partofacommunity-basedpublicaware- Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1975, 20 to 30 soldiers a day. right to an amount that meets basic need ness campaign, designed to challenge and grew into a national newspaper cov­ TheCoalitionhasbeen actively pro­ requirements; the right to appeal wel­ the increasingly popular notion that ering news, issues and debates in the US testing to the Japanese government to fare decisions; the right not to have to Canada cannot afford its public health from a feminist perspective. apologize and compensate individual work for welfare; and the right to wel­ care system. The event is a kickoff event In celebration of Sojourner's anniver­ former comfort women. So far the Japa­ fare regardless of what province you're for National Medicare Week. sary, Karen Kahn—its editor for the past nese government has done little except from. After April 1st, only the last guar­ The Coalition plan to launch an eight eight years—has compiled an anthology toadmit its involvement in "recruiting" antee will remain [see Kinesis/z/ne 1995]. page brochure entitled Medicare: can we of some of the best written and most the comfort women and operating the NAPO's Action Guide, entitled 30 afford to lose it?, which debunks many of compelling articles published over the "brothels." It continues to deny that Million Good Reasons to Have National the myths about Canada's medicare sys­ past 20 years. Frontline Feminism, which women and girls were forced to work Standards For Welfare, is a 12 page news­ tem and explains why any move to an is being published by Aunt Lute Books, as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers and paper which gives substantial informa­ American two-tier scheme will result in gathers together over 100 past articles has refused any redress. tion on national standards for welfare, a system that is accessible only to those published in Sojourner to recreate some CCCW is currently raising funds to and suggests actions that individuals who can afford it. ofthehotdebatesand heated discussions publish an advertisement in a major and organizations can plan. Organizers of the event say the pub­ that were covered in Sojourner's pages. Canadian newspaper. Petitionsand let­ The guide discusses what national lic does not yet realize how dangerous A few changes have been brought ter writing campaigns have been ongo­ standards for welfare are; how national the federal cutbacks to healthcare and about in celebration of their 20th birth­ ing strategies for protesting the refusal standards implement basic human other social programs will be, pointing day. Sojourner is planning on adding a by the Japanese government to take rights; why we need them; who is at­ out that the federal transfer payments to few new things to the paper, such as an responsibility for forcing women to be tacking them; and what you can do. The BC for all social programs will total expanded arts section with more film, comfortwomen.Thegroupisalso plan­ pages detail the rights of poor people, approximately $800 million next year. book and music reviews, columns and ning a major exhibit of photographs to workfare, and the competion for and Within six years, federal support will be interviews. As well, Sojourner is hoping imform people about the issue of com­ scarcity of jobs. And the Action Guide eliminated altogether. to bring readers more investigative re­ fort women. suggests actions such as organizing a For more information about the ports on feminist activism around the US For more information about the public forum, or building up an anti- Coalition's work, contact Patty Gibson, and worldwide. Coalition's work in support of comfort poverty group. BC Association for Community Living To enable it to continue publishing women, contact the Canadian Coali­ For more information or to order at (604) 875-1119, or Jean Greatbatch, BC for another decade (at least) without al­ tion for "Comfort Women" Redress, copies of the Action Guide, contact Tlie Nurses Union at (604) 433-2268. ways being caught in a financial crunch, c/o the Korean Canadian Women's As­ National Anti-Poverty Organization at Sojourner has launched a 20th Anniver­ sociation, 789 Don Mills Rd, Suite 312, 316-256 King Edward Avenue, Ottawa, sary Campaign. Sojourner hopes to raise Don Mills, ON, M3C 1T5; or call (416) ON, KIN 7M1; or call (613) 789-0096. $125,000, and so far, they've raised a 421-2220. third of that goal. Women interested in making a contribution to the 20th Anni­ versary Campaign can send donations to Sojourner,42Seaverns Ave, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 USA.

^ (Jou don't have to finance Simon Fraser University Department of Women's Studies ^ what you don't support. Professorship in Women's Studies Tlie Women's Studies Department at Simon Fraser University is seeking a senior candidate with • Lower interest rates on loons ^ES * an outstanding academic and either professional or activist record for the Ruth Wynn to co-ops and societies Woodward Endowed Professorship in Women's Studies.This is a two-year limited tenn appointment which will begin in September 1996. The area of specialization is open. • Term deposits • RRSPs Applicants must have appropriate academic qualifications. Responsibilities will include teaching, public lectures and community outreach. • Chequing accounts and Salary will be that of a senior scholar. other hanking .services" In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements this advertisement is directed to people who are eligible for employment in Canada at the time of application. Simon Fraser University is committed to the A full-service credit union dedicated rfS principle of equity in employment and offers equal employment opportunities to qualified applicant.-.. to community economic develo^ment/^^^K Candidates should a) send um vitae and b) arrange to have sent directly three letters of refei which include an eval their teaching, research, professional and community service, to: Mary Lynn Stewart, Chair Women's Studies Department, Simon Fraser University CCEC Credit Union Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 - Phone: (604) 291-3593 tercial Drive, Vancouver, B.C Completed application-, must be received by the Women's Studies Department no later than Telephone 254-4100 15 January 1996. This position is subject to final budgetary authorization.

NOVEMBER 1995 MOVEMENT MATTERS

by Shannon e. Ash

Supporting women in Life quilt Mexican women Project Censored former Yugoslavia for breast cancer workers' rights Canada Women Supporting Women in the The Life Quilt for Breast Cancer The Mexican Women Maquila Project Censored Canada seeks to •*" Former Yugoslavia is a group of Van­ Project, a grassroots community initia­ Workers Network is conducting its first identify and publicize stories which the couver-area women which formed in tive based in Vancouver, is creating a campaign in support of Mexican maquila dominant national media have over­ March 1993 to respond in a meaningful Life Quilt in support of women living women workers—the Campaign for a looked or under-reported. The project way to the war in the former with breast cancer and their families. Just Wage. The Network is a Toronto- was founded in 1993 by the Canadian Yugoslavia—a war in which over 80% of The project was inspired by Judy Reimer, based group recently formed to pro­ Association of Journalists, the School of refugees a re women and children and in who has been living with breast cancer mote solidarity between Canadian, Communications at Simon Fraser Uni­ which there has been systematic use of for over five years. Mexican and Central American labour versity. The Department of Communi­ rape as a war strategy. and social movements. cation Studies at the University of Wind­ Using the traditional quilt, the Project sor joined the project this year. The Vancouver women initiated will provide a forum for women and The Network has called for this cam­ contact with a woman's organization in their families to talk about their experi­ paign because the devaluation of the The pu rpose of the project is to draw Zagreb, Croatia to ask how they could ences dealing with breast cancer and the Mexican peso and inflation have drasti­ attention to the gaps in the reporting of help. The groups' activities include rais­ need for community support. As the cally lowered the standard of living of significant national news. The primary ing financial aid and humanitarian sup­ quilt travels around British Columbia, maquiladora workers in the Mexico/US tool for doing this is an annual top 10 list port for refugee women; providing in- quilting bees will be held whereall those border region. Although a just wage is of under-reported stories—the list was ' "fc formation and education to the public; affected by breast cancer can tell their guaranteed by Mexico'sconstitution, this first released in 1994. Many of the 1994 and lobbying for the prosecution of rape stories. right is being ignored by the Mexican top ten stories originated in whole or in as a war crime. The group also spon­ "The Life Quilt is about the practical government. US corporations have part in "alternative" publications. Be­ sored two training trips to Zagreb to day-to-day realities of living with breast greatly increased profits due to the pe­ sides the top 10 list, the project is also assist women'sorganizationstodevelop cancer. We need a strong social fabric to so's devaluation, but the workers' situ­ building up a computerized inventory skills to support traumatized women. support women so they can live with ation has worsened. of under-reported stories as a research Women Supporting Women in the breast cancer and not just die from it," The Campaign has two focus areas: resource. former Yugoslavia has no nationalist or says Raine McKay of the Vancouver • to provide maquila workers with The project is currently seeking religious affiliations, and supports sur­ Women's Health Collective, which is information to help them calculate the nominations for the top ten under-re­ vivors of rape and war, regardless of sponsoring the Quilt Project. real losses they have suffered since the ported stories in 1995. Nominations ethnic identification. The initial phase of the project in­ devaluation in order to make wage de­ must fit the following criteria: On Friday November 17, the group volves creating three quilts, designed by mands; • The story must be national or will hold a benefit for "Women Survi­ artist and teacher Gay Mitchell. Project • to pressure the Mexican ministry international in scope, rather than local; vors of War" at 7:30pm at the Heritage organizers are asking women across of labour to enforce Constitutional pro­ • The story must affect, or have Hall, 3102 Main St, Vancouver. The event Canada to contribute bordering squares visions guaranteeing a just minimum relevance to, a large number of people or will feature a screening of the newly which reflect their individual feelings, wage. intensely affect a few; released video, To Hear Her Name, about thoughts and experiences with breast The Network is calling for letters or • The story must have received mini­ reponses of women in Canada and the cancer. Once assembled, the quilts will faxes to be sent to the Mexican ministry mal coverage in the national news me­ former Yugoslavia to the war. As well, be displayed in a variety of community of labour expressing your support for dia; there will be speakers from Bosnia and venues throughout BC and subsequently their demands. • The story must have appeared in Canada, Bosnian snacks and entertain­ across Canada. Send letters to: Lie. Javier Bonilla print or on air in 1995, and it must be ment. The second phase of the Project will Garcia, Secretario del Trabajo,Secretaria wel 1-docu mented. Admission is by $30 donation and involve conducting a needs assessment, del Trabajo y Prevencion Social, To nominate a story or radio piece, includes a chance to win two nights at a and then working to provide the assist­ Periferico Sur 4271, Col. Fuentes del send a clipping or transcript to: Project bed and breakfast on Saltspring Island. ance needed. "Our vision isa network of Pedregal, Mexico, DF14149; or fax: 011- Censored Canada, School of Communi­ Tickets are available at the door, or at volunteers who will offer direct, practi­ 52-5-645-5594. cation, Simon Fraser University, Banyen Sound and the Vancouver Wom­ cal help—help defined by those in need," For more informationaboutthecam- Burnaby, BC, V5 A1S6. The dead line for en's Bookstore. say organizers of the project. paign and others in support of workers' nominations is December 15,1995. For more information about the For more information about the Life rights, write to the Maquila Solidarity event, or to make a donation (tax re­ Quilt, please contact The Life Quilt for Network, 606 Shaw St, Toronto, ON, ceipts will be issued for amounts over Breast Cancer Project, #219-1675 West M6G 3L6. $10), contact: Women Supporting 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V6J1V2; or ca 11 <=/fffoKJUU Boo£Lef>ing Senior Women in the former Yugoslavia, #3- (604) 736-4234. ¥oi<£nuJZ Business 3664 E. Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V5K 2A9; or call (604) 299-3539. & *Sztf SmfJoyd • Monthly Financial Statements • Government Remittances • Payroll, A/P. A/R, Budgets I Will Transform Your Paperwork! (604) 737-1824 emaihbarb. [email protected]

Gala 20th Anniversary Celebration and Fall Book Launch EASTSICIE DATAGRAphlCS

Saturday, November 18, 1995 8 p.m. 1458 CoMMERciAl DRIVE Multipurpose Room, Lower Level, Vancouver Public TEI: 255^95*9 FAX: 255^075 Library, Central Branch, 350 West Georgia Street (Doors open at 7.-30 p.m.—event starts at 8 p.m. sharp) OfficE Supplies Am Supplies Featuring readings from NEW books by Larissa Lai, Marion Douglas, Joanne Arnott and Chrystos Grand Re-Opening! Performance/Reading by Kiss & Tell Video screening by Shani Mootoo Larger Space and Special musical guest Sandy Scofield Lots of New Stuff Refreshments, door prizes, book signingsll PRESS Sliding scale $8-$15 Everyone welcome Wheelchair accessible GANG FOR MORE INFORMATION: 876-7787 PUBLISHERS BGWI^IIUNI'ON Shop

NOVEMBER 1995 Thirty thousand women gathered from across the world in Huairou, China, August 30-September 8, for the Non-governmental (NGO) Forum of the 4th Supplement United Nations World Conference on Women.

Contents Forum '95 was a venue for the international wom­ Forward Looking Strategies for the Advancement of en's movement (and others) to meet, share strategies, Women to the Year 2000, drawn up at the Nairobi Huairou NGO Forum Diary debate, and raise awareness of crucial issues affecting World Conference on Womea women's lives in the different nation states and regions by fatima Jaffer 10 In about 362 "paragraphs," the Platform for of the world. The struggle for democracy Actionlistscriticalareasofconceraidentifiesobstacles to women's equality, and makes recommendations to It was modelled after the Nairobi NGO Forum in by Aung SanSuu Kyi. 11 international bodies such as the United Nations, to 1985, which took place concurrent with the 3rd UN national governments, and to NGOs. Indigenous women's rights World Conference on Women. Many women have by Winona LaOuke 12 attributed international networking at the Nairobi Fo­ While the Platform is intended to set the agenda Lesbian March rum for the proliferation of women's NGO activity in for nation states on the issue of women's equality in 14 most countries of the world over the past ten years and their countries, women look at it more realistically as the globalization of the women's movement sm a tool for women's organizations in efforts to lobby The slogan of Forum '95, "Equality, Development, their governments for social change 14 and Peace," spells out its three main objectives. There But after two years of organizing, strategizing and From Forum to Conference were, however, 13 general theme areas which the 5,000 making plans to attend, women almost didn't make it by Sunera Thobani 17 workshops, plenaries, panels, lectures, exhibitions and to Huairou and Beijing. Asian women organizing other events addressed [see box beloxv left] The theme areas were decided on at numerous national and inter­ The Non-governmental Forum was initially sup­ byWinrteWunWunNg 19 national preparatory conferences which took place in posed to take place in Beijing—close to the conference the two years leading up to the Forum. site—to enable women not accredited to the confer­ Another objectiveof Forum'95wastoinfluenceand ence to influence decision making at the governmental Theme areas lobby those attending the UN 4th World Conference on conference. Five months before the Forum was to begin, the hosts of the conference, the Chinese govern­ for Forum '95 Women, which took place in Beijing September 4th- 15th. In particular, women sought to affect the wording ment, nervous at the prospect of 30,1X10 feminists * the economy descending on their capital city, changed the venue of * governance & politics of and commitments to the Platform for Action, a docu- * human/legal rights menttobeagreed upon by the6/X10government leaders, the forum to Huairou, a small town about an hour's * peace & human security governmental and non-governmental representatives drive from Beijing. * education * health accredited to the world conference. Women protested the move, lobbied the United * the environment The Platform for Action is the blueprint for UN Nations to demand China change its mind, and even * spirituality & religion * science & technology member state governments to initiate action over the considered a global boycott. Concessions were made * media next five years for women's advancement throughout to facilitate travel between Huairou and Beijing among * arts & culture the world. The Platform is intended to review and other things,and womendecided to * race & ethnicity * youth appraise theprogressmadeby women sincethe Nairobi go ahead.

In this issue and in our December/January 1996 issue, Kinesis presents two supplements on Beijing '95. We focus on Forum '95 because, to most NGO women, h is the "real conference," where women's organizing is front and centre. Or as some women in Huairou put it, "the conference talks; Huairou acts." The supplements are coordinated by Fatima Jaffer, who represented Kinesis on the Canada-Beijing Facilitating Committee (CBFC) delegation, composed of 43 representatives of non-governmental women's and other organizations from across Canada. All photographs in this supplement are by Fatima Jaffer. This is part one of Fatima Jaffer's diary of the Huairou NGO Forum. The diary will continue in the December/January issue o/Kinesis.

"^Members Monday -August 28th of the CBFC The air crackles with anticipation, a sense of shared purpose and sheer excitement on the plane from Hong Kong to delegation Beijing. After months of preparations, waiting to receive confirmation of registration from the United Nations (a month and their baggage ago), visas from China (two weeks ago), and tickets from the travel agency (three days ago), we are a mere hour away pose at from landing in Beijing. airport in On the plane, I meet women from the United States, the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Uganda, and of course Beijing. Canada. The 43-member CBFC team is travelling together. We swap rumours and newspaper clippings about what expect when we arrive. There are horror stories of immigration and customs and everyone begins to panic a little. I wonder if some Customs officer is going to part me from the 200 copies of Kinesis in my bags! It takes us minutes to sail through the special channels prepared for women arriving for the Forum. The immigration officer barely glances at my visa; the customs officer doesn't look at our heaps of baggage and fastidiously filled-out forms. There are hundreds of Chinese volunteers in blue-and-white t-shirts waiting for us, and an abundance of wheelchairs with attendants for women who need them. [To this day, there are reports of only one woman having anything confiscated—a page from a book—at Beijing customs.] I have no time to feel "cheated" of confrontation as we are promptly whisked off in a bus to the Workers' Stadium to pick up our NGO Forum passes. Again, there are none of the lineups and bureaucratic delays we had been warned about, and we are soon off again, this time to our hotel in Beijing. This anti-climatic feeling becomes a familiar feature over the next ten days. We keep hearing rumours of danger, chaos or Chinese conspiracy, then find out these have been grossly exaggerated. It's not like most women aren't used to dealing with bureacratic nonsense and heavy-handed authorities in our own countries anyway.

Wednesday - August 30th Forum '95 is not yet officially open but many of the 30,000 women attending the Forum have arrived and are staying at various hotels, school dormitories and trade buildings. I am impatient to see the site, and share a cab with others making the hour-long trek to the Forum. Huairou is buzzing with activity. I cannot begin to describe the excitement I feel. The town has been taken over by women from around the world, though the Forum site itself is confined to only one large rambling part of the town and you need NGO Forum passes to get in. There are tents of all sizes, schools and other buildings, a vast outdoor area with hundreds of parasols over tables and chairs, large and small playing fields for performers and demonstrators, and numerous food and vendor stalls. The residents of Huairou seem remarkably friendly, considering we have just invaded their lives and town, depriving some of them of their livelihoods while we are here, whilst spending thousands of dollars in approved shops and restaurants. [I find out later our presence is keeping peasants from Huairou county from coming into town to trade.] We pick up the Forum programs: 5,000 workshops, lectures, panels, cultural activities and plenaries over 10 days; a festival of women's films; exhibitions of photographs, ceramics, costumes, documents; women will speak on lessons learned from the liberation struggles of Eritrea, and South Africa. Iranian, Tunisian, Algerian women will speak on the persecution of women speaking out against the governments of those countries. Canadian women will speak on migrant workers' rights.Ther e is a workshop on the use of the cervical cap as a contraceptive device, and workshops on how to use statistics on gender. There are sessions on money and credit, on sex and sexuality, on voice and dance, on Women get creative in efforts to publicize their events and attract the attention of passers by. empowerment and anti-racism, on reproductive technologies, on affirmative action, on sexual harassment, on youth, and on genetic coding of Indigenous people. I visit an area where six large tents have been set up to house organizing activities of the various regions. There are five regional tents—Europe and North America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, African and Arab countries; the sixth houses women from the host country, China. The Africa tent is hopping with activity [see photo]. Women are gathered in meetings in every comer of the tent, speaking French, English, Swahili, Zulu, Xhosa, Ibo, and dozens of other languages. They are singing, dancing, arguing, hanging things up. Women have spilled over into the neighbouring and comparatively quiet Europe and North America tent [see photo]. The only sign of Canada in the tent is the banner of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC). The Latin America/Caribbean tent is so full, I can only peer in. I see women putting up the giant patchwork banner that will adorn the walls of the tent, embroidered with fruits and vegetables meant to symbolize the diversity of women's lives. I head over to the Asia and the Pacific tent, also filled with women who are decorating the tent. Different parts of the

Continued on page 16

10 KINESIS BEIJING '95 SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 1995 Burma: The struggle for democracy

by Aung San Suu Kyi

Aung San Suu Kyi is the leader of the Na­ cannot fail to result in a more caring, toler­ of patriarchal domination and degradation, tional League for Democracy in Burma. In 1990 ant, just and peaceful life for all. which are expressions of violence and en­ when her party was elected as the government of If to these universal benefitsof the grow­ gender counter-violence. We can learn from Burma, the military annulled the vote, and placed ing emancipation of women can be added each other and help one another to moderate Aung San u nderhousearrest. Just earlier this year, the "peace dividend" for human develop­ the "gender weaknesses" imposed on us by she was released from house arrest. In 1994, Aung ment offered by the end of the Cold traditional or biological factors. San Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peaceprizefor War—spending lesson the war toysof grown This Forum of non-governmental or­ her work in Burma's democracy struggle. men and much more on the urgent needs of ganizations represents the belief in the abil­ humanity as a whole—then truly the next She was scheduled to speak at the opening ity of intelligent human beings to resolve millenia will be an age the like of which has plenary of the NGO Women's Forum, but was conflicting interests through exchange and never been seen in human history. But there unable to attend. Instead she sent her message to dialogue. It also represents the conviction still remain many obstacles to be overcome women via videotape. Below is an excerpt from her that governments alone cannot resolve all before we can achieve this goal. And not plenary speech. the problems of their countries. The watch­ least among these obstacles are intolerance fulness and active cooperation of organiza­ It is a wonderful but daunting task that and insecurity. tions outside the spheres of officialdom are has fallen on me to say a few words by way This year is the International Year for neccesary to ensure the four essential com­ of opening this Forum—the greatest con­ Tolerance. The United Nations has recog­ ponents of the human development para­ course of women (joined by a few brave nized that "tolerance, human rights, democ­ digm as identified by the UNDP: productiv­ men!) that has ever gathered on the planet. I racy and peace are closely related. Without ity, equity, sustainability and empowerment. vvant to try and voice some of the common tolerance, the foundations for democracy The last is particularly relevant—it requires hopes which firmly unite us in all our splen­ and respect for human rights cannot be that "development must be by people, not did diversity. strengthened, and the achievement of peace People must be allowed only for them. People must participate fully But first I would like to explain why I will remain elusive." in the decisions and processes that shape cannot be with you in person today. Last to play a significant role My own experience during the years I their lives." In other words people must be month 1 was released from almost six years have been engaged in the democracy move­ allowed to play a significant role in the of house arrest. The regaining of my free­ in the governance of their ment of Burma hasconvinced meof the need governance of their countries. And "people" dom has in turn imposed a duty on me to to emphasize the positive aspect of toler­ countries. And "people" include women who make up at least half of work for the freedom of other women and ance. It is not enough simply to "live and let the world's population. men in my country who have suffered far include women who make live"—genuine tolerance requires an active more—and who continue to suffer far more The last six years afforded me much effort to try to understand the point of view than I ha ve. It is this duty which prevents me up at least half of the time and food for thought. I came to the of others; it implies broad-mindedness and from joining you today. Even sending this conclusion that the human race is not di­ vision, as well as confidence in one's own world's population. message to you has not been without diffi­ vided into two opposing camps of good and ability to meet new challenges without re­ culties. But the help of those who believe in evil. It is made up of those who are capable sorting to intransigence or violence. In soci­ from want and freedom from fear. It is want international cooperation and freedom of of learning and those who are incapable of eties where men are truly confident of their that has driven so many of our young girls expression has enabled me to overcome the doing so. Here I am not talking of learning in own worth, women are not merely "toler­ across our borders to a life of sexual slavery obstacles. They made it possible for me to the narrow sense of acquiring an academic ated," they are valued. Their opinions are where they are subject to constant humilia­ make a small contribution to this great cel­ education, but of learning as the process of listened to with respect; they are given their tion and ill-treatment. It is fear of persecu­ ebration of the struggle of women to mould absorbing those lessons of life that enable us rightful place in shaping the society in which tion for their political beliefs that has made their own destiny and to influence the fate of to increase peace and happiness in our they live. so many of our people feel that even in their our global village. world. Women in their role as mothers have There is an outmoded Burmese proverb own homes they cannot live in dignity and traditionally assumed the responsibility of The opening plenary of this Forum will still recited by men who wish to deny that security. teachingchildren values thatwillguide them be presenting an overview of the global women too can play a part in bringing nec­ In my country at present, women have throughout their lives. It is time we were forces affecting the quality of life of the essary changes and progress to their society: no participation in the higher levels of gov­ given the full opportunity to use our natural human community and the challenges they "The dawn rises only when the rooster ernment and none whatsoever in the judici­ teaching skills to contribute towards build­ pose for the global community as a whole crows." But Burmese people today are well ary. Even within the democratic movement ing a modern world that can withstand the and for women in particular as we approach aware of the scientific reasons behind the only 14 out of the 485 members of parlia­ tremendous challenges of the technological the 21st century. However, with the true rising of dawn and the falling of dusk. And ment elected in 1990 were women—all from revolution which in turn brought revolu­ womanly understanding the Convener of the intelligent rooster surely realizes that it is my own party, the National League for De­ tionary changes in social values. this Forum suggested that among these glo­ because dawn comes that it crows, and not mocracy. These 14 women represent less As we strive to teach others we must bal forces and challenges, I might wish to the other way round. It crows to welcome than three percent of the total number of have the humility to acknowledge that we concentrate on security, human rights and the light that has come to relieve the dark­ successful candidates. They, like their male still too have to learn. And we must have the democracy. I would like to discuss these ness of night. It is not the prerogative of men colleagues, have not been permitted to take flexibiliytoadapttothechallengingneedsof issues particularly in the context of the par­ alone to bring light to this world—women office since the outcome of those elections the world around us. Women who have ticipation of women in politics and govern­ with their capacity for compassion and self- have been totally ignored. Yet the very high been taught that modesty and pliancy are ance. sacrifice, their courage and perseverance, performance of women in our educational among the prized virtues of our gender are For millenia, women have dedicated havedone much to dissipate the darknessor system and in the management of commer­ marvelously equipped for the learning proc­ themselves almost exclusively to the task of intolerance and hate, suffering and despair. cial enterprises proves their enormous po­ ess. But they must be given the opportunity nurturing, protecting and caring for the Often the other side of the coin of intol­ tential to contribute to the betterment of to turn these often merely passive virtues young and the old, striving for the condi­ erance is insecurity. Insecure people tend to society in general. Meanwhile, our women into positive assets for the society in which tions of peace that favour life as a whole. To be intolerant, and their intolerance unleashes ha ve yet to achieve those fundamental rights they live. this can be added the fact that, to the best of forces that threaten the security of others. of freedom, association and security of life, These, then, areour common hopes that my knowledge, no war was ever started by And where there is no security, there can be denied also to their menfolk. unite us—that as the shackles of prejudice women. But it is women and children who no lasting peace. In its Human Development The adversities we have had to face and intolerance fall from our own limbs we have always suffered most in situations of Report for last year, the United Nations together have taught all of us involved in the can together strive to identify and remove conflict. Now that we are gaining control of Development Program (UNDP) noted that the struggle to build a truly democratic po­ the impediments to human development the primary historical role imposed on us of human security "is not a concern with weap­ litical system in Burma; there are no gender everywhere. The mechanisms by which this sustaining life in the context of the home and ons—it is a concern with human life and barriers that cannot be overcome. The rela­ great task is to be achieved provide the family, it is time to apply in the arena of the dignity." The struggle for democracy and tionships between men and women should, proper focus of this great Forum. I feel sure world the wisdom and experience thus human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and can be, characterized not by patronizing that women throughout the world who, like gained in activities of peace over so many and dignity. It isa struggle that encompasses behavior or exploi tation, but by metta (that is me, cannot be with you, join me now in thousands of years. The education and em- our political, social and economic aspira­ to say loving kindness), partnership and sendingyouall ourprayersandgood wishes powermentof women throughout the world tions. The people of my country want the trust. We need mutual respect and under­ for a joyful and productive meeting. two freedoms that spell security: freedom standing between men and women, instead I thank you.

NOVEMBER 1995 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT 11 Indigenous women's rights: Framing the questions

by Winona LaDuke Winona LaDuke is an Indigenous andth e critieria of nation states, having a com­ as women and as Indigenous peoples, de­ sulphur coal resources. We have huge oil environmental activist, the co-chair of themo n economic system, language, territory, mand and will recover that right—that reserves on our reservations. And we have Indigenous Women's Network, and the pro­history,culture and governing institutions. right of self-determination—to determine the dubious honour of being the most gram director of the Environmental ProgramDespit e this fact/Indigenous nations are our destiny and that of our future genera­ highly bombed nation in the world—the of the Seventh generation Fund.She spoke noat t allowed to participate at the United tions. Western Shoshone Nation—on which over the opening plenary of the NGO Women'sNations . The origins of this problem lie with 650 atomic weapons have been detonated. Forum in Huairou on August 31st. Nations of Indigenous peoples are not, the predator/prey relationship industrial We also have two separate accelerated by and large, represented at the United society has developed with the Earth, and I am from the Mississippi Band of proposals to dump nuclear waste on our Nations. Most decisions today are made subsequently, the people of Earth. This reservation lands, and similarly over 100 Anishinabeg of the White Earth reserva­ by the 180 or so members states to the same relationship exists vis-a-vis women. tion in northern Minnesota, one of ap­ separate proposals to dump toxic waste United Nations. Those states, by and large, We are often in the role of prey, whether on our reservation lands. proximately 250,000 Anishinabeg people have been in existence for only 200 years for sexual discrimination, exploitation, who inhabit the Great Lakes region on the _ We understand clearly the relation­ sterilization, absence of control over our ship between development for someone North American continent. Aniin bodies, or being the subjects of repressive Indinaumymugintok. Megwetch Chi-iwexoag, else, and our own underdevelopment. We laws and legislation in which we have no also understand clearly the relationship Megioetch Ogitchitaikwewag, Nindizhinikaz,Mos t [of the] decisions voice. This occurs on an individual level, Beenaysayikive, Makwa nin dodaem, between the environmental impacts of but equally, and more significantly on a Megwetch indiawaymugunitok. made in the world today types of development on our lands, and societal level. I am greeting you in my language and the environmental and subsequent health are actually made by It is also critical to point out at this impacts on our bodies as women. That is thanking you, my sisters, for the honour of time that most matrilinial speaking with you today about the chal­ the crux of the problem. some of the 47 societies—societies in which governance We also understand clearly that the lenges facing women as we approach the and decision making are largely control- 21st century. transnational analysis of North versus South is an erro­ ledby women—have been obliterated from neous analysis. There is, from our per­ A primary and central challenge im­ the face of the Earth by colonialism and pacting women will be the distance we, corporations and their spective, not a problem of the North dic­ industrialism. The only matrilinial socie­ tating the economic policies of the South, collectively as women and societies, have ties which exist in the world today are artificially placed ourselves from our international financiers and subsequently consuming the South. those of Indigenous nations. We are the Instead, there is a problem of the "Middle" Mother the Earth, and the inherent envi­ remaining matrilinial societies,yet wealso ronmental, social, health and psychologi­ whose annual income is consuming both the North and the South. face obliteration. That is our situation. Let me explain. cal consequences of colonialism, and sub­ larger than the gross On a worldwide scale and in North sequently rapid industrialization on our The rate of deforestation in the Brazil­ America, Indigenous societies historically, ian Amazon is one acre every nine sec­ bodies, and our nations. As a centerpiece national product of and today remain in a predator/prey rela­ of this problem is the increasing lack of onds. Incidentally, the rate of extinction of tionship with industrial society. We are control we have over ourselves, and a Indigenous peoples in the Amazon is one many countries in the the peoples with the land and natural re­ long-term security. This situation must be nation of Indigeous peoples per year. The rectified [not only] through the laws of world. sources. The wealth of the United rate of deforestation of the boreal forest of international institutions such as the States—that nation which today deter­ Canada is one acre every twelve seconds. United Nations, but as well through the mines much of the world policy—was ille­ Siberia, thanks to American corporations policies, laws and practices of our nations, or less, while most nations of Indigenous gally expropriated from our lands. Simi­ like Weyerhauser, is not far behind. In all our communities, our states, and our­ peoples, with few exceptions, have been in larly the wealth of Indigenous peoples of cases,Indigenouspeoplesare endangered. selves. existence for thousands of years. Ironi­ South Africa, Central and South American And there is, frankly, no difference be­ cally, there would be little argument in countries, and Asia was taken for the in­ tween the impact in the North and the The situation of Indigenous women, this room that most decisions made in the dustrial development of Europe, and later as a part of Indigenous peoples, we believe South. world today are actually made by some of for settler states which came to occupy is a magnified version of the critical junc­ Uranium mining has devastated a the47 transnational corporations and their those lands. ture we find ourselves in as peoples and number of Indigenous communities in Today, on a worldwide scale, we re­ the problems facing all women and our international financiers whose annual in­ North America. Uranium mining in north­ main in the same situation as one hundred future generations as we struggle for a come is larger than the gross national prod­ ern Canada has left over 120 million tons better world. This conflict is manifested in uct of many countries in the world. years ago, only with less land and fewer of radioactive waste. This amount repre­ the loss of control over decision making, This is the centerpiece of the problem. people. Today, on a worldwide scale, 50 sents enough material to cover the loss of human security, militarism, the Decision making is not made by those who millionlndigenouspeoplesliveintherain- TransCanada Highway two meters deep globalization of the economy, the further are affected by those decisions—people forests, a million Indigenous peoples are across the country. Present production of marginalization of women, increasing in­ who live on the land—but by corpora­ slated to be relocated for dam projects in uranium waste from Saskatchewan alone tolerance and the forced commodification tions, with an interest entirely different the next decade (thanks to the World occurs at the rate of over one million tons and homogenization of culture through from that of the land and the people, or the Bank)—from the Narmada Project in In­ annually. the media. women of the land. This brings forth a dia, to the Three Gorges Dam Project here Since 1975, hospitalization for cancer, fundamental question. What gives these in China, to the James Bay Hydro Electri­ While I am from one nation of Indig­ birth defects and circulatory illnesses in corporations like Conoco, Shell, Exxon, cal Project in northern Canada. enous people, there are millions of Indig­ that area have increased Almost all atomic weapons which enous peoples worldwide. An estimated Daishawa, ITT, Rio Tinto Zinc and the dramatically—between 123 and 600 per­ have been detonated in the world are also 500 million people are Indigenous peoples World Bank a right which supercedes my cent i n that regi on. 1 n other areas i mpacted of some 5000 nations of Indigenous peo­ human right to live on my land, or that of detonated on the lands or waters of I ndig- by uranium mining, cancers and birth de­ ples in the world today. We are in the my family, my community, my nation, our enous peoples, most clearly evidenced here fects have increased to, in some cases, Cordillera [of the Philippines], the Maori nations, and us as women? in China and in the Pacific with France's eight times the national average. The sub­ of New Zealand, we are in East Timor, we What law gives that right to them? obscene proposal to detonate atomic weap­ sequent increases in radiation exposure to are the Wara Wara of Australia, the Lakota, Not any law of the Creator, or of Mother ons this upcoming month. both the local and to the larger North the Tibetans, the peoples of Hawaii, New Earth. Is that right contained within their Today, over 50 percent of our remai n- American population are also evidenced Caledonia and many other nations of In­ wealth, which was historically acquired ing lands are forested, and both Canada in broader incidences of cancer—such as digenous peoples. immorally and unethically through colo­ and the United States continue aggressive breast cancer in North American nialism and imperialism, and paid for with clearcutting policies on our land. Over We are not populations, not minority women—which issignificantly on the rise. the lives of millions of people, and species two-third of the uranium resources in the groups; we are peoples; we are nations of There is not a distinction in this problem US and similar figures for Canada are on peoples. Under international law, we meet of plants and entire ecosystems. They caused by radiation whether it is to the should have no such right. And we clearly, Indigenous lands,asisone third of all low-

KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 1995 These are problems Genome Diversity Project). This situa- the right of self-determination belongs which emanate from tionaffects Indigenous women, asa part of our equally to women and to men. We believe industrial societies' communities, but on a larger scale, has af­ that the right of all peoples to self-determi­ mistreatment and dis­ fected most women. nation cannot be realized while women respect for our Mother 4) Subsequently, our women find that continuetobe marginalized and prevented Earth, and subse­ the basic human right to control our bodies from becoming full participants in their quently are reflected in are impacted by all of the above, through respective societies. The human rights of the devastation of the development policies aimed at non-consen­ women, like the human rights of Indig­ collective health and sual or forced sterilization, medical testing, enous peoples, and our inherent rights to well-being of women. invasive genetic sampling, and absence of self-determination are not issues exclu­ I have presented basic facilities and services which would sively within the domestic jurisdiction of The rate of deforestation in the these arguments for a guarantee us the right and ability to control states. purpose—to illustrate the size of our families safely and willingly. So long as the predator continues, so Brazilian Amazon is one acre that these are very com­ These same development policies are often long as the "Middle"—thetemperatecoun- every nine seconds. Incidentally, mon issues for women, based on tourism which commodifies our tries of the world—continue to drive an not only for Indigenous bodies and cultures (the Pacific and Native increasing level of consumption and con­ the rate of extinction of women, but for all America as prime examples), and causes the tinue to export both the technologies and women. What befalls same for women internationally. drive for this level of consumption to other Indigenous peoples in the our Mother Earth, be­ Collectively we must challenge this countries, there will be no safety for the falls her daughters, the paradigm, and this international arena. I human rights of women, rights of Indig­ Amazon is one nation of women who are the call on you to support the struggle of Indig­ enous peoples, and basic protection for mothersof our nations. enous peoples of the world and to recognize the Earth. Consumption causes the Indigeous peoples per year. Simply stated, if wecan that until all people have self-determina­ commodif ication of the sacred, the natural no longer nurse our tion, no one will truly be free—free of the world, cultures, and thecommodification Dene of the northern Canada, the Laguna children, if we can no longer bear chil­ predator, and free to control our destiny. I of children, and women. Pueblo people of New Mexico, or the peo­ dren, and if our bodies themselves are ask you to look into the Charter of the United The United States is the largest energy ple of Namibia. wracked with poisons, we will have ac­ Nations, Part One, Article Three which pro­ market in the world. The average Ameri­ The rapid increase in dioxin, complished little in the way of deter­ vides "...All peoples have the right to self- can consumes seven times as many wood organichlorides, PCBs (poly-chlorinated mining our destiny, or improving our determination. By virtue of that right, they products per capita as anywhere else in byphenols) in the world as a result of conditions. And these problemsarealso may freely determine their political status the industrialized world, and overall that industrialization hasa devastating impact inherently resulting in a decline of the and freely pursue their economic, social, country consumesone third of the world's on Indigenous peoples, Indigenous women status of women, and are the result of and political development." natural resources. By comparison, Cana­ and other women. Each year, the world's long-set historical processes—processes "All peoples," should be construed to da's per capita energy consumption, is the paper industry discharges from 600 to 3200 which we as women will need to chal­ mean Indigenous peoples have that right to highest in the world. grams of dioxin equivalents. This quantity lenge if we are ultimately to be in charge Levels of consumption in the indus­ is equal to the amount which would cause ofourdestinies,our own self determina­ We believe that the right trial world drive destruction of the world's 58,000 to 294,000 cases of cancer every tion, and the future of our Earth, our rainforests and the world's boreal forests, year, based on the [US] Environmental Mother. of all peoples to self- drive production of nuclear wastes and Protection Agency's estimate of dioxin It is our belief, at Indigenous Wom­ production of PCBs, dioxins and other carcinogenicity. en's Network, that: determination cannot be lethal chemicals, which devastate the body According to a number of recent stud­ 1) Women should not have to trade of our Mother Earth and our own bodies. ies, this has increased significantly the risk their ecosystems for running water, ba­ realized while women Unless we speak, and take meaningful ofbreastcancerinwomen.Similarly,heavy sic housing, health care, and basic hu­ action to address these levels of consump­ metals and PCB contamination of Inuit man rights. continue to be tion and the subsequent export of these women of the Hudson Bay region of the 2) Development projects, whether marginalized and technologies and levels of consumption to Arctic indicates that they have the highest in the North or in the South, whether other countries, we will never have any levels of breast milk contamination in the financed by the World Bank, or by the prevented from security for our individual human rights world. In a 1988 study, Inuit women were coffers of the Rio Tinto Zinc and Exxon, as Indigenous women, and for our secu­ found to have contamination levels up to often replicate patriarchy and sexism, becoming full rity as women. 28 times higher than the average of women and by and large, cause the destruction If we are to seek and struggle for the in Quebec, and ten times higher than that of matrilinial governance structuresand participants in their common ground of all women, it is essen­ considered "safe" by the government. land tenure, and cause a decline in the tial to struggle for this issue. Frankly, it is Itisalsoofgreatconcerntoourwomen, status of women. By denying us the ba­ respective societies. not that women of the dominant society in and our people, that polar bears in that sics on which we live, and the clean food theso-called First World countries should region of the Arctic have such a high level and streams from which to eat, and in­ have equal pay, and equal status if that of contamination from PCBs that they may stead offering us a wage economy, in self-determination. And, by virtue.of that pay and status continue to be based on a be facing total sterility and be forced into which privilegeis often dictated by class, right, they may freely determine their politi­ consumption model which is not only extinction by early in the next century. As sex and race. Indigenous women are cal status, and freely pursue their economic, unsustainable, but causes constant viola­ people who consider the bears to be our frequently moved from a central role in social and political development. Accord us tion of the human rights of women and relatives, we are concerned about their their societies to the margins (and as the same rights as all other nations of peo­ nations elsewhere in the world. It is essen­ ability to reproduce as a consequence of refugees) of industrial society. ples. And through that process, allow us to tial to collectively struggle to recover our this level of bio-accumulation of toxins. 3) The industrial knowledge sys­ protect our ecosystems, their inherent status as Daughters of the Earth. In that is We find that our communities, like those tems today often negate or deny the biodiversity, human cultural diversity, and our strength,and security, not in thepreda- of our relatives the bears, are in fact in existence, and inherent property rights those matriarchal governments which re­ tor, but in the security of our Mother, for danger of extinction. Consequently, it is of Indigenous people to our cultural and main in the world. our future generations. In that, we can clear to us that the problems found in the intellectual knowledge. Transnational And, with the Unrepresented People's ensure our security as the Mothers of our South—like the export of chemicals and corporationsand international agencies Organization (UNPO), we reaffirm that defi­ Nations. the bio-accumulation of toxins—are also call us "primitive," while they steal our nition of self-determination provided in the Megwetch mi go minuk megwetch. very much our problems, and the prob­ medical knowledge, plants, and even International Covenant on Social Economic lems are clearly manifested in our women. genetic material (as in the Human and Cultural Rights, further recognizing that

NOVEMBER 1995 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT by Fatima Jaffer LESBIAN DEMONSTRATION -Lesbian Visibility March, September 5th NGO Forum '95 site, Huairou For many, it was undoubtedly a highlight of the Forum. and cries of support, curiosity and confusion, as well as hisses of derision the 4th World Women's Conference in Beijing to: • Make this a Conference of Commitments, with a concrete plan of action to Thousands of women-loving-women from all over the world from women at the various tents, buildings and on the "streets" as we • Recognize the freedom to determine one's own sexuality as an inalienable guarantee for all women the full exercise of their civil, political, social, participated in the Lesbian Visibility March September 5th, making it the marched along. human right and a necessary precondition for equality, development and economic and cultural rights. largest demonstration at the Huairou site. Many wore blue buttons that A lot of worldwide media were there, including the Chinese media. peace; Issues of sexual orientation and sexuality were major points of read "Lesbian rights are human rights: Beijing '95" in English and Spanish, (The next day, however, the "independent daily" newspaper of the NGO • Recognize and integrate the needs and concerns of women of all sexual contention atthe world conference in Beijing. /C/rjes/swill bring you the which was how out-lesbians identified ourselves and each other on site. Forum, Forum '95, gave the March only a token mention. Failing to report the orientations throughout the Platform for Action; story of what was won and lost in our next supplement in our December/ Others came out to support. There were banners and signs from all over largest and most controversial demonstration on site on September 5th was • Direct governmental, non-governmental and inter-governmental January 1996 issue. the world, as well as the ones made by women at the Lesbian Tent. too obvious an "oversight" to be mistaken for anything but homophobia.) organizations to address the concerns of lesbians and bisexual women in Meanwhile in Huairou, our victory was obvious. Lesbian visibility and The March lasted hours, as we walked, chanted, sang, laughed, and Apart from raising visibility on site, and calling on women to unite and the formulation and implementation of all programs and policies which issues of homophobia were raised in an unprecedented scale on an called attention to ourselves all over the site. We were met with applause not let homophobia divide us, the purpose of the March was also to call on result from the Platform for Action; international level. And it was a helluva rush!

Lesbians strategizing against conservatism: iiveipsity

by Rebeca Sevilla Of course, then, we can expect backlash. Not only The ethic of diversity is a strong Rebeca Sevilla is a lesbian activist from Peru, and because of the general rise in religious, cultural and eco­ strategy to stop conservatism, because was the official representative of the International Les­ nomic fundamentalism. But also because we lesbians are the conservatism is based in fear, on greed bian and Gay Association (ILGA) at the the 4th UN symbol of the battle between the sexes; the symbol of the and on divisions between people. De­ Conference on Women. She spoke at a Plenary Session independent, autonomous women. We do not need men. I veloping an ethic of diversity, espe­ on the "Rise of Conservatism" focussing on strategies am a lesbian. I have good friends who are men. But emotion­ cially a daily practice, is our challenge. from a lesbian perspective for confronting conservatism ally and sexually I prefer women. This makes some men, and But I want to share with you some­ in all its forms. Below is an excerpt from her speech in some conservative political movements, very nervous in­ thing which worries me. Too many which Seinlla also talks about the "ethic of diversity." deed. Because if women can choose to be lesbians, how then religions, political and economic sys­ to control us? Look at the issue through lesbian eyes. For tems have preached freedom, but prac­ lesbians, the oppression has always been high. It does also make some women nervous. Why? Because tise oppression. The women's move­ Lesbians usually liveinvisible,silent,secret lives. lesbians challenge any woman to think about her choices ment too sometimes shows seeds of Sometimes, lesbians lived openly for a time, but and her own sexuality. How many of you today have been intolerance, jealousy and disrespect. m then soon came witch hunts, concentration able to explore your own sexuality to discover for yourself And now back to lesbian rights camps, electric shock treatment...and social re­ were interviewed and said they knew from the Hite report what you like or dislike? Young women—the next genera­ and some strategies. If you are a teacher: jection. Today we are speaking out. Not because that homosexuality exists, that they have learned a lot from tion—can take this issue further, and hopefully claim more talk about sexual diversity and differ­ there is less conservatism. But because there is a the lesbian tent, and that lesbians arehumans and repression freedom. ent lifestyles. If you area health worker: I want to ask all women and progressive men to realize don't assume everyone is only hetero­ w/w&mofiesMxr stronger women's movement. And a stronger is not a solution. iA lesbian movement. In fact, this Beijing conference—the NGO forum and the that democracy should be based on respect for differences, sexual; ask me whether menor contra­ HTu5» *• % respect for different choices in life. Women's rights and ceptives are relevant topics to me. If ap Let's have a look at the United Nations official United Nations conference—is about the political sexual rights, and therefore lesbian rights, are human rights. you are working on human rights: 5u^ ** <#^ a£ ^fc^L^««— Women's Conference. In Mexico in 1975 [at the battle between progressive and conservative forces, such as I want to introduce a new concept to you. I call it the work on the issues of women's rights first World Conference on Women], lesbians the Roman Catholic church in all issues: human rights; "Ethicof Diversity." Weareallsodifferentatthisconference, and lesbian rights and violence. If you spoke out, but were criticized by some feminist violence against women; economic issues; exploitation of from so many backgrounds. In order to avoid international are working with media: include real­ sisters. Too many women were at that time women; education; health; development issues; reproduc­ conflict, in order to start solving problems in this world, we istic reports about various aspects of afraid to be labelled and discredited as lesbians. tive rights or oppressive family planning. must develop an ethic of diversity. lesbian life. If you are a lesbian: come In Copenhagen in 1980, lesbians organized And being honest...there are some conservative forces M We need to meet. But more than that, we need to get to out and speak out, and make a link informal workshops. A photographer caught within the women's movement too. It is not so easy to know know each other, to ask each other questions. We need to with others, with other diversity is­ some women sunbathing topless in a private thesedays who isconservativeand who is progressive. More discover what we have in common, but particularly, to sues. garden. The photo became world famous with economic and political insecurity means more fear, and respect our differences. We need to put effort into meeting Lesbians have multiple identiites. the caption: "lesbians in Copenhagen." Should therefore more fundamentalism. each other half way, and into learning from each other. The If you are involved in politics: fight we conclude that all women sunbathing topless Women are the topic over which progressive and con­ ethic of diversity is different from religious ethics or political this week [in Beijing], and in your own are lesbians? servative forces are fighting. Can we control our own lives, and our own bodies? Can we choose our own sexuality? values which we hear so much about because the ethic of country, to ensure that sexual rights : Before Nairobi in 1985, becauseof the photo, diversity does not claim one truth, but aims to deal with are part of any constitution, and that there was trouble about lesbians attending. But The lesbian issue evokes tremendous emotional reac­ differences. To respect and accept. local, national and international laws ILIS (International Lesbian Information Service) tion and conservative backlash, becauseit is (quite correctly) l ' \ The daily practice of this ethic means that we build fight against homophobia instead of was part of the NGO Forum program, and for the symbol of women's freedom and independence. RIGHT* | networks and organizations which include everyone: Indig­ supporting it. smm the first time the lesbian issue was raised by a So often we hear that lesbianism is a "western disease" enous women, western women, straights, lesbians, bisexu- We don't want just a tent or a *£ 1 Dutch Minister at the official UN conference. caught by Southern women. But a look in our own histories als, women with visible or invisible abilities, migrants or parade. We want sexual rights in all WGVTTSI Before Beijing the same story re-emerged. shows that in all cultures and countries, lesbians "popped W^^mHUHAH refugees, rich women or poor women, women with AIDs—in political documents and in Rumours that lesbians would be refused visas. up" every now and then. Today, lesbian groups are active in fact, any of us. practice...not only for lesbians, but for Newspaper stories that the Chinese were most all continents and in most countries in the world. An ethic of diversity means building a culture of re­ all women from all over the world. worried about lesbians taking off their tops and It is not Europe or the US, but South Africa, which has spect—a rich culture which will allow us to find new solu­ kissing each other. Police women are supposed the most progressive legislation—with laws against dis­ tions to old problems. New solutions based on agreement to have been specially trained and issued with crimination and making it possible for lesbians and gays to and peace, not on fights. sheets to quickly throw over any such distur­ adopt children. Nelson Mandela, the African National Con­ bance. (We lesbians do actually like to take off gress and the Lesbian and Gay Coalition worked together our clothes, kiss and...but mostly in private.) and understood thatdemocracy also means fighting gender- [In Huairou,] we do have our own tent apartheid and homophobia. [among the other diversity tents], and have been Most lesbians have to discover their own feelings in invited into major panels and commissions. isolation—without [having] information or role-models. Sexual rights are an important lobby issue in the Many lesbians reject their own feelings at first. In cultures final United Nations document [the Platform for where women suffer from clitorectomy, incest, or arranged Action]. This is a positive story—a story of gain marriage, women have little or no control over their own for the lesbian movement, but also a story of the lives or bodies. But still, we know, women love women conservative reaction. everywhere, in any social, economic or political condition. Newspapers in China and elsewhere And now we are speaking out internationally about our focussed on the lesbian issue in a negative way. lesbian lives, our lesbian love. Lesbian material in Chinese was removed from We are learning to be proud, not ashamed. We are the tent. The European/North American tent learning to be visible and loud, not secret. We are not did not want to announce a lesbian workshop, satisfied with a lesbian tent. We want to be included in the but the Cyprus tent invited all the lesbian caucus political agenda. to join their party. Young Chinese volunteers tent are set up for the various Asian and Pacific nations in the region. In one comer, Cambodian women are sewing together a giant Ribbon of Hope, a project also called "Women Weaving the World Together," made up of banners and quilts from women all over the world [see photo]. Women at the Arab tent are also busy setting up. There are posters on the outsides of the tent walls on the effects of recent warfare on Kuwaiti women, in particular, chemical weapons used by Iraq. Like the other tents, this one houses the more established, government-sponsored groups. Unlike the other tents, there are numerous men in the tent. I walk over to where my map says the diversity tents are located: these are the smaller tents for "smaller groups," such as lesbians, Indigenous women, women of colour and women with disabilities. On the five-minute walk over, I notice the pavement is more cracked, uneven and uphill than in other parts of the site. It's also a long way from central areas and there doesn't seem to be a road for vehicles leading to the tents. It's difficult to walk without looking down at my feet. I wonder how women with disabilities are going to get to their tent. [Later that night, Catherine Boldt of the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women on the CBFC delegation, tells me the 160 or so women with disabilities at the Forum will be

protesting the lack of access. The United Nations building in New York is not !?The Global Tent was a central spot for accessible to people with disabilities either, so we are not really surprised by the finding out what was happening; which insensitivity of UN staff in preparing the Forum site for us," she points out.] events were cancelled; what was new, or if there was a meeting of women you'd like to It is time to leave Huairou for Beijing, where the official opening of the NGO connect with happening. Forum is taking place this evening at the National Olympic Stadium. The opening is a spectacular and sentimental show of pomp and circumstance. The crowd is estimated at 60,000-80,000 women, with at least 5,000 Chinese performers. The Forum organizers welcome participants. There are moving speeches by past convenors of the NGO Forums and Conferences, and even a Peace Torch that has travelled through Africa before being brought ©Posters adorned the walls of tents; to Beijing by women from Uganda. Most of the proceedings are in English, in this case, the Lesbian tent. although women representing different regions welcome participants in the other Forum languages—Russian, Spanish, French, Chinese and Arabic. I finally know what it feels like to be at the opening of, say, the Olympics. Thousands of cultural performers perform dances and make synchronized

shapes of doves, the UN logo, the logo of the NGO Forum and the Conference. $ Cracked pavements leading to the It is hard to resist feeling a little awed by the grandeur of it all and more diversity tent area, where the women with than a little moved by the number of women there. But I wonder if others are disabilities tent was originally situated. buying into the glamour. It seems unnecessarily showy and incongruous, given After a number of protests by women with disabilities and negotiations with the UN what we are here to do. NGO Forum facilitating committee, the tent Bringing me back to earth are some Thai and Filipina women beside me, was moved to a more central location. who burst into peals of laughter as across the way a group of Thai women rise proudly to wave the Thai flag every time NGO Forum convenor, Supatra Masdit, who is from Thailand, speaks. The women are laughing at the nationalism and seem quite unimpressed with the goings on. I'm relieved. After thousands of balloons and doves are released, we sing the stirring NGO theme song, Keep on Moving Forward, as well as, for some bizarre reason, Auld Lang Syne. The opening is over and we breathe another sigh of relief. It's time to get down to work!

Day one-August 31st On day two, women with disabilities I get up at 5 a.m. to make sure I get to the opening plenary on time. The from all over the world have a International Beijing Huairou Convention Centre where the opening plenary is to spontaneous protest on the steps of the Convention centre, after finding ©A Japanese feminist performance be held, seats 2,000 at full capacity (including aisles). I feel sure at least 20,000 out a workshop for women with group give a street performance with the women staying in Huairou have camped at the doors all night to ensure they get disabilities has been scheduled on the central message: equality for women. in to hear opening speeches by recently-released Burmese dissident Aung San second floor of a building with no Suu Kyi, Winona LaDuke of the Indigenous Women's Network, and Hanan elevator. Ashrawi, of the Palestinian Independant Commission for Citizen's Rights [who Performers for the Once & was unable to attend]. Future (OFAN) Pavilion, a But the Convention Centre is empty when I arrive. I later hear thousands of women were waiting TJByJj science, technology and since dawn at another venue marked "Plenary Hall" on the map in our programs. There is near panic as '%. ' media exhibition. OFAN is a body of more than 70 NGOs they try to get into the Convention Centre at the last minute. About 4,000 women get in, some in involved in issues of gender, adjoining rooms where they hear the proceedings over speakers piped in from the main hall. The hall, science and technology. The aisles and foyer are packed. I silently thank Judy Rebick, former NAC president, for having told me exhibition included about the change in venue last night. We had no idea then that so few knew about the new venue. information on everything from computers and applying As for the size of the hall, executive director of the NGO Forum Irene Santiago later tells the media for credit, to agricultural that given there were 128 simultaneously held workshops taking place from 9-10:45 am. "We were not Hill development and setting up expecting so many women to come." learning circles. Media groups Women tell me it is reminiscent of Nairobi ten years ago when only 3,000 of the 13,000 included the Tanzanian Media i Women's Association, participants could get in for the opening of the Forum at Kenyatta Convention Centre. Feminist International Radio But at this forum, a scene like this gets the media's attention because it is a quick, easy, China- Endeavour (FIRE), and the bashing story. So over the next few days, most of us avoid complaining publidy about the rain, the bookstall of Women Ink., the publishing arm of the workshop cancellations and transportation glitches in case a member of the media might hear and write International Women's Tribune about that instead of the thousands of workshops and meetings and activities that ate taking place on Centre. schedule. Continued on page 18

16 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 1995 Conference strikes out: Forum hits home

by Sunera Thobani the media, women and militarism, the rise of conservatism, as well as regional issues. Sunera Thobani is the president of theWorkshop Na­ s and discussion groups provided tional Action Committee on the Status of Womenmuch needed space for exchanging infor­ (NAC), the largest coalition of women's groupsmatio inn with sisters from different countries, Canada. She attended both the NGO Women'sand learnin g from each other's work. The Forum and the 4th World Conference on Women.coalitionswhic h were formed asa resultwill Just three days before I was to leave serve women's groups well in the coming Canada to attend the United Nations Fourth years. Indeed, this coalition-building was World Conference on Women in Beijing, a probably the most important achievement reporter phoned asking if I had received my of the NGO Forum. visa. When I said yes, she asked if I knew Almost as soon as the NGO Forum anybody who had been denied a visa. The began, women from the South were organ­ newspapers had carried a number of stories izing demonstrations and protests against about the Chinese government allegedly their governments. It was intriguing that denying women visas to attend the confer­ although the governments of the North are ence. I said sorry, I couldn't give her any far more powerful—with disproportionate names, everybody I knew had got a visa. impact on the global stateof affairs—women Checking around, I had been told that al­ from the North were not organizing any most four hundred of the estimated six hun­ actions against their own governments. dred Canadian women who had applied NACdelegatesandmembergroupsgot iad got their visas! No conspiracy here by working right away to put that straight, we This was the largest possibility of ever repaying. These countries the Chinese government to stop Canadian organized a demonstration against the G-7 continue getting deeper into debt as they women from attending, I laughed to the countries [seven industrialized nations] on gathering of women borrow more to keep up with previous re­ reporter. She did not call me back. September 6th—the International Day of Ac­ activists in this century. payment obligations. Not only does the Plat­ Unfortunately, the anti-China bias in tion for Women's Equality. Two members of form not call for debt cancellation for the the media coverage of the Conference did the NAC team were Chinese-Canadian sis­ [But] all the media could poorest countries, it also does not deal with not stop. The stories pouring out of China ters and they also turned this demostration the accountability of the International Mon­ focussed on security problems; harassment into a protest against human rights viola­ talk about was leaking etary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank for the of delegates by authorities; tents collapsing tions by the Chinese government. Many devastatingstructural adjustment programs in Huairou; and on and on. And, as many of women from the South joined us in the walls and collapsing (SAPs) they have imposed on countries in us feared, by focussing on these stories, the demonstration, and this is one of the strong­ the South. substantive issues which women had gath­ est memories of the conference which has tents! The gains for women are few and far ered together to work on were thrown by the stayed with me. There were tears as sisters between in the Platform for Action—the wayside. They received no media coverage. remembered Tiananmen Square; there was Cairo, Egypt in September 1994], women's losses are too many to list. Protection aga inst The biggest stories out of the Confer­ laughter at the songs sung by sisters from health and reproductive rights were recog­ discrimination based on sexual orientation ence should have been about the dynamism India. In the pouring rain, wet and cold, nized as key to population and development was dropped from the final document. Al­ and the vitality of the international feminist being with this group of women seemed to issues. though the Canadiandelegationhad pushed movement. The media should have told the me to be one of the most wonderful reasons At the World Summit on Social Devel­ this issue onto the agenda at previous meet­ world that as the shift to the Right in our for having come to China. opment (WSSD) [in Copenhagen, Denmark ings, at the critical moment for negotiations countries has grown stronger, women's The officia 1 Conference, however, was a in March 1995], women's economic and so­ in Beijing, the Canadian delegation did not movements have become more radical and different matter. While it is a major achieve­ cial empowerment were defined as central introduce the language protecting the rights militant, and are challenging right-wing ment of the international women's move­ to eradicating poverty and achieving social of lesbians. forces globally. With over 30,000 women ment that we have pushed our govern­ integration. One of the gains for women in the Plat­ participating in the NGO Forum, this was ments—and the United Nations—to address Therewasanexpectationthatthe Beijing form is the recognition of women's unwaged the largest gathering of women activists in women's equalities, existing UN structures conference would build on these previous work, and the call for governments to meas­ this century. And all the media could talk have not served women well. Governments gains, and would result in a major break­ ure and value unwaged work. The Platform about was leaking wallsandcollapsingtents! adopted the Forward Looking Strategies at through in setting the agenda for govern­ also calls for anendtodiscrimination against The NGO Forum and the Beijing Con­ the last UN Conference on Women a decade ments to advance women's status. There girls on the issue of inheritance rights. ference were timely. The current phase of ago[inNairobi,Kenya],andnotonecountry was an expectation that maybe now govern­ The committment of governments to globalization is creating rapid change—every in the world has implemented it. In Beijing, ments could be galvanized into taking long implementing the Nairobi Forward Look­ country is undergoing major upheavals as democratic accountability of economic and overdue action. ing Strategies as well as the Beijing Platform governments scramble to transform their political institutions to the women of the However, this was not to be. The Beijing for Action can be measured by the resources economies to keep pace. Everywhere, wom­ world therefore became a priority. Platform for Action broke no new ground. they are willing to commit. Nowhere was en's lives are being affected. Many of the In the last five years, a record number of The Platform is seriously flawed in its ap­ the hypocrisy of the governments of the gains we have made in the past are being United Nations conferences have takenplace, proach to women's economic rights. There North—including Canada—more evident destroyed as the backlash intensifies. New addressing a diverse range of issues. With is no recognition that the existing global than on this question. While these govern­ challenges are emerging as conservative each successive conference, the women's economic system is increasing women's in­ ments are quick to condemn the countries of forces grow stronger and more organized. movement has successfully lobbied to trans­ equalities. There is no acknowledgement the South on women's rights, it was the Violence against women has reached hor­ form the United Nations agenda by putting that the current model for economic growth countries of the North that blocked commit­ rendous levels, the poverty of women and women's rights at the centre. and globalization, based as it is on "free" ting new and additional resources to ad­ children increasingsharply,andwomenand At the UN Conference on the Environ­ market principles and reducing the role of vance women's rights. Without these re­ children make up the majority of the one ment and Development (UNCED) [in Rio de government in re-distributing wealth, dev­ sources, the commitments made in both the billion people who go hungry every day. Janiero, Brazil in 1992], women's relation­ astates the lives of women. Forward Looking Strategies and the Plat­ In this climate, the NGO Forum pro­ ship to the environment was defined as criti­ Because thedocument does not address form for Action remain nothing more than vided a much needed opportunity for women cal, and women were seen as being central to the causes of women's poverty, it is unable hollow words. to come together to address these critical achieving sustainable development. Wom­ tci address how to end it. The power of Achieving women's liberation,and end­ issues. With over 5,000 workshops at the en's inequalities and poverty were directly international financial institutions,of corpo­ ing the different forms of inequalities to Forum, women had the opportunity to dis­ linked to environmental destruction. rations and multinationals, remains unchal­ which women are subject can only be cuss each and every issue impacting our At the World Conference on Human lenged. No questions are raised about the achieved by transforming current power lives. Rights [in Vienna, Austria in October 1994], accountability of these institutions to the structures. For this, women have to become The NGO Forum began with plenaries women's rights were defined as universal, women of the world. central to the political process, becoming assessing the status of women, as well as inalienable, and indivisible, and violence The Pla tform for Action does nothing to involved at every level of governance. We strategies women have developed in differ­ against women was recognized as a funda­ counter inequalities between the North and can achieve this with the emergence of ent regions toadvanceequality rights. Speak­ mental violation of the women's human the South. Women from the South have been women as a strong, political force, working ers addressed the globalization of the rights. calling for the cancellation of the debt bur­ in our movement to transform our societies. economy, women and politics, women and At the International Conference on den of their countries. Many countries are This is the job the international women's Population and Development (ICPD) [in trapped in the cycle of debts they have no movement committed itself to in Huairou.

NOVEMBER 1995 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT 17 After the plenary, I wander around the site, trying to get my bearings. For me, it's a day of figuring out where things are and how to get around, where the shortest line-ups for lunch are, and who's located where. There are so many workshops, thousands more than anyone could imagine were being planned. I have a hard time deciding which one to attend, so I choose by proximity of location to where I happen to be standing. I notice women standing around an outdoor stall, and find an overflowing workshop on affirmative action in progress. I join the women standing outside the circle Over the next few days, this is to become a common occurrence. If you get there late, chances are you may not gef into the workshop of your (first) choice. Today gives me the feeling that it is not going to be easy to decide what to do, ©Before the Forum begins: Women where to be, and how much I can absorb over the course of the next ten days. from Francophone Africa find a quiet corner of the Europe/North America Even after the powerful words at the opening plenary, I can't help wondering tent to meet, plan and debate. what we are all doing here. What can we achieve in a forum of this size? It's overwhelming! Still, as I listen to women from different parts of the world describe affirmative action in practice in their countries, I realize the incredible power of dialogue between women who would never otherwise find themselves in the same room. In time though, the women from Namibia who called the workshop seem to be getting a bit frustrated with the numerous women from Canada and the US in attendance, who talk about backlash against affirmative action in their countries. Their experience is quite different, and they speak from a different place. Women f)An overflowing workshop on from South Africa point this out. The workshop continues, with everyone being Inside the Africa regional tent. affirmative action in practice by the polite and trying to communicate across the differences that are only being Namibian Women's Organization. acknowledged by some. I look forward to the days ahead when the discussion must surely lose its politeness, and women will really begin to talk with each other; to debate, and not to shy away from confrontation.

Day two - September 1 st , There is no Forum '95 newspaper today. Forum '95 is 'Ihe independent daily of the NGO Forum on Women: Beijing '95," published primarily in English with an occasional article in French or Spanish. It is the paperthat keeps us abreast of cancellations, new additions to the workshop schedule, and keeps us informed on who's doing what and where to go on site. It also keeps us informed on what's going on in the "outside world," as there are no international newspapers on site or in our hotels. I find out through a contact close to the organizers that the paper is missing because the China Organizing Committee (COC) has objected to an item that says "China occupies Tibet." Forum '95 staff refuse to pull the offending item and the entire paper does not make it to press. There is no newspaper to update us on what has been cancelled, added or is in the planning. NGO Forum facilitating committee members renegotiate the right of Forum '95 to publish an "independent" paper on site, and also get permission for other on site newspapers in languages other than English to publish. The next day, Forum '95is back, but there is no explanation nor mention of Women stitch together panels of the 10-kilometre long the missing issue of the paper. Ribbon of Hope and Peace at Back on the stairs of the Convention Centre, women with disabilities from around the world the Asia/Pacific tent. The begin a spontaneous protest at the lack of access to facilities at Forum '95 [see photo]. This is not project titled Cambodian their first demonstration. They have already met with NGO Forum organizers to try to negotiate Women: Weaving the World Together was started by better facilities with little success. women from the rural areas of The problems are many and have to do with poor planning and little or no consultation with Cambodia in November 1994. people with disabilities. There aren't enough translators and interpreters for the deaf and hard of Women from all over the hearing; no braille computers for blind women; many of the buildings don't have elevators; there are world contributed pieces to the ribbon, originally intended only a handful of wheelchair accessible toilets, none outdoors where the tents are located and most to bridge the distance of the activities take place. between the governmental Worse yet, the tent for women with disabilities is located in a remote part of the site, a long way conference and NGO Forum from the Forum's core, the Global Tent. Their request to swap tents with the Youth Tent, which is sites in Beijing. Women at the Forum who were hearing next door to the Global Tent, is rejected by the organizers. about the project for the first Despite the setbacks, women with disabilities continue to meet, strategize and organize on the time were given a chance to issues that brought them to the Forum. They take care to acknowledge the excellent job the Chinese contribute, adding to the volunteers are doing, taking care of the women with disabilities by fetching lunch, attending women ribbon banners made at the last minute, painted cloth and in wheelchairs, running errands, and much more. even t-shirts, to be stitched on Eventually, women with disabilities win some concessions. Their tent is moved to a central to the whole. location behind the Global tent. The Swedish government loans the Forum the use of a braille computer. Other concessions are made regarding toilets and The Ribbon of Hope was providing shuttle rides to remote corners of the site. While many problems persist, it is something to celebrate. paraded through the "streets" of the NGO Forum site on This afternoon, the tribunal of the Global Campaign on Women's Human Rights takes place in the Convention Centre. Twenty-two women present their September 6th, the stories of physical, psychological, sexual and other forms of violence, speaking for the millions of women in every country whose rights are violated over and International Day of Action. again daily. On Sept 7th, about 200 Tanzanian Mahfouda Alley Hamid speaks of economic deprivation because of Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) imposed on their government in women left the Ribbon draped along the Great Wall of China. return for loans from the World Bank. Twenty-nine year old Agnes from Uganda speaks about how she was abducted by rebel soldiers when she was 14 years

Continued on page 20 NOVEMBER 1995 18 KINESIS BEIJING '95 SUPPLEMENT Asian women's activism: Building global movements

by Winnie Wun Wun Ng

Winnie Wun Wun Ngisa longtime labour done more thanits share of exploiting women activist and the southern Ontario regional repre­ workers [see photo page 20]. I came back strengthened knowing there are so sentative of the National Action Committee on the In other workshops, women talked about Status of Women (NAC). She attended the NGO the shifts that have taken place as a result of many women in China and in every part of the Forum as a member of the Canada-Beijing Facilitat­technological changes. Women also talked ing Committee. abo ut the conscious effort on the part of some world who will not be silenced. governments to implement labour exporta­ The NGO Forum was an experience of a From L to R: Amy Go, Judy Rebick, Winnie Ng & Sylvia Springer tion strategies, playing into the demand of lifetime. Just spending 10 days with over transnational corporations (TNCs) for a pool 30,000 women from all parts of the world is of cheap labour. Another concern for women both inspirational and empowering. in the south is rampant sex trafficking. Yayori Because of the last minute change of the Matsui, a Japanese feminist journalist, put NGO Forum site to Huairou, I went with forward a compelling parallel: "the women fairly low expectations anticipating many are the new'comfort women'for thecompany logistical hurdles. I was pleasantly surprised. warriors!" Yes, there were problems, the major one being One of the most exciting moments for me the issue of accessiblity for women with dis­ was attending the workshop on economic abilities. But in all, the western media did the alternatives organized by Asian women. We forum an injustice by focusing on the logistics crammed in to a small discussion tent in the and ignoring the wonderful exchanges and pouring rain—women from Thailand, Indo­ bonding among women. nesia, the Philippines, Korea, Hong Kong, Globalization of the economy was my Japan, Canada. focus for the ten-day forum. I concentrated on Women from Indonesia shared their ex­ the workshops and networks under this theme periences of organizingcommunity economic and found out what our sisters in Asia are development alternatives and the empower­ doing. ing aspects of women's cooperatives. Japa­ After many workshops and discussions nese women talked about an alternate con­ between women from the south and the north, sumer network in Japan where women boy­ a global picture of the feminization of poverty cott products made by TNCs, and only pur­ emerged—women's rights, human rights and the human rights movement in China for the It was an emotional and a sobering mo­ chase products made by local cooperatives or economic rights are inextricably connected. last ten years, I was in Beijing for the UN ment. I spoke briefly in English and Chinese. women's co-ops from other countries in the International financial institutions, such conference, not to condone the present gov­ We raised the banners high so residents on the region—for example, soap made by a Thai as the IMF (the International Monetary Fund) ernment's oppressive actions and human street could see it. Some Aboriginal sisters women's co-op. and the World Bank, have imposed structural rights violations. That isa distinction I need to sang a pra yer song. We chanted some more. A I came out from that workshop exhila­ adjustment programs (SAPs) on countries of articulate publicly. group of Indian sisters sang a humourous rated! There is so much wecanlearnand share the South in the name of development. One I was driven by the sense that there are so song of political satire. The laughter eased with each other. sister from India said, "the whole notion of many ordinary Chinese citizens who do not some of the tension in the air. Another lesson 1 came home with is how such economic restructuring is to integrate have the right to protest or mourn about what Then women spontaneously came up to vibrant thedailyorganizingeffortsby women local economy into the global capitalist happened on June 4th 1989. We—Chinese the banners to speak. A sister from the South in the South were at the Forum. I was im­ economy. Economic changes are pol itica 1, and women livingoutsideof China—had nothing Pacific talked about the protests against nu­ pressed with the Korean women in pressing in developing countries, SAPs are political to lose except getting thrown out of China. clear testing and how they have become po­ forward theissueofcomfortwomen [women statements." Women expressed concern and The Chinese government would not dare ar­ litical prisoners of conscience. She spoke in exploited by the Japanese army as sex slaves frustration over the increasing role of local rest us. solidarity and called for the release of politica 1 during the second world war.] They staged governments as agents of multinational cor­ We had talked about getting a group of prisoners everywhere. daily protests; drumming singing, drama, porations. women all dressed in black to go to Tian-an- Sisters from Nepal, Taiwan, Chile spoke. circles to get other women involved. For ex­ I attended a series of workshops on the men Square for a symbolic protest. But the We chanted and sang some more. Over 300 ample, they brought out a ten metre long situation ofgarmentworkersacross the world. security and logistics proved insurmount­ women were there in the pouring rain for piece of white cloth and asked women to help An organizer from Asian Women Advocates able. over an hour. Throughout, the media's and carry it as they marched through the Forum in California spoke about the situation for Then came September 6th, the Interna­ the Chinese security's cameras were on. We site. The drumming and the multicolours of 24,000 garment workers tional Day of Action—the day Hillary Clinton had caught the Chinese by surprise. There women's hands holding a white cloth was a there—predominantly Mexican, Chinese and came to Huairou. We made two banners the was nothing they could do; we were in a UN- symbolic and powerful sight. Central American immigrant women. Sev­ night before. Initially, our plan was to pull out protected Forum site. The security people There is an element of healing, bonding enty percent of the women are heads of their the banners to welcome Hillary—the media stood by, watched, and filmed. We did it! and solidarity that regular demonstrations households, and have been the most affected and a big crowd would be there. But with the On Friday—the last day of the NGO and chanting can achieve; it is time for us in by job losses and reduction in wages in the US, pouring rain, at 8:00 am, the conference site Forum—I realized I was being followed. I North America to be more creative in our she said. was a sea of umbrellas. Thousands of women went to a Burmese Women's Workshop and organizing and getting our message across. In Bangladesh, 95 percent of the 1.2 mil­ were lining up waiting to get into the plenary felt strengthened after watching the video of I have returned to Canada with a re­ lion garment workers are women, and seven session. There was no way we could be seen Aung Sang Suu Kyi's address to the NGO newed commitment to international solidar­ to 10 percent are children. Last year, 2,000 or heard. Forum. ity work. Just as multinational corporations workers were injured or died due to fire In solidarity with other women, NAC In the afternoon, I travelled downtown are globalizing, so should labour and social accidents. had planned a demonstration that day at with three other Canadian women; two men movements. For the labour movement in par- There are one million garment workers noontoprotestthestructuraladjustmentpoli- [Chinese police]—one witha purple umbrella ticular, the challenge will be how to sustain in the Philippines. Over the past 20 years, cies of the G-7 countries [industrialized na­ and the other in a brown windbreaker—were anti-racism and anti-sexism organizing—how wages have increased by only 26 percent, tions] thathavedevastated the livesof women our "personal bodyguards." We joked about to integrate race, gender and class to provide while inflation has skyrocketed over 100 per­ in the south and dismantled social programs them but somehow you feel deeply the inva­ amuchmorefundamentalandinclusiveanaly- cent. for women in the north. The demonstration sion of privacy. Their presence was a form of sis. The working class, as we have tradition­ In Australia, the use of garment industry took place outside the main Forum centre. harassment and intimidation, an invisible re­ ally known it, has evolved and changed, go­ homeworkers has increased from 30,000 in Our spirits were high. minder of who is in control. ing beyond national physical borders, lan­ 1980 to over 330,01X1 in 1995. After tlie demo, I took out the two ban­ What I got was only a small taste of what guages and cultures. The challenges and pos­ Ashared senseofcritical analysis bonded ners. Amy Go and a number of Canadian and activists in China endure on a daily basis. To sibilities for labour are both urgent and invig­ us together and moved us to focus on strate­ US sisters helpal hold the banners. The ban­ withstand such pressure and be able to con­ orating. gies. Women stressed the importance of net­ ners read, in both Chinese and English: "June tinue their work is an actofcourageandanact working, monitoring and organizing. 4,1989: We'll Never Forget" and "Release All of defiance in itself. As a result of this discussion, a group of Political Prisoners." You could feel the ten­ I came back strengthened knowing there Protesting Tian-an-men us circulated a leaflet widely throughout the sion and the silence. Amy, standing next to are so many women in China and in every On a personal level, I also went to Beijing Forum site, exposing the hypocrisy of the me, started to cry. Tears rolled down the part of the world who will not be silenced. hoping to participate in a public actionaround American-based, multinational garment cor­ cheeks of many women. I stood there, saying Sisters, we are in great company in the strug­ the Tian-an-men Square massacre on June 4, poration Esprit, which supplied cloth bags for to myself, "It is the right thing to do. We are gle for justice and human rights. Our resolve, 1989, [when theChinesegovernmentcracked the NGO Forum. While priding itself as a doing this in solidarity with so many who our presence and our actions will be a con­ down on a student-led democracy protest in supporter for women's causes, Esprit has could not be here." stant reminder to the powers that be that their Beijing.] Asa Chinese Canadian involved in days are numbered and truth will prevail.

NOVEMBER 1995 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT old, raped, beaten, tortured, and forced to cook and clean. She escaped and was "rescued" by the

military who did not feed nor clothe her, and provide no counselling or support.

Maria talked about life in the Maquiladoras (free trade factory zones) in Mexico; Nurjehan from

Bangladesh could not make it to Beijing herself. She swallowed pesticide and died after being stoned

with 101 pebbles in a pit by men for immorality. The woman telling her story said a human rights

organization took up her case and those who stoned her were sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

Juanita talked about being HIV-positive and dealing with the medical system in the United States.

Mary from Ireland talked about being hospitalized repeatedly from beatings by her husband since the

age of 17 and not being able to divorce him because of Catholic laws.

It is announced a petition will be presented to the UN Conference calling for the UN to report on

the steps it has taken to promote and protect the human rights of women since the International

Conference on Human Rights in Vienna in 1993. The petition has been translated into more than 30

languages, circulated in 140 countries, and is sponsored by more than 1,500 groups internationally.

Day three - September 2nd Forum '95 carries a story on the O.J. Simpson workshop that some African-American women put

on yesterday under the violence-against-women theme. Over 100 women attend the

workshop, many from "Southern" countries. There has been no verdict yet in the Tibetan women hold a silent demonstration outside the Global Tent at case of the Black American sports star accused of killing his white wife, but already the Huairou Forum site, to symbolize the silencing of Tibetan peoples by the People's women know that the verdict will be an acquittal, and talk about the connections Republic of China (PRC), which has occupied Tibet since 1950, and PRC's violations of the human rights of Tibetans. At a press conference following the demonstration, the 10 between sexism, racism and violence. Tibetan women, all of whom live in exile in the US, Canada, Australia and Norway, said I head over to the diversity tents for the third daily meeting of the hundreds of that China tried to stop them from coming to the Forum. Sixty-seven Tibetan women were lesbians who are here from all regions of the world. As on other days at the Lesbian either denied visas or faced obstacles that discouraged them from attending the Forum. Tent meetings, women share stories of the homophobic and supportive things they The women told stories of PRC policies to regulate the number of Tibetan children permitted to be born, unofficially since the 1980s and officially since 1992. Various means have encountered on site, and information on what they are working on. to "persuade" women not to have children included economic and social sanctions for We hear about how the women from Cypress invited lesbians from the tent to having an unplanned child, coercing women to have abortions and sterilization dance with them in their tent. We hear about different reactions to the blue buttons operations. with the slogan: "Lesbian Rights are Human Rights: Beijing '95" we all wear to identify The demonstration was planned with the assistance of the International Committee of Lawyers for Tibet, a US-based organization, and took place with "the permission of" ourselves and each other on site. The Chinese volunteers are curious and ask to NGO Forum executive director Irene Santiago. While Chinese security guards were in full buy the buttons as souvenirs; others ask about whether women can have children attendance, the protesting women were not harassed at the press conference. together; a Canadian woman tells me if s not my "fault;" I could have been "cured" of lesbianism if my parents had known I was "this way" when I was ten.

We hear about the hundreds of media and participants who visited the tent that

day—what they asked about, how many were hostile (a few), supportive (a lot), and Women protest the use of women as curious (many, many more). guinea pigs for new We are urged to support the Tibetan women in their demonstrations because reproductive they support lesbian rights. Dozens of workshops are announced: on lesbians from tecnologies, as well the South, sexual and reproductive health, incarceration of lesbian youth in mental as the "dumping" of anti-fertility vaccines institutions, and so on. on the "third world," At the end, as women mingle, an announcement is yelled: "Chinese and which are then Spanish media have asked to film the left side of the Lesbian Tent so if if s dangerous forcibly imposed on for you to be identified publidy, stand on the right." women to meet World Bank targets for In the coming days, I make the Lesbian Tent my "home." It helps to have a "population control." | place on site to meet people, leave messages, find women to talk or debate with, to

organize out of, or to just hang out in. The scale and high energy of the Forum ©Almost 40,000 cloth bags, "ICO makes it a lonely place for women without colleagues or a base. Even women from in which we received our Forum .. M '95 programs, were provided by organizations that could afford or were funded to send large delegations (up to 20-30 Esprit, the American garment from a single organization sometimes) can feel incredibly isolated sometimes. * tgrWMA corporation. Women circulated The tents are intended to break down that isolation, to give women a place to flyers calling for participants to organize from and network. mail the Esprit labels attached to JOK the bags back to Esprit to protest For example, the Grassroots tent, set up by various organizations made up of or the company's use of sweatshop for grassroots women, invite women working on issues of housing and shelter, who t. - labour. The flyers point out that have no other base, to work out of the tent. This gives women, such as Malaysian women and girls work at dirt- activist Susanna George of the Asian Women and Shelter Network, an opportunity to . cheap wages and are subject to unsafe working conditions. As meet and work with the women she has been networking with in the months before w&** well, workers in Esprit factories the Forum. Every day, women working on shelter issues meet to discuss objectives are forced to take birth control and criteria of work on this issue. By the end of the forum, a worldwide network of women working pills to prevent them from getting on shelter issues has been formed to continue the work beyond Huairou. pregant and disturbing the flow of work. A few days later, the flyers Still, as one woman from the US put it, while working this way is one way to cope with the size were recirculated with a longer and breadth of the Forum, at the end you feel like "Huairou is one big campus, and the only people explanation on the flipside by a you know are from your major." group called Sweatshop Watch, I don't have any one major; I am alone in covering the whole Forum lor Kinesis. I continue to which outlines a history of Esprit's anti-worker history, which take in the fragmented, many varied pieces of the whole, hoping for a day when it all suddenly includes union busting, frequent comes together in one easy picture. labour law violations as Huairou is not easy. I only know one thing: the women's movement, if the Forum is it, is huge documented in a federal survey, and moving a factory in the US and working on manydifferent issues in many different ways. Is it largely feminist? What does it ©Women from various South Asian where the Chinese immigrant challenge? Is it one movement or many? What significance does what we do here have for the organizations raise the issue of violence workers were protesting to Hong against women with a long and loud women of the world who are not in Huairou? Kong, where labour is cheaper demonstration across the Forum site. As today ends, I hoDe the coming days will tell. and unions weaker.

20 KINESIS BEIJING 95 SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 1995 ARTS

Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the Americas

by Guadalupe Lesca Jolicoeur So often when we read about per­ She has collaborated ment. She has participated in dozens of formers, we are given information that with and interpreted the concerts and festivals dedicated to so­ is meant to 'entertain' us. That's fine, but songs of many artists who cial justice, women's rights and ecology for some of us, the value of an artist is not share her social and politi­ in Latin America and Europe. based solely on their ability to entertain cal concerns including In 1990, she helped organize and a captive audience. At least, this is the Silvio Rodriguez, Milton was a featured performer at Without case with Mercedes Sosa, who for thirty Nascimento, Beth Borders, an all-women music festival years has created music and poetry that Carvalho, Pablo Milanes, that toured in Latin America. speaks of much more than just a desire Nilda Fernandez, and the Joan Baez, with whom Sosa toured for personal fame and fortune. Her name legendary Argentine Europe in 1989, believes that Mercedes may or may not be familiar—that doesn't Atahualpa Yupanqui. Not Sosa is one of the best performers around. really matter. With Sosa, what matters is once have her artistic "I have never seen anything like her," honesty, courage and dignity—not be­ choices or her personal Baez said. "She is monumental in stat­ ing a household name. choices compromised her ure, a brilliant singer with tremendous identity as a native Latin charisma who is both a voice and a Her story is the story of millions of American woman. She has persona. I hadn't been so moved by women all over the world who know somehow managed to sus­ music in a long time." what it is like to carve out a place in a tain a commercial career society that doesn't accept who they are. With the presence and power of an without being co-opted by Andean earth mother (Pacha Mama) She was born to a Native washer-woman commercial forces. in Tucuman—a remote province in Mercedes Sosa captivates her audience She sings of Latin and delivers a message of truth, dignity Argentina—that culturally has more in American unity, socialist revolution, and common with traditional Andean cul­ from singing. Unable to perform—left and justice. the struggle of Latin Americans against without a voice with which to communi­ Over the last few years the interna­ ture than with the European culture of imperialism. For many, Mercedes Sosa other parts of Argentina. cate with her people—she was forced tional community has recognized her stands for Latin Americanism, and for into exile. For three years, Sosa lived in Being part-Native has influenced great contributions to culture and social justice and hope. "I know and am proud Europe and continued to deliver her justice in the form of several honours, Sosa in the most profound way. In Ar­ that when 1 travel all over the world, my message to the world. Her voice of jus­ gentina, indigenous people (women in including France's "Award in the De­ success is the success of the Latin Ameri­ tice and hope resonated for those at gree of Knight Commander," Germa­ particular)occupythelowestrankwithin can culture," says Sosa. home and for the people outside of Ar­ the social strata. In addition, continued ny's "Order of Honour," and Ecuador's As a performer, she remains magi­ gentina who knew very little about the "Medal of Cultural Merit". Most re­ political strife, social injustice, and thir­ cally distant and yet so tangible. She grave injustices of the dictatorship. It teen years of violent military dictator­ cently, she won UNIFEM's (the United consumes the stage with her charisma was people like Mercedes Sosa, exiled Nations Fund for Women) anniversary ships has cemented Mercedes Sosa's and her integrity. It is these qualities—the artists and activists, who helped bring a commitment to social justice. award for "Woman of the Year," which unyielding determination to express her condemning hand upon the Argentine will be presented to her at her concert in She has recorded more than a dozen identity—that made her an enemy in the military. November at Lincoln Center in New albums—in all of them, she draws upon eyes of one of the most infamous dicta­ In another act of defiance, Sosa re­ York City. a diverse array of musical influences torships of our time. turned to Argentina in 1982 to sing once Mercedes Sosa will be making her only including jazz, folk, samba and tango. Despite the thousands of "disap­ again. The audiences packed the stadi­ Canadian appearanceat Vancouver's Queen And from the beginning of her career, peared" [people gone missing and sus­ ums and made their feelings heard as Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday, November her music has reflected a tremendous pected murdered], the censorship, the they sang along whole-heartedly with 18. Sosa will showcase songs from her most understanding of issues such as collective silence and the indiscriminate every word of every song. One year later recent album, Gestos de Amor. marginalization, social injustice, human­ violence that characterized the Argen­ the dictatorship fell. Guadalupe Lesca folicoeur is a freelance ity and feminism. Oneof her albums—La tine dictatorships of the 1970s and early But, social injustices do not miracu­ -writer in the Vancouver area. She is Nueva Mujer (The New Woman)—is dedi­ 1980s, Mercedes Sosa and many of her lously disappear with the fall of a regime originally from Argentina. She is pres­ cated to women and includes interpre­ fellow performers continued to sing the and Mercedes Sosa has continued her ently working as a cultural attache for the tations of Latin American songs by truth and to inspire their listeners. work asa messenger for women's rights, consulate of Uruguay in Vancouver. women. In 1979, after constant harassment cultural awareness, indigenous people's and threats, the military banned Sosa rights and protection of the environ­

• «• • "' ""•' "\

This publication is regularly indexed in the Canadian Women's Periodicals Index. >

The index is a reference guide to articles about women printed in mote than 80 English and French periodicals, for use by researchers, lecturers, students ami anyone else interested in women's studies.

This alphabetized hardcopy of a comprehensive computerized Index is produced mree timejs a year by the Canadian Research Institute for the Advancement of Women, and is available on a subscription basis.

For more information, please mite: Of Canadian Women's Periodicals Index University of Alberta 11019-90 Avenue 436-3825 Edmonton, Albena CANADA, T6G2B1 KINESIS 255-5499

NOVEMBER 1995 ARTS Review of The Journal Project: Conversations in women's studies

by Janet Nichol point in their exploration of feminism construction of women's bodies and but most of my friends look away, un­ THE JOURNAL PROJECT and political consciousness. Jackie Lynne images of their bodies. Suhasine Hansen willing to challenge the assumption be­ Dialogues and Conversations states: "One reason I'm afraid of Wom­ links class discussion on women and the hind their words. So, reluctantly, one Inside Women's Studies en's Studies is because I feel like I'm on media with her family's attitudes about more time, I draw away from these the brink of knowing something; and weight, designer clothes and "fitting in." friends and try to find new ones; ones Edited by Dana Putnam, Dorothy having once understood, nothing will be who are able to listen to my Kidd, Elaine Dornan, and Patty Moore quite the same." story and not pass judgement Another student, Tanis Poole writes: upon me." Second Story Press "A seed was planted with my first Wom­ During the course of the Toronto, Ontario, 1995 en's Studies class—it was new /differ­ project, two meetings were or­ ent, having women instructors...And to ganized in which 20 women For those of us who have missed the be among so many other women! Phew, participated to give their experience of a women's studies course, 'scary.'" And B.J. states: "the content of thoughts, either on tape or in this collection of journal writing by stu­ the course is intensely interesting to me writing, on a set of questions dents at Langara Community College in and when I read, I feel like a sponge." £§ concerning journal writing. Vancouver offers an opportunity to read It's not all positive talk, however. Those taped discussions and the thoughtful reflections of over 50 Several students also write about their written responses have been women. discomfort and anger within the class­ included in the afterword as a In two first and second year room/college walls. One studentdreads review of the val ue and process courses—"Women and Sexuality" and more discussions of race issues with of journal writing. "Women and Social Change"—students white people. Another is saddened that Overall, students respond were regularly submitting journal as­ the white women in class see racism in positively to the exercise of jour­ signments to instructors for feedback. an individualistic rather than systemic nal writing and the project, as The idea of publishing the journal writ­ way. Karen Egger claims: "To me I ing came from two students who had Women bring insights and thoughts think, so what if it [journal writ­ taken the courses, Dana Putnam and both from inside and outside of the class­ ing] shaped me? It's an incred- Elaine Dornan, and two instructors, Pa tty room into their journal entries. Some 'tfp% ibly valuable tool...it's far less Moore and Dorothy Kidd. write directly in response to things that "fy'i shaped than any other thing The four women recognized that a happen or issues raised in their wom­ you ever have a chance to put wider audience was missing out on im­ en's studies classes. After seeing a film out, in academia." portant "conversations" (as the journal on the Canadian writer Margaret •* Somestudentsdopointout style is likened to) and "dialogues" be­ Laurence, Varney Allis reflects on limitations, and offer impor­ tween instructors and students. They Laurence's advice about "speaking the She writes: "I think we are all victims of tant cautionary notes for instructors formed an editorial committee in 1992, heart's truth." Allis writes about her the media, from race to sex, to height to wanting to replicate this exercise. In and then began soliciting journal writ­ own desire "to live my life as I want, and weight, to other forms of appearance, addressing the therapeutic role journal ings—on a voluntary submission not as I am 'supposed to' before I get a etc." writing often plays, Terry Gibson com­ basis—from women who were taking or minute older—and certainly before, like And Michelle Elizabeth Neilson con­ ments: "I was very fragile then, as 1 had taken one or both of the courses. Hagar, (a character in Laurence's novel, nects body image issues with her obser­ know others were as well. With our In the introduction of the book, The Stone Angel) I turn ninety." vations in the college cafeteria: "These instructors not there to do therapy, if Dorothy Kidd outlines the process of In drawing from their own life expe­ two women sitting beside me saw their serious stuff gets triggered, we might putting together the project, some issues riences, a number of women explore classmate coming towards them. They find ourselves with nowhere to go." that came up along the way, and the how the personal mixes with the politi­ call her over to them and, before she Strategies to deal with this issue are not framework for the book. One issue Kidd cal. Daphne Boxill writes about an reaches the table, one women says to the pursued, but could be developed in fu­ addresses is that in the earlier stages of evening seeing movies which address other, 'She is so thin it's nauseating.'" ture projects. the project, there was a lack of represen­ racism with a white friend: "I should Michelle concludes from this that "we The journal Project is unique within tation in the writings being submitted of have gone alone. I couldn't relax and have so internalized this beauty criteria the genre of diary writings. Collections women of colour and immigrant women, fully enjoy these two films. I was worry­ that we also judge our sisters according of journal writings in the past have not lesbians, and poor and working class ing about her responses. The remarks to the slenderness of their thighs and the tended to come from one time and place women. She goes on to talk about strat­ she would make. I feel so caught, stuck..." size of their breasts." as these do, and have not attempted to egies the editors used to encourage The journal entries are not all writ­ The issue of sexuality is addressed reflect a specific project, such as a wom­ "more women to submit pieces that ten strictly in prose form. Some women from various angles. Commenting on a en's studiescurriculum. The writingisn't spoke from these experiences." choose to include poetry, allowing their class presentation on "lesbophobia," one always polished, sometimes there may Through The Journal Project, the feelings to emerge, as this excerpt by woman writes: "I am really glad she be excessive detail, but this is how we reader becomes familiar with the writ­ Lidwina Bautista illustrates: takes the risks she does in speaking the "talk;" this is our authentic voice. ers, some of whom choose to remain truth." Another student bemoans not The journal Project models a demo­ anonymous or use their first namesonly, My children as me. having a date on Valentine's Day: "I cratic and trust-building editorial proc­ as they write openly on all or some of the "Mom, why do you call Philippines know its ridiculous, but every year I buy ess, as well as providing samples for four theme areas: "Beginning Women's Home? into it." Sexual confusion is yet another other women interesting in exploring Studies," "Naming," "Feminist Class­ You live here, Canada is your home." student's topic as she asks: "What do I journal writing. The fusion of women's room," and "Integrating New Learn­ I wonder why... want? What makes me feel good?" experiences with feminist theory, as pre­ ing." These categories emerged natu­ Some of the students write about sented in this collection, indicates the rally from the entries being submitted, In my silence, a stranger asked their pain dealing with past traumas or vitality of women's individual and col­ the editors note, allowing the students "Where did you come from" current dilemmas. Elaine Dornan writes lective voices. to create the framework for the project, Colour immigrants, trying to about her friends'lack of understanding The editors' royalties from The Journal rather than having one imposed on them. survive abouther past sexual abuse experiences: Project will go toward establishing a bur­ In "Beginning Women's Studies," "Go back to your own country, "They are well-meaning people who sary for women at Langara Community one i ssue of conversation i s first impres­ you're stealing our jobs." genuinely believe they are offering College. sions of women's studies classes. For needed advice. But I bleed every time I Janet Nicol is a public school teacher who some, women's studies was a starting Within the theme of "Naming," a hear those words. I feel assaulted, I try to uses journal writing in her instruction. number of students converse about the explain how their words make me feel,

NOVEMBER 1995 ARTS Asian Canadian women writers/performers at the Go-For-Broke Revue; Literary treats

by Sook C. Kong their facial expressions, Kwa and Odaka delivered their lines—lines, Last mouth in Vancouver, the talents such as: "i consumed dutifully/ showcased during the three day Go-For- bloodied broth," "half-confessing/ Broke Revue at the Firehall Theatre (Sep­ abuse," "mummy," "i'm scared of tember 29 to October 1) by the Asian monsters in the closet." Canadian Writers' Workshop, featured Their eloquent voices, blending an enticing variety of dance, theatre, in poetic poignancy, captured the al- music—both classical and pop—and lit­ most-impossible-to-capture emo­ erary performance and readings by East tional recesses and mental nuances of Asian Canadians, including both emerg­ an incest survivor. Sometimes speak­ ing and established artists and writers. ing their lines far apart from each Below, Kinesis brings you a review other and sometimes speaking them of the sterling performances by five Asia n huddled together, Kwa and Odaka Canadian xvomen loriters/performersivho (re-)enacted a horrendous suffering: participated in an afternoon variety pro­ "shield me shield me," and "wish you gram on September 30—SKY Lee, Lydia had shielded me. too late to stop last Kiva, Kay Odaka, Larissa Lai and Rita night's dream, his penis/gesturing at Wong. me, you dazed by the kitchen sink/ his penis, twisted and upright, wrought iron spike." SKY Lee "Translating Fortune" is ulti­ Ghost Stories, a skit by SKY Lee mately an empowering poem, for it takes apart various bigoted /self-in­ opens up a sliver of space between terested positions by poking merci­ heinous hurt, slow healing, and a ten­ less fun at their inhabitants. The privi­ tative move toward self-empower­ leged white male, the less-than-hon- ment: "translating fortune, act ot dis­ est lover, and certain folks in the mill entangle, from love and rage, leaping town of Port Alberni, BC, are among over walls, back into myself." those that Lee singles out for her la­ It is also about learning to listen ser-beam treatment. To be sure, hu­ very attentively to this laden ques­ mour with an edge has multiple func­ tion, in whatever form it appears: "is tions. there anyone/who speaks my lan­ The irrepressible Lee, in a retro guage?" polka dot dress and squeaky clean runners with shopping bag in hand, had the audience laughing and mus­ Larissa Lai ing over her dramatization of various Deep passion, quietly spoken, character types. Her personae ranged sums up Vancouer-based writer from girly-girl cutey, to tough-talk­ As one of the five women who performed in the variety matinee, SKY Lee, Larissa Lai's rendition of several of ing take-no-shit dyke, to the polite author of Disappearing Moon Cafe and Bellydancer, presented her new her own poems. Her thought-provok­ next-door-neighbour Chinese- skit Ghost Stories at the Go-For-Broke Revue on September 30 at the ing poetry ranges over bedrock is­ housewife—the mother "made invis­ Firehall Arts Theatre. Ghost Stories takes apart a variety of characters — sues, such as what being a diasporic ible by apron and diapers." from girly-girl cutey, to tough-talking take-no-shit dyke, to a red-neck', Chinese woman means, lesbian de­ To the liberal white male who Port Alberni Chinese-housewife. Photo by Laiwan sire, and lesbian love narratives. says to all with pompous noncha­ In "The Eldest Daughter," Lai's lance: "Why, you are no different from genuine inter-cultural understanding lection of poetry, The Colours of Hero­ persona talks, with heart-worn pride, me," Lee's punchy-mouthed lesbian can only arise when mutual under­ ines, (Women's Press, 1994).] about her inter-woven loyalties—to character retorts: "That makes us all standing goes beyond the superficial. In an impeccable co-perform­ family, to heritage, to remembering, lesbians of colour!" In a montage performance that ance, Kwa and Odaka take their au­ to herself. Her poem moves to its Lee spares no one who demonizes covers much ground, Lee also weaves dience into the dark night of the height of tremulous intensity in this 'the other'—whether the other be the in an excerpt from Maxine Hong King­ heterosexualized family and deal section: "Tell me, should I swallow/ lesbian of colour, the beguiled lover, ston's novel, The Woman Warrior:Mem­ capably and artistically with a sub­ my eye/like fat round pill/help it or the 1950s Chinese housewife- oirs of a Girlhood among Ghosts, in keep- ject of utmost pain and diffi­ settle/with a cup of hot water/or mother-type transplanted from China ingwiththedemonsandghosts which culty—incest. "Tell me how you de­ should I hold it in my fist/high above into an (almost) non-comprehending were the recurring themes. Lee's off- fine enemy,"..."are those of us the spinning world/let it look in/as Canada. the-wall performance is pithily illus­ linked/by blood spared?" though through a window." The Chinese housewife-mother trated by this zany line from her Chi­ Both Kwa and Odaka were For the generations of Chinese persona takes apart all sterotypes nese housewife-mother persona, d ressed in black tightsand Batik vests. women who have been dispersed found behind the picket fences of "Whole day fuck fuck sang [sound], Batik cloth, a fabric special to Malay­ from their ancestral homeland of small-town Canada—including of no good." sia, Singapore and Indonesia, is used China, China, as icon, stands for herself. Suffice it to say, politesse is asa signifierof the weave of another myriad significances, the unravelling not her entire being. (What are those time and place in the life of the main of which depends on the location of pointed ends straining at the inside Lydia Kwa and Kay Odaka persona of "Transforming the speaker. tips of her dishwashing gloves?) You knowarthascomealivewhen Fortune"—the woman survivor. Kwa In "Under Construction," a poem At the same time the Chinese- an unmistakeable frisson courses and Odaka each play one half of the about a young Chinese Canadian housewife character is trying to pro­ down your spine. This was the case woman's psyche—Kwa was 'Ques­ woman's experiences of China, her vide small comforts—such as tea and with Lydia Kwa and Kay Odaka's tion' while Odaka was 'Admonition.' vision is doubled with a perception of homemade Chinese pork buns—for dramatization of Kwa's long poem, Harnessing the expressive regis­ a fast-modernizing contemporary the abused white women next door, "Translating Fortune: Cookie Wis­ ters of their voices and the fluidity of Continued on page 24: Rivuc their cultural collision indicates that dom," [published in Kwa's first col­

NOVEMBER 1995 ARTS Benefit CD for rape crisis centres: A compelling compilation

by Janet Askin TonniMaruyama. Maruyama gained powerful vocals and the inspirational Among the standouts...my fa­ LIT FROM WITHIN the support of Vancouver's Rape Re­ feeling of "Rainbow Ride," to Evelyn vourites were Kristy Thirsk's angelic Various Artists lief Rape Crisis Centre in Vancouver, Lau's quietly spoken (but not quietly rendition of "Songbird," (from Nettwerk Productions then contacted various women art­ felt) poems, "Bruises" and "19." Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album), Vancouver, BC, 1995 ists and Nettwerk Productions about "Snakes," the tone setting first cut and Sara McLachlan's "Good participating in the project. of the compilation evokes memories Enough," which stings and rings all For those of you who like sitting, Lit from Within is the first time a of childhood imagery and boy vio­ too true, again and again. Suzanne drinking tea—alone or with the com­ Canadian independent label has put lence, and is spoken in a clean and Little's "Swept Away" melodically pany of other women—and lending a out a compilation in support of a par­ clear voice by Lorna Crozier. She carries a theme prevalent throughout careful ear to music which speaks to ticular cause or issue. Hopefully, we captures your attention. (What the CD—a theme of change, leaving women, you will enjoy this release. will see more of this kind of effort on women can't relate to girlhood memo­ and not losing yourself. And a 'me­ Lit from Within—a compilation of the part of independent record com­ ries of being chased, threatened, and lodic musical mention' to Meryn songs and spoken word—is an em­ panies. taunted by little boys 'just having Cadell's haunting and ardent "Safe." powering collection of strong wom­ The songs and poems of the art­ fun?') Lit from Within's music and po­ en's voices. ists featured on this release deal with This is a CD that demands listen­ etry speaks to women for women, All proceeds from this CD will go a broad range of approaches to the ing with your full attention, it is not a and I would recommend checking to rape crisis centres across Canada, issue of violence against women and conversation accompaniment or a music stores for this release, both for enabling the centres to continue pro­ women's reactions to it. musical diversion. The compelling the content and the cause. viding critical services for women in The diverse mix of women con­ voices Of these women will not re­ Janet Askin is first-time writer for need of support and assistance. The tributing to the project range from main in the background and, through Kinesis. idea for the benefit CD started with Kate and Anna McGarrigle with their their words, the silence is broken.

Revue continued from previous page China: "the only China I will ity, then one falls into a common texturized her living, breathing per­ "the problem with being the moon rememebr/is a China under con­ trap—the in-built lies of structural formance. Furthermore, she produced rather than the sun, the problem with struction," and a nostalgic longing dialogue. a palpable vigour in the Firehall audi­ being perceived as dependent, when for an ancestral China: "dreaming of Throughout "Tell," Lai teases torium with very minimalist body really, the moon exists however we a China that might have been/ready from language both its bridge-like movements. choose to interpret her." any minute/to fall out the side." Her and its chasm-like qualities. in Wong'suntitled work on China, Rounding off a most resonant corollary point is that bridging these Apportioning and assigning are the first-person speaker turns pen­ reading, Wong had parts ot her audi­ two faculties—the intellect and the counterproductive acts between two sive on a major question: 'How to ence gasping when, without hint, her heart—would result in a new knowl­ lesbians who have long gone past write China without being inhabited reading of "Prosopopeia" culminated edge, a more holistic perception-cog­ their comfort zones to become inti­ by the almost ubiquitous tendency to in these achingly taut lines: "I am nition. mate. Lai takes up this point, encap­ exoticize a space that one only visits?' scared of saying something you will In her poem, "Tell: Longing and sulating the tensed futility of verbal As she puts it, how does one make a understand, stuck in a groove where Belonging," Lai deals with the rever­ contest, after the fact, when she says: "visceral" and "real" China "come I want to reach out to you, yet draw­ berations and repercussions of les­ "but you tell me whose hands/made alive" in language? ing back in fear of actually touching bian desire with superb craft. ["Tell" the first motion downward/to inter­ Instead of philosophizing, Wong you." is published in Pearls of Passion: A lock with the fingers/of yours or continued her reading, moving on to Many were touched that after­ Treasury of Lesbian Erotica (Sister Vi­ mine/who turned first whose/lips a bus ride to Gansu province, the noon. sion Press, 1994).] tongues teeth/met in the wind/ dustbowl of China. Via the vehicle of Sook C. Kong is a doctoral candidate in Feeling alternative emotion is a moist and hot against the cold /smell well-paced humour (including the English, specializing in critical theory difficult enough business. Writing of leather vague girl smell /coming self-deprecating variety), she brings and Asian women writers. Prior to lesbian emotion is even more chal­ up through the skin." to life the unexpected—the boomer­ pursuing graduate studies, she xvas an lenging. Lai more than meets the chal­ If, as current research shows, 90 ang effect of one's own spitting, and axvard-xvinning journalist. lenge with these lines of profoundly per cent of verbal communication is the surrealistic bonding with stran­ felt emotions that neither escape the non-verbal, better that language is a gers created by a chain of nausea. heart nor the tongue: "tell you say point-of-departure than the point-of- Continuing her theme of yoking Pen on fire? your usual way/of getting informa­ arrival. the expected with the unexpected, tion/I want to say/I have a crush/on Wong read the rest of her story on Don't hesitate, you feel too shy/blush and say/ China, including the section about nothing." Rita Wong the Tibetan monks and their phone us now! The depth of the emotions felt are Rita Wong, a former editorial corporeality. She made the monks real reinforced through the paradox of member of Absinthe, a Calgary-based and visceral, without obliterating their Camera in the closet? both saying and not saying—all at literary journal, read two of her prose spirituality. "[W]e chat with monks Let it out! once. Negation is an indomitable pieces: an untitled account of her trav­ around our age who are kind of cute reinforcer, while negation upon els in China, and "Prosopopeia". in that austere muscular way, monks Take photographs for negation—that is, denegation—kick The UBC graduate student who sing raunchy songs, monks who starts the generator of the lesbian hooked her audience with her sinewy incidentally give us the fire in the Kinesis heart. prose, moving seamlessly from the belly to go to Tibet." It is not only that one is ambiva­ solitariness of introspection and ob­ "Prosopopeia," a highly evoca­ 255-5499 lent about verbalizing emotions. The servation, to incisive analysis and tive piece about absences and pres­ beginnings of certain about-to-be­ finely-nuanced emotion. ences, turns conventional notions of Cover the arts that come intimate conversations seem to Wong used her silken but ever- these phenomena upside-down and be fuelled by multi-layered ambigui­ so-slightly sanded voice to maximum inside-out, as in: "myself who is so you love on these ties. If one were to follow conversa­ effect, holding her audience spell­ removed, so absent, a watcher...the pages tions as though they were all about bound with her sensitive reading. Her thinker and the sometimes silent do­ linearity and mono-dimensional clar­ flawless sense of timing and rhythm er, but preferably not the talker" and

NOVEMBER 1995 BULLETIN BOARD read t h i si INVOLVEMENT INVOLVEMENT EVENTS Bulletin Board listings have a WANNA GET INVOLVED? ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING FREE WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN maximum of 50 words. Groups, With Kinesis'? We want to get involved with The Vancouver Status of Women's Assert­ Douglas College Women's Centre is offer ng organizations and individuals eligible you too. Help plan our next issue. All women iveness Training Program will be starting free workshops for women attending or inter­ for free space in the Bulletin Board interested in what goes into Kinesis—whether soon. If you would like to volunteer or partici­ ested in attending the college. Upcoming must be, or have, non-profit it's news, features, or arts—areinvitedtoour pate please call Andrea at (604) 255-5511. workshops include: Assertive Communica­ objectives. next Writers' Meetings: Mon Nov 6, 7pm at tion Wed Nov 1,10-noon, Relaxation Tech­ Other free notices will be items of our office, 301 -1720 Grant St, Vancouver. If WOMEN IN BUSINESS DIRECTORY niques WedNov15,10-noon;CareerTrends general public interest and will appear you can't make the meeting, but still want to Wed Nov 22, 2-4pm; Talking Circle Thurs at the discretion of Kinesis. find out about writing for Kinesis, give Agnes Seeking women in business...with an eye for Nov 23,4-6pm; and Time Management Skills a call at (604) 255-5499. No experience is the social—as well as financial—bottom line. Wed Nov 29, 10-noon. Workshops will be Classifieds are $8 (+$0.56 GST) for necessary. Childcare subsidies available. The Vancouver Status of Women is compil­ held at the Women's Centre, Douglas Col­ the first 50 words or portion thereof, ing a directory of women in business who lege, Room2720-700 Royal Ave, New West­ $4 (+$0.28 GST) for each additional 25 CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS incorporate their social principles into their minster, BC. To register call (604) 527-5486. words or portion thereof and must be Are you interested in finding out how Kinesis business practices. For more info or for our prepaid. is put together? Well...just drop by during our self-audit questionnaire, call 255-5511 or HEROTICA 2 Deadline for all submissions is next production dates and help us design write VSW at 301 -1720 Grant St, Vancouver, the 18th of the month preceding and lay out Canada's nationalf eminist news­ BC, V5L2Y6. Herotica 2 is being performed in Vancouver publication. Note: Kinesis is paper. Production for the December/Janu­ until Sat Nov 11 at the Station Street Arts published ten times a year. Jul/Aug ary 1996 issue is from Nov 22-29. No expe­ VSW WANTS YOU! Centre, 930 Station St. Herof/ca2is directed and Dec/Jan are double issues. rience is necessary. Training and support Want to get more involved but not sure where by Katrina Dunn; written by Jan Derbyshire, to begin? Join us—become a volunteer at Shawna Dempsey, Margaret Dragu, Marie All submissions should include a will be provided. If this notice intrigues you, Vancouver Status of Women. VSW volun­ Humber-Clements and Susan Musgrave; and contact name and telephone number call Laiwan at (604) 255-5499. Childcare teers plan events, lead groups, raise funds, performed by Mercedes Baines, Diane Brown, for any clarification that may be subsidies available. answerthe phone lines, organize the library, Melaine Doerr & Manami Hara. Show times required. help connect women with the community are Tues-Sun 8pm plus Sat 5pm. Tickets are Listings will not be accepted over the resourcesthey need, and other excitingtasks! $14/$12 and 2 for 1 on Tuesdays. For more telephone. The next volunteer potluck and orientation inforcall (604)688-3312. will be on Thurs Nov 16, 7 pm at VSW, 301 - Kinesis encourages readers to 1720 Grant St. For more info, call Andrea at research the goods and services GRRR*RLS WITH GUITARS 255-5511. Childcare subsidies available. advertised in Bulletin Board. Kinesis cannot guarantee the accuracy of the Janet Riehm, B.B.A. Grrrris with Guitars features Robin Toma information provided or the safety with guests and Tammy Faesart Wed Nov CERiiriEd GENFRAI ACCOUNTANT and effectiveness of the services and 22, 10pm at the Lotus, 455 Abbott St, Van. BUSINESS CONSUIT'INC, products listed. Admission is $3-5 or 2 for 1 with coupon COMPUTE ACCOUNIINC, SEHVICES in Kinesis? before 10pm. Again on Mon Nov 27. Grrrris Send submissions to Bulletin Board, PMONE (604) 876-7550 Callus with Guitars will feature Judy Atkin/Melanie Kinesis, #301-1720 Grant Street, Dekker, The Lingo Sisters and Julie McGeer Vancouver, BC, V5L 2Y6. For more Mon Nov 27, 9:30 at the Railway Club, 579 information call 255-5499. Bottom Line Accounting Dunsmuir St, Van. Admission is $3/mem- bers; $5/non-members. For more info call (604) 685-3623. INA DENNEKAMP WOMEN j! Piano Service READINGS BY FIRST NATIONS WOMEN IN PRINT Discounts for BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA Mahara Allbrett, Vera Manuel and Gunargie book clubs O'Sullivan will present their work Sat Nov 25 3566 West 4th Avenue Vancouver BC at 8pm at Western Front, 303 E. 8th Ave, Special orders Van. Admission is by donation. For more info Voice 604 732-4128 welcome call (604) 876-9343. Fax 604 732^129

10-6 Daily • 12-5 Sunday COMING OUT ON BROADWAY

A Vancouver Women's Chorus presents Coming Out On Broadway, a fun-filled caba­ DR. PAULETTE ROSCOE ret featuring great show tunes Nov 24 & 25 NA TUROPA THIC PHYSICIAN JANET LICHTY at St. John's United, 1401 Comox St. Doors B.A., M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, R.C.C. open at 7:30pm. Showtime 8pm. Tickets are HOMEOPATHY $12 and are available at Women in Print, COUNSELLING [COUNSELLOR Harry's and Little Sister's. For more info call Bed & Breakfast DETOXIFICATION (604) 987-0393. HYCROFT MEDICAL CENTER 108-3195 GRANVILLE ST. NATURAL MEDICINE 1-296 W18 Ave, Vancouver, B.C., V5Y 2A7 A Beautiful Place VANCOUVER, B.C. V6H 3K2 All women are invitedtoalecture/disscussion 872-2611 on Natural Medicine and Women's Health, featuring Dr. Isis M. van Loon, ND, of the Centre yourself New Westminster Naturopathic Clinic Thurs in the comfort and tranquility Nov 9, 4-6pm at the Douglas College Wom­ of B.C.'s Super Natural en's Centre, Rm 2720-700 Royal Ave, New Gulf Islands. Westminster. To preregister and for more Kinesis would like to thank all of the people info call (604)527-5148. who contributed to making our annual Healthy Breakfasts THE MIND OF A CHILD benefit a success!! The Canadian premiere screening of The Hot Tub & Sauna Mind of a Child, a dramatic and moving documentary about Aboriginal, African Ameri­ Elaine Stef * Eileen Kage * May Zhu * Sky Lee * can and Jewish children traumatized by rac­ 5 acres of forested Frannie Sheridan * Erin Qraham * Cafe Deux Soleils * ism, poverty and violence, and teachers who foot paths with ponds Harry's Oft Commercial * Deserving Thyme * are working with them, will be held on Wed ocean and mountain views Vancouver Women's Bookstore * Women In View Nov 1, 8pm at Robson Square Conference Centre, 800 Robson St. The film will be Festival * Magpie Magazine Gallery * Norman's Fruit followed by a discussion with First Nations and Salad * It's All Fun and Games * Continental educator Lorna Williams, featured in thefilm. A Memorable Escape Coffee House * Laiwan * Doll and Penny's * Pacific and director Gary Marcuse. Tickets are $5 at Cinematheque * The Ridge Theatre * Commodore the door. The Mind of a CMdwill alsobe aired Lanes * Duthies Books * Georgina Black * Spartacus on the Knowledge Network Sun Nov 5 at 9pm. For more info call (604) 255-6596. Books * Blue Ewe B&B * YWCA * Highlife Records * (604) 537-9344 Judy Senang....and all the wonderful, unforgetable Kinesis volunteers and supporters... thanks for coming 1207 Bcddis Road, out!!!! Salt Spring Island, B.C. V8K 2C8

NOVEMBER 1995 BULLETIN BOARD EVENTS 1 EVENTS 1 EVENTS 1 GROUPS IN HER NATURE GET PONCHED RECLAIMING SOPHIA EATING DISORDER WEEK Women's Press will launch In Her Nature, a Ponch de Creme (Ponch a crema) is a 151 Hear the voice of Sophia, "God's Exiled Organizers of the Eating Disorder Aware­ rich & warm debut collection of short stories Proof Party for girlies of colour and friends. Female Self," as Susan McCaslin, a widely- ness Week 1996 (Feb 5-11) are inviting about women, by Karen X. Tulchinsky, in Featuring smokin' soca, soucous, salsa, hip published poet and author, reads from her people to attend the first General Volunteer Vancouver, Sat Nov 11, 8pm at The Lotus, hop, acid jazz, old skool, funk, dancehall, MM new book of poems, Locutions, Wed Nov29, Committee meeting to plan the Week on 455 Abbott St. Free admission. Donations Music by MMM. Sun Nov5attheLotusClub, 7-9pm at the Douglas College Boardroom, Tues Nov 7, 7:30pm at the Eating Disorder acceptedtoThe Little Sister's Defense Fund. 455 Abbott St. 9 pm til close. Sliding scale 4th Floor, 700 Royal Ave, New Westminster. Resource Centre of BC, St. Paul's Hospital, $3-5. Admission $5; $2/students. To reserve a 1081 Burrard St, Rm 2C-213. For more info BRENDA PETERSON seat call (604) 527-5440. Sponsored by the call (604) 631-5313. Mesmerizing storyteller Brenda Peterson DYNAMIC DRUM WORKSHOP WomenSpeak Institute. reads from her collection of essays, Nature Seattle-based Ladies Don't Drum will be L'ARC-EN-CIEL and Other Mothers, Fri Nov 3, 7:30pm at giving a dynamic drum workshop in Vancou­ BANKING ON HERSELVES Women in Print, 3566 W. 4th Ave, Van. In this ver Sun Nov 5 from 2-4:30pm at the Com­ Ce mois-ci, les gens du groupe L'Arc-En- book, Peterson passionately observes top­ modore, 870 Granville. Cost is $20. Refresh­ Investigate two approaches to investing the Ciel, Les Francophones et Francophiles des ics from lullabies to abortion, dolphins to old- ments will be available. Call Women in Music money you earn into things you believe in, Communautes Gaies et Lesbiennes, vous growth forests, weaving a story of the bond to register at (604) 684-9461. with Brenda Humber, founder and President invitent a prendre le Brunch avec nous au between women and nature. Free admis­ of the Women's BANK Society and Lucy Cafe Chez Harry's, pres de Commercial, le sion. For more info call (604) 732-4128. LES PAS PERDUS Alderson & Melanie Conn from dimanche 26 nov, a 11h30. Pour de plus The Firehall Arts Centre Dance Series WomenFutures Thurs Dec 7, 7-9pm at the amples informations, n'hesitez pas a com­ poser le 688-9378, poste #1, boite vocale UNDERSTANDING ALLERGIES presents Les Pas Perdus, an evening of Douglas College Boardroom, 4th Floor, 700 post-modern dance works Nov 9-11, at 8pm Royal Ave, New Westminster. Admission $5, #2120. VitalAire Breathing Care Centre presents a at the Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova $2/students. To reserve seat call (604) 527- free lecture, Understanding Allergies, Wed St, Van. 2 for 1 preview Thurs Nov 9, and 5440. Hosted by WomenSpeak Institute. REDEYE Nov1,7-8pmat#1-2190 W.Broadway, Van. matinee Nov 11 at 2pm. The Series features Redeye is a collective of women and men Special guest Mairee Gandera, from the Pipo Damiano and Susan Elliot of Frozen PRESS GANG TURNS 20 who produce a 3 hour radio program every Allergy Information Association, will give a Eye, with guest choreographer Olivia Saturday morning on Vancouver's Co-op one hr talk, complete with videos and a Thorvaldson, original music composition by Press Gang Publishers will mark its 20th Radio (102.7 FM). We work collectively to question-and-answer period. Fre» refresh­ Francois Houle, and a short film by Bo Myers. anniversary Sat Nov 18 with the launch of examine the arts and current affairs from a ments. Space is limited, so RSVP by calling Tickets $16/$12. For tickets call (604) 689- four new titles from Larissa Lai, Chrystos, variety of feminist and other progressive (604) 730-0859. 0926. Marion Douglas, and Joanne Arnott, and perspectives. If you are interested in volun­ other entertainment. The gala event will take teering on an alternative media project, we TIBET FILM NIGHT AND BAZAAR J. JILL ROBINSON place in the Multipurpose Room of the Cen­ can provide thorough training in the theoreti­ Women Working For Tibetans is hosting The Saskatoon author of Lovely in Her Bones, tral Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, cal and technical aspects of radio. Come Tibet Film Night andBazaarFri Nov 24 at the J. Jill Robinson will be reading from her new 350 W. Georgia St. Doors open at 7:30pm, along and see what we're up to. Bring a Planetarium, 1100 Chestnut St., Van. The collection of short stories, Eggplant Wife readings begin at 8pm. The venue is wheel­ friend. For more info call Lorraine at (604) event is a charity fundraiser and will feature Tues Nov 14, 7:30pm at Women in Print, chair accessible. Advance tickets at Women 254-5855. two new documentaries—Escape From Ti- 3566 W. 4th Ave, Van. The collection is filled in Print and Little Sister's, $8-15. For more bet and Tears of Torture—handicrafts, cards, with "intimate, fluid narratives., .of heartbreak­ info call Press Gang at 876-7787. LEGAL CLINIC FOR WOMEN calendars and live folk music. Bazaar begins ing, unspoken truths about human behav­ at 6:30pm and films at 8pm. Tickets $8 at iour." Admission is free. For more info call CRIAW CONFERENCE Battered Women's Support Services and the door. For more info call (604) 224-1901. (604)732-4128. Northern Visions: Northern Futures, a con­ University of British Columbia Law Students ference organized by the Canadian Research Legal Advice Program (LSLAP) is co-spon­ ELISE GOLDSMITH DEANNE ACHONG Instituteforthe Advancement of Women, will soring free legal clinics for women on alter­ take place from Nov 10-12 at the University nate Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30pm until Nov Toronto author Elise Goldsmith will be read­ Vancouver Artist Deanne Achong will be of Northern British Columbia in Prince 14. For info or appointments call LSLAP at ing from My War and Other Poems, Thurs exhibiting her work, Lime Made, until Fri Nov George. Panel discussions will include 822-5791. Nov 9, 7:30pm at Women in Print, 3566 W. lOatArtspeakGallery, 401-112 W.Hastings Women and Community Building; Education 4th Ave, Van. Beginning with the title poem, St. Van. Gallery hours are Tues-Sat 12-5pm. and Work; Environment and Sustainability. VLC which recalls her experiences as a girl in The cost of the conference is $300 and $75 England during World War II, Goldsmith ARTISTS AGAINST OPPRESSION for student/community or non-profit delegates The Vancouver Lesbian Centre is open Thurs offers a warm reflection on her life. The The C.H.I.LD. Project—Children Hope in (maximum 2 delegates). For more info or to & Fridays 11am-6pm and Sats noon-5pm. reading is free. For more info call (604) 732- Loving Democracy—-curated by Anne register, call (604) 960-5610 or write to The To find out about the VLC's groups and 4128. Laframboise-Piche and Calla Shea, will be University of Northern BC, c/o CRIAW, 3333 upcoming events, drop by Centre, 876 Com­ exhibited until Sun Dec 3 at Gallery Gachet, DANCE! DANCE! DANCE! University Way, Prince George, BC, V2N mercial Drive, or call (604) 254-8458. 1134 Granville St, Van. The Gallery supports 4Z2; Fax: (604) 960-5791. Women in Music presents Dance! Dance! artists who are mental health services con­ GLC Dance!, a dance extravaganza, Sun Nov 5, sumers and/or survivors of abuse. For Gal­ FAIR WARES FAIRE atthe Commodore, 870 Granville, Van. The lery hours call (604) 687-2468. The Gay and Lesian Centre of Vancouver featured events are: Ladies Don't Drum; The Penticton and Area Women's Centre is now has a province-wide toll free phone line: Women of Motown; and Women of Rhythm GRASSROOTS WOMEN holding a Fair Wares Faireto promote social 1 -800-566-1170. The line is open to all lesbi­ & Blues. Doors open at 7:30pm; show starts DISCUSSION GROUP justice through the sale of ethically produced ans, gay men, families andfriends lookingfor at 8:30pm. Tickets are $12 in advance through goods, Sat Nov 1811 am-4pm at the Clarion info, referrals, peer support. The phone line Ticketmaster (280-4444), or $15 at the door. What are International Human Rights? Come Lakeside Hotel, 21 West Lakeshore, is open Mon-Fri 1-4pm. Please bring a non-perishable food item for to a discussion group atthe Philippine Women Penticton, BC. For more info call the Wom­ the Food Bank. For more info call (604) 684- Centre on Wed Nov 8 at 1011 E. 59th Ave. en's Centre at (604) 493-6822. 9461. Vancouver, between Fraser & Knight. For info call (604) 322-9852 iht for... OUR COMMUNITIES! OUR PUBLIC SERVICES!

i®lw) A meeeaQe from the Public Service Alliance of Canada • (604) 430-5631

NOVEMBER 1995 BULLETIN BOARD SUBMISSIONS CLASSIFIEDS ASIAN CANADIAN WRITERS LYDIA KWA, PSYCHOLOGIST

Powell Street Festival, an annual celebration I have a private practice in clinical psychol­ of Japanese Canadian art, culture and his­ ogy (Granville Island). I'm a feminist thera­ tory, is co-sponsoring an event with the pist and I work with clients on a variety of Vancouver Storytelling Festival in March issues. I welcome new clients, especially 1996. The Festival is looking for submissions survivors, gays and lesbians, women of col­ from Asian and South Asian Canadian women our, artists and writers. Call 255-1709. writers, storytellers and poets. Please send submissions to: Powell Street Festival Soci­ SEEKING DYKE PAL ety, 450-1050 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC, Horse crazy, dog loving dyke seeks similar V6E1 A3. For more info call (604) 682-4335. for walks, talks and rides. Also available for Deadline is Nov 30. horse-sitting, exercising, dog-sitting, exer­ cising and training. Call Anne at 879-5177. SEARCHING FOR BRAVE SISTAS LESBIAN AND GAY SQUARE Many of us grew up under the influence of DANCING religion, few of us emerged unscathed. Tales of the effects, if any, of the power Have a great time learning how to square religion has over our lives as children, wimmin dance with Squares Across the Border, Van­ and lesbains are needed for an anthology couver's only lesbian and gay square dance tentatively titled Recovering Stories of club. You don't need a partner, you don't Wimmin Surviving Religion to be published need any experience, andyou definitely won't by Sister Vision Press. Send your ideas, regret it. Join us for our introductory class on stories, essays, poems, journal entries, lyr­ Mon Nov 6 at 7:30pm at St. Paul's Church, ics, raps, words, whatevah.Send your sub­ 1130 Jervist St. Donations gratefully ac­ missions to Recovering c/o Sister Vision cepted. All proceeds to A Loving Spoonful. Press PO Box 217 Stn E, Toronto, ON MH For more info call Ellen at 684-0089. 4E2. Deadline is Dec 31. WOMENFRIENDS MUSIC CAMP QUEER PRESS Queer Press is a volunteer-run, community Enjoy a weekend with women where your based micro press dedicated to providing infinite creativity and musicality can find ex­ opporunities for lesbians, gays and bisexu- pression. Play, sing, chant, jam, perform, als to experience the power of the written compose, meditate, give ortake a workshop, word; and especially for women, people of or simply relax. Nov3-5, at Camp Alexandra, colour and queers living in rural areas. If you Crescent Beach, Vancouver. Sliding fee have a manuscript or if you're a community $150-$250 including catered meals and group interested in putting a manuscript to­ accomodation. For information and registra­ gether, tell us about your work. Write to tion call Penny Sidor at 251 -4715. Queer Press, PO Box 485, Stn P, Toronto KARATE FOR WOMEN ON, M5S 2T1. For info or writers' guidelines, WOMEN SURVIVORS OF THE WAR call (416) 978-8201. Shito-ryukaratetaughtbyfemaleblackbelts. Women Supporting Women in the Former Yugoslavia presents a benefit for Women Learn a martial art for self defense, fitness, Survivors of the WarFriday, November 17,7:30pm at the Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St, ASIAN SUPPORT AIDS PROGRAM self confidence! At the YWCA, 535 Hornby. Van. Admission is by $30 donation. Tickets available atthe door and at: Banyen Sound, (AS-AP) Mon, Tues, Thurs, 7:15-9pm. $45/month. 2669 W. Broadway; and Vancouver Women's Bookstore, 315 Cambie St. For more info Call for submissions & participants: Western Call 872-7846. call (604) 299-3523. Canada's first Asian Lesbian & Gay Confer­ ence and Vancouver's 3rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration are being planned for CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS mid-Feb, 1996. AS-AP is seeking: 1) pro­ posals for panel discussions; 2) artists & HERITAGE HALL FOR RENT CARPENTRY FOR YOUNG WOMEN performers for an exhibition and cabaret; 3) Magnificent restored Heritage Building at The Strathcona Community Gardeners As­ panelists & participants for the conference; 15th and Main St in Vancouver. Available for sociation and the Environmental Youth Alli­ 4) volunteers. AS-AP is a grassroots com­ Operine special events of all kinds. From benefits to ance are looking to hire 10 women, 16-24 munity-based agency that provides educa­ book launches, conferences to cultural cel­ years old, to work on the construction of the tion, care and support to the East & South- Banton ebrations, banquets to private parties. The Strathcona Community Gardens Eco- East Asian community in the challenge of building is smoke-free, wheelchair accessi­ Pavillion between Nov 20 & May 3, 1996. HIV & AIDS. For more info call Denise at Counsellor ble, on the bus line, and offers non-profit The program is for women who are willing to (604) 669-5567 or fax (604) 669-7756. rates. For more info call 879-4816. do physically demanding work in an outdoor 202 -1807 Burrard St. environment, and who are interested in gain­ Vancouver, BC V6J 3G9 COUNSELLING FOR WOMEN ing carpentry skills, learning about sustain­ able architecture, and working with a group Tel: (604) 736-8087 A feminist approach to sexual abuse, de­ of women, 30 hrs/week, and approximately Saturdays at 4p.m. pression, grief and loss, sexual orientation $190/week and a $2000 completion bonus. repeated at midnight issues and personal growth. Slidingfee scale. Please apply by Mon Nov 6 and send an Free initial appointment. Susan Dales, RPC, explanation of interest to: Rachel Rosen or 255-9173. Susan Kurbis, Box 34097 Stn D, Vancouver, BC, V6J 4M1. For more info call (604) 873- "I LOWER BACK SELF-CARE 0616. Learn to prevent and manage lower back discomfort with gentle movements, self mas­ sage, breath work and anatomy awareness. Sat Nov 18, 9:30-4:30pm. Cost $40-100. Dhone Astarte Sands at 251-5409 for more info. s delighted to announce hat she is now practising law vith the law firm oc

Smith and Hughes 321-1525 Robson St. Vancouver VANCOUVER Lynn Redenbach. R.P.N. phone 683-4176 WOMENS BOOKSTORE Therapy for •les offer a full range of i the lesbian, gay and Adult & Adolescent Women 315 CAMBIE ST. VANCOUVER, B.C. HOURS: < relationships V6B 2N4 MONDAY - SATURDAY ' weight preoccupation & eating disorders TEL: (604) 684.0523 10 AM - 6 PM > trauma & abuse issues

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