May/June 1989 A feminist newspaper distributed nationally

1 Ho.· .n,:q\;o··· \u· :•·<*~~e· t•15·.•.•g.·1··.f of women for Mother's day

<.;:A1~1.lftl.Z1'.~~1: sale~ftax i1;1sµr~n~.. conference ... oonf~renee~~· igr~O:t atilfJ visible mihQ ment;:ttle anti~choiee Altifjrta ..... women with di· p~u~nts,. too ... Yukon wpm~n1s cor:at,erenoo.:·:Audre~ Mclauglin on w9(tienJo;ffl~ Yukon,· discrimination against men?:- the Wen-Do case .... book review "In the Name of the Father" ... the faces of motherhood .. .feminism and women at home .... the myth of motherhood ... afld more ... pa{fe2 May/June 1989 I Womenspeak

Look around Barbara Editing and production staff: Thank you Lynne Tyler, Joan Riggs, Beth Dear Womanist: maybe she would realize very much Services Commission of Ryan, Michelle Albert exactly what her government Canada (PSC). According to I want to congratulate you has done. .... But the Employment Special Women who helped on this on a great edition And to add salt to the There is no more stressful, Measure Program of the PSC I Issue: Gloria Shalay, Janet commemorating International wound she waits until one ardous and time consuming a am euphemistically part of the Wason, Patricia Ginn, Diana Women's Week. Bravo! I find month after IWW and anounces task than looking for a job. But Visible Minority Group which Ralph, Audrey Wildman, that your newspaper is not only the unemployment insurance for an immigrant woman the job would give me priority status Michelle Simms, Janice informative, but also very cutbacks. Yes, women can is even tougher. but I am not a Canadian so I do Freeman, Cynthia Rurak, accessible to all women. now take longer maternity Whether you have not have priority. Katherine Robertshaw, Nedra The only problem I found in leave, but not if they've consciously decided to I was very disappointed as Lee Prisk, Noelle-Dominique this edition was the hypocritical adopted. Single mothers who become an immigrant or have the door closed for me to work Willems. article sent in by the find they have no choice but to become one for another in the Federal Government. As "Honourable" Barbara quit their jobs, or who are fired reason: civil war in your the days passed I received a We would like to thank the McDougall. I realize that your because they've missed too country, prospects of a better bunch of beautifully expressed many women artists who paper is for all women, but much work due to family needs, life here or marriage with a man negative letters. contributed their artwork where did she find the nerve to will be left to the decision of the from another country, you have After that I changed my without tribute. write her article? Her UIC worker as to whether or not all sorts of new experiences, direction and went after any government has done she will get benefits. More new goals and challenges. And job. I decided to expand my Published by: absolutely nothing for money will be put into training one of the first is looking for a knowledge to more practical Catalyst Research and Canadian women. Everyday, programs, but for whom? Will job. things that could help me. So, I Communications. women in this country are the money also be put into day Canada has not been my did an introductory course in 541 Sussex Drive, Suite 201 losing something, from non- care programs to allow mothers first attempt at the job market. word-processing. Ottawa, .K1 N 6Z6 affordable, non-accessible day to go into training programs? Holding a bachelors degree in I also discovered the large (613)233-2621 care, to no pay equity. You Once again, "her government" International Studies from my world of the volunteer often hear "her government" is working for Canadian women. country, Venezuala, and some organizations in this country Circulation: 12,000 talk about what they are As far as I'm concerned, a past university studies at the and left my name registered in planning to do, what they have Conservative representative of lnstitut Internationale d'Admin- some of them. This is a good Distributed: nationally done, what they will do; but if women is almost non-existent. istration Publique en Paris, way to meet people who can you take a close look around, it Barbara McDougall should France I pinned my hopes on give me ideas and at the same Printed by Ottawa Web Press amounts to absolutely nothing. have kept her. speech for finding a job in Canada using time do something valuable Maybe she should take off someone who doesn't know my experience. with my time. Thank you to the distributors of her rose-coloured glasses, get what "her government" has I sent away about fifty Although the situation may the last Issue: Dorothy Inglis, off her ivory tower and take a done for Canadian women. I resumes to different organiz- seem very discouraging for Glenda Tulk (Newfoundland); close look at the real Canadian don't have the time for more· ations that would have an women who are immigrants but Debbie Mathers, Susan Hyde, women -- poor women, single Conservative fairy tales. interest in people like me with "don't give up." Try to look Phyllis Price (); parents, women of colour, an International Relations forward to more routes, Ruth Freeman (Prince Edward irn migrant women, lesbian K. Desormeaux background. different opening, make Island) Kay Nandlall, Vicky women, battered women - then Ottawa· I started at the Public contacts and because spring in Gray, Rosella Melanson (New in the air, there is always hope. Brunswick); Julie Norton, Sheila Barrow, Esmeralda Teresa Bobiash Thornhill (); Michelle Ottawa Albert, Carmen Henry, Frank Tester, Lo.rraine Greaves, Thanks Susan Riley Theresa Healey, Jill Schooly, Janet Wason, Helen Cates, Dear Editor: have dents put in their careers Louise Brown, Jill by motherhood. For married Summerhayes, Ann Balding, My compliments to you for women, the old 1970s slogan, Nancy Birch, Sasha Mcinnes publishing Susan Riley's "You can have it att, baby," (); Monique Raimbault, Around the Hill in the remains a myth. The majority Cindy Hanson, Sheila Doig, Lou Feb./March issue. This is the of never-married women have a Erickson (); Audrey first article I've seen which better edge -- careerwise, that Wildman, Kerry Strathie, Kathy offers root causes for women's is -- but even at that, unless Hamre, Giselle Marcotte failure to achieve total they have been exceptionally (); Lisa Jensen, independence, to be successful, they still do not do university student) remarked Many women are juggling two Trudie Black (); Janet completely liberated. In well come pension time. The that our P.M.'s wife has "the jobs and, contrary to popular Wheeler, Joanne Arnott, Mary present-day mish-mash one majority of divorced women, best of two worlds." Mrs. belief, the majority of men are Elizabeth Reay, Donna can scarcely say that this whether old or young, are the Mulroney has the 1980s image not doing their share of child- Cameron, Nedra Lee Prisk, vision has been fulfilled. women (generally) suffering the of an "office." In reality, Mila is raising. Other than denial, few Jane Evans, Jude Major, Liana Feminism's loss of most from financial disaster. a good Chatelaine, doing seem to know the answer for Di Marco (); "freshness" can easily be Where has the 1960s spirit volunteer work. this. But some have come to Kim Thompson, Eva Voisey accounted for by Time alone, gone? In present day, listen to Western society realize that until we have more (Northwest Territories); and but the lack of feminism's young working mothers. Many applauded (in token) the great women governing at the top current "focus" is far more will tell you that they would not social change. But most are these bad conditions for Ted Riggs who helped box and complicated. Given the fact be out in the work force if it women will not cease. Sad to ship the papers out. now pondering what are the that there aren't enough women weren't for the economic fact benefits? -- especially since say, social change might have in parliament, women's that they have to pay for their economic change. worked if we hadn't put the cart To subscribe: To have the expectations have been too share of the rent. before the horse! paper delivered to your home, The Second Phase of high. Women have not yet Recently, Mila Mulroney Feminism has taken place the price is $5-$25 a year. For gained complete equality in appeared on TV for an interview. Olive Thiesenhausen institutions: $15 a year for non- during the past twenty years of earning power. Women still and my youngest daugher (a the movement's opportunity. Toronto profits, $25 a year for government.

The Woman/st was created to empower and enable women. We want to get back to the Definition of Womanist basics, the common ground 1. From womanish. (Opp. of 2. Also. A woman who loves flower garden, with every color that has built the women's "girlish", ie, frivolous, irrespon- other women, sexually and/or flower represented.) Tradition- movement, while celebrating sible, not serious.) A black nonsexually. Appreciates and ally capable as in "Marna, I'm our differences. feminist or feminist of colour. prefers women's culture, walking to Canada and I'm From the black folk expression women's emotional flexibility taking YOL! and a bunch of other What can we agree upon?•That of mothers to female children, (values tears as natural slaves with me." Reply: "It we as women are important and "you acting womanish, " ie, like counterbalance of laughter), wouldn't be the first time." that we have a right to be a woman. Usually referring to and women's strength. heard, to be respectd, to be outrageous, audacious, cour- Sometimes loves individual 3. Loves music. Loves dance. trusted. ageous or willful behaviour. men, sexually and/or non- Loves the moon. Loves the Wanting to know more and in sexually. Committed to Spirit. Loves love and food and As a movement we have a great depth than is considered survival and wholeness of roundness. Loves struggle. responsibility. to enable all "good" for one. Interested in entire people, male and female. Loves the folks. Loves voices to be heard, equally. grown-up doings. Acting grown Not a separatist, except herself. Regardless. That is our commitment in this periodically, for health. newspaper - to empower with up. Being grown up. Interchangeable with another Traditionally universalist, as 4. Wornanist is to feminist as ideas, information and in: "Mama, why are we brown, purple is to lavender. inspiration. black folk expression: "You trying to be grown." pink and yellow, and our Responsible. In charge. cousins are white, beige and From In Search of Our Mother's The Woman/st appears 6 times black?" Ans.: "Well, you know Gardens, Wornanist Prose by a year. Serious. the colored race is just like a Alice Walker. May/June 1989 page3 What is in this issue

The Feminist Sorry we are late Many of you have probably every two months. The next Throne Speech ... noticed that we are a little late issue will be out for September. p. 21-25 some times, for example, this Thanks for your patience and issue. We are committed to support. maintaining national coverage We hope that some of you In the movement and realistically reflecting the will consider supporting the diversity of the women's paper by subscribing or In the Movement movement. This means that we advertising. It will assist us in are sometimes late rather than being able to cover The Congress of Black Women - Our Possibilities printing whatever we happen to Woman/st's costs. Are Endless ... Keynote speech by Carol Ann have every two months. As a result of high Wright...p. 5 & 6 We are a young paper, demand, we have increased R.E.A.L.W. Conference ... Equality Redefined, not learning all the time. We hope the number of copies we print, to soon reach the point where from 7,000 to 12,000, starting revisisted ... p. 7 we can guarantee you a paper with this issue. We really need A fond farewell to Broadside... p.8 every two months. Until then, your support to maintain the Racism in the Immigrant and Visible Minority you will see us approximately paper. Help make it happen. Thanks. Women's Movement.. .. p. 9 Racism in Women's Studies .... p.17 The Women's Movement - moving beyond the strife ... pgs. 28&29 The faces of motherhood Feminism and women at home .. p.30 &31 May Celebrations ... p.31 The 1989 Budget Sales Tax .... p.1 o Keepers of the Past - Builders of the Future .. some The ·The UIC changes ... p.11 thoughts on Yukon women from Audrey 1989 ·The details ... 35 Mclaughlin ... p.32 fed era\ The myth of motherhood ... p.33 budget A mother and daughter... p.34 Across Canada .. Wen-Do case - discriminating against men? ... p. 12 Women and AIDS ... p.26 Yukon Women's Conference ... p. 14 Women in Mozambique ... pgs. 36 &37 Women with Disabilities are Parents, too ... p.14 The struggle in Uruguay~ .. p. 38 Cleaning up after the oil spiJl..p.15 Two way ticket to El Salvador... p. 38 & 39 Saskatoon IWD committee battles sexism .. p.15 The Disappeared ... p.39 Housing Report from .. p. 16 The anti-choice lobby in Southern Alberta .. p.18 Book Review- "In the Name of the Father" ... pgs. Distribution points across the country ... p.18 & 19 40 & 41 NATQ out of Nitassinan .. p. 20 A woman's crossword ... p. 41 Native Students ... the struggle ... p.27 The Wellness column .. p.42 The Arts column ... p.43 Rumour Has it...p.44

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The Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women (CACSW) is an independent Annie Wilson & Agnes Speaker• Marilyn organization funded by the federal government to advise the government and the public Johnson • Shuli Goodman • Julie Lee • Diane on issues affecting women. The CACSW produces original research exploring social, Mariechild •Alanis Obomsawin •Judy Pustil economic, and legal issues pertinent to women, such as wife battering, child-care, Donna Read pornography, and women and pensions. For more information, call Janet Bouchard at CACSW research is published as books, booklets, background papers, briefs and fact 345-1888 or475-3525. Sponsored by sheets. For a complete list of free CACSW publications, contact the National Office. Dilico Ojibway Child and Family Services

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Womenspeak The politics of kindness and unconditional love Dear Womanist: my history -- hippie, back to the remembering oil spills, and TV from the work we've done, and the Board of the Women's lander, farmer, peacenik, This could be entitled "not news, gloomy reports from all the work we're doing, and from Centre and go to peace environmentalist, radical, and another feminist mani- over, finally, someone murmurs individual women on their meetings, and don't, whatever overwhelmingly, feminist, my festo" ... or "the politics of something incoherent about journeys to understanding and you do, take home plastic bags favourite label and one of the kindness and unconditional recycling, which brightens awareness. from the supermarket. Yes, biggest and most brightly love" ... everyone up. Ah yes, But I want more ... always you can have a relationship coloured. Of course, I've recycling. Then someone more, more more. I'm such a with your significant other of It's an ordinary Tuesday never really fit any of the murmurs about the greed of whiner, but that's how I'm made whatever sex, but it takes night. I'm driving to choir labels, but they have their international corporations, at and where I come from. I read work, we all know that, and that practice with my mother, a conveniences. Sometimes, I which people's faces brighten all those awful and demanding means work on yourself, and friend, my son, and one of the see them all strung together as even more, this time with books by all those brilliant that means therapy and healing women, all those feminist and neighbours' children, Choir "hippieenvironmentalistpeaceni righteous anger. Of course, and remembering all those practice is where I go to kradicalfemin isttroublemaker," it's them, it's it, that ugly, other books which say, "look nasty little traumas that you .neditate. For two hours, we something a judge or bad all-around shit-disturber, we need to not just mend this thought you'd buried forever, sing a mixture of old show journalist might have said, throws in some nasty system but change it,· and and why don't you write a novel music, vaguely religious back in the good/bad old days comments about our North naive fool that I am, I still agree about it and tell others how to songs, and the odd silly kids' of the seventies. American lifestyles, and the with them. It's a system which survive as well.) music. I love choir. I love the And now lately there's a rampant consumer materialism is bad for kids, and trees and And always behind us we people I'm with. I have nothing new apocalyptic vision, the which is now so fashionable clean air, and beaches and hear the insistent beat of our in common with them world winding down or up in and which I thought in the seabirds and animals of all addiction to apocalypse. The "politically," except t.hey are my seventies we were all giving up kinds. trees still fall in the Brazilian community, my friends, people (except it's so boring to be I look around at the state jungle, and the desert creeps I've grown up with, people I live poor). And someone else says, of the country and do my south, and as hard and long with. indignantly, that they've research on women and and fast as we work, the sexual As I drive, I am gossiping worked hard to get where they poverty. Pile up statistics and assault centres and rape crisis with my mother and thinking are, and they deserve a certain what I see has changed is that centres and safe houses fill up underneath about the latest level of comfort, and at these some women have better jobs, and up, and black and white, bleak news that yet another incipient signs of discomfort and better titles, and one is a good and bad, positive and "hole" in the ozone layer has and possible conflict someone Supreme Gout judge, and one negative, spiral around one been discovered over the else changes the subject and is head of a political party, and another into whatever strange another one runs a corporation. Arctic. TV commentators are with great relief, we all go on to and uncertain future we are And some of us who have vague as to what it all means. I discussing something more able to have. better jobs are feminists and am wondering what to do next. interesting, and less painful. As I make my Tuesday some of us are not. It's often I'm forty years old and often I work in the "women's night drive, and stand with all slow environmental degra- hard to tell or even figure out bone tired and afraid; and I've dation: the ozone layer movement,· whatever that is. I the other ordinary people that I what the label means. lived as a farmer/activist for disintegrating, the weather and get paid for it, which also care about, I can't find any most of my life. I'd like some climate changing, the forces me to examine it, be villains or enemies anywhere. peace and quiet, and instead rainforest burning, deserts and familiar with it, read the We are all innocent these days these doomsday rumours sand creeping wider and literature, think about it, talk to the same extent that we are continue to drift in. Except farther, death and despair in about, and write about it. And complicit. When I go to buy these are the scariest I've places like Bangladesh, Chad, I'm never satisfied. I was born hay, the old man I buy it from heard because almost no one and the Sudan, animals dying, a radical, a radical I'll die. I'm complains bitterly about the is talking about them. disappearing, like a steady glad for me and for those of my "poisons" they're putting in I have been living in stream of smoke. It's an friends, the women I know and meat these days. Who is? "interesting times" (remember uneasy topic of conversation, love and would die for, that Who is responsible? How do the Chinese curse) for what which no one quite knows wht th~y have jobs and choices we find them? How will we seems like a long time now, to do with. and better day care and that we condemn them if we ever do? listening and formulating Whenever I introduce it, have sexual assault centres What should I tell this old man apocalyptic visions and which I do frequently, it being a and rape crisis centres and to do? Not eat? Not buy grandiose solutions for all our new and interesting women's centres and women's medicated food for his cattle? terrible world problems for preoccupation, I get two main studies courses and that there We shrug together as we sling twenty years or more. I have a responses simultaneously from are brilliant warm caring women bales into the truck. vision of myself wandering the women I'm with. Our faces all over the place doing a great We like to believe, we vaguely through the world grow vague with despair and job at what they do. I'm glad, women, and especially me, that covered in labels documenting grief, and we are silent, very glad. I take nothing away we have a love and understanding of. our "mother" Earth. I have stood in circles and chanted and listened for In the movement, we talk changes in the wind, and gone about "class difference," walking everyday, and watched without ever defining what the eagles over the lake, and we're talking about. I think done my work and written WILLIAMS-WALLACE PUBLISHERS what we're really talking about, letters and stories, and the although we hate it, is that more I have learned to love the Williams-Wallace Publishers is a multicultural house many of us now need the earth and many of the people that specializes in literary and non-fiction works by women system to go on existing in its on it, without judgement or and Third World writers. present form so we can keep conditions, the greater our jobs and our level of sadness I feel. comfort which we feel, and Even as I push and SANS SOU CI - Short stories by Dionne Brand organize and write and think Exquisite short stories about black women from the islands and their painful migration to rightly so, no quarrel from me, that we've earned. and read, I'm still afraid, oh, my North America. Dionne Brand is the author of several books of poetry and non-fiction But then how, oh my sisters, of the bitter smoke on works. ISBN 088795-078 $9.95 sisters, do we work though this the wind, and tired of whining at endlessly multiplying paradox myself and each other. We THE CONCEPTION OF WINTER by Claire Harris of trying to change a system, have done so much, we have The (1986) winner of the Commonwealth Poetry of the Americas for Fables from the primarily an economic one, come so far. We are truly Women's Quarters has once again written a superb book of poetry that delves into the which is increasingly feeding marvel, loving each other through the bitterness and psyche of women. ISBN 0-88795-067-1 $9.95 us? We're not finished yet. We finding joy in our small haven't lived out our visions. moments, and patiently THE AESTHETIC OF OPPOSITION by Arun Mukherjee We've settled so often for what stalking the sun through bleak Critical essays on South Asian writers living in Canada A first Dr. Mukherjee teaches we could get, watched each days in a bleak world. Creating at York University in Toronto. ISBN 0-88795-068-X $12.95 other burn out and go away, miracles we barely notice and fought for power without ever changing as we go, and saying that's what we're doing, knowing only the one sure LAND OF SILENT SUNDAYS by Gloria Fralick, Chrystya Hnatiw and let the kinder gentler souls thing, that we continue and Lydia Palji among us be pushed out. continue, that is why I can The 'silences' caught in these poems by three Ukrainian-Canadian women speak We've not heard each other stand in the choir with these eloquently of the lives of several generations of their people and their fight for survival. even though we have listened women who are my friends and ISBN 0-88795-071-X $10.95 and listened with our best ears, family, and who carefully don't and tried and tried and piled ask what I do, and why this insupportable burdens on story has no plot and no To order books: 3625 Weston Road, Unit 16, Weston, Ontario M9L 1v9 ourselves and each other (yes, ending, only hearing into being. Inland Book Company, 254 Bradley St, East Haven, Conn. 06512 USA Susy, you can have it all by yourself, three kids, a career, a Luanne Armstrong house, two cars, a mortgage, Kamloops, B.C. and still have time for sitting on May/June 1989 page5 -J Congress of Black Women In the movement ''Our Possibilities are Endless'' Carol Ann Wright, was the key-note speaker for the Congress of Black Women of Canada's ninth national proportion of homeless that conference in Halifax, May 5-7, Toronto has, you can also 1989. Last fall, Carol Ann ran consider it the capital of the against Art Egileton for Toronto homeless in Canada. So those Mayor and turned the muncipal two elements make this city race into a serious one of pretty ambiguous. priorities, representation and Now, during the campaign, issues like poverty and racism. when it was first ann·ounced Carol Ann Wright has been that I was running, the Mayor a grassroots woman and a hard took it very lightly. He said he worker; she is a sixth- welcomed any challenge, and generation Canadian Black that it was very nice that I was woman from Halifax, Nova running. When it got closer to Scotia. Nos Possibilites the end, he was reforming; he Below are excerpts from Sont was all of a sudden an her speech from the Infimes advocate for the poor; he was Conference which theme was talking about new housing "Our Possibilities are Endless." projects; he was talking about going back and looking at different projects that we were fact that I would have to go talking about during the through these hurdles. But he made sure that we knew what I'm happy to be here During the course of the before you is because of the campaign, and ho.w he could effectively change these was out there, and today. Not only because I mayoral campaign in Toronto in Toronto municipal election of encouraged, or insisted that we have the honour to be the November 1988, they were also 1988. One of the reasons I things to meet the needs of the poor. This was just before challenge as we go. keynote speaker but I was told quite instrumental in supporting agreed to run against Art And I always remember yesterday that I was the me to do the job that I did. I Eggleton was because the election night, when my support was increasing; he when I was really young replacement for Oprah talked to my father long issues of poverty and racism watching a National Winfrey. Now, that's quite an distance, and he was had become an abstract issue wasn't sure by how much, but he was nervous. Geographic special with my honour. I am also happy to encouraging support: "Make with politicians. It's an issue Dad. We were watching a have been invited back home sure you know each step; when they need votes; then It was considered a make sure you read up on success in that he actually had special on Africa, and all they to speak. I come home quite they'll go to the Black were showing was the dancing often, at least once a year. everything." My mother and my community and tell them how to do some reworking of his sister came up to support me; structure; and he's still being of the tribes. My father said to Sometimes my parents wonder much they understand and me at that point that more than if I'm actually away I come my mom was there as my right sympathize with your plight; we challenged. hand; my sister served as my I also live in an Ontario that had happened in Africa; home so much. But every time fully understand what you're there were kingp and queens, the plane lands, there's a protocol advisor. She made going through, and in fact they Housing project called Regent certain feeling in the pit of my sure that I wouldn't do anything Park. People who live in that and he started' to give me a do not. little history. From that point stomach that I'm home. It's during my campaign that would They'll tell the poor that community are disenfran- just nice to touch base every ruin my image. She walked chised, and when these people on, I started to think about they understand why they're thing,s. That's where my once in awhile. along with me, and said "You heard I was running, people living in inadequate housing, consciousness came in. Before I go any further, it's can't do that, you're running for started to feel empowered. or, in fact, living on the streets, That's w~y I think· it's really really important that on this mayor." when they do not. They tell When people start telling you "I I left here 1 0 years ago to hav_em't voted in. 15 years, but important to instill that occasion my family is here. I Moms on FBA and social awareness in your children at a didn't coerce my dad, but .I told explore my endless assistance "We understand because of you, I'm going to.go him that oh, yes, there'll be lots possibilities, and to see what 1 out and vote," those are the very early age. 1 what you're going through, we Also, in keeping with that of men there. It really makes could do in Toronto. After kinds of positive strokes that can understand that." Now, theme, during school and me feel good to see them all jumping some hurdles, I've you need to hear. Those are these people have maids, they going through the education here. They're all sitting right accomplished a portion of my the kinds of things that people have $300,000 homes. There's system, my parents were here in front of me, and I won't original goals and still continue need to start doing; to start nothing wrong with prosperity; strong advocates on my be as nervous as I thought I to do so. As was mentioned but don't pretend to understand challenging governments and ~ehalf. That's also extremely would be. earlier, the reason I stand the situation if you don't. Just changing the system. After that, people were saying, "Are important to youth, because recognize the fact that we have there weren't too many this happening in our society, you going to run again? You teachers who liked to see my and we have to recognize it, got that support, just think parents in a really bad mood in and we have to do something what you'd do if you ran a few school. I got a lot of things abaut it. months earlier than that, and done by telling them, "Oh, I That's what the Mayor of the support mounted." Toronto was not doing; he was But as noble as I'd like to think my parents will have to not recognizing that this think I am, the system still come out today." Then the situation needed immediate exists as it is. And we have to situation was taken care of. So and priority attention. He wipe out the system, and having that kind of support responded to the crisis in institutionalized racism that takes you through the rough Toronto of housing and poverty exists today. Since our times, as well as the good by building a Dome stadium. I conference theme is "Our times. thought this was quite Posslbllitles are Endless, there Now,·., politically, inappropriate when, in fact, we are two focuses that I want to recognizing that our have people living and dying on touch on, the personal and possibilities are endless means the streets due to exposure political process. My parents also confronting racism and from the cold in winter. People constantly told us that our classism and sexism and all of first approached me about possibilities were endless; we it, and \challenging it at all running because they had felt could do anything we wanted levels of government. We have that since I was advocating at to; we could be anybody we to root it out and insist that our system be reflective; we need a community level, it might be wanted to be; we just had to a tot~I revamping of the nice to go Toronto-wide. But put our minds to it, and the only system. A lot of times being kind of shy, I thought no, person who could limit us would governments will offer bandaid I didn't particularly want this be ourselves. solutions to problems that are exposure. But when I also My father also mentioned found out that another the fact that there was racism candidate for Mayor was a out there; he wasn't blind to the cont'd on page 6 white supremacist, that provided the incentive I needed to do it. So a month before the election, I agreed to run. The end result was, to make a long story short, 2015 26,000 votes, which I call (QUf.Bf.C) significantly second. As a /W7 result of that, people were coming out and starting to bring Common Differences: Conflicts Among some attention to the plight of Black and White Feminists Joseph, G. the poor in the City of Toronto. Outsider Lorde, A. Because, as you weU)

Congress of Black Women

"Our Possibilities are Endless"

many waves. Legislators and was reading the It's always hard for me politicians need to be made to Congress brochure this because we were raised in a feel uncomfortable when morning, .and it talked about household where the work was they're messing up. They taking action through distributed equally. We weren't need to be told what they're participation in education. Now told girls had to do this type of doing, and what they're not that means our education labour; my father always doing. People will also say system has to educate our encouraged us in sports. "they may not like us." But ingrown in the system, and it children, has to educate our People wondered why my sister they never liked us from the just doesn't work; it's like Black children. Why is it and I were so rough on the beginning. Whether they like painting a dilapidated building; necessary for my parents to do court, and why we could hold here. This is the kind of thing us or whether they accept us is it's of no use. another training course at our own with young men; it was that you need to do locally. not my probl1;1m. My problem is Now, the Congress as an home about my heritage, about because of this attitude that we The legislation that exists they've discriminated, they're organized body of Black my African history? Why is could do anything we wanted is ideally supposed to benefit being racist. It's affecting me, women has the potential to do that not in the curriculum of the to, and that we were to live our all its citizens. When that it's affecting my children; it's just that: to challenge. It school system? In the board of lives, no matter what happened does not happen, we have a affecting our future. If we don't makes me feel really, good to education where I stressed in your life, you could be an responsibilty as Black people make these changes now, we'll see an organization of Black this, one of the teachers said, independent person. It's to say this is not reflective. still be living in slavery. women such as the Congress, "But if we taught everybody's extremely important that we "I'm not benefitting from this If we are to realize our although I'm not yet officially a history, we wouldn't have the educate our young women, so legislation." If it happens in the possibilities are endless, then part of it. time." That was her view on the when I have an opportunity to schools, in the work place, in a there are times when we have After my experience with subject. So I said to her, "How do this in workshops and other nightclub, it doesn't matter. to make our plutocratic rulers International Women's Day in would you feel if it was you, if forums, it's always distressing We are citizens of this country. (and I say plutocratic, because Sometimes I've heard Toronto, I am more happy to the situation was reversed, and to still hear that. I wonder the people who have money are Black people talk about not see you. The women who all you heard about was African where the responsibility lies; is in power). And once we admit making too many waves. You represent middle-class income history? I'd feel quite fine, it in within our school system, that to ourselves, then we'll know, we can't make them too peqple who were organizing thank you, but how would you or is it with our parents? realize where the problem lies. this, event asked me to 6e their feel as an European, or any I'm jumping for a minute uncomfortable; after all, they're As an organized body of Black keynote speaker. There was other nationality?" She over to our federal politics. I sorry. Now, growing up as Mr. women, we have a so much politics before I even couldn't answer my question, heard a welcoming letter for the and Mrs. Wright's daughter, responsibility to ensure that got to the podium that I refused so I thought I rested my case. conference from Barbara that's something I've not been not only our possibilities are to go on; I refused the day On the same theme of McDougall. I remember being uncomfortable with -- making endless, but also our before the speech. The Black education, I was reading a quite distressed a couple of noise. You always challenge. children's. With that last Women's Collective was part of book by Angela Davis, called weeks ago by her immigration It's not true of all of us, but it's remark, I'm going to say have a International Women's Day, Race, Women and Class, policy. Related to that policy, true of some. It's distressing good day. and if it wasn't for them I where she talked about when the government said it would be to go to meetings, and hear wouldn't be speaking, because the slaves were freed, and the cutting down on immigration people tell me that we have to the kind of racism that existed Emancipation Proclamation until we deal with the racism be careful not to make too in that whole movement was was announcec;I. it wasn't that exists in Canada. As if enough to turn your stomach. simply the idea of freedom that racism. is a recenJ thing; it's And I thought, "As women, people were excited about' - it only happened in the last few where do you have time to be was the opportunity for years! This kind of narrow racist? Where do you have education, that thirst, that thinking is really reflected in time to exercise this kind of opportunity which made the our federal government, and it snobbery and classism when possibilities seem endless. needs to be challenged. we go to this type of Another point I want to Someone needs to tell Barbara conference on suffrage?" But make is that we as African what's happening. Racism has I'm still a little naive yet; you'll women must remember that we existed since we've been here, have to forgive me. are descendants of African as we got here, and why we are Now, change. Change is queens and prlncesses and urgent, and change is needed warriors, who not only led battles but who also led us out now, especially in our of slavery. The most education system. And I know distressing thing I heard the there are some teachers here, other day from a young Black and I don't want you to be woman was that she was offended. But we have to look waiting for her Prince Charming at the system internally. to take care of her (groans from the audience).

ONE SKY BOOKS

Natives in a Class Society In Our Own Words: is a comprehensive and lucid book that Northern Saskatchewan Metis Women Speak Out, gives the reader an understanding of the by Delores T. Poelzer and Irene A. Poelzer, 1986. forces behind the complex symptoms of 164 pages. Published in Saskatoon by high unemployment, incarceration, and Lindenblatt and Hamonic Publishing. educational "failure" among native This is the first publication in Canada that gives people today. central importance to the perceptions and 76 pp. $5.00/copy plus $1.00 postage experiences of Metis women as an essential Canadian Home and handling when order by mail. element in understanding the dynamics and Economics Association Bulk rates: five or more copies, $4.00/copy. effects of change in Northern Saskatchewan. Written by Jeremy Hull and published by One Sky. $13.95 (20% discount to bookstores) Conference Available from: One Sky has a large "50 Years: Challenge, One Sky Books, selection of audio-visual Change, Celebration" 136 Avenue F So. resources, as well as a July 6-9, 1989, Winnipeg Saskatoon, Sask. S7M 1S8 complete resource and (306) 652-1571 contact: National Office research library on women in 901-151 Slater Street Canada, and women and Ottawa, Ont KIP 5H3 Also available: free development in the Third World. One Sky 1988-89 Audio-Video and Book Catalogue May/June 1989 page7 1 R.E.A.L.W. R.E.A.L. Women received demonstrated to Secretary of newspaper. We were Women members: Throughout problems registering and $21,212 from Secretary of State that they wanted an open requesting the opportunity to the conference, and upon attending. When our second State to hold a conference dialogue with women about attend, listen and dialogue. request, we were refused a reporter, a black woman, entitled "Equality Revisited". issues. After repeated calls we copy of their resolutions. Why arrived, the two women had R.E.A. L. Women: In our first conversation finally were told we could does a group receiving public greater difficulty reentering the are opposed to women's with them, we were immediately attend as observers and would money and wanting to affect room. equality rights as set out in refused because "we would not have to pay $40. We were not , not want anyone In conversation outside Canada's Constitution; be objective about the recognized as press. to see their resolutions? the conference, a R.E.A.L. oppose the public financing of conference." They did not want We understand that other R.E.A.L. Women Woman stated that rape daycare; "feminists" attending. feminists attended the acclaimed their entire board. statistics are fabricated. She oppose equal pay for work of It is important to note that conference but "in disguise." It Lettie Morse is, again, the added that abortions should equal value; R.E.A.L. Women have is reprehensible that women President. not be performed even if consider homosexuality a attended many events put on felt that they could not get into During the introductions, someone has been raped sickness and have proposed by feminist organizations, a conference funded by the women were asked to stand because, "the body shuts that it be medically treated. including NAC AGM and local government unless they when the province they lived in down when a woman is being events across the country. pretended they were not was called out. They made a raped, so it is impossible to get Before the conference They have been denied the feminists. special point of identifying the pregnant." opportunity to participate in the one black woman attending as Gwen Landolt attacked Three weeks prior to the organizing of various events being from the Caribbean. In Supreme Court Justice Bertha because they do not support At the Conference Wilson on her ability to make a conference The Woman/st fact, she was a Canadian the overall objectives of the ruling on· abortion because requested that we attend as The Annual General citizen and was of Caribbean organizations. We were not "Madame Justice Bertha press. We felt that since they Meeting was held the Friday origin. asking to organize a workshop Wilson is childless." night before the conference. It Two women went for The had been given public money or even to distribute our then it meant that they had was closed, except to R.E.A.L. Woman/st. The lirst had few - The Womanist

Equality Redefined, not Revisited by Janice Freeman I'm glad that the Secretary equality conference and not tribunals more power than· our could never engage in horrified. As the facilitator of State Women's Program open to the public or press. elected officials. Worse still, meaningful dialogue with noted, it sounds democratic, gave RE.A. L. women a grant Throughout the whole they said, guaranteed rights for persons who held such but it is really "moral to hold their conference, weekend, I was unable to get a all Canadians means that extreme views. However, a relativism." She concluded "Equality Revisited". It gave copy of their resolutions or a homosexuals might be workshop with the provocative that the Charter guarantee of me my first opportunity to list of their new exeuctive teaching our children. title of "Equality and Values freedom of religion, is really examine the ideas and policies members. 1 wondered why they R.E.A.L. women must get Education in a Pluralistic "freedom from religion." of a group that I had heard little felt it necessary to withhold involved in politics because, Society" tempted me to return. The fear and paranoia of about except in the media. information which is normally "Every single one of the My surprises of the first day of R.E.A.L. women is best Media reports always public in most organizations. powerful institutions in the the conference were nothing in exemplified by a comment of seem to focus on the I finally received my country is in the hands of the comparison to the incredulity I one of the participants at the sensational, pitting right registration kit on Saturday, liberals," proclaimed Gareth experienced during this education workshop. She against left, R.E.A.L. W. just minutes before the Llewllyn in his talk on political workshop. The core of the noted that the pervasiveness against NAC. Common sense conference began. My second equality. He encouraged facilitator's presentation was of insidious ideas in our suggested to me that these surprise came when I looked women to get involved in the the belief that the pluralism and officially sanctioned curricuium polarities had to be over the list of topics to be "must be the work of a very simplifications of the truth. I_ discussed during the weekend. large and powerful know that not all feminists are I felt I was on familiar ground. organizaion~ .. Could it .be the left wing, so surely not all Subjects such as day care, KGB?", she inquired of the members of R.E.A.L. women pornography, reproductive facilitator. Although the could be right wing. I believed technology, and media workshop leader did not that the conference would give relations are standard fare at support this point of view, it me a chance to explode some most women's conferences. was clear to me that several of the myths by examining Furthermore, they were participants did. When I could R.E.A.L. women first hand. My subjects that I have been not control my laughter, and examination resulted in a exploring for several years and said out loud, "Ooooh, a series of surprising could discuss with some conspiracy," several of them discoveries. intelligence. Finally, we can turned to me a:id said, "It isl" build some bridges across Once again, 1'm glad that perceived polarities, 1thought. R.E.A.L. women received My optimism was public money fo.- this shattered as speaker after conference. Because it was speaker reinforced those open to the public, I had the polarities. Everything the opportunity to attend and judge women's movement has for myself. if there was any worked to accomplish was held hope of building bridges up to question and ridicule. political process by joining the tolerance being taught through between the "them and us" "There is no wage gap," Conservative party. the values curriculum in attitude. There isn't. declared one speaker. A few The Charter is also at the Canadian schools "will mean R.E.A.L. women is ._ minutes later, Gwen Landolt heart of the problem in the the demise of this nation." primarily a group of white : stated, "The lack of struggle against pornography, In these classes, children fundamentalist Christians who . government-organized day said a Pentecostal minister are apparently shown ·videos are frightened by any challenge care has nothing to do during his talk. Few women explaining the religious to their absolute value system. with the real cause of the wage would disagree with his point practices of other cultures Thei;e values are threatened gap." (Wait a minute, r that portrayal of sex with (North American Indian and by the tolerant attitudes thought, the previous speaker violence, with children, or with Haitian cultures were two embodied in the Charter of just told us there is no wage animals should be controlled. mentioned). In these videos Rights and Freedoms. If this gap.) However, he said it was once "occult practices are shown as new tolerance was brought My first surprise came Another expert said, "The again "liberal and feminist normal and good." about by socialists, liberal when I attempted to register for long-term consequences of philosophy" which stalled any Another problem that the humanists, and radical the conference on Friday day care for children under the effective legislation because of speaker identified in the values feminists, I'm proud to be evening. I arrived at the age of three are serious ... We a concern for free speech. curriculum was that it teaches counted amongst them. Radisson Hotel, cheque in run the risk of producing a They didn't ever acknowledge children "problem-solving, The media trick of pitting hand, about 4:30 p.m. generation of partial that pornography has been one critical thinking, decision- R.E.A.L. against NAC serves Advance information had psychopaths." Yet, when of the most divisive issues in making, and respect for others" only to give R.E.A.L. women stated that registration began questioned by a member of the the feminist community. At instead of teaching them what more credibility than they at 3:30 but no desk was set up audience, this speaker was this point I realized that there is good or bad, right or wrong. deserve. More Canadians and the two persons who were unable to name a single study was little hope of building In situations demanding a should attend their meetings. stuffing conference kits supporting this point of view. bridges on points of mutual moral choice, children are R.E.A.L. women discredit informed me that I was not A major theme of several concern with an organization encouraged to look at the themselves more thoroughly welcome at that evening's talks was the Charter of Rights that consistently used alternatives and choose freely, than could any number of angry session. When I explained that and Freedoms, which was feminists, socialists, and teachers are warned not to protesters. They made tapes I was from the media and would described as a socialist homosexuals or, any other impose their personal values of all the conference sessions. like to report on their meeting, document undermining the group as scapegoats. on their students' choices. Listen to them. they looked a little worried. traditional Canadian society. I was tempted not to return Most Canadians would approve They explained that the According to several speakers, to the conference on the of this approach. However, the Janice Freeman is an Ottawa evening meeting was their the Charter gives appointed second day because I had A.EAL. women present at the writer. AGM, which was not part of the judges and human rights seen enough to know that I workshop were shocked and pages May/June 1989

In the movement A fond farewell to ''Broadside'' byJeriWne

would require an enormous amount of courage and sheer chutzpah to take over from a group of women with so much experience and knowledge who have earned the respect of the Canadian feminist community. members to make their unlimited 'period of time to the some feminist cause, or when As a Broadside reader, collective decision to move on publication. subscriber and cheerleader they are unable to send a to new commitments, yet I The Broadside collective reporter to cover events. Since since its first issue, I am mourn the passing of has had trouble paying the bills deeply saddened by the loss of the publication has served as a Broadside. since its creation. They initially forum for feminist debate, the this fine feminist publication. Broadside was born out of incorporated as a profit-making The paper is a feminist collective is occasionally the activism and energy organization with the intention surprised to learn that it is establishment in Ontario, and generated among feminists of inviting women in the is read by feminists across being boycotted by one involved in the Toronto Women community to become women's orgaization or another Canada. Its ten-year Against Violence Against investors, then learned that on the assumption that publication history represents Women in the late 1970's, they were prohibited from everything in its pages a full generation of Canadian eleven of whom formed the first soliciting investors with assets represents the views of the feminist activism; it's difficult Broadside collective. The less than $250, 000 -- a collective. to conceive the Canadian issues taken up in the early condition describing few This problem has been Broadside: A· !=eminist feminist scene in its absence. years were shaped by the women. In 1982, they re- particularly evident with regard Review, a radical feminist I've spent a couple of radical feminism of these incorporated as a non-profit to the Letters to the Editor, publication with a ten-year hours interviewing Phil women, including focus on corporation and were then which are published publishing history, is going the Masters, one of the collective pornography and violence eligible to make application for uncensored. In short, way of many other Canadian members since the beginning, against women, and analysis of funding from granting Broadside has played its role feminist publications that are in preparation for writing this the links between violence now only echoes in our article. Phil believes that the against women and violence memories. The accumulated ceasing of Broadside's against the environment. years of zero to minimal publication is not necessarily a The publication has $1.75 funding, of struggles with sad event but can be viewed as reflected changes in the meeting deadlines and paying a natural development of the movement over the years, e.g. bills, and the enormous movement, that the Broadside the increasing rapprochment demands on the unpaid labour between women's art and the of collective members have feminist movement. In each finally taken their toll. In May issue Movement Matters the Broadside collective will be provides information about the publishing both its final and by Canadian women's movement; 8, a (cruel?) twist of fate, its tenth there are articles by or 1986 anniversary issue. interviews with feminist The imminent demise of activists, authors and Broadside was announced to theorists; reports on major the Toronto feminist community Canadian and international through leaflets distributed feminist events; feminist widely during International reviews of current books and International Women's Day Women's Week. The leaflets films; and Inside Broadside has called for another collective of kept us informed about agencies. well, as both a fulcrum of women to take over the upcoming events in the They have been only feminist controversy, thought poblication, and to that end collective members are Toronto feminist community. modestly successful over the and activism, and a gauge ot several meetings have been individually continuing their years, never receiving stable the Canadian feminist held deep involvement in the The Letters to the Editor has movement. served as a monthly forum for a funding sufficient to cover Predictably, a new group feminist movement and have Phil assures me that variety of "hot", controversial operating expenses. Some of women has not materialized moved on to other something else will come along issues in the movement. granting agencies have been that is willing to assume the commitments, and that the to fill the gap left by Of the eleven women in the more helpful than others; e.g., headaches, financial burdens disappearance of Broadside since 1984, the Ontario Arts Broadside's demise, and that it and time and labour investment leaves a gap that will be filled first collective only two, Phil will probably be easier for that Masters and Susan Cole, have Council has provided them with that would be required to save by new feminist contributions. I to happen once the publication remained till the present. a small grant each year. the publication. An additional deeply respect her position and Canada Council gave them a has definitely disappeared and factor is, of course, that it the right of the collective Present collective members the old entrenched people are also include Helen Lenskij, small grant for three years, gone. As she states, "one Lisa Freedman, Brettel Dawson terminating when it was decided that Broadside did not small group of women is not the and Catherine Maunsell. Other sole repository of energy and members of lhe founding group include enough arts coverage. The Secretary of State intelligence in the feminist who maintained their collective Women's Program, which movement, and a monthly commitment for several years provides funding to most newspaper is really a cheap were Eve Zaremba, Bev reasonably well-established way of communicating. It can Alanson, Judy Lawrence and Canadian feminist publications, be done; it is accessible; all Deena Rasky -- who resigned has provided occasional grants that's needed is money for only last fall (I haven't for special projects, but printing and type-setting." attempted to list all of the refused operating funds. She ·believes that the collective members over the 1O The time and labour group who takes up the year existence of Broadside). I required to make grant challenge should not consist mention these women's names applications which were often solely of white, middle-class because they are the unsung either unsuccessful or only women, but must include and unrecognized heroines of minimally successful, in women of colour and Third Broadside's success. addition to the massive labour World immigrant women, Of the collective, only Phil, required to get the publication women who have the important who managed the office and out, has drained the energies questions for the present carried out most of the office of the collective. Poverty is movement. work, was paid (there have exhausting and demoralizing. I do hope that her vision is been a few other part-time paid Broadside has served as a realized; but at the moment I'm staff members); her salary for focal point for feminist energy personally struggling with full-time labour never topping in this community, often with accepting that Boradside is poverty level. The women on segments of the feminist really disappearing, and am the collective invested two full community furious with it for preoccupied with mourning its evenings each week, and a full some reason or another. For passing. weekend each month, a example, because of its massive time commitment for a stability and predictability over voluntary collective. In the years some women have Jeri Wine is an Associate addition, each ne~ member, if come to view it as rich and Professor with the Department 73 HARBORD she was financially able, was powerful, similar to mainstream of Sociology, Ontario Institute 1G4 (416) 922- asked to pledge $500 over an publications, and have become for Studies in Education 8744 MONDAY & (OISE), in Toronto; she is also to angered when the collective is a long-time friend of Broadside. WEDNESDAY to unable to make donations to May/June 1989 page9 Racism in the Women's Movement In the movement by Kay Nand/al Feminist women's organiz- I entered the meeting hall tears in my eyes were begging Recently, I witnessed ations mean places where clutching ten dollars I had to flow. My hands shook as I racism from this very group I women empower each other by saved from my full month's fum~edi~omyb~.~eb~ described before. An listening, caring, accepting grocery allowance of forty fell to the floor, I retrieved it, executive member of this group each other's differences. dollars. I had had to make and found my ticket, handed it to bsaid "When we get an Where women are interested in feed my chldren more her, and then headed straight immigrant womari to work for and are communicating with applesauce and oatmeal than for the restroom. I controlled us, it is not of good quality." each other. It is political usual, and I had done all the the tears, then returned to the The woman who said this was awareness, growing together, laundry for the month by hand. dining hall, took my lunch and an immigrant woman. This It is where we we initiate the I used only skim milk powder, sat at an almost empty table. group receives government changes to improve the status and scrimped in other ways to The two women at the table funding to work for immigrant and lives of women. It is where save the ten dollars. were friendly. One spoke of women. When an immigrant is black, brown, and white women My heart was singing as I her courses at the university, working for this group, she is are in solidarity. It is where entered the hall. I will meet and the other of her children. I not working with them, she is women share experiences friendly faces for a change, I was silent, I felt drained. My working for them - and her work while accepting cultural thought, I will be with women cup had been half full when I is not of good quality! differences. who care, who understand what came in; now it was empty. Other women of colour Women's groups are about it feels like to be discriminated At the end of this have shared similar all of the above, but most of all; against. conference, the organizers experiences with me, and they they are about relationships I paid the ten dollars for congratulated each other and are afraid to speak out. Others and the way we treat each the ticket which included lunch exchanged gifts. I went home are angry and drop out of other. If we are not open to the and headed for the room where confused. I felt as if I was in groups. Why are we silenced experiences of each other and the opening address was held. quicksand, that I would sink no and treated so unjustly by our the unique gifts we each have Women were giving advice on matter where I stepped. I will have to constantly remind to offer as women, then we can how to organize, but not one realized racism has no themselves why they are there not even begin to change word was said on how we and why women come to such society or our Jives for the groups. better. For myself, I am more The view we have of each conscious of how I treat other as women comes from women. When I see a woman our place in society, the ideology of our country, and of colour, I see glimpses of our economic circumstances. myself and I see how we drain- The niost visible way women and use women's power. are categorized is by their Women who take on the race. We all know who is a responsibility to form groups coloured woman, and who is a have to be responsible in the white woman. Women are also way they treat women. We categorized by accents and should not take away from their cups, we should use the their class in society. Listeners decide whether or not special gifts each one has to they like a specific accent. In otter so as to fill all our cups. We need full cups to deal with Canada, the English accent the racism we are faced with in wields power. society everyday. Women of colour are subjected to racism in their own sisters? Why is it that should treat each other as boundaries. I face it every day This· article was very everyday lives. It does terrible funding from Secretary of State women of colour. We had a in the schools my children go painful to do, and I did not add things to the psyche and is nutrition break and then went to to; the apartment I live in; the gives women the power and the lhe really hurtful incidents internalized by women of a workshop, where I felt stores where I shop, even the right to oppress their sisters which I have experienced. I colour, becoming an uncon- uncomfortable because an church I attend. and elevate themselvef>? Are feel this is a start for women of scious practice. The racism immigrant woman was Yet why did my women doing this in an colour to confront the problem practised by women of colour describing how things were experiences with the women of unconsciOl.!S way, or do some of racism, externally as well as towards each other is a vicious done better in her country. By colour group hurt so much? It consciously manipulate and internally. I would like to hear circle that starts with racism the end of the workshop, I was hurt when white women were put down others so they will from women of colour about from outside the group and asking myself why I had come. racist towards me, but I was further their own interests or their experiences. Writing this from the women's own culture. During lunch hour, I joined used to it, and I had built up their own group/r~ce interest? article has also given me hope I call this internalized racism. the line at the buffet table. I coping mechanisms to deal This oppression needs to because it reminds me of the looked around me and smiled, with it. But racism from women be confronted, and we have to wonderful women who held my because women were of colour, sisters who the state constantly remind ourselves hands and were open about communicating in groups. named visible minorities, was how insidious internalized their experiences. They have said to myself, "this is why we unexpected. My expectations raCism is. We have to analyze filled my cup until it overflows. are here." I knew the woman were different. I believed they our vision and our practices. Please write me: who gave me a ride to the would understand my life from Are they the same, or do we Kay Nandlall meeting, so I went over to say their experiences of racism. I make it look good on paper, Box 74, Site4 hello. She introduced me to the expected we would treat each and practice the opposite? I SS3 other women and announced other with respect and feel women who truly want to Fredericton, N.B. that she had given me a ride to tolerance. work in the interest of women E3B5W9 the meeting and would take me back when the meeting was Kay Nandlall is a mom, active over. Some of the women feminist and student in New smiled at me and then Brunswick. She is also a continued their conversation, member of the Executive of the ignoring me completely. National Action Committee on Another woman joined the the Status of Women. group, and I was introduced again as the woman who was given a drive and would need one to get home. You can books for As a woman of colour, I imagine how I felt. I felt worse 4th have been subject to racist than a third-class citizen. This fcminist b.c. practices in women of colour woman did not say that my k trl organizations as well as in husband was babysitting her white women's organizations. child in exchange for the drivel Some of my personal One of the organizers then experiences are painful, and I came up to me and said "Can am still learning how to deal we see you for awhile?" I with them. I feel by describing smiled and said "Sure," thinking some of the racist practices of she would ask me to help with internalized racism I have something (I had indicated Kingston's Women's Bookstore faced by women of colour, I will before that I would like to help). help women to speak out and She took me to her group and confront the issue. the person in charge of The meeting described finances looked at me and below was the first organized asked if I had a ticket; she said meeting of women of colour and she did not remember selfing immigrant women in Canada. It me one. They all looked at me; 38A Princess St. (Upstairs) Telephone 544-4243 333 MAIN STREET WEST, not one word was said. HAMILTON, ONTARIO was also the first non-white Open Tues. -Sat. women's group meeting I Meanwhile, my body (416) 525-2970 attended in Canada. temperature soared, and the WOMEN'S BOOKSTOP The 1989 federal The Sales Tax: budget Why should by Jean Swanson women care?

per cent on most manufactured tax would cost this woman an goods but varies to 18 per cent extra $12.61 per month or Do you think it would be on cigarettes and alcohol and 8 fair for a woman on welfare to $151.30 per year. This per cent on construction pay the same rate of tax as excludes expenditures on materials. This tax is also Conrad Black or the many goods and services Bronfmans? levied on goods imported into including recreation, movies, Most people don't. That's Canada. This tax raises about outings, etc. $17 billion a year for the why, for years, we've had an income tax system where low government. But won't the sales tax credit income people paid a low rate protect low-income people? of tax and wealthier people paid How are the Tories planning a higher rate. ' to change the sales tax? The Tories admit that low- But since the Tories have income people will be unfairly been in power, even the income By January 1, 1991, the hit by the sales tax but claim tax system has changed so Tories plan to implement a that a new sales tax credit will that the rich pay less and Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensate us for our daily of 9 per cent on all goods and loss of money. The sales tax average working people pay income do not fill out the forms more. According to the services except basic credit that is now $70 for each that are hecessary to claim the ~ational groceries, prescription drugs, adult and $30 for each child will What should we have Council of Welfare, the tax credit because it is such a income tax burden for a medical devices, residential be 'hiked to $1 DO/adult and instead of a sales tax? big hassle and there may be working poor family will rent, most health and dental $70/child. problems with literacy. increase by 60 pe-r cent services, day care, legal aid, If the absolute bare Taxes should be based on between 1984 and 1991. A most education, loans, minimum extra in taxes that a ability to pay. Here's what middle income couple's taxes mortgages, and life insurance. low- income person would Don't we need a sales tax to government could do: will increase by 17 per cent and This is planned to raise about spend on taxable items is over fight the deficit? tax capital gains at the same a well-off family's income tax $26 billion or about $1,000 per $150 per year, you can see rate as wage income ($900 will actually decrease by 6 per year more from the average that the sales tax credit is more There are many ways the million); cent in the same period. family. of apublic relations maneouver government could reduce the restore the 34 per cent federal In addition, corporations Conrad Black, buying a by the Tories than a way of deficit without hurting low- tax rate for prople earning over have been paying less and less diamond ring or a Ferrari, would meeting the true cost of the $60,000 ($600 million); tax, even when they are pay this 9 per cent. So would a new tax. There are other have a serious corporate tax profitable, and this burden has mother on welfare buying problems with the sales tax so that profitable corporations been shifting to individuals. running shoes her daughter credit as a way of pay their share; For example, in 1986 there needed for gym. Provincial compensating low-income have a wealth tax like were 89,000 profitable taxes would be added on to this European countries do. corporations with $22 billion in for a total of 15 to 20 per cent. profits that paid no corporate In other words, a mother buying How can I help fight for a fair tax at all. a $20 pair of running shoes tax system? The new federal sales tax would pay $1.80 in federal tax that the Tories and big as well as the provincial tax of First, don't be afraid of business want will shift even $1.20 (in B.C.) discussions about taxes. more taxes to low income and Sales taxes are bad for Keep focussed on the basic working Canadians and away women and low income people issue: who is paying? who is from big business and the because they are regressive. getting? wealthy. Since women earn That means that low income Remember the basic income people. It could about 60 per ~ent of what men people pay a higher percentage principle of fair taxation: Taxes instruct the to earn this affects us a lot. of their income in tax than people for the sales tax. Only should be based on ability to wealthy people. Since low families who have incomes reduce interest rates. One per pay. income people spend all of their under $18,000 will be able to cent of interest increases the Read an excellent book by What kind of sales tax do we claim the full credit. This deficit by more than $1 billion. have now? money, it will all be taxed Linda McQuaig, Behind Closed (except for the exemptions). excludes many families who The government could Doors. This explains the are living in poverty, since the create decent jobs for more Most provinces have Rich people save money that is Canadian tax system, how we· not taxed. poverty line for a family of three people and increase the have been bamboozled by provincial sales taxes. When is $21,245. In addition, low- number of people who work you buy a blouse at the A recent report by the "experts," and it is actually Social Planning and Research income people need money and pay taxes. funny I department store, the clerk now, not every three months The government could rings up the price plus the Council of B.C. estimates that Get groups or unions that a single woman needs a bare when they will get the credit. If shift taxes to corporations and you belong to to adopt policies provincial sales tax. In B.C., minimum of $140.09 per month 9 per cent is added to everyday rich people who can afford to on fair taxation. Explain the for example, it is 6 per cent. to meet expenses for non-food expenses of low-income pay them. Canada has the issue to your members. Wr:ter In Canada we also have a household items, clothes, people, more will go hungry and lowest rate of wealth taxation letters to your MP. manufacturer's sales tax which personal care, and homeless. Lastly, many low- of 24 industrialized countries. Join the Pro-Canada is more hidden. It is a tax of 12 transportation. The new sales income people with no taxable Corporations have deferred Network and its member groups about $30 billion in corporation and coalitions in fighting the income taxes. If these were first budget and the paid, the entire deficit for one corporate agenda that it year would be wiped out. The represents. Contact the Pro- government could increase the Canada Network at 904-251 income tax rate for wealthy Laurier West, Ottawa, Ontario people back up to 34 per cent. K1 P 5J6 for the group nearest with our sisters (They reduced it to 29 per cent you. Get the one-page sheet las_t year). It could tax capital on taxation produced by the gains (money made without PCN. working) at the same rate that wages are taxed. It could End Legislated Poverty is reduce military spending and a coalition of 21 8.C. groups close corporate tax loopholes. working to reduce and end One researcher (Ternowetsky) poverty in 8. C. For the last shows that government tax year, our major campaigns loopholes for banks have been have been to get universal, so useless in 1982, for government-funded food example, that governments programs in low-income actually gave up $670,000,000 schools; to stop a $50 cutback to banks which REDUCED to primarily IN'Omen on welfare in employment by over 3,000 8. C.; and to fight the trade people. deal. The Canadian of Postal Workers May/June 1989 page 11 ·~

The 1989 The UIC changes: what does federal it mean for the woman worker? budget by Nancy Rlchs

Many Canadians are growing number of older prospect of putting up with an system they have contributed wondering what has happened workers fall into this category. intolerable situation longer to. Over one million in the last month. April is Women and immigrants make before quitting to find a new job unemployed Canadians would supposed to bring showers that up the majority of seasonal or they may quit and not be probably find that funny if it lead to May flowers, but the workers. Are the workers in the eligible for benefits. weren't so sad. government announcements fishing and agricultural What makes these The effect of the proposed from Ottawa seem more like a industries to blame because changes to UI so bewildering is changes on a worker living in downpour which will wash away fruit and vegetables can only that they come at a time when Montreal or Vancouver where our caring, compassionate be grown and fish can only be unemployment is already the unemployment rate is acknowledge that the society. caught in certain seasons? between 9 and 10 per cent is government's deficit cutting The first storm came in the Women change jobs more that they now need 16 instead and high policies form of changes to the than men do because of family of 15 weeks of work to qualify will increase Canada's Unemployment Insurance responsibilities, lack of for 27 instead of 39 weeks of unemployment rate to 8.5 per Program. Employment Minister opportunity for advancement, benefits. In Moncton or Saint cent in 1990. And second, the Barbara McDougall announced and harassment. Women are John, New Brunswick, where Budget announces that the a plan that will drastically cut more frequently in poor paying the unemployment rate is government will no longer unemployment insurance jobs and many are working between 11 and 12 per cent, contribute to the UI program benefits. This will be done by part-time because they cannot workers will need 14 rather than out of general government increasing the number of find full-time work. Should they 10 weeks wotk to qualify for 33 revenues; the entire program weeks a person must work to be locked into poverty level weeks of benefits -- 13 weeks will be paid for out of UI qualify for benefits, reducing wages forever? Should they be less than under the current premiums. the length of time that benefits penalized for trying to find system. This is totally can be collected and something better, to match As for fraud, out of the 3.2 unacceptable. The govern- increasing penalties for people their skills to the job? million unemployment insur- ment is creating unemploy- who voluntarily quit their jobs or The current penalty of 1 to ance claims each year, there ment, cutting UI benefits; and are fired. 6 weeks for people who quit are about 200 fraud cases. In refusing to pay for the Currently, nearly 80 per their jobs will be increased to unacceptably high. At the giving such prominence to additional costs of the program cent of UI benefits are received between 7 and 12 weeks and beginning of 1989 only one clamping down on abusers, the that are attributable to high by claimants with less than 50 their benefits will be reduced to province had an unemployment government is creating an rates of unemployment. weeks of work and a fifth is 50 per cent of earnings rather rate less than 5 per cent, and illusion of widespread cheating The government has received by workers who than the normal 60 per cent. In half the provinces had to mask the real problem. clearly decided to treat the cannot get more than 20 weeks making this change the unemployment rates of more The second April deluge hit victims of unemployment as of work. The combined effect government has recognized than 9 per cent. Looking at the in the form of the Budget. villains. If this is how the of the higher eligibility that harassment is a justifiable proposed changes to UI one There are so many things in the government wants it, we will do requirements .and the reason to quit a job and will not would almost think that the Budget that deserve unkind everything we can to ensure shortened duration of benefits penalize women who quit for government is trying to create comment. But let's stick fairly that the "villains" rain on the is that seasonal workers and this reason. Proving the impression that unemploy- closely to UI. Tories' UI cutting parade. other workers with insecure harassment can often be ment is voluntary and that The Budget includes two employment are penalized. easier said than done so many people collecting benefits are things of relevance to UI. First, Nancy Riche is Executive Vice- Women, immigrants and a women will be faced with the somehow defrauding the the Budget papers President of the Canadian Labour Congress. ,

New Releases

No. 10, The Work of Child-rearing by Michelle Duval, explores this burden of mothers as the basis on which patriarchy's oppression of women has been built. The characteristics and institutionalization of ~motherwork» and its effect on mothers is described, and a revolutionary stategy to transform it and ultimately society, is proposed.

No. 11, Getting Older and Better: Women and Gender Assumptions in Canada's Aging Society, by Susan McDaniel. In this article some assumptions about gender and gender differences which guide much thinking, including supposedly scientific thinking, are explored and questioned. Some of the challenges " First they attacked the as well as opportunities for women in an aging Canada are highlighted. pensioners, next it was the

No. 12~ Smooth Sailing or Storm Warning? Canadian and Quebec Women's Groups on the Meech Lake Accord, unemployed with cuts to their by Barbara Roberts. An attempt to clarify and heal some of the wounds suffered by the women's movement insurance, now this over the Accord, this article provides an overview and analysis of various groups' positions. Particular care is taken to explain the p9sitions of government hurts the poor, and women's groups in Quebec to their sisters elsewhere in Canada. Includes a Constitutional chronology, disadvantaged. This is the time text of the Accord and other background documents.

No. 13, Some Advice for Overcoming Barriers to to stand together. " Women's Achievement in Non-Traditional Occupations by Barbara Carroll and Frances Cherry. Provides women contemplating non-traditional careers with information about the types of barriers they may encounter and advice to overcome them. Based on interviews which tapped the experiences of women already involved in non-traditional careers.

Price: $2.50 + 7Sc postage each.

Why not become a member of CRIAW? For a brochure, publications list or to order the above, contact: CANADIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN CRl~W INSTITUT CANADIEN DE RECHERCHES SUR LES FEMMES ICR€f 151 SLATER, SUITE 408, OTIAWA. ONTARIO K1P 5H3 page 12 May/June 1989

Across Canada Ontario A new way to look at pay The Women's Action equity. Karen Lieberman, when Coalltlon of Ontario Is forming. asked on Canada A.M about A number of women Wen-Do the discrepancy between what representing provincial and men and women are paid national organizations working Women in action commented,"lt has been on women's issues have been suggested the male appendage meeting since December to is wortl) about $10,000 in the shape a provincial women's compensation of any job." action group. Such an She wasn't far off - the organization would provide Public Service Commission of research resources, could Canada that same week repond to provincial announced that the difference government initiatives and between men and women's pay issues that affect women. It was $9,700. could facilitate communication The Wen-Do Women's Toronto." He has unlimited access to a She commented later, and common action campaigns "There isn't any other Self-Defence Corporation is In Search of Justice views number of gender-neutral self- among women's groups in difference between their work. Ontario. fighting a complaint of sex men as an oppressed group defense programs (and has I just gave a dollar figure to discrimination before the and questions the credibility of advanced skills in judo) and Membership is recruited what the employers are paying from provincial organizations, Ontario Human Rights government agencies, has no need for training which axtra for." with provisions for individual Commission. women's organizations and any is specifically gearea to Karen owns the firm membership, for women or Michael Celik, who has a women who accept that women's needs." organizations who agree to the black belt in judo, filed the It seems that the courts Families that Work, which does women's words are true. They consulting work on family following specific principles: complaint becaus~ ~e was not simply don't believe women. may be on the side of LEAF as was evidenced in a similar case issues for corporations. equaltty; choice; human rights. allowed to participate in a On wife assault: the group that went to the Supreme Court For further informatin course on Wen-Do that his says that the Canadian please contact Janet Maher, union was sponsoring. He is Advisory Council's claim that of Canada. In the Andrews decision, the court recognized 504-105 Raglan Ave. Toronto, claiming sex discrimination one million Canadian men beat M6C2K7. against men. The group he is that the equality guarantees in representing is the men's rights the Charter of Rights and group In Search of Justice. Freedoms, designed to Wen-Do is a form of self- alleviate disadvantage, may defence that was designed and require different treatment of Quebec has been taught to thousands protected groups like women. of women. As Marilyn Walsh, LEAF will argue, on behalf of The Quebec government Punishing the woman for tlie Director of Women's Self- Wen-Do, that accordingly Wen- has legalized the practice of the father's sins. A mother from Defence, points out, "Most Do's women-only program midwifery In Quebec. West Quebec has been rapes happen to women. Most addresses the disadvantage In important ways, sentenced to nine months in jail spousal abuse happens to experienced by women as midwives provide better care because she did not protect women. Yet, women in general targets of violence. Therefore, than doctors. They spend her daughter from her don't participate in contact the program is protected by the more time wtth pregnant women husband's sexual assaults. sports, don't learn to defend Ontario Human Rights Code. and their families; because Quebec Court Judge Gerard themselves." Further, men If the Wen-Do Women's they specialize, they tend to be Charron said the woman played have dozi:ins of other martial- their wives is a lie created by Self-Defence Corporation better informed than many a passive role in her husband's arts courses to choose from. anti-male researchers. In fact, loses, then women risk losing family physicians when it sexual assaults on their The Women's Legal says In Search of Justice, the many services, such as comes to deliveries; and they daughter and "she did not Education and Action Fund actual number is around 2,000. transition houses and rape are inclined to use less protect her daughter the way (LEAF) has agreed to assist On men's sexuality: Ross crisis centres, that have been interventionist and less costly she should have." The 38-year- the Wen-Do Corporation in its Virgin's belief is that medical procedures. o Id husband has been response to this complaint. created to directly respond to unsatisfied male lust the specific needs of women The Midwifery Association sentenced to three years in LEAF believes that Wen-Do's constitutes a "medical problem" prison. who are still facing the denial of is unsure about what the women-only policies are and warrants free, government- their basic equal rights as legalization actually means. specifically designed to run prostitution. Until that is cttizens of this country. They are positive it doesn't promote women's equality and instituted, what does he mean that they can just walk You can help by writing a therefore do not violate human propose men do to satisify letter of support to Wen-Do, into the hospitals and be rights legislation. But why is those uncontrollable urges. 2 Carlton Street, Suite 817, treated with the recognition and this man claiming They perceive women respect they deserve. Toronto, Ontario M5B 1J3. You discrimination and what is this living their own lives, pursuing may wish to include in your group, In Search of Justice, their own ambitions, raising letter a brief description of your that he represents? their own children and own experience (s) of violence, THE 12TH ANNUAL The head of In Search of demanding their fair share as Justice, Ross Virgin, was being anti-male. and your feelings on how self- quoted in the Globe and Mail as defence helped, or could have So is this a case of helped. saying: "Women's groups say discrimination? As LEAF rape is rape. Rape is not rape. Executive Director Christie Please indicate on your We know the difference Jefferson points out, letter whether your name and address can be used as between a 90-year-old Sunday "Excluding Celik from school teacher and the woman participating in Wen-Do on the evidence in this case. You who's screwed every guy in basis of his sex creates no should know that if it is used, it inherent disadvantage for him. becomes public and therefore Music available to the men's group. HUMAN RIGHTS SUMMER COLLEGE Manitoba AUGUST 13-25, 1989 Judge suggests slapping UNIVERSITY OF OTTAW A women. Judge Ken Peters who The fifth annual Human Rights Summer College will bring suggested that women together community workers, teachers, trade unionists and sometime need to be slapped is now focing a review by the human rights educators for two weeks of intensive training Manttoba Judicial Council. and collective exchange of strategies and information. The In the transcript of the From well known figures in women's music like college is designed to provide activists with a chance to case where a man was fined Judy Small, Heather Bishop and Lucie Blue expand their knowledge of basic human rights concepts; to $300 for hitting his wife, Judge Tremblay to exciting new discoveries of critically reflect on their social change activities; to obtain Ken Peters commented: women from around the world like "How does a person current information about issues, legal and community- Mahinaarangi Tocker from New Zealand and based strategies for change. admonish his wife if she goes out on the town with other The Bisserov Sisters from Bulgaria. people, with guys, drinking, To ics will include: and comes home late when she Employment Equity Anti-racism strategies Rights as should have been home looking values in conflict Collective rights Charter of Rights and after the children or cooking, or JULY 14, 15, 16 Freedoms and current charter issues Practical skills whatever else she is expected to do? JERICHO BEACH PARK development: lobbying, funding, using the media, "Sometimes a slap in the teaching human rights skills Organizing your community face is all that she needs and For complete performers list and ticket information, might not be unreasonable please write or call Vancouver Folk Music Festival, F~rJ~fth~~Jhf~rmation pleaSe write; Human.Rights force after all; but here, there 3271 Main St., Vancouver, BC ReSearchind Education Centre., 51 L~uisPasreJ.n·, was at least a slap in the face VSV 3M6 (604) 879-2931 ~fOH..twa, (6~3) to which he has pleaded guilty University KJN §N.S or can 564.;3492. and is prepared to suffer the corisequences." May/June 1989 page 13

Margaret Leahey, chalr- peraon of the Alberta Advisory Alberta Across Canada Council on Women's Issues, recently resigned from her position accusing the government of political I BELONG TO ME interference and lack of commitment to her group. and it's up to me to There has been a growing dispute between the choose who touches me. government and Leahey on whether the Council will continue to exist due to lack of Women in action money and lack of government interest. When she left she said "I don't think they (government) can continue to treat the council the way they have." One example of government neglect was that Premier Don Getty refused to meet with her for a year after telling her to discuss problems with him any time. Incestuous Father Sen- overwhelmed with a feeling of The council has had a tenced - A father who forced disgust and sense of revolt, rocky time. After much and noted that both daughters Newfoundland organizing, Alberta women his two young daughter to have were forced to meet their In loving memory: Diane Diane gave much of managed to convince the sexual relations with him father's sexual demands from Duggan, a long-time feminist herself to her work and to government that a Council was regularly for more than a the age of 10 onward. One was died suddenly in late April. women. She was honoured necessary. decade has been given the twice impregnated by Mr. Diane was an original memher with a candlelight event, They imagined a council maximum sentence possible, 14 years in jail. It is believed to SiveFson, while the other of the Working Group on Child organized by the St. John's that would identify concerns Sexual Abuse and also served Women's Centre. and issues related to women, be the first time in Canada that suffered the first of two an incest case has drawn the nervous breakdowns at tho age as Atlantic regional A friend noted, "She told monitor the effect of representative with the us we got our strength from government policies and maximum penality. of 11. The daughers, who have In sentencing 64-year-old since married and changed Canadian Association of inside ourselves. Diane is the programs and make Sexual Assault Centres. one who found that strength in recommendtions to the Alf Ivar Siverson, Mr. Justice their names, said they feel justice was done but are still She was also active with all of us .... She passed on so minister. The problem is that Allen Sulatycky of Court of Queen's Bench said he was upset. Planned Parenthood and the much to others. Our job is to the minister has done nothing. St. John's Women's Centre. keep passing that on." Mothers, Daughters and Sisters of Invention By E. J. Auerbach Do these names mean clients she saw were men. of Invention •is a guide for exhibit will be on display April who developed the fibre known anything to you -- Bette Because technological inven- facilitators (teachers, commun- 21 to May 31 at the North York as Kevlar, and Nobel Prize Nesmith Graham, Frances tion had been established as a ity group leadt3Ts) with ideas Public Library. The inventions Winner Rosalyn Yale, who Gabe, Patsy Sherman? You male domain (patents_ .are about planning an in-house or in the exhibit will range from designed the radioimmuno- may not recognize them, but considered property and in-school workshop for teenage computer technology to assay, will also be on view, they're inventors. Bette women in the past were girls. Complete with cartoons consumer products. along with inventions by Nesmith Graham created Liquid excluded by law from owning and bibliography the manual is Among Canadian inven- European women. Paper,® ·Frances Gabe property) women seemed a good starting point for t:1ose tions will be the Jolly Jumper®, Contingent upon funding, designed the self-cleaning reluctant to come forward with who want to promote non- the famous tot bouncer, the exhibit is expected to travel house, and Patsy Sherman their ideas. Beauchamp pooled traditional careers for young created by Olivia Poole of to Calgary, Saskatoon, and invented Scotchguard.® her technical and business women. British Columbia, the Eyemaker Montreal. Any organization or You may be one of those expertise with Lisa Avedon, a A greater part of WIP'S Mirror®, a three-angled make- community that would like to women who thinks she can specialist in adult education, energy has been spent in an up and contact lens mirror, book the exhibit or obtain more build a better mousetrap. In and with funding from the advisory capacity. With the aid patented by the former information about WIP and their case you don't already know, Innovations Program of of the materials they have flamenco dancer Chips Klien, work can write or call: The you're not alone, and it's time Employment and Immigration developed from workshops with and PC AID, a computeraid for Women -Inventors Project, to come out of the garage or Canada, they began the women inventors, they have disabled adults, developed by Suite 500, 200 King Street the basement or wherever you Women Inventors Project. given support to inventor Leslie Dolman. South, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J go when the urge to invent groups in several parts of the Inventions by Americans 1NS (519) 746-3443. comes upon you, and meet country. WINGS (Women such as Stephanie Kwolek, your sister inventors. Inventors Network Group ------When Shelly Beauchamp Society) in Calgary has literally and Lisa Avedon, the taken off, while other cities coordinators of the Women such as Vancouver, Montreal, Inventors Project (WIP), held Hamilton, and Toronto are in the first Women Inventors the process of forming their Workshop at the University of own regional groups. Some of y Waterloo in March, 1987, they w C A the benefits gained from the were overwhelmed by the network initiated by WIP are response they received. More meeting women who are than 25 women from five provinces attended, a engaged in inventing, in considerable number when sharing ideas and information, normally only ten Canadian and asking questions. "How do I go about doing market women apply for patents in one Out of a small fifth-floor year's time. Educating women research to see if my idea is office in Waterloo, Ontario, and original? When and how can I on what procedures they need with the aid of many business to follow in order to turn an idea apply for a patent? Will I need and educational sources, WIP a lot of money to proceed with into reality, WIP has started a has produced a !egular network of more than 1000 my idea?" With an additional newsletter, two videos, a grant from Science and Culture members from all across manual on inventing, and a Canada. Canada lasting until September workshop manual for 1990 and a grant from the Women are always teenagers. All are excellent Ontario Women's Directorate, inventing, whether it be in teaching and learning tools. WIP will continue to sponsor utilizing their creativity to The videos are enhanced by workshops and provide links to stretch a household budget interviews with actual women the expanding network of suitable for three to cover five, inventors who serve as role women inventors' groups. In or developing products that are models in an area where women addition, they will develop useful to society at large. But have been relegated to the training kits to be used by as Shelly Beauchamp sidelines. The manual on government and business. inventing entitled The Book for discovered while working as a As part of their drive to Women Who Invent or Want To technology consultant with the educate more women about Canadian Industrial Innovation is a needs-based outline on opportunities in technology and Centre (the Centre's role is to everything a prospective invention, WIP has put evaluate ideas brought forward inventor should know about the together a Travelling Exhibit by inventors) 95% of the inventing process. Daughters called "lnventina Women.· The page 14 May/June 1989 1 Across Canada Yukon Women's Conference - Women in action One Culture in Control

Langford Whitehorse, Yukon -- Association has been asked to by Jan Reproductive technology and participate. However, because traditional Indian healing are of the dominance of white about as far away from each women in the planning, native other as the village of Old Crow women's participation has been is from Ottawa. Yet those two peripheral at best. Although the diverse topics of discussion racism has generally been highlighted the 1Oth Annual unspoken, white feminists delicious, some Indian women Yukon Women's Conference. have made some ugly racist concerns. It started out being stated that for $15 a plate they Over the three-day comments to Indian women. about the complex issues Indian and non-native women would have liked some meat. conference, other issues Developing trust has been surrounding reproductive made a difference. The Food, smoking and alcohol emerged, reminding us that a slow process. Yearly technology. Suggestions were workshops on Indian traditions are only three of the cultural cultural differences are turnover among the women gathered from many women's were very popular among differences that need to be important. organizing the conference has organizations. In the end, there native and non-native women recognized. Some non-native Creating a conference meant that mistakes have been were workshops on Indian alike. Still, the conference can feminists are just beginning to where women from all cultures repeated over and over again. family traditions, lesbian not be called a cross-cultural see the cultural issues. We are can come together, feel This year, the Indian intimacy and homophobia, experience. just beginning to examine our comfortable and get something Women's Association was AIDS, infertility, traditional The content and structure own culture and the way it out of it is a challenge. In the asked if they would like to Indian medicines, reproductive of the conference is still dominates our thinking and our Yukon, the Annual Women's participate in the planning of technology, the healing circle, controlled by white feminists. way of doing things. Conference has been a focal the conference. They chose to equality in the bedroom, Indian women have no control Dealing with racism in our point for trying to bring native offer suggestions for birthing options, and more. of the planning process and own behaviour is not easy. But and non-native women workshops that might address The key-note speakers thus no ownership of the event. it is necessary. The non-native together. Indian women's health also reflected the input from During the conference feminist community has a lot of This year's conference, concerns. A small working native and non-native women. weekend, organizers became work to do internally. And we called "Who Is In Control?: group of conference organizers Connie Clement, from Toronto aware of other cultural issues have to decide if the Annual Sex, Reproduction and and Indian women activists met Island, presented information that have never been Women's Conference will Intimacy in the 1990's" drew regularly throughout the on reproductive technologies addressed. For example, the become a forum for expression more Indian women than in planning. This process seemed that opened our eyes. And food we serve, smoking of two cultures or if it will remain previous years. About 30 of the to eliminate some of the Edna Manitowabi, from the policies and the availability of solidly in the hands of white 140 participants were native. communication problems and Sudbury area, touched our alcohol are all cultural issues. feminists. However, whille the conference blatant racism that had spirits when she spoke of One women commented can generally claim to be a hindered the participation of Indian traditions and the that at white functions there is Jan Langford was involved in great sµccess, there is still Indian women in previous process of healing. At the lots of booze ,and no smoking the planning for this year's much work to do if we truly want years. banquet, both speakers talked while at Indian meetings there's Women's Conference and is a a cross-cultural experience. With the direction given by about our common experiences plenty of smoking and no member of the OptiMSt The Women's Conference the Indian Women's as women and the benefits of drinking. And while most women's newspaper collective. is organized by non-native Association, the conference working together. women at the banquet thought She has lived in Whitehorse for women's groups. In the past, theme grew to reflect both Having workshops and the range of fresh salads and the past five years and drives a the Yukon Indian Women's Indian and non-native women's speakers of interest to both chicken casserole was jeep. Women with disabilities are parents, too

by Pat Danforth

D.A.W.N. Disabled disabilities who are parents so cover actual costs for care Women's Network, Canada is a we could discuss our common workers, and standardizing national organization of and for concerns, experiences and funding programs for disabled women with disabilities. Our problems, and develop an people across Canada; history as an organization is action plan to address those *working towards short, only since 1985 when 17 issues. We came from across accessible day care; courageous women got Canada, from St. John's to recognizing older parents together and said "yes" there Victoria. Some of us were and the need to develop needs to be an organization married, some separated, adequate support systems for that addresses the issues of some never married. What we them. being female and disabled. had in common was kids -- from To carry out our priorities Women's organizations babes in arms to young adults - we recommended to DAWN could not and cannot answer - and a desire to use our Canada's board of directors our unique needs. Disabled collective experience to (and they agreed) that a consumer organizations did strengthen DAWN. caucus of women with not, and at times, do not see I was representing DAWN disabilities who are mothers be women with disabilities as Saskatchewan as a mother of a formed. The caucus will having concerns outside 14-year-old boy/man. I had a develop specific proposals on generic disabled issues. lot of stories I wanted to share. Or about my struggle to a cohesive group primed to our eight priorities, plus act as DAWN's solution was to work Stories like asking my doctor get homemaking services and change our corner of the world. a liaison with other national with both groups. We believed about getting pregnant and him being told my husband should Why? Because for us it was organizations on concerns of and continue to believe that our saying he saw no reason why I do more -- and finally getting the first time we had a chance mothers with disabilities. An own organization can act as a couldn't, even though I was a homemaking only to lose it to come together and find out ambitious plan for the women bridge uniting women's paraplegic and reliant on a when hubby walked out and I that we had valid issues and present but as one participant organizations and disabled wheelchair. He was right, could no longer afford it! I also concerns that needed action. said "Of course we can do it, consumer organizations. We getting pregnant was easy. wanted and needed other We defined eight priorities: we're mothers, we always also realized and continue to And I figured this man knew women's stories. I knew I research funding; manage to get it done -- have affirmed the need to what he was talking about. He could learn so much from sharing our stories; somehow." reach out to women with hospitalized me one month others who have gone through *creating a mother's disabilities who are often before my due date. Thank similar experiences. support group to increase Pat Danforth is a single isolated in institutions, homes goodness Carl decided to come Our workshop on parenting community support; parent of a 14-year-old. She and in themselves. two weeks early! The reason was ably chaired by Linda developing a network of works full-time and is involved Outreach to women with for me being hospitalized? Doc Ervin, a United Church minister information sharing; in a number of organizations, disabilities includes mothers figured I wouldn't know when I from Vancouver. She took a coordinating with national including DAWN Sask., of with disabilties. On March 25 was in labour and no matter group of women, many of us groups on child care and which she is Chairperson. She to 27, 1989, DAWN Canada what I said to him he didn't strangers, to each other; and parenting issues; lives in Regina with her son, brought together women with believe me until I was in labour. by the end of two days we were lobbying for fun

Forty people, with beaches. Instead of shovels, spill was under control and the compensation. Although the wheelbarrows, buckets, we had to rake the oil or get on beaches were clean. ocean has scoured the garbage pails, and shovels, our hands and knees by the The company hired to do beaches back to their previous their rubber gloves on, logs and scoop it up by hand. clean-up was sticking mainly to beauty, there is still a Jot of oil scooping thick tarry oil. Filling Dead birds were kept highly visible park beaches. somewhere on the ocean Women in action up any container available. separate and were being The Provincial Emergency bottom. Chopping up the kelp stuck in heaped by the park Program came two weeks into We still need a coastal the oil so it would fit in the headquarters; oil was being the spill to set up a volunteer protection act, and we need to buckets. Trying desperately to dumped at the Totino airport office, even though the Friends stop shipping oil up and down shovel blobs the size of until we knew what to do with it. of Clayoquot Sound had had a our wilderness coastline. The automobiles off the beach Live birds were sent to the volunteer working well from day Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska before the tide came in. Friends of Clayoquot Sound one. was an inevitable punctuation Picking out barely recognizable office where a bird hospital was We had to do a drastic to our "small spill". dead birds stuck in the blobs. set up. action of oiling the BC The ocean is alive and we Valerie Langer lives and Rain turning to hail as night fell; The Friends of Clayoquot legislative buildings in order to are compromising it by our works in Totino, BC, one of the and, finally, the tide pushing us Sound, the Nuu-Chah-Nulth get money to feed the 2,000 demands for more fuel and most beautiful places in the off the beach. people (aboriginal people volunteers that came through petroleum products. Ultimately world as far as she's We cried as we stooped whose land is in the area) and our town of 900. we are responsible for the oil concerned. She wrote this over the tub at home, the townspeople were working And now? Two thousand spill and the death of the article while in jail with five scrubbing the oil off our arms, madly. There was no way a dead birds were found (so wildlife. Only enormous other Totino women, for hands and faces. Tried not to community as small as Totino about 20,000 died), only about changes in our lifestyles and blockading a logging road near cover our house in oil as we and the native communities 4% of the oil was ever pressure on our government Totino. She is one of 33 people took off our ruined raingear. could possibly tackle the job of recovered, fishermen who lost will save the absolutely who were arrested, all of whom Ate supper while listening to money while their fishery was beautiful coastal wilderness of were later formally honoured for the ocean, picturing the huge closed haven't seen a cent of Vancouver Island. their oil spill work! patches of oil we couldn't even begin to clean up. We were fearing for the whales, the birds, the otters. Saskatoon International -- It was the first day of a clean-up which we would repeat for the next month. Women's Day committee - The first we heard about the oil spill was on the news, by Theresa Healy and December 23, 1988. The fighting a legal battle Sally Glsndennhg Sausse Bros. barge, The 875,000 "f estucca, spilled Four days prior to clinic (when its lounge space It is to our credit that we litres of bunker C oil into the LOVE YOUR Saskatoon's International was rented for a celebration of had worked together extremely ocean off the Washington Women's Day weekend of the first anniversary of the well over the previous months coast. We were assured by the MOTHER events, we were informed that striking down of the abortion and had developed a level of Coast Guard it wouldn't reach Bernadette Mysko, a prominent law) and the Community Health trust and respect which allowed our coast. cleaning the 60 km of member of a local anti-choice Unit (for their birth control clinic us to identify with each other, Janurary 3, 1989, sitting at wilderness coastline and regardless of sexual islands that comprise the area organization, had persuaded for teenagers, which provides the Common Loaf Bake Shop in orientation. We carried this of Clayoquot Sound. the secretary of St. Joseph's confidential information and Totino, on the west coast of sense of co-operation over into Volunteers were starting to Parish church to break our services to teens). Other Vancouver Island, we get a the post-event organizing. pour into town but because of contract, and refuse us the members felt it was due to the phone call from Pacific Rim ~ rough seas we couldn't risk rental of the hall for the lesbian workshop included in feminist lawyer has National Park staff. "We've got the events for the day. offered her services, and with oil and dead birds on our taking them in our boats to International Women's Day Vargas or Blunden Islands. celebration dance. The stated Regardless of the her help and advice we are beaches. Has anybody. found investigating a range of We called for the army to grounds for the cancellation reasoning behind the anything on Chesterman's options. come in. We needed 1,000 were that the church's board of cancellation, we were forced to Beach?" One option is to lodge a self-sufficient, strong workers directors had a policy against scramble to re-arrange a Shelley Milne went home, location for the dance. In the formal complaint with the got some plastic bags and to clean up the isolated areas. "all-women events". Later end, we lost money because of Human Rights Commission, gloves, and went looking for oil We could handle volunteers for accusations that the IWD local beaches. We were coalition was pro-choice and the costs involved in this because of the denial of rental on the beach. By Frank Island change. on the basis of gender. There spit, she started running into refused the help of the army. the IWD dance "known to be for We were impressed to see is ~Is~ the possibility of filing a small blobs, then huge blobs. Our attempts to deal with lesbians" were raised as t~at most of the coverage claim 1n the small claims court She flagged down a friend the oil spill were frustrated at justifications for the given by the local media was to recoup the losses we jogging by, who ran to get more almost every turn by our cancellation. government and our national incurred. We could also file a friends; and there we were - civil suit for libel and slander forty townspeople cleaning up Coast Guard. When we needed against the individual women. the oil. Our options also include The next morning we got helicopters to pick up bags of oil and to reach isolated areas, non-legal remedies, and we are up and started again, except examining such things as an this time the waves had broken we found our politicians were using them to fly over us. approach to local community the oil up into smaller, pancake groups, asking them to support size blobs. As the days and When we needed more people to help, the Coast Guard was a boycott of the hall. We would weeks went by the wave action also li~e to. meet with the parjsh broke the oil up into quarter trying to play down the spill by putting out false news that the council to educate them on t'he size pieces that lined entire meaning and principles of IWD, and the human rights of won_ien, of lesbians, and pro- The church spokesperson sympathetic and supportive. cho1cers. told the local media the reason For example, an editorial in the Shirley E. Greenberg Qur objectives are a public they cancelled was due to local paper condemned the apology for the cancellation "misrepresentation". One of bigotry and intolerance which compensation for our losses, ~ the co-sponsoring groups had Howard J. Polowin led to the cancellation, and guarantee that a similar booked the hall for the dance correctly identified the need for situation will not arise again, because the ad-hoc sexual orientation to be committee, as it is not a legal and a statement of support for Lesley I. Cameron included as a protected group IWD. body of any kind, cannot enter in the Human Rights Code. Out of all this has come a into contracts. Apparently, The support from the larger you need two legal bodies in strong commitment to turn the GREENBERG & ASSOC/A TES community was tremendous. ad-hoc committee into a year- any contract so you can sue The outrage expressed each other afterwards! round organization, and to see towards the actions of the that the struggles of women Banisters and SoHcitors In actual fact, it has never individual woman and the 440 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 330 been clear what the real reason receive support, education and church validated our celebration daily, not just one Ottawa, Ontario, K1 R 7X6 was for the cancellation: experiences and feelings. Lesbianism? Pro-choice? day a year. Any right wing aims As a group, we found of creating disunity and chaos Gender? ourselves facing the external Telephone (613) 235-7774 Some members feel that wth harassment and p~e~sures with unity and intimidation in the women's FAX (613) 230-7356 the cancellation of the hall was dignity. There was no division only another step in the anti- movement in Saskatoon have as might have been expected: sadly backfired. Legal seNices include choice terrorism which has along lines of sexual plagued the city in recent orientation. Differences which Theresa Healy and Sally months. Examples of this over did emerge, after the events Wills and Estates, Business and the past few months have Glendenning are members of Employment Law, Family Law, Real Estate were over, were more the Saskatoon IWD Committee. included pickets of individual ideological. They appeared as pro-choice doctors' homes debates over questions of pickets at the local community strategy: how to respond and deal with the aftermath. page 16 May/June 1989 J Across Canada Housing report from New Brunswick Look in your own backyard Women in action by Rosella Melanson

"To solve a problem, we go into debt, so they do and the bathroom had no In an absurd incident must first identify it correctly. without, often to the detriment washbasin... a foul smell related to the release of the The Task Force report does not of their own health and safety. emanated from the toilet. The Report, the Toronto Star take note of two critically "In reality, people must walls and ceiling were in carried articles concerning the important facts: Poverty today choose between eating and deplorable condition. Cracked Rei:><>rt and housing conditions, has been feminized and the heating." windows tried unsuccessfully which prompted some make-up of the Canadian family In the cities, one of the to keep the outside air at bay. concerned Torontonians to "Housing is the visible tip has changed significantly." major concerns was the lack of Alarmingly, most of the send money through the Star's of the iceberg of poverty," was Although target groups any minimum standards on electrical wiring was hanging on Maritime office. As one Task the fitting opening comment of such as seniors and low- rooming houses, where seniors the outside of the interior walls Force member said, "My God, the Report of the New income families and unserved and deinstitutionalized persons ... The landlord informed us look in your own backyard." Brunswick Task Force on populations such as youth, often end up. that he had only bought the Maritimers know that more of Housing. After a much- "victims of family violence" and "People living in a rooming house for the land it occupied, them are poor, but they also publicized tour of the province deinstitutionalized persons house pay $200/month for a know that the depth of their to view "Third World" housing were identified in the report, the room, no fridge, small stove poverty is not unique in Canada conditions, the Task Force sex variable was ignored. (that doesn't work), bathroom and at least is not worsened by recommended a wide range of However, the Task Force shared with 10-15 other people, skyrocketing housing costs actions to address the served to awaken the national the entire accommodations found in "Uppity Canada". immediate need tor housing public to the housing issues of were disgustingly filthy ... the and remedying !Ong-term rooms were partitioned with adequacy and affordability. Rosella Melanson works for the poverty in the province. The sheets of wall panel that didn't The Task Force members said NB Advisory Council on the Report was comprehensive in even extend to the ceiling ... they were appalled by what Status of Women. its case and would have been they saw and heard on their and this was the best room in well received by everyone, if tour: "We saw living the entire house. Total income the Task Force could have conditions ... which many Third was $405/month. There were The Voices of Our 'Third World brought itself to mention World countries with a fraction no working appliances so the Poor" it New Brunswick women. of this province"s resources person had to find other ways would be ashamed of." of eating and since the Women Alone About 40,000 NB bathroom was not usable for households, or 17%, are in any human being, other "I never have money to do "core housing need" as defined resources had to be obtained anything ... Sometimes I just by Canada Mortgage and for cleaning ... living in this sit around and cry because I Housing Corporation, i.e. in kind of environment only am always alone. I don't even which more than 30% of income breeds anger, hostility and and that he did not intend to put have money to go home to visit is spent on shelter. contempt which can defeat you any repairs on it since he my dad and gram ... I had "The Housing Task Force before you even start." planned to tear it down in a year considered trying co-op has seen people cry; people "From the standpoint of or two." housing which has subsidy without basic needs such as social progress, the right of Probably the most (but) due to electric heat my water, sewage, heat." every Canadian to decent surprising outcome of the Task income would not be Most of the briefs housing is lagging about a Force was the consistent adequate ... " (Saint John Anti- submitted by the public had century behind the right to echoing of the same theme Poverty Association) some strong comments about primary education and some from almost everyone, from the housing situation in New two decades behind universal businesses to individuals that "Many women of middle Brunswick. One of the primary health care." "the poverty of the poor is not a age are single due to abuse Jeanne d'Arc Gaudet, concerns was recognizing and The worst housing was call to generous relief action, and/or alcoholism of a spouse, Chairperson of the NB Advisory supplying programs most often found in rental but a demand that we go and desertion or premature Council on the Status of appropriate to rural and urban accommodations. And who build a different social order." widowhood. With the advent of Women said, "We are struck by populations. rents? - the poor (mostly As the Fredericton state supported single, the fact that although women, "The majority of New women) and our youth. Chamber of Commerce stated unmarried mothers, many more especially single-parent Brunswickers live in small "We visited one house for in their presentation, "It has women will be reaching middle women, are the largest communities or rural areas, rent. The advertisement in the recently been published that in age in the future, with the same clientele of public housing, the which are growing faster than newspaper indicated that it was excess of 100,000 New housing problems. The Task Force Report hardly the urban sector (StatsCan). 'a small old house for rent, Brunswickers live below the majority of these women have poverty line, and that one in six mentions them." They lack access to many $150 per month'. You cannot little or no marketable job skills. NB children live in poverty ... "We do not understand programs (no structure to imagine the condition of this They are considered too old to The business community views their reluctance to recognize deliver them); incomes are 'house' without seeing it. Even be employable, even if this as a tremendous waste of that the problems of poverty lower; housing stock is smaller the rundown state of the skilled ... " (Wiser Women, a great natural resource. and of housing affect one sex and poorer; the 'housing Moncion) exterior did not prepare us for People are resources and more than the other and that market' is limited; qualified the interior. The floor was so assets, and it is not good the needs of the female builders/developers are warped that walking on it gave "Over 70% of the elderly business to waste these poor are women. Most of the clientele could be different. scarce; rental is almost non- the impression of being on a resources and assets ... [In The Report's recommen- existent; and building badly listing ship. Mismatched elderly poor are unattached - Sweden, every young person is living alone or with non- dations could go a long way to regulations are frequently lengths of ancient cushion guaranteed a job or training addressing housing needs, but impractical and unreasonable." flooring affixed with carpet relatives - and 82% of these because of society's attitude] unattached elderly poor are only if, in their implementation (Provincial Steering Committee tacks tried their best to hold ... When there is not full government takes into account of Housing Coalitions) the rotting boards together. women." (NB Advisory Council employment, the attitude is on the Status of Women) the fact that women comprise It was found that low- The stairway leading to the tiny clear - it must be the economic most of its clientele and that income families in rural areas bedrooms upstairs was narrow, system, its policies and women have needs particular often live in deplorable crooked, and generally unsafe. programs, and not the citizens, to their group. conditions. They don't want to The kitchen had no cupboards which has failed."

Working for Equality 1954-1989 Pour l 'egalite

Information: (819) 997-1550

Women's Bureau Bureau de la main-d'reuvre feminine Ottawa, KlA OJ2 Ottawa KlA OJ2

Labour Travail 1+1 Canada Canada Canada May/June 1989 page 17 Racism in Women's Studies (Excerpts from a talk I was only called upon to presented at York University clarify and answer ignorant by Cannen Henry on racisf"' in Women:S Studies.) questions that you could not find answers to in your text Let me first ask, what books. Only then was I allowed entails women's studies to speak about my plight as a courses? Are we non-white non-white woman. charged with plagiarism he women's studies. In the are males or females. Racism women a part of it? If yes, then As racism slowly began to couldn't do anything. Since curriculum, there should be a cannot be examined in sexism why are our experiences left emerge in our conversation, it then, March of 1988, I have theoretical perspective of non- terminologies. Racism must be out, or made marginal content was quickly compared to had a problem writing. white women, which would take examined as a separate entity in the new herstory books. gender and class oppression It wasn't until I was asked us out of the margin and place that dominates the lives of non- Women's studies came and again, the arena in which to speak at the "Forum: Equity us at the centre of the white women. Only then can it about when women realized sexual liberation is addressed. and Access for Black, Asian analysis, giving us the same be placed in conjunction with that their own historical Do you know, that my and Native Women at York", in status as our white sisters. We sexism and classism. perspective and experience oppression is not one or two- January, 1989 that I regained are looking for women's studies Systemic discrimination is had been left out of their fold. My reality is subjugated some confidence in my writing courses that reflect the a reality lived by non-white education. Women's studies not only by gender and class, skill. importance of cultural, racial people. This form of was to be the arena where the but by race. When I am seen, I I s:.Jffered emotional stress and social class variables. institutional racism hinders the neglect and misrepresentation because of this allegation, progression of all non-white of women were to be althol!gh I am healing now. people and forces them to live counteracted. This was to be Forewarned about feminist structured lives. I once heard the course where women could courses, I decided to venture in one of my classes that if a come together and share forth, and I came out with woman is raped, then all women collectively their herstory. wounded pride. I couldn't can be raped. Black women have been believe a woman would do this Sister, as long as I am among their white sisters, to another woman after discriminated against, you will marching and negotiating for studying the struggle women equality for women in the continually be discriminated have endured to achieve women's movement, yet they against. anything. I re-enact the are still not recognized as That is the experience of a equal in women's studies scenario many times in my Black sister who has competed mind to project how this could courses. Is this racist? her Women's Studies degree Racism is an ideology that have been avoided. I thought, at York University. propagates white supremacy, "Why didn't she ask to see my Thus, I compel you to research notes, if she was in whose function is to justify respond urgently to your non - doubt about my writing ability?" inferior treatment for racially white si~ter's pleas to let her I didn't want to believe that this distinct groups. ls the women's voice be heard in a positive studies curriculum contributing had happened because I was light. Let her share with you to this ideology? Is there a Black. past and present role models dominant group who have the It is time women writers who have battled racism, power to oppress? You bet. and others who are involved in sexism and classism and have Furthermore, non-white women curriculum development stop come out of the war with no Civil rights activist Fanny have ·fewer resources to resist pussyfooting around and visible scars. Lou Hamer commented that the oppression. One resource confront racism, ethno- Come, enter my world, let centrism, classism and limited "the •white women's freedom is me introduce you to non-white we do have and are using shackled in chains to mine and c.onstantly is anger. Black treatment of Black women in women who have fought for the their works. Our white sisters she realizes for the first time right to be politicians, doctors, women have been complaining that she is not free until I am for years about racism in their have to address the real issues lawyers, and judges; for you of the economic racial free." I wonder how many white already know about my sisters education. Although some women know that's how a Black people have been listening, oppression. among non-white who are domestics. women. woman views the feminist Come, listen to these little, if anything constructive movement. has been done to alleviate the am seen as a Black woman. In doing so, course words that my sisters have Note: Black comes first! offerings on Black women and Racism is a separate force spoken and are still speaking. problem. This is why we show that dictates the lives of all our angar. It is our only power I was the only Black other women of colour must be Come let us fight racism, non-white people whether they and if we fail to use it positively woman in this course and the added to the curriculum of sexism and classism together. we have no hope of achieving term paper was to find a equality. woman's group that Betty Black women crave Friedan's book The Feminine knowledge, we want to read Mystique didn't address. I and loam about the lives, thought that Friedan's concept struggle and achievement of was not addressing the plight other black women. That is why of the domestic workers who we venture into women's had to leave their country to New Women's Studies programs studies courses, hoping that work in Canada under our thirst will be quenched. It is sometimes harsh conditions. at Carleton University,. yet to happen. I sp-eak from My views and arguments personal experience in a were very strong on this women's study course. subject, so I did very thorough As a past Women's research, taking my holidays Have you ever been interested in finding out answers to questions such as Studies student, I can honestly and sick days off to write this say that at times, I felt marginal paper. When I got my marks, I "Why are women paid less in the workforce than men?" and neglected by the Feminist was very thrilled. I had done "Is literature written by women different from that written by men?" Movement. Although I shared previous papers for this the classroom with my white professor and my marks "Do women have a different approach to politics than men?" sisters, we did not share the ranged from B to C+. But this "Is the legal system a bastion of male domination or away for women same experiences and time I got an A. Wow! I was to achieve equality?" realities. Hence, I was forced asked to see the professor. I to be only an observer during expected praise in front of this their realm of reasoning. class of 35 people. However, This year, Carleton University has solved some of these problems by I merely existed with my my excitement was short-lived. approving two new undergraduate programs in Women's Studies. sisters and continued to learn Within minutes, the professor "herstory" which was not much accused me of plagiarism! Starting in Fall, 1989, Carleton University's Institute of Women's Studies different from "history". She told me I was not is offering new undergraduate pass and honours degree programs in I felt enraged and capable of writing this paper Women's Studies combined with a second arts or social science discipline. saddened that you had by- and must have paid someone Both programs allow students to develop a knowledge of the interdisciplinary passed my whole story and to do it. I was furious! Instead made it only a footnote in your of going on to work from my field of women's studies, as texts. class that night I went home well as a knowledge of another When you did give me a and I complained to everyone arts or social scimce discipline. small skit to play in the who would listen. Then I started The combined honours programs curriculum -- you paid close crying. For days I couldn't requires a more in-depth attention to me and observed stop. knowledge of the theories and me under your microscope I complained to the Dean methods associated with along with all the other non- of the department and was told white sisters. that as long as I wasn't women's studies. page 18 May/June 1989

Across Canada The anti-choice lobby: Southern Alberta edition by Lisa Jensen and harass innocent citizens. the conference, they organized (five from Calgary, six from five anti-choicists marched in Women in action Everyone has the right to an a picket against the convent Airdrie, one from Cremona) front of this doctor's home; opinion, but nobody has the for allowing a "pro-abortion" were charged under the Petty some stood in front of his right to impose his/her beliefs group to hold a conference Trespass Act • and faced house with a banner reading on everyone I know that there. It was explained to maximum fines of $100 and jail "Dr. Moscovitz Kills Babies." most Canadians support convent officials that the word terms if they refused to pay. A Many of the an'ti-choicists women's reproductive freedom, "abortion" would never be trial date has been set for refused to give their names, but the fringe who believes in mentioned at a conference October 1989; all have pleaded claiming they did not want to be restricting women's rights to aimed at combatting racism, not guilty. harassed by those who do not their own lives has the publicity but nevertheless' marchers One week later, while share their views, yet they and money to persuade were obliged to change their stating they would likely obey a have no qualms about politicians and legislators they route. It is not difficult to court order to stay away from harassing patients and staff at Anti-choice advocates have a strong support base. guess whether local media the hospital. They also phone have been making themselves In November 1986, when picked up on the ten picketers • and .harass the families of seen and heard for as long as I Dr. Henry Morgentaler was or the women celebrating . hospital board members, and can remember, which is likely giving a speech at the as long as women's mail graphic leaflets to anyone University of Calgary, anti- . P.erhaps it is mere . decide needs.. the reproductive rights have been ~hey abortionists organized a coincidence, but again this 1ntrus1on. Fortunate rec1p1ents an issue (in other words, since protest, which drew only a year anti-choicist antics were \of such literature have included the gloomy dawn of patriarchy). handful of supporters, yet was staged close to International f reporters who may have Their voices are lifted as capitalized by the media. A Women's Day. For years anti- indicated a pro-choice stance, stridently in C&.lgary as year earlier, Larry Heather was choicists have regularly pro-choice organizations, and anywhere else; motivated by convincted of assault after picketed the offices of the people whose names have so-called "Christian" fervour, spraying Dr. Morgentaler with Calgary Birth Control the hospital, these extremists been gleaned from the "Letters these self-appointed guardians ketchup from a plastic Association (an organization threatened to picket in front of to the Editor" section of local of the fetus employ tactics dispenser. Posters and which offers contraceptive the homes of doctors who newspapers. One woman who which might seem comical, displays exhibited by anti- counselling and does referrals perform abortions. The doctors had received unsigned articles were the implications not so choicists typically include for adoptions and abortions), stated, to their credit, that they accompanied by gru~?ome scary. (One sometimes photographs of a fetus in the as well as hospitals where would not be intimidated by photographs, after writing a wonders whether these zealots womb, an aRPeal to the guilt abortions are performed. They these "fanatics." letter to the newspaper editor, are motivated by nforal conscience we are all frave gone so far as lo Not only did these anti- remarked that she felt her cdnviction' or by a desire to see supposed to rule our lives by. blockade the entrance bolt choicists carry out their threat freedom of speech was being themselves on television). In For lnternationarWoman's doors and harass any ....:omen the following Sunday, they also threatened. Indeed it was. any case, without them, Day 1986, the Calgary Status wfto attempt to enter. 1 d" "b d f At the end of March 1989, mainstream media would be of Women Action Committee , ute gruesome u 1 Michael Malley, President of On February 28• 1989 colour leaflets in one doctor's hard' put to find more organized a weekend members of the Campaign Life neighbourhood stating "Dr. Campaign Life Coa~itio~, captivating photo. conference with the theme Coalition demonstrated ouside Wally Moscovitz lives at 216 attempted for the fourth time m opportunities. "Dialogue Toward a Multi-Racial of the Peter Lougheed Centre Pumphill View S.W. and kills two years to obtain an Not only do these right- Women's Movement." Due to a of the Calgary General babies for a living.. Their injunction that would block city winged crusaders believe they last minute double-booking Hospital, while twelve men rationale for such a tactic is funding of the Calgary Birth have the right to determine the error, organizers made the entered the building and that if this doctor is not Control Association. Fortun- lives of .all women, they are unforeseen event of holding chained themselves to ately, his case was adjourned convinced they have the divine . . adverse to performing the event at a nunnery. When equipment m the second-floor abortions, he should not be authority to break existing laws local anti-choicists heard about abortion clinic. The twleve men cont'd on page 19 ashamed if others know. Forty- n nor r r u r a nu a r rs JP r cP s t? t a a t nu t a JP PS t Pc JP r u n a Ps'f Where to get The Womanist in Canada

Since so many of you have Ottawa Women's Bookstore, been writing and calling to find Elgin Street out where you can pick up The Woman/st in your area, we Across ONTARIO Octopus Books, Bank Street decided it was high time to compile a list of some of our Canada Bancroft OCLISS, 392 Bronson Ave. distribution points. We've listed locations Maggie's Resource Centre of North Hastings Immigrant Women's Centre, 18 where the paper regularly is Louisa distributed in towns and cities across the country. You can Stephenvllle ~ Bay St. George Status of University of Guelph, Women's Women's Place, and most also find the paper in many community centres in Ottawa other places, but not regularly. Women Council Centre, Main Resource Centre Street Many thanks to our Peterborough distributors everywhere who The Bookshelf, Quebec Street NOVA SCOTIA Moncton The Book Tree, 254 Charlotte put so much effort into Claysmith Craft Gallery, Wilson Street ensuring that women are able New Brunswick Advisory Street Bridgewater Council on the Status of to pick up The Woman/st at Thunder Bay these spots! Second Story Women's Centre, Women, 95 Foundry Street, Hamilton Fort William Clinic A reminder: if you want the 99 York Street Suite 207 Women's Book&top, 333 Main convenience of having The Street West Northern Women's Bookstore Woman/st sent to your home, tlfillmx Saint John please subscribe! Red Herring Co-operative Women's Information Centre, Huntsville Status of Women Committee, Lakehead University Student Bookstore, 1555 Granville St. Muskoka Whole Foods, 110 NEWFOUNDLAND 27 Wellington Road Centre Service for Sexual Assault Main St. East Indian Friendship Centre, and ComerBrool< Victims, 6450 Young Street ~ Kingston a variety of community centres Corner Brook Status of Women Women's Information and Mrs. Dalloway's Books, 381 Council Centre Resource Centre and laundromats! Princess Street I2rQll12 Labrador City QUEBEC 519 Community Centre, 519 Prison for Women Labrador West Status of Charlottetown Church St. Women Council and Women's Voluntary Resource Centre, 81 Montreal Centre, Community Centre, Prince Street Concordia University Women's Kltcbener!Waterloo Native Women's Resource Drake Avenue Centre Women's Centre, University of Centre, 245 Gerrard East. P.E.1. Advisory Council on the Waterloo SJ. John's Status of Women L'Androgyne Bookstore Toronto Women's Bookstore, Continental Restaurant ~ 73 Harbord Street George Street NEW BRl.MSWJCK L'Essentiel Bookstore Womansline Books Immigrant Women's Health Rabbittown Community Centre Fredericton YWCA North Bay Centre, 750 Dundas St. W., Graves Street Harriet Irving Library, Low Income People Involved #301 University of New Brunswick, Coloured Women's Club (UPI), 20 Marshall Ave. W. St. John's Status of Women or call Kay Nandlall at (506) YWCA, 80 Woodlawn Ave. E. Centre, Military Road 459-8030 Senior Citizen's Council North Bay Women's Centre DEC Book Distributors, 229 College Street May/June 1989 page 19

The anti-choice Across Canada lobby Balancing the Scales: social service workers charged with assault by Teddy Gunson "We begin with the belief integrity has reached an all The perception of that each person is of inherent time low. Three social service vulnerability and dependency worth and should be presumed workers were recently charged is a double-edged sword for because he had not filed all the capable of reason, choice, with a total of eighteen women that frequently serves Women in action proper affidavits. Malley is self-realization and indepen- offences including procure- to endanger them. In general also trying to locate women dence ... We therefore conclude ment of persons to have illicit women are socialized to be who have suffered physical or that society has a sexual intercourse, breach of passive and dependent. psychological problems responsibility to assist its trust, extortion, sexual assault As children, they are told following abortions after being members in their development and aggravated sexual that theirs will be a supportive counselled by the CBCA, in and integration... The worth of assault. role rather than a a pro-active order to put them in touch with society can be measured by One of the men is one. They are encouraged to lawyers and sue the CBCA and the extent to which it provides accused of mutilating a be gentle, tidy, seen and not the City of Calgary. assistance." woman's breasts, arms and heard, sugar and spice and all Not all social workers I used to just laugh at the back with a lighted cigarette things nice. If they live up to abuse power, nor do all men antics of these self-righteous while having intercourse with this ideal they will find some abuse women. However, zealots, but I am becoming her. Another charge refers to nice man to take care of them wherever there is an imbalance frightened. Sadly, they are the coercion of the same and live happily ever after. of power, abuse will exist. gaining credibility with some woman to have an abortion, Small wonder the general Since women comprise the Members of Parliament who under threat of losing her child condition of women's self- largest number of the poor and forego their responsibility to to the Department of Social esteem is low. the needy, this makes them very vulnerable targets. represent all of their Services. All of the women A healthy self-concept is constituents in order to involved are presently or were not easily attained by those There are some things we promote their own personal at one time recipients of Social who are systematically trained can do to help improve the views. The recent pro-choice Assistance. to defer to the opinions of condition of women on social rally in Washington, D.C., Clearly, this points to others and think of themselves assistance. First, we must find which drew some 500,000 abuse of authority, among last. These very child-like ways and resources to improve supporters, was encouraging; other things, and is echoed by virtues, when combined with women's self-esteem, asser- yet it is weighed against the recent rash of reported women's sexuality, become the tiveness, knowledge of their bombings of abortion clinics sexual abuse of children in the roots of their exploitation. human rights, and access to and other media attracting Catholic Church. What is not Exploiting the vulnerable has fairness and justice. It takes stunts in the United States. so clear is that while society become a multi-billion dollar conviction of self-worth and The struggle for women's perceives women and children industry whose profits increase courage to speak out on choice, whether in regard to as having similar alarmingly every year. exploitation and abuse. It also abortion or any other issue, is characteristics of vulnerability What does all this have to takes confidence that constant and never-ending. and dependency, there is a do with women on welfare? someone will hear and believe. vast differen ce in how the Simple. If all women must Second, we must convince Lisa Jensen is a very busy public responds to the abuse contend with this simplistic our government that nothing feminist in Calgary. and violation of each. picture of their value, how less than a properly organized So says a report entitled While we can never doubly hard it must be for poor, model of Social Assistance is "Transitions" a review of the condone the slow and ostrich- uneducated and unemployed acceptable. If our society's Ontario Social Assistance like approach to child abuse women who are single worth is measured by the Program. that has been the case until parenting a couple of children. extent to which it values its Recent incidents in the recently, public reaction to These women must depend on people, then unless we change Newfoundland Department of abuse of women has not society and its social system destructive attitudes towards Social Services would lead one changed markedly in centuries. for their most basic needs and women, we are only 48% worth to believe that by the above In short, women have been and those of their children. The while. stated standards, our social continue to. be condemned for quality of their existence their own victimization. depends on the attitudes of Teddy Gunson is the Co- those who are in positions of ordinator of the Women's authority. Centre in Comer Brook, Nfld. Where to get The Womanist in Canada

MANITOBA Saslsatooo Gray Creek Store Whole Earth, Third Street Brandon Im&! Brandon Branch of MACSW, Broadway Theatre, Broadway Terrace Women's Centre 133-1 0th St. ALBERTA Vancower Dawson ~ Vancouver Women's Book- Department of Status of A Woman's Place Bookstore, store, 315 Cambia Street Women 1412 Center Street South Spartacus Books, 311 West Jbompaon Alberta Status of Women Hastings Street Thompson Action Committee Action Committee, #303, 223- on the Status of Women 12th Ave. S. Ariel Books for Women, 2766 West 4th Avenue Wlnn!oeg YWCA Original Women's Network, 388 Downtown Eastside Women's Donald St., Suite 100 Self Connections Bookstore, Centre, 44 East Cordova Street Northmount Drive at 19th St. Manitoba Action Committee on s.w. Vancouver Status of Women, the Status of Women #301, 1720 Grant St. (MACSW), 16-222 Osborne Edmonton YUKON Street South Common Woman Books, 8724- Vancouver Rape Relief and 109 Street Bold Print Bookstore, 478-A Whitehorse Women's Shelter 872-8212 Victoria Faulkner Women's River Avenue Red Deer Centre, 204-100 Main Street 24 hour crisis line Central Alberta Outreach SASKATCHEWAN emergency shelter for women & their children Society, 109-4818 Gaetz Ave. NORTHWEST TERRITORIES women's organizing centre Prince Albert BRITISH COLUMBIA Yellowkn!fe Aboriginal Women's Council of Saskatchewan, 62-17th Street Alison McAteer House, c/o West Kam!oops YWCA, 54th Street Kamloops Women's Centre and other places in Vernon and THE CENTRE &!sllna area Regina Women's Centre, 219- 1808 Smith Street Kootenays Area BOX K1S SUCC. E. OTTAWA K1S Saskatchewan Women's Apple Tree Books, Creston Resources, 2398 Scarth Street Lakeview Store, between Crisis Line: 234-2266 Cathedral Community Centre, Creston & Nelson, on the Kootenay Lake 2900-13th Street TDD/TIY: 725-1657 rt page20. May/June 1989

"O Canada, our home and and Weapons Training Centre native land ... " The anthem to be established at Goose seemed a curious protest song Bay. but the pointed irony and The establishment of this blatant hypocrisy was not lost NATO base, the first in NATO out of Nitassinan on those of us who had Canada, would increase the gathered in solidarity with the number of annual low-level lnnu people of Labrador and flights over Nitassinan to by Chrlstln8 McKay northern Quebec at Ottawa's approximately 40,000, and in Department of Defence last addition expose the lnnu to demonstrations, protests, and fall. Just that morning lnnu frequent sonic booms, combat a "Take Back the Skies" action demonstrators had been exercises and nuclear strike by hundreds of peace, charged with public mischief for training as well as the environmental and human setting up camps on the increased likelihood of laser rights groups throughout runways of CFB Goose Bay to and aircraft accidents. It will Canada, the United States and protest low-level flight testing destroy the unique lnnu culture Europe. The NATO Out of over their ancestral homeland and indigenous economy and Nitassinan Campaign is Nitassinan. turn Nitassinan into a war zone. sponsored by more than 50 Since last September, the The proposed NATO base peace, religious and Native RCMP has laid 223 charges for Goose Bay poses a special organizations across Canada, against lnnu protesters, many threat to lnnu women who fear and is facilitated by the of them women. In a landmark that the military culture will Canadian Peace Alliance. For judgement on April 19, four of destroy their social and more information, contact the protesters were acquitted. community fabric. Throughout Colleen Lundy at (613) 231- The lnnu, who have never the world, in towns where the 7127, or Jim Stanford at (613) signed a treaty giving up economy is dependent on a 236-4532. Nitassinan, will now seek a military base for its survival, Low-level flight testing court injunction to halt low-level women are physically, affects all of us, and the lnnu flights by several NATO sexually, or economically need your support. Write countries, including Germany, exploited. lnnu ·women are letters to the Ministers of the Netherlands, and Britain. concerned about sexual National Defence and Indian Both the federal and' provincial harassment, prostitution, Affairs -- you don't even require governments are violating the unwanted pregnancies, and postage. Royal Proclamation of 1763, AIDS. In June 1988, an 18- Contact the Sheshatshit which remains a part of the year-old lnnu woman was raped Women's Group in Nitassinan, Canadian Constitution and by a member of the Canadian and ask what you can do to states that aboriginal people Armed Forces. And according help (c/o Elizabeth Penashue, cannot be deprived of their land to a Catholic priest, foreign air Sheshatshit, Nitassinan, except on the basis of force men stationed in Goose Labrador, AOP 1 MO). Act to negotiations which are based Bay drive to the nearby lnnu show that it is not pointless to on the equitable principles of community of Sheshatshit to protest human rights violations justice pick up young girls. . and to ensure that your silence Over 7;500 low-Jevel These concerns are tacitly -CP photo does not contribute to the flights occurred over acknowledged by the Federal destruction of the lnnu people Nitassinan last year causing Environmental Assessment Bay. Many women feel And that gives you a pretty and Nitassinan. incalculable social and Review Process, expected to powerless. One woman at a miserable feeling, you know. environmental damage. From be completed in the fall of recent conference in Labrador, What is the point?" Christine McKay is a graduate early spring until late fall, 1989, which for the first time "Military Development -- A Despite the seeming student in Carleton University's fighter planes routinely fly 30 looks at the specific Matter Affecting Women", hopelessness of their Master of Social Work metres (100 feet) above the environmental impacts on stated: " ... it doesn't matter situation, the lnnu continue Program, and an aspiring ground at speeds up to 1,000 women. This review process is what we say, it's going to their peaceful protests on the writer. She recently joined kilometres an hour. Noise highly suspicious, given its happen anyway. What can we runways on CFB Goose Bay. Ottawa's NATO Out of levels can reach 140 decibels, dependence on the military and do to change something we Their campaign to end low-level Nitassinan Committee, and is a the human pain threshold being the Department of National don't want? We can't do flight testing over Nitassinan is collective member of "Off'the 110 decibels. Despite the Defence's bid for the NATO anything because. there's this gaining national and Pedestal," a feminist public considerable evidence that base regardless of the review's all-powerful government up international attention. During affairs radio show with CKCU- these low-level flights cause recommendations. there that's going to do April an International Week of FM 93.1. hearing loss and stress-related In a recent telephone whatever they feel like doing. Action was held with rallies, diseases, as well as disrupt the survey of 275 women in migratory patterns of wildlife, Laborador, 76 per cent had no the Canadian government has or little information about the bid for a NATO Tactical Fighter propcsed NATO base in Goose

The following is an excerpt "reasonable" belief be founded All of the legal reasonings of the decision by Judge on English and hence Canadian are based on the premise that James lgleliorte, Provincal law standards. The lnnu must somehow the Crown acquired Court of Newfoundland when he be allowed to express their magically, by its own ruled that four lnnu men were understanding of a foreign declaration, title to the fee and not guilty of interfering on the concept on their terms, or a consequent fiduciary property "owned" by the simply express what they obligation to the original Canadian Armed Forces at believe. people. It is time this premise Goose Bay. The Crown has presented based on 17th century to me recent cases such as reasoning be questioned in the "We are not dealing with Baker Lake and Calder which light of 21st century reality. any land which has been the only emphasize the concept of Canada is a vital part of mmunizing the world's subject of divestiture through land as property from an the global village and must children by I 990 - treaties, as under the Indian English law viewpoint. Like the show its maturity not only to Canada is proudly par- Act. Each of these four the segment of Canadian ticipating in this extraordi- l.Q. tests administered to persons based their belief of school children some years society that wields great power nary µndertaking to control ownership on an honest belief and authority to summarily .the six leading communica- ago which simply reflect the bn reasonable grounds. understanding of the mal

Governments always try to with a more intimate sustainable development and Today's priorities in this area pretend that the things they do acquaintance with human international co-operation. Our are child-care, home-care are things that must be done, mortality. Men have said that government will work to convert services for the elderly and the and much of the public acts as the politicians' only duty is to our export arms manufacturing disabled, the construction of though- they believe it. It isn't get elected. Better to take the industry to the development of affordable housing and urban always obvious that long view and fail to be elected the best environmental clean- renewal in general, recreational governments have options, than to perpetuate' the myopia up technology in the world. and other community services that parliaments make choices of the short-term solution. such as non-institutional that determine the direction of Iona Campagnola. Maude Barlow support to psychiatric patients, the future for all of us. McM;iSter /ntemational, Chairperson, Council of ex-prisoners and other groups. Hamilton, Ontarid. Canadians While such services may look And those parliaments are Ottawa costly, they will pay for made up of about 95% men. As a first step, we promise to themselves ten times over by How different would it be if follow the lead of Norway, and reducing the costs of women were making the establish 40% minimum Full-Employment institutionalized services and choices? Let's look at how participation by women in all by helping to develop healthy, some women would use public bodies at all levels from Economy productive citizens who taxpayers' money, what goals local to federal. contribute to the public Rural Canada they would set, and where their The key to our treasury instead of draining it. priorities would lie. Canadian women of strong is that every government This government takes farming mind and good social initiative will be subjected to This kind of an economic policy - growing food for people - Dorothy Inglis conscience want to have a the twin questions: cannot be carried out by the seriously in its own right. It St. John's, Newfound/and balanced life that equally 1. How many jobs will it create federal government alone. In recognizes the important values time with children, time and where? the past, economic policies of contribution which the farming at paid work, time at home, time 2. What will be its effect on the the federal government have, women, men and children make working away - they want to environment? far too often, been to this country. It also have fun. Reduced work counteracted by provincial recognizes the social, weeks, guaranteed annual For example, suppose that we policies and vice versa. We ecological, political and income, community coope- find that the current supply of are therefore inviting the economic value of creating and rative funds and revolving energy is insufficient to meet premiers of the provinces as maintaining vibrant, tiealthy loans, extended parental projected needs. Rather than well as representatives of the farming communities. To this benefits are all aspects of initiate megaprojects like territories and of native end, this governm1;1nt commits strengthened social and .,Quebec's James Bay or peoples to a series of itself to reversing the present economic policy consistent Al.berta's tarsands oil trends of rural depopulation extraction, we would look at economic planning with these development conferences. and the deterioration of rural policies. new methods of energy infrastructures. Patricia Keays, conservation. Megaprojects, in addition to being extremely We are announcing an Nanaimo, British Columbia immediate reduction in interest This will require a range of destructive to the ecology, agriculture and rural service Women's Voices create small numbers of rates and the creation of an economic investment fund to policy changes. Given the temporary jobs in unpopulated distance from markets that Women's voices must be regions, mostly for men. be used for the kinds of job- creation policies discussed much of Canada's agricultural heard, and what those voices Energy conservation projects, produce is, rail transportation are saying and how they are such as better insulation or above. We will also be initiating certain fiscal policies with the· is important: rail line saying it m.ust be respected. public transportation, create a maintenance rather than Pr-ocesses must be larger number of jobs spread abandonment will be a priority. established to involve women Postal services to rural in all parts of the country in communities will be improved discussing, determining and rather than discontinued or directing national and franchized with the resultant international policy and losses in jobs (mostly women's practice. We are committed to jobs) and service. We will these new directions for our Free Trade throughout the country, purpose of encouraging private encourage the provinces to survival, and because we available to both men and firms and local governments to improve the health and accept the evidence of Our government is announcing women. plan their investments in ways education services to rural development - that resources the cancellation of our ill-fated which will avoid cyclical people by earmarking shared provided to women are used for Free Trade Agreement with the We will also be involved in fluctuations In inflation and cost grants in these areas. the benefit of the family and the United States. We did not direct job creation. While such unemployment. wider community. This is where realize that it would require us job creation will include support we will put our resources, to to lower our standar.d of living, to private enterprise, However, the primary role will enable women to guide the reduce our social programs to particularly in the areas of fall to the provincial and transition to a, sustainable research and development and territorial governments. We will phase In this planet's conform to the American the promotion of export- be asking them to set up development. system, widen the gap between oriented and import special Councils for economic rich and poor, abandon non replaQement industries, we will planning at the provincial and Patricia Keays, profit organizations, put many also be investing in public and local levels. Similar councils The urgent need for good Nanaimo, British Columbia thousands of Canadians out of para-public services. This is, will be set up on reserves and quality, affordable, flexible work while not creating new in fact, a return to the policies wherever native groups feel childcare services in rural Building Democracy jobs, allow newer and more of the post-war years when the them to be appropriate. Canada deserves an immediate terrible American weapons rapid development of health Composed of representatives response. Our National Child Politics up to the present time systems to be tested on our and educational services of labour, business, Care Act (as explained later) has been generally a very territory, and sell our natural contributed not only to our government and community will ensure such funds as are short-term activity, with most gas at rock bottom prices to general well-being but also to groups, their responsibility will necessary to make adequate political people incapable of . American multinationals who our economic prosperity. be to identify local needs for childcare spaces are available exceeding the span of a single pollute their own waters. Public service jobs require development and to ensure the to the rural, as well as the election as their time frame for relatively little capital development and continuity of urban, children in this country. a vision of a better world. Instead, we will implement a investment in imported goods full employment i~ their are~s. These improvements recognize Women have a longer view of new economic system, based and therefore have no negative For example, rf a maior that rural women, who for the history, since we are closer to on the principles of Canadian consequences for our balance -employer announc~s that it will most part carry the main the generational shifts, and the sovereignty, a planned of payment. They are also nori- be ciosing a facility or red~cing ~urden of maintaining family nature of our lives provides us economy, social ·justice, polluting. the number of Jobs lrfe, cannot do so in the significantly, the. role of the absence of adequate services local counci) will be to develop in rural communities. alternatives either with the existing firr'n or new firms. They Farming families must be able will also be responsible for to make a living from the food providing training programmes they produce. This requires to ensure the smooth transition that the price of farm produce of workers from one job to the must be improved and next. stabilized. We will not leave Ruth Rose, the fortunes of farming families Montreal subject to the buffeting of

The Feminist Throne Speech was first distributed at the National Action Committee on the Status of Women Annual General Meeting on May 13, 1989. page22 May/June 1989 The Feminist Speech Taxes International to include women in CIDA Development programs and projects, in Taxes will be based on the proportion to their share of the ability to pay. Immediate target group. It is time to deepen and changes to the tax system will Patricia Keays, strengthen Canada's commit- be: Nanaimo, British Columbia 1. Tax capital gains will be at ment to equality, development the same rate as wage income. and peace. Facing the complex world of the 1990's 2. Restore the 34% federal tax Foreign Policy rate for people earning over and the next century, it is also time to more clearly define what $60,000. Our commitment to peace will damaging weather without 3. Close all loopholes in the tax we mean by these terms and protection, so a National this commitment. shape our international system relations. Canada will end all Disaster Relief Plan will be 4. Establish a serious Defence enacted to ensure that farming Dictionaries give two agreements that permit corporate tax that all passage of ships with nuclear families can surviv& natural corporations must pay. definitions of "to develop". One Since the concept of military disasters. is "to make bigger, better, etc." warheads in our waters. defence necessarily post- 5. Cancel the regressive sales Acknowledging the statistical tax. A second is "to work out slowly, ulates an enemy (whether or by degrees, from within." evidence available on the not one exists) and since Nor will we see the primary food Jean Swanson Canada commits itself to the world's uranium and how it is international peace and· the products of Canada buffeted End Legislated Poverty second definition of used, in particular that absence of war depends on by the vicissitudes of an Vancower, British Columbia international market place development - to work out significant amounts of what national confidence and the dominated by powerful slowly, by degrees, from within. includes Canadian uranium are security of all nations from rn ultinational corporations who Only through such an approach used for non-peaceful aggression our government will are committed, to improving do we have even a chance of purposes, Canada will end all rename the current Department their own profit margins by reaching the goal of mining, production, and export of National Defence as a driving the price of raw food sustainable development. And of uranium. Duties and taxes "Department of Security" and products even lower. Canada's only through such an approach presently attached to luxury take steps to redefine its position at GATI will change. are we able to ensure that our items will also be levied on all mandate. We will support international development is appropriate and military equipment and articles agreements on market shares truly meets people's needs, not of violence. The first aspect of redefinition where possible, instead of the political needs of the ·will be to ensure that the moving towards 'liberalized government of the day or the policies and activities of any trade' on all 'playing fields' economic needs of one Canadian military where our own family farmers, particular sector. establishment will follow from as well as small farmers and be consistent with everywhere are at a great Training and The false separation between Canadian foreign policy. This disadvantage. development in Canada, will involve scrapping the Education particularly economic and existent white paper community development, and defence in· its enti Instead of concentrating on Our commitment is to providing producing cheaper commo- international development, recreating a new an education to all those who must end. By the end of next policy that suppo dities to sell abroad, this want one, and to recognize the government will give priority to year, we will have established ._broader internat learning process as a life long an umbrella Ministry of ~objectives developing agricultural process. production which will make us Development, a clearinghouse for all such work. That self-sufficient in safe, high- This government today quality food while protecting clearinghouse will serve and announces our intention to put support regional and local work the soil and water, building the in place a Canada-wide rural community and ensuring accreditation system for that the women and men who recognizing experiential grow this food can live in learning. dignity and prosperity. Nettie Wiebe, The Canadian Student Loan Women's President, National program will be revamped to Farmers Union, include extending eligibility to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan include part-time students. The CSL program will also alter Deficit Reduction its repayment policy so that part-time students wil be In order to regain control over guided by the same policy as the direction of our domestic full time students, that is to market we will institute some start paying off their loan six immediate economic actions: months after they graduate. 1. removing tax exemptions Eligibility for studel}t loans will and deferrals that allow now be based on individual profitable corporations and income not family income. financial institutions to avoid ment will withdraw All adults who did not corn paying income tax; the industrial high school will be prov 2. lower the interest rates and ch develops, builds with free access to Adult B nationalizing the Bank of exports arms. Our Education program, that will Canada; rNe are aware that we vernrnent will, however, work will initially lose some foreign give them a second chance of with companies in this sector to investment but will encourage a high school completion. help in the process of foreign investment based on converting their production the realistic needs of our Affordable childcare wil be towards peaceful and non- economy and what we can provided for students on site at rt an e are provide to the world economy aggressive ends. This may all post-seconday insitututions sly increasing our involve, for example, investing without compromising our own in Canada. aid to this region future) Deve in a Canadian ship-building 2000. h non-governmental industry, as opposed to 3. elimination of proposed A training equity plan will be ernph loprnent organizations and supporting a private company rnega•projects and similar vote- introduced that will give women he besieged government of buying promises made by the ·•to incre to produce destroyers for the more equitable access to on- Nicaragua. We will also navy. previous government; the-job .company paid training. development Third World increase our diplomatic staff in Susan Witter, President Central America to better 4. Immediate reduction in supporting thei efforts to Military personnel and those Canadian Congress of Leaming observe human rights military spending, prison and participate in development and civilians employed by the correctional institutions. Opportunties for Women violations and developments in current defence department will Vancouver, British Columbia their initiatives to improve their The Womanist situations, the region first hand. not face job losses, but will The Womanist rather enjoy retraining and new May/June 1989 page23 from the Throne challenges due to the adjusted producing toxic byproducts Justice .mandate. Training of recruits and wastes, will be assessed will be entirely retf")ought to and true costs factored into This government recognizes prepare new military personnel prices and taxes. Environment that Canadians cherish social for non-aggressive, productive cleanup will become a priority justice. To this end we will roles in their communities and with accountability portioned in move immediately to rewrite the in the world. relation to responsibility for laws of the nation to bring them enviroment damage. Polluters into accord with the objective Current military bases in will pay. of social justice for all. Further, Canada will remain open and these laws will be written in a The state will maintain will be redeveloped with Forestry and other resource language that is used and responsibility for providing the reference to a cohesive industries will become understood by Canadians in resources to factfind and to industrial and educational environmentally responsible or everyday conversation. Such support solutions, but will not policy. Forces personnel will they will no longer be able to laws will be available in all replace the victims in any of continue valuable work in the operate in this country. languages used in Canada. the process. Real people, not community, such as Sustainable practices in the state, will be recognized as emergency services, and such resource management will be order to achieve this, the harmed in the breakdown of international services as strictly monitored and dian Law Reform peace. peacekeeping, and will be regulations strictly en ison, made up of encouraged to develop conflict Control of resource schooled and Recognizing that the roots of resolution skills at all levels of located as secu ctrin d in gender, race crime are found in poverty and human contact. possible in local mana class bias, will be inequality, this government will As well, Canadian bases wi antled immediately and will rely heavily on creating a developed to include functi placed with a Citizen's system of social justice that such as certain areas ission that will undertake will guarantee all Canadians a production or trainin ediate production of a minimum standard of living that research and de 'al Justice Contract for will meet human needs such as s. This contract will food, clothing, lodging, health and education and employment. In the long term this will go far to maintain and restore peace.

In the short run, it will be costly to re-write the laws and create new systems to maintain peace. Resources will be freed up immediately by declaring an amnesty for all persons who are incarcerated for property crimes, thereby emptying many Culture of the costly correctional centres of the nation. This Canada has one of the government will assist strongest and most unique ,Provinces In closing the cultural bases In the world. In majority of prpvincially run addition to the native cultural institutions and· in redeploying heritage and the multicultural not make the artificial human and financial resources nature of Canada we have our distinction between criminal to targetted social service own unique cultural insitutions and other forms of justice. This ares. ace. that have achieved world Commission will be made up of future Patricia Keays, acclaim. We will nourish this persons who have been To divert further dollars, all peace. Our Nanaimo, British Columbia cultural base and use it as one marginalized and injured by the persons who have committed co . . ent to peace includ&s of the economic cornerstones current system of (in)justice - crimes of violence will have providing significant resources of our economy. women, native people, persons their cases reviewed to take to strengthening community Transportation of colour and persons who into account the capacity to address violence In addition to providing have first-hand experience as circumstances under which the against women in the home and substantial money to Canadian victims of crime or victims of crimes were committed. All to protect women and children. The car consumes over 60% of the oil used in the US. We have cultural organizations and the older process of (in)justice. women who committed violent similar figures. The car is artiSts, this government will: crimes in response to abuse by Research into pornography, This new Social Justice men will be granted amnesty, violence and abuse will be the poisoning the planet and absorbing public funds needed Contract will be created bearing and will be offered extensive basis of laws that we develop for other work. Support for the following in mind: services to deal with the injury together, to ban all material done to them. Others will be that incites violence and effective public transit, and the end of hidden subsidies to the Maintenance of peace will be eligible for amnesty if the sexual assault. So, too, will we car -- road construction and the focus of the entire work. conditions that led to the research the relationship maintenance, pollution are only This will by necessity remove commission of the crime can be between violence and mass any remnant of the current addressed so that the people media, involving Canadians in two -- signal a new vision of effective transportation and adversarial system which bars may rejoin society secure that that research and in education truth-telling and is completely they will not use violence as a about the many forms of breathable air. destructive of human means of survival. violence that have been illegal Patricia Keays, relationships. but tolerated and that are no Nanaimo, British Columbia Rail transportation in this There wijl be no release of men longer acceptable in Canadian who have sexually assaulted society. country is essential for Emphasis will be shifted from farmers, small business the maintenance of property women and children. While Patricia Keays, 1. strengthen the CBC and its rights to the maintenance and these men will be held in Nanaimo, British Columbia people, and the many citizens of this country who travel on world-wide reputation as a creation of well-being and humane conditions they win not VIA Rail. leading public affairs safety of all persons. be released until treatment has Environment broadcaster in the world been developed that will Since the previous government 2. rebuild Studio D of the No person or institution in successfully address the Peace includes a more has undercapitalized the National Film Board of Canada society will be exempt from dangerous behaviour that puts harmonious and peaceful service for so long, we will be as our representative in film as responsibility for causing harm. more than half the population in relationship with the immediately investing in the reflected in the·many honors Genocide caused by peril. To this end, the current environment. All industrial upgrading of the VIA Rail that have been bestowed upon plundering of resources and treatment programs that are processes, paticularly those service. It represents a them. poisoning of the earth will be based on viewing rape as a The Womanist considered most serious. crime of sexual dysfunction will page24 May/June 1989 The Feminist Speech

Multiculturalism and employers not complying with }) services. Standards will be set employment equity programs. to ensure that children and Anti-Racism CAP/VRDP (vocational families from Labrador to the rehabilitation program) and Yukon will all have .equal Recognizing the racism equivalent programs in Quebec access to high quality, non- inherent in Canadian society, will also be updated to ensure profit child care. this government will be terminated and new models that disabled women's needs immediately engage all will be created based on the are specifically dealt with. Child care choices: This Members of Parliament in anti- reality that rape is a crime of Maria Barile government recognizes the hatred and domination of racist and anti-sexist training. Montreal, Quebec diverse and varied needs of Over time, these courses will women and children. families. Sufficient funding will be extended to cover senior be in place in order to develop, decision-makers in the federal Sexual Orientation Until the new Social Justice maintain, and expand public service, and, through Contract is complete the responsive child care services, discussions with the The energy and commitment current codes will remain in be they centre-based, work- provinces, other levels of that lesbians bring to improving place, but there will be no providing assistance to related, family day care homes, government and agencies the lives of all women is what incarceration of persors who families in our communities who or school-based programs. under their jurisdiction, such as we, as a feminist government, want daycare. This government is committed commit property crimes, and police forces. want to acknowlege, celebrate each crime of violence will be and support. to providing all with a real It is time for world action to choice. examined using the criteria Amendments to the create a Child Care Ethic for outlined above. Multiculturalism Act will be Therefore our government will our time. Care of Children is a Funding: User fees will now Bonnie Diamond introduced in this session in amend the Canadian Human be completely eliminated and Ottawa, Ontario Rights Act in order to prohibit world wide problem. In ever all costs will be shared between order to recognize multi- discrimination on the basis of increasing numbers all over the the federal government and the culturalism as a h;ndam&ntal sexual orientation in all areas world children and youths find Aboriginal Women province/territorial characteristic ot Canadisn under federal jursidiction so themselves on the streets: society, and a concrete action government. No longer will Our government will that lesbians and gay men abandoned, uneducated, plan for implementation will be need not fear losing their jobs unemployed and alienated from affordability deny access to immediately recognize, presented. needed child care services. implement and honour the because they have had the any societal norms, without courage to live and love in a any loyalities except to their British North America Act and Legislation will be brought Commercial centres: For- the original precedents set in way that is different. We own gang, who substitute for forward to make an improved respect this right to be different "family.· It is estimated today profit child care programs will the Act. First Nations will be and strengthaned employment no longer be tolerated by this recognized as the -original and for this reason we, as a that there are somewhere close equity program mandatory in to 100 million children below the government. Children are not inhabitants of this country and government, have decided not the public and private sectors. age of 12 who are working for a for profit! the government will recognize to appeal the Canadian Human the First Nations sovereignty We will review all language and countries.pittance Theirin workdeveloping includes Child care programming: The within the sovereign nation, skills training programs to child pornography, sexual Natlon~I Child Care Act will Canada. ensure that they address the slavery and every ensure that all child car'e n~ed~ of Immigrant an~ ~isible unimaginable exploitative· programming will be minority women as a pnority. \ oppression. developmentally appropriate, Glenda Simms non-sexist, non-racist and Na,tional Organization of Our world is one single culturally sensitive. Immigrant and Visible Minority Rights Tribunal ruling that a gay Organism. We are dealing with ~ spouse is entitled to abject poverty, whether it Child care staff: All qualified bereavement leave; we occurs in a remote Northern child care staff must be recognize that families take Canadian Indian village or a adequately compensated for many forms and we want all tormented South-West African, There will be the immediate Canadians to have the right to Central American or Asian establishmer.t of an Elders define who are the significant village, or for that matter, on Council of Canada. It will be an people in their lives. the street where we live. It is advisory council to the House women and their children, the of Parliament and the Senate in Because some lesbians have world over, who are the primary determining long-range had the courage to speak up victims of poverty. Are we our direction for the country. and therefore improve the lives Sister's keeper? Yesl But of all Canadians, we will more importantly, they are There will be immediate Disabled Women support and catalyze this ours I recognition of all treaty process by welcoming the Iona Campagna/a agreements and immediate This government makes the voices of lesbians on all McMaster International, their work. Salaries will reflect implementation of all treaty commitment to begin the issues. We will do this by Hamilton, Ontario the importance and rights. process for the creation of a asking for lesbian input as significance of their work. As guaranteed annual income for policies and programs are Child Care well, staff must be provided The bilingual policy of the disabled Canadians, and being developed. We will with adequate benefits and acknowledging the special country will be expanded to mention lesbians when we Today, the government of good working conditions. needs of disabled mothers and recognize the multilingual speak about the diversity of Canada announces a together with the groups nature of this country and will Canadians. We will start a Parental leave: Maternity involved, determine the details. comprehensive, free, include the First Nations national public education universal, non-profit child care leave, parental leave, and family responsibility leave languages. program in order to educate program to address the needs The Women's Program will be provisions will be included in mandated to allocate money .to Canadians in ways to diminish of all Canadian women, There will be greater their own fears of lesbians and families, and children. this National Child Care Act. representation of aboriginal ensure that all women's groups Adequate time and receive adequate grants to lesbianism, and other forms of Like other social programs, so people in the House of homophobia. We want to make compensation will be awarded Parliament by guaranteeing a create access to women's much a part of our country, it easier for all Canadians to _to those who require it. The minimum number of seats to services and events for women child care today becomes a find the support and love that inclusion of these programs is aboriginal people. with disabilities. Disabled high priority. In addressing the necessary if we are to have a they need in a time of economic needs of all Canadian women, women, immigrant and visible and social challenge. truly comprehensive system of Sustainable economic minority women's groups will families and children, the child care. Carmen Paquette, development will be the main receive funds to ensure that is National Lesbian Forum thrust of the development on they can participate in the committing itself to a new The government will be meeting reserves and special decision-making of the National Child Care Act that will with provincial representatives consideration will be given to women's movement for the Children include: over the next few weeks to making the reserves self- future. We have to become more implement these programs. We sufficient economic units, conscious of the World Child National objectives: Federal look forward to providing the based on native values, All legislation, services and Agenda, which includes our leadership, in consultation with Canadian people with a just, traditions and historical programs will be updated to own kids right here in Canada, child care advocacy and free, universally accessible livelihood. ensure systemic discrimination along with the kids of the rest research groups, will establish child care system. criteria for the quality of and Debbie Meness, is removed. Stronger of the world. Z Sonia Ostrowska Maniwakee Band sanctions will be imposed on all Child Care is broader than accessibility to child care Ontario Coalition for Better Daycare May/June 1989 page25 from the Throne

Reproductive recommendations sincerely which will ensure a more proceed immediately upon directed toward the reduction equitable Canadian response acceptance in principle. of the incidence of infertility will to women applying for Ministers' permits will be Our government has require serious expenditure of immigration to Canada. utilized to promote earliest considered the implications of money on environmental and possible admission of the Supreme Court of Canada workplace clean-ups and on A particular priority will be to separated family members. decision on the Borowski case. the development of new, safe identify refugee women for Women's Power After careful consideration, the methods of birth control. We resettlement in Canada. We Further to the government are committed to directing our will instruct our visa officers to announcement in November appropriate course of action in We have to consolidate the relation to this sensitive matter limited resources to these ensure that serious efforts are 1988 of a $25 million initiative made to identify and process power that the world's women of abortion is not to introduce to assist immigrant women, the currently have, and use it new legislation. We are finally women refugees and their government will undertake a dependents. Our goal is to creatively, wherever it is convinced that this is a firm commitment to provide achieve an intake that reflects vested, to achieve the Woman- personal health issue and not a universal access for all today's refugee population Agenda. We can use a variety legal one and do not intend to' immigrant and refugee women reality - at least 75% of the of methods and media to recriminalize abortion. for language training. No world's refugee population are woman will be denied access to encourage and help the general women and their dependent public to learn, think Our government has language classes which will types of programs and children. provide for the acquisition of consciously and talk about the recognized the need for key societal directions of our research. English or French to a high prevention and a sexual health world at home and abroad. We level of competence. Daily policy for Canadians. In can incorporate these While the Commission is allowances and childcare will addition to establishing such a ?irections in an organized way, conducting its inquiry, there will be available. This government policy, with input from the rnto every aspect of our appropriate organizations we be a moratorium on all research recognizes the long-term directed toward the benefits of this short-term individual political lives, toward will reinstate the Family a better future. We can use our Planning Division of Health and development of new investment in the future of this technologies; no new in vitro country. present work as mothers, Welfare Canada, increase teachers, secretaries, nurses, funding for research into fertilization programs will be started and existing programs This government intends to farmers, fishers or military reproductive health issues women, lawyers, real estate and improve the range of will provide service only to seek an immediate reference in those people currently on the Supreme Court of Canada salespersons, police or statistics available to the politician's to focus light into general public. Improving waiting lists. The Commission with respect to the will be asked to develop criteria constitution_ality of recently any area in which we have fhe access to services and power to do so. education, so that Canadians and standards for the testing have equal access, regardless and monitoring of any new of where. they live, will also be a technologies developed to priority. assist in reproduction. The first question always to be Ronda G. Stoller asked is whether or not this Planned Parenthood technology should be Federation of Canada supported at all. The principal Ottawa, Ontario criterion is whether a particular ' gynoception is in women's interests. In this regard, the : Commission is instructed ~to f ensure that all women's \ interests are addressed; the implications of any proposed This change in policy and proclaimed amendments to the Whether it is changing the technology with respect to practice will provide significant Immigration Act. This Grade 3 curriculum or race, class and disability will be long-term social benefits to this government is committed to launching out with English as a given primary consideration. country through the values, the correcting those sections of Second Language for new personal strengths, the the Act which do not meet our Canadian women, or giving out The membership of the perseverance and the constitutional requirements tree seedlings at funerals, we Reproductive Commission will be drawn from educational and sheer survival and fail to respect our are capable of encouraging Technology the following - infertile people, skills of these women. international obligations and people to be caring, peo~le of colour, native people, humanitarian traditions with cooperative and motivated to respect to the displaced and contribute to society in every The m[al]edical and scientific lesbians, and variously abled The future of a large backlog of people. The Commission will be asylum seekers in Canada will persecuted. way. We are capable at the communities refer to this area very least of raising our own as reproductive technology. facilitated by an activist from be addressed by this the women's health movement. government. Many persons This government will shortly be children to appreciate these The first move of this announcing a major ethics of survival. government is to reclaim for The government will provide have been left in states of funding for consciousness great anxiety and family contribution to the work of the women the conception and United Nations High This is part of a Woman Agenda birthing processes, from raisi~g and brain storming separation pending a resolution Commissioner for Refugees to that I feel requires us to abortion to fully accessible sessions to be held across of their claims. An immediate integrate the specific needs of consolidate and amalgamate alternative insemination Canada for women and men priority of this government will refugee women in their our power jn order to achieve it, programs to home births. As a s~parately and together, t~ be to implement an programming. This initiative not just for ourselves, but for step in that reclaiming, we have discuss their experiences and administrative review of has been encouraged by the benefit of the whole human renamed the process of concerns with infertility and persons caught in this backlog. Canada over the past few family and all its tomorrows. assisting in conception that gynoception. These sessions Those who meet acceptable years. This government will We are fully capable of has generally been referred to will be led by midwives and standards with respect to any achieving this Agenda, and as "reproductive technology". other health care providers one of: protection needs; play a critical role in defining the outcome of this initiative. more~ in political terms. We wish to ensure the focus and, it is hoped, will generate potential for establishment in We are committed to ensuring Iona Campagna/a and control is with women; the submission to be made to Canada; difficulties in returning McMaster International, hence our term gynoception. the Commission. to country of origin, will be its success. Hamilton, Ontario landed in Canada. Normal Kathleen Ptolemy Inter-Church Committee on We strenuously opposed a This government is committed security provisions will apply. Refugees, Royal Commission on to women's control of our own Family reunification will Toronto, Ont8:[io Reproductive Technology when bodies, sexually and it came up for debate in the last reproductively. As part of that session, because we feared commitment, we will ensure that, under the previous that all services and programs government, such a that meet the criteria to be commission would perpetuate established by the Commission and reinforce the male, medical are truly accessible to all and technological dominance women. that have defined this area as reproductive technology. Diana Majury Faculty of Law, University of However, given the change in government, we have decided Western Ontario London, Ontario to proceed with a Royal Commission, but with a very different focus. The major task Immigration and of the Commission will be to Refugee Policy study infertility to determine its causes and to make The first move of this recommendations for its government will be to develop prevention. We recognize that immigration policies and levels page26 May/June 1989 A new Report:

Women and AIDSby Lynne Tyler A report recently released affected by women's relation- protection against AIDS, a on this. Certainly, it is an issue Pregnancy by the UN Commission on the ships with their partners and woman may get taunts, of great concern to African Women who are infected Status of Women at its March- families, their living conditions, rejection, or outright violence women's groups. They have by HIV tend to get the virus April meeting explodes many their economic livelihood, their and abuse. also indicated there may be an early in their reproductive myths popular in North America status in the community, their Without an independent increased risk of infection years. They are faced with a about women and AIDS. First human rights, their access to source of income, women are during the operation itself, bitter choice: should they and foremost, the disease is services, and many other even more dependent on their because of the common use of decide to never have children? far more widespread among aspects of their lives. partners, and therefore even 'unsterilised instruments or should they go ahead and women than many first Women lack equal access less likely to risk rejection. shared among several girls at rTsk infecting their children? believed, and is spreading to education, health services, Women are forced to choose one time, as well as shared This dilemma is worse because rapidly. training, independent income, between the possible risk of dressings. ·women's identify is often linked Over 1.5 million women and legal rights. This affects AIDS from their husband, and to their ability to have children, worldwide are estimated to their access to knowledge the very immediate risk of Prostitution making it socially unacceptable to avoid pregnancy. have the AIDS-causing virus about AIDS (and how to abuse or being thrown out of Research among HIV. Current estimates are that prevent it), and their ability to their home. Their concern for prostitutes in Africa, Asia, If an infected woman about 50% of adults with HIV take action to protect their children complicates this Europe, Haiti and the US has decides to have children, there will develop AIDS within 1O themselves. bitter choice even more. shown very different levels of is the possibility that they will years, and 80% of infected HIV infection. In some African not get the virus, but she children will develop AIDS Role in the Family Genital Mutilation cities, studies have indicated herself may develop AIDS. The within 5 years. that as many as 80% of female report predicts large numbers Many North American For some women, In some parts of the world, prostitutes are HIV-infected. of children who will be orphaned women believe the disease is particularly in Pattern 2 there are traditional practices Similar figures have been in this way, and often left in primarily a male disease, and countries, the major risk factor in which the sexual organs of recorded in Haiti. But in Asia, extreme poverty. particularly a gay male for women was the pre-marital young girls (usually aged 6-8 Europe and the US studies Some people have called disease. However, in most of and extra-marital sexual years) are mutilated - for have found much lower rates. for the forced sterilization of the world, an equal number of activity of their husbands. In example, the vulva is sewn Unless the prostitutes have a infected women. Others have women and men are infected. most cases, it appeared that closed, or the clitoris is reported that infected women In some areas, up to 24% of have been pressured to have pregnant women carry the abortions, against their original virus, which can be passed on decision. Both of these to their children at birth. seriously undermine women's Africa is particularly hard human rights, and their right to hit by the AIDS crisis~ Of the self-determination. 1.5 million women in the world carrying the virus, at least 1 Poverty million live in Africa alone. It is estimated that over 100,000 Because HIV attacks the HIV-infected children have body's immune system, been born in Africa since the concern is being raised about start of the AIDS crisis, and other factors that also reduce this number will continue to the body's ability to resist increase over the next decade. disease. In particular, some The majority of these children researchers have identified are not expected to live to see poverty, and most of the their fifth birthday. world's poor are women. Nor i.s this 'chilling Malnutrition, poor shelter, development restricted to poor sanitation and other women in Africa. The report factors related to poverty all cites two other disturbing contribute to poor health, and studies. One showed a the husband acquired HIV scraped or removed. history of drug use, the possibly greater openness to dramatic increase in AIDS outside the marriage and then This is a sensitive topic in prevalence of HIV is low in the AIDS virus. Studies to date among women in Haiti, from passed it on to his wife, and its own right, and the subject of these countries. have shown different results, 14% of the cases in 1983 to through her, to their children. controversial debate among High rates of infection but in the US at least, there is a 40% only two years later. In Even in Pattern 1 women in different parts of the among prostitutes in some higher incidence of HIV the United States, among countries such as Canada, world. countries has unfortunately infection among poor minority young people enlisting for where there is a high HIV rate in However, in terms of AIDS, added fuel to the tendency to groups than among more military service, the ratio of the gay male community, these are practices which, blame them, and never their affluent Americans. HIV-infected men to women married bisexual men bring because they cause open clients, for the spread of AIDS. was 2.5-to-1, far closer than possible risks to their wives wounds, would tend to increase This may become an excuse Discrinlnation the 13-to-1 ratio prevailing in and future children. The report the risk of infection both during for more social controls over the US generally. In fact, in suggests that bisexuality is the operation and after. Where prostitutes. The possibility A woman with AIDS may be New York, AIDS is the single much more common than was genital mutilation closes the that they might receive denied medical assistance, largest cause of death for previously realized. vulva and prevents vaginal infection from their clients, and rejected by her family and women aged 25-34 years. All th is makes intercourse, anal intercourse not the other way around, is friends, and forced to leave her The pattern of AIDS relationships within the family may be used as an alternative rarely discussed. job and home. She may be infection is different for extremely important in women's the resulting damage to In fact, some reports have different parts of the world. risk of getting AIDS. tissue is another possible route shown that prostitutes in some cont'd on page 27 (see chart). What is similar is For example, in many of HIV infection. countries have played an the devastating effects of the societies women are expected There is as yet no important role in slowing the disease on women's lives. to be passive and submissive evidence that these practices spread of the disease, by How do you As the report points out, in sexual matters. If she are associated with a greater insisting on the use of a get AIDS? AIDS is much more than a asserts herself, and suggests incidence of HIV infection, but condom with their client. health issue. It affects and is her partner use a condom as there has been little research This is difficult in some Studies throughout the world cases, though. Prostitutes are continue to show that there are often not in a postion to insist only three ways to get HIV, the on the use of condoms if their virus that causes AIDS: clients object. Clients may World Patterns of AIDS also insist on anal sex, which 1. sexual intercourse, gay or increases the risk of infection. straight, Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Pattern 3 For women who are most cases occur among most cases occur among very few cases: HIV economically dependent on 2. exposure to infected blood homosexual or bisexual men, heterosexuals apparently did not arrive until prostitution, the choice is or donated organs or semen, and intravenous drug users equal number of women and the early to mid 1980's stark: take the risk of AIDS, or through heterosexual cases are few men infected most cases are in people who be denied the means of a) blood transfusions (this is but increasing as a result, high number of have travelled to other parts of survival for themselves or their rare in Canada as all blood is mother-to-infant infection is mother-to-infant infections the world where it is more children. now screened, but it continues small, because relatively few intravenous drug use almost widespread, or who have The rise of "sex tourism" in to be a major problem in women are infected non-existent, but contaminated contact with travellers from Asia raises an additional developing countries who don't North America, Western blood and unsterilized needles elsewhere (eg, prostitutes) concern. The current relatively have the funds to screen) Europe, Australia, New for medical use are common Eastern Europe, North Africa, low rate of HIV infection in Asia b) sharing needles among drug Zealand, parts of Latin America homosexual infection is rare Eastern Mediterranean, Asia, may be increased by the influx users, in some urban areas, up to most of the Pacific of men on "sex tours" coming c) donated organs or semen 30% of young and middle-aged from other parts of the world, that have not been screened; are infected placing women in this industry 3. from infected mother to child sub-Sahara Africa, at even greater risk. before, during or immediately Caribbean, increasingly in Latin after birth. America

The Womanist------May/June 1989 page27 Native students ... The struggle by eatherne Louil

Bev Scow is a native which directly affect natives. peoples of this land continue woman of the Kwaguilth first Although the Mulroney the struggle for equality, and nation, and a student at the government campaigned on this group of youth will not tire University of British Columbia consultation, native students out! in political science. Sherri are not consulted, nor are the If you wish to help the First Chisan is a native woman from elders. Nation Student Network, Saddle Lake first nation, and a The native students have please write to Prime Minister recent graduate from asked for a moratorium, until Mulroney, and send a copy of Lethbridge University in they have a chance to discuss your letter to Pierre Cadieux, business management, with a these proposed changes with Minister of Indian Affairs, specialization in business other natives and present their explaining to this government enterprise and self-governing opinions to government your opposition to the capping systems for Indian, Inuit and officials. The government has of funds for native education Matis people. They are two refused this suggestion flat assistance, and the total lack very courageous wornen, out, stating that native of consultation. fighting for basic rights - the students were being If you would like more right to an education. unreasonable. information, please write to: Post-secondary education I asked both these women First Nation Student Network, for native peoples has been what they will do should a clo The Native Women's considered a treaty right from moratorium be refused. Association, as far back as thesl3 two "I refuse to believe that will 600 - 251 Laurier Ave. West, women can remember. happen, I just can't think that Ottawa, Ontario K1 P 5J6 "We don't have parents way,· stated Bev. These students have no that can pay for education, we These students will funding. ff you or your native students will receive an awareness of the problem with organization wish to make a don't get good jobs," explained education, and how long they education and native peoples - continue to have hunger fasts, donation, it would help in the Bev. will be able to study for," added the media has covered this protests, petitions, and letter- When Treaties 1 through Bev. question extensively. The writing campaigns. They will struggle. Please send all 11 were signed between the I asked both women why a second effect is that native continue to seek support from donations to the same address as above. federal government and the hunger strike? Bev explained: peoples from across Canada different groups across the first nations people, education "It's not a hunger strike, have united on this question country. They will continue was guaranteed as a right. it's a hunger fast. Fasting is and have built a solidarity their struggle, telling this Catherine Lou/i works for This government has chosen to traditionally and spiritually network that will last beyond government and all future the Canadian Federation of Students. attack this basic right of native based. What I mean is that this particular crisis. governments that the native peoples, as it has with so many fasting is a cleansing process, "The solidarity was there, other programs in the country. it opens you to spiritual we tapped into it, and the The federal government is now connections emotionally and native peoples all connected," arguing that the treaties do not mentally to deal with the world." explained Sherri. specify post-secondary Has there been a backlash The leadership during the education. to the hunger fast from the past month seems to have Canadian Centre for Sherri explained "that the media? I asked. stemmed from the women. I biggest problem with the new "The backlash has been asked both these women if this program is that it has been Policy Alternatives from the government," said was unusual in native society. unilaterally designed and Sherri, "telling the media that "There .. are no clear cut implemented. This program is we are demanding too much, answers. -~ Some native paternalistic and coloniall" Statement of purpose and yeah, I guess some people societies are patrilineal, others The new program that the are matrilineal, but women are federal government wishes to don't believe a fast is really happening. Maybe some the protectors of society," 1. The Canadian Centre for Policy implement is the Post- Sherri said. "When we arrived secondary Assistance Plan. people want a student to die. Alternatives was founded in 1980 That's not the purpose of the in Ottawa, the native women's In a nutshell, what the program centre opened its doors to us, to promote research on economic proposes to do is put a cap on fast, a fast is a ritual. All you consume are clear liquids, it's and brought us under their and social issues facing Canada. financing, thereby limiting the wing." number of native students not a mysterious thing. Maybe The Centre monitors current studying, and to reduce the it's mysterious if you're not This issue reaches far developments in the economy and time allotment to finish a familiar with the culture." beyond the question of the studies important trends that affect degree. There is little doubt that government capping funds to native education support. It Canadians. Membership in the "Basically a bunch of civil the fast has had several servants and non-natives are effects other than spiritual has everything to do with being CCPA is open to individuals and going to decide how many cleansing. The first is public treated as a partner in matters organizations.

2. Through its activities the CCPA wants to demonstrate that there are cont'd from page 26 thoughtful alternatives to the Women and AIDS limited perspectives of P\JSiness physically abused by her children who are already responsiblities in coping with research institutes and many partner and thrown out onto the suffering enormously from the AIDS crisis. This includes streets. trying to cope with the disease. both paid health workers and government agencies. This discrimination may It also makes the disease women who care for members happen to any woman, more dangerous. As WHO of their family or community 3. The Centre is committed to putting regardless of how she points out, if people who have without pay. forward research that reflects the contracts the disease. She the disease are stigmatized Women health workers may suffer her abuse from the and rejected by society, then face additional risks of concerns of women as well as men, very partner who infected her in they will avoid health infection. This is not so much labour as well as business, the first place. authorities and generally take the case for hospital and churches, cooperatives and She may be shunned by steps to avoid detection. This paramedical workers, where her community because her makes it extremely difficult to protective gloves and clothing voluntary agencies as well as husband died from AIDS, even get information to them on how are available. However, governments, minorities and if she is not infected. In to prevent the further spread of traditonal midwives and birth disadvantaged people as well as societies where widows are the disease. attendants, who don't have this fortunate individuals. traditionally provided for by In one Caribbean country, protection, may be exposed to other family members, this women detected as HIV- large amounts of contaminated rejection threatens her survival positive at pre-natal clinics risk blood when assisting at 4. To achieve its ends the CCPA and that of her children. being deported. As a result, deliveries by HIV-infected publishes research reports, Prejudice against AIDS women stayed away from the women. Birth attendants often victims is not restricted to clinics in droves, on the off do hard manual Jabour, such as sponsors conferences, organizes women, but men tend to have chance that they were farming, and frequently have briefings and provides informed higher incomes, more property, infected. Obviously. this . cuts and scrapes on their comment on the issues of the day defeats the whole purpose of better legal rights, and other hands or arms, which from a non-partisan perspective. advantages that women do not. having the health system in the increases the risk of infection. AIDS also reveals already first place. existing prejudices, as shown The report is entitled by the racist response in North Women care for the sick "Effects of the acquired America to early data showing /nnumodeflclency syndrome that Haitians were a "high-risk" Women, so often (AIDS) on the advancement of group. responsib_Je for caring for the women", from the Commission For more information about the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives This bigotry heaps even sick in societies around the on the Status of Women, of the call (613)563-1341 more pain on women, men and world, will face enormous United Nations Economic and Spciaf Council. page28 May/June 1989

Below is an article based on a speech done in Saskatoon for International Womens Day. The Women's Movement by Joan Riggs - In Canada today, the themes running through every from London, Ontario, the power and anti-leadership. of offering her energies to the circles of women who are willing women's organization in "right" to censor our events, to Yet, paradoxically, by being movement. to proudly stand as feminists Canada today. define for women what was anti-power we have undermined The women's movement may be smaller but the First we are confronted appropriate or inappropriate. our own movement. today has a vacuum in pressure to conform by anti- with the outside world. Government money does One of the goals of the leadership. woman forces is being met with Feminist organizations are not allow us to spend money on women's movement is to Audre Larde says "The a persistance to protect under constant attack by anti- our own agendas. Goverment promote and foster self- recognition of privilege is the ourselves and a passionate wom an forces, in part money responds to political determination. As women find first step in making it available belief and sheer determination represented by R.E.A.L. agendas and women are and live their own lives they for wider use, when we do not to be heard. Women. increasingly not on that gain power - a power based on shrink from who we are, we do That passionate belief in A few years ago R.E.A.L. agenda. energy, strength and effective not deny who we are, we learn women, in feminism, in a Women shouted exclusion from There is no longer a interaction. In turn we need to to use who we are in the movement, must be matched funding, from women's groups, common belief in this country make use of that power to service of what we say we by the existence of healthy from the media. Since then (if there ever was) that certain serve ourselves and other believe in." organizations that can harness they have been given ample citizens are discriminated women. Not turn against these Each woman has some that force. And therefore, our room by the male-stream media against and that the money women. power, some privilege and thus movement must be filled with to be heard. Secretary of State provides is Yet repeatedly the some opportunity to do healthy women. Because the And how did we as needed to ensure that those women's movement has something for herself or bottom line is that we, the feminists respond to R.E.A.L. citizens have organizations to responded to individual another woman. Enabling does women, are our organizations. W.? We did not take them advocate on their behalf. Now, women's leadership and power not need to be a forceful act or seriously. we have men shouting that as being unhealthy. even an obvious one. It is R.E.A.L.W. hit a nerve in they are being discriminated We are suspicious of the merely the acknowledgement this country. They addressed against. And they are being woman who is successful. She of a woman's reality, the issues that the movement was believed. has something that the rest of confirmation that she is not not adequately dealing with. R.E.A.L.W. and others us don't: a middle-class crazy, the belief in her that she When R.E.A.L.W. appeared, it state that there are justifiable background, connections, the deserves love and attention. It was an opportunity for the reasons that certain people are "right" color. is the simple reminder that you women's movement to discriminated against. Women In part that is true. Yet, the recognize that women are acknowledge that we had made are after all, women first with woman who is in the movement compassionate, responsible a mistake ... that Betty responsibilities to childbearing making good use of her intelligent and able to mak~ Friedan's concept of work and and family before all else. resources, acquired through decisions about our own lives. the oppression of housewives Homosexuals are sick and her privilege, is not a woman to Something women's did not encompass all women. need to be· cured or punished. condemn. She is a woman to organizations could benefit For many of us it is not fulfilling And those that say these make use of, teach, support from is mutual accountability: to work for $4 an hour in a things are being believed. and learn from. We cannot the "leaders" accountable for factory. The threat of having our decry the lack of resources carrying out action and For many women it is not funding cut has become a way available for women to reach enabling participation, the fulfilling to provide our children to control the movement. their full potential on the one members for giving direction to with inadequate child care Secretary of State money hand, and not accept each ~he leadership and participating because there are no daycares controls the way we woman's unique set of skills, m some part of the action. and we have to go out to work. conceptualize the movement. It is not fulfilling to have to hold If we don't have the right idea down two jobs just to survive. to receive money than it isn't For some women the idea of worth it. But that is a lie. The being able to stay home is an ideas that are worth pursuing, economic luxury greatly the actions worth creating may desired and not equated with never receive Secretary of oppression. State sanction, but they When R.E.A.l.W. always need the support of appeared it would have been an women. important time to reaffirm our And that is where lie the basic bottom line that all most complex barriers to women's choices are valid. And women's organizations. The We must ask four things of that homemakers are equally real threat to women's any women's organization we important members of the organizations is ourselves. We get involved in: respect, women's movement. need to believe in ourselves appreciation, challenge and R.E.A.L.W., through their and other women. safety. I have walked through propaganda have made us anti- Women's organizations many doors in the last ten life, anti-family. They have are in serious trouble today years and recently I have appropriated our language and because we have a fear of emotions and attributes she We are all leaders at some walked out of many of them, as our money. leadership, because a high brings to the movement, on the time, and we are all followers, the four things I need are not R.E.A.L.W. received level of insecurity exists in other hand. whether in collectives, in there. $21,000 for their recent individuals in the movement; We discount a successful hierarchies, or in any structure. My response has not been conference called "Equality and because we lack woman as somehow being In some instances; we act in a unique one. Many women Revisisted." R.E.A.L.W. do not structures in organizations to politically impure, as being both roles at the same time. have left the "movement" to support the common cope with our workload and our compromised. We find fault Each of these roles requires pursue feminism in a way that international understanding of problems. with her work. We do not skills. is less harmful to women. For the word "equality" so how did Part of our response to the celebrate her achieving a As members of the some women it has meant they get the money? They used patriarchy has been to be anti- profound sense of her self and women's movement, we must returning to the home to raise our words and they understood ensure our leaders know what non-sexist children (the the nature of Secretary of. we expect of them, what we will greatest challenge for us all). State money. do to support them, and how we For others it has been to leave Women's organizations, will hold them accountable. to create our own businesses, on the other hand, seem to Women must be secure to organizations or environments have some trouble under- accept leadership and they that provide growth, challenge standing the nature of National Organization must feel safe. We need to and safety. Secretary of State funding. understand leadership as With my partner, Lynne It is government money. of Immigrant and making use of the privilege that Tyler, I left the organized Arid it will be doled out based some women have and women's movement and on political will, especially with Visible Minority Women ensuring the power of each created The Woman/st, a a Conservative government woman. national women's newspaper. that believes in buying votes of Canada When women feel they and rewarding their friends. cannot speak in the safety of At The Woman/st I feel that National Office: I can be true to myself and my Government money has the movement we remove any politics. Ironically, I felt I had defined the issues, activities Suite 1102, 251 Laurier Ave West potential for healthy leadership to leave the formal women's and events we hold and Ottawa, Ontario KlP 5J6 to grow and develop. movement in order to be free to ultimately it has defined the (613) 232-0689 When we, as women, empower and enable myself organizations of the abdicate responsibility for and other women. movement. As a Toronto Star Organisation nationale des choosing our leadership we Martin Luther King Jr. once columnist recently put it, "As open the doors to the media said "It is not a weakness, but NAC goes, so goes feminism." emmes immigrantes etfemmes and Secretary of State to a sense of high maturity, to rise What about the millions of other choose. And they choose our to the level of self-criticism." women who organize outside of appartenant une minorite spokeswomen based on how The women's movement has NAC? Are we not the women's visible du Canada attractive they are, how reached that maturity. movement because the articulate they are and whether I see the slow death of government doesn't give us they say what they want to many women's organization money? hear. The result is that we around me. Their demise Government money gives allow the media to contain and relates to a number of common Conservative backbenchers control our political messages. like Jim Jepson, a former MP cont'd on page 29 The May/June 1989 page29 moving beyond the strife

Maureen McTeer has be and what we are. We remain But why do we not self- of women's lives. But if we do nurture and support our recently been making national the victim, powerless and identify? Why are we not all not talk honestly as women we organizations when we do the headlines because she has isolated from other women who pursuing the joyous road to will not have the very same for ourselves. noticed that "the traditional do not share the same self-determination? foundation to build a I would like to close with women's movement seems oppression. Unclear identities lead to movement. A revolutionary Bell Hooks, a black feminist crippled and divided." This is The second identity is insecure women. And insecure politic is a world view that theorist, from a talk she gave not a new story, especially through the movement. This is women build insecure anyone can hold and that all two years ago in Montreal. amongst feminists, but it only the workaholic's identity. We organizations. And the circle people must hold eventually. "Feminist movement became news because give ourselves over to the continues. Secure women The critical question we should not promote and must ask ourselves today is Maureen McTeer is recognized movement. When something strategize differently. We don't encourage despair. All what is our vision? Women's by the malestream media as ~oes wrong in our organization, react to things. We prepare our revolution struggle is directed rt loses money, a project fails power is based on the strength towards enhancing life. legitimate. We need to make positions, our expectations of each woman living her vision our movement and women we are crushed. We have lost and we go after what we want Revolution is the life force legitimate by taking leadership ourselves. because we have a right to which liberates our seriously. Women's organizations at have it. consciousness and affirms our The focus on victims has humanity. been, in part, an unconscious Love is the practice which attempt to not take seeks to nurture and enable responsibility for the power we growth. As we work to be may have as women. loving, to create a social It is important to move environment, a culture that from bemoaning that we celebrates life, that makes love receive only 64¢ on the dollar possible, we move against to recognizing that 64¢ can domination, against wield some power. With our dehumanization." 64¢ we can choose what and Self-determination. OF DO who we buy from. We can of herself. If each woman, Empowerment. All the words DO boycott what we object to. reaches deep inside of herself we use are about love of With our 64¢ we can make and acts upon that one feeling women and of ourselves. Let's changes amongst ourselves as of self-expression we should begin today. see a fundamental shift in the STAND women to acknowledge that it WITH is only white women making world. Joan Riggs is the co-publisher 64¢. This does not mean that In closing, I want to return and editor of The Woman/st ENGLISH we stop demanding our rightful to my original point. Women's $1.00 but we make use of what organizations are made up of power is available to us. individual women. We can only "Power Is the one force In the universe that Is never We like to run our group this point thrive on this type of wasted. In other words, If we and organizations as womanbecausesheisagreat, donotuseourpower,ltwlllbe collectives allowing everyone selfless worker, often having used by some other force." M P 0 R T A N T to be part of the decision no other priorities to interfere (Audre Lorde) makl'ng process Yet maybe with her work. Yet the cost is It is interesting to see who every woman is not ready to her own personal self- chooses to identify themselves take responsibility for the determination. And ultimately as victim. My mother was a decision. Decision-making and the loss of her unique voice woman of colour and an responsibility are the flip side from the movement. immigrant woman. She felt of the same coin. By creating The third form of building alienated from the women's organizations where no one is identity is through ideals. Part movement because she did not a c Countable but everyone ·rs of the evolution of the· perceive herself as a victim. movement is to discover ideas accountable We Perpetuat 0 th 0 She was a survivor and a male lawmakers who rule over but when we get fixed to one success. Our bodl·es but take no idea we become dogmatic and In the last six years I have responsl.b1·11·tY ior th e b a b'res closed. Our ideals become been on a board with poor olitically correct standards born Of Our body · We become P women who live in public like the polluters who decide on and they further oppress housing. They do not define the fate of our drinking water women. themselves as victims. To but want no responsiblity for ______self-identify as victims would the clean-up of our dying planet take away the energy they and people. Insecurity in a woman is a need to survive the everyday profoundly sad thing because it tedium of poverty. blinds her to her own abilities Often times, it is the and potential and that of women who are relatively others. privileged in the movement who Insecurity in women's hold onto the victim label. By organizations manifests itself lumping all women together as in many ways from denying and victims, a woman does not accepting informal and formal need to recognize that she may leadership to the constant have access to more power under-handed manipulation than another woman. And with that is characteristic of that privilege comes women's organizations today. responsibility. Insecurity manifests itself Feminist identity is not most profoundly in the need for something like a badge that women to not take their identity gets pinned on certain women. Joan Riggs & Lynne Tyler 541 Sussaz Driv,, Suit' 201 from themselves but from other It comes about as part of a Ottawa, <}ntario KIN 6Z6 sources of identity. Most of It is the kiss of death when process of self-determination. (613) 233-2621 us, in part, identify by our an organization does not It is not even an identity that oppression. For some of us it represent a body of ideals that we grow into. The feminist SOCIO-ECONOMIC RESEARCH, POLICY & ANALYSIS leads us to a greater is fluid and evolving but instead identity must incorporate the understanding of ourselves represents a party line. It experiences of each woman and others. For others, we means they deny the basic who identifies as such. It is not tenant of feminism - self- b d bear our oppression as a badge determination. ase on her skin color, or her and we become professional Th sexual orientation, or her 100 Acres• Pool victims. I identify as a lesbian e final identity is through political or organizational Hot Tub Skiing Innkeepers: Judith Hall yet that is not all of my identity. relationships. The energy of affiliation but her commitment Grace Newman the person and an organization t h I am also a daughter of an b ecomes focused almost o erself and other women. immigrant ·woman. The exclusively on the internal Feminism has become daughter of a woman of colour. dynamics. How do we feel associated with a morality - a I am many things, not all of about each other? Because of correct line - a list of issues - them related to my simply being our insecurity, the more we an organization. It is none of woman. focus on how others feel about those things. It is a politic. It P.O. Box 118WO By identifying only through is a perspective on life. us, the more we can begin to F Bethlehem, NH 03574 our oppression we can have no deny ourselves in order to be eminism as a politic has pride or vision of what we may as its content, as its (603) 869-3978 accepted. f oun d ation, an understanding A lesbian paradise! page30 May/June 1989 Feminism and women at home

always a safe haven for women So why do some women "choosing" to work outside the domestic responsibilities and children. continue to choose full-time home or "choosing" at-home equally with their working I struggled to work out homemaking and mothering mothering as if women today wives. arrangements in my own life especially if they have had real choices -- a As well, women in the that would counter some of ambivalent feelings about their smorgasbord of options. labour force have traditionally these problems. My partner choice? There are a variety of While the conditions of at- been ghettoized in jobs that are and I chose to live in a co-op reasons. An obvious hom e mothering may be often an extension of the kinds household with several other assumption is that a woman difficult, many women find the of work women do in the home women. This arrangement has chosen at-home mothering available ·alternatives even service-oriented jobs which lessened my isolation, partly because her family can less acceptable. Women talk are usually ill-paid and low in provided us with occasional afford it. While this has some about the impossibility of status. The low status work child care, and lightened the truth to it, many mothers at sandwiching "quality" time into done for free by women in the burden of household chores, home bristle at the suggestion the beginning and end of the home is a magnified, more giving me more time for other that they are privileged, well-off day. Many feel that the price to extreme version of the kind of The faces ot pursuits. While my schedule women. In fact, at-home pay for trying to juggle family work that many women do in became too hectic at times, I mothers are less likely than and domestic responsibilities the labour force. For example, motherhood pursued a wide range of their working counterparts to with paid work is just too high. it is no accident that child care interests outside the home, have a post-secondary They would rather attempt to workers and domestic workers It didn't take many months partly to gain skills, but education and their families are live their lives sequentially, are almost always women and of motherhood before I realized primarily because of my need not necessarily in a high- setting aside a few years that they are usually very that I felt out of step with not to establish and maintain a income group. exclusively for child rearing poorly paid. only many of the mothers I strong sense of identity· Many mothers at home and then resuming paid work I doubt that much of the knew but out of sync as well separate from my mothering ·have made the decision to when children are older. paid work women will ever be with the image. of the role. remain at home because they Most mothers at home properly valued until we start to contemporary woman who can Pregnant with my second want more time with their today are not making a long- value the work that women "have it all." As a full-time child, I took on a part-time job children and they are not term career out of homemaking have been doing for free. mother at home I felt implicitly with a parent-child resource comfortable having their but are choosing to remain at Valuing the traditional kinds of criticized by a society that centre, organizing and children cared for by someone home full-time only while their work done by women means seems to assume that all animating support groups for else for long periods no matter children are small. Since most making this work more visible women -- even mothers of at- home mothers. I how qualified the substitute women today are having only and acknowledging that it is indeed work. young children -- should be discovered that while many caregiver. In discussing their one or two children, women at working outside the home. women at home may not use reasons for staying at home, home are an ever changing In our society we have a I reached out for support overtly feminist language to women mention their desire to group as they move into and great deal of trouble from other women at home but describe the problems inherent pass on their own values and out of the labour force. recognizing unpaid work as found that the mothers l initially in the homemaker role, they are ways of dealing with the world However, too often we work. Our language about connected with lacked an aware of most of them. In to their kids. Some say that separate mothers at home and homemaking is revealing. In analysis of the opprE.,_sive numerous discussions with they do not want to interrupt mothers in the work force into response to that dreaded ways in which mother work is other women at home, I found question, "What do you do?", structured in our society. I that the same concerns were many mothers at home answer shared their commitment to a expressed time and again. "I don't work." Most wome~ mothering style which accepts Women find isolation and seem to have given up saying the dependence and intense lower self-esteem major "I'm just a housewife," but you demands of young children, but occupational hazards of being usually do hear the comment "I I also wanted my needs as a a woman at home. They don't work." But I think more of woman to be affirmed. I also describe stresses due to living us are learning to say "I don't wanted acknowledgement that on one income and some work outside the home," or "I the conditions in which most express an uncomfortable don't work for pay." women mother are oppressive awareness of being financially The work involved in and make it almost impossible dependent. Some have a domestic labour mother work to nurture our children well. As sense that they are no longer and housework has remained a child-centred feminist, I felt part of the "real" world, that largely invisible, partly myself to be an anomaly. It they are on the sidelines. because it has been hidden in took me several years to Many have concerns about the home, but also because discover that I wasn't the only losing marketable skills and men have refused to at-home mother who about their ability to re-enter participate in it, remaining considered herself a feminist. the work force. And some have willfully ignorant of just what is Aware of the feminist concerns about losing their involved. critique of the homemaker role, sense of independent identity, Mothers at home I had approached the separate from family. themselves often have trouble experience of being a mother at But by far the strongest breastfeeding before their child recognizing what they do as home with misgivings. consensus among women at is ready; all talk about how work, although they bristle at Feminists point out that hoine is that being a full-time much they enjoy witnessing the the question "What do you do mothering and housework have mother lacks status, tremendous growth and all day?" because of the implied little status in our society. recognition, and support in our development that take place in suggestion that whatever they More importantly, the role can society. Mothers at home are the early years. For many do cannot amount to much. isolate women in the home, invariably quite sensitive about women, myself included, these William Ross Wallace preventing them from taking an this lack of status. Most feel positive aspects balance the active role and gaining power in that there is a general societal difficulties inherent in at-home two distinct groups, assuming cont'd on page 31 the public sphere. pressure to work outside the mothering. that they are somehow quite As well, homemaking can home, an implicit message that Some women choose at- different from each other. But encourage a man to assume any reasonably intelligent, home mothering because they women working in the labour that child care and housework reasonably well-educated can't afford the alternative. A force have not escaped much are primarily women's work. In woman would not spend any woman may not be able to find of the work traditionally done addition, homemaking makes a sigificant period of time at a job which would cover child by women at home. They are woman financially dependent home raising children. Some care costs and increased still shouldering most of the and can leave her destitute in mothers experience direct expenses for food, clothing domestic and emotional work of old age or in the event of a challenges about their decision and transportation. And it may the family. An increasing marriage breakdown. Years in from family, former co-workers not be possible to find day care number of families are led by the home can also make it very and friends. Given the social of acceptable quality, whatever single women who do not have difficult to re-enter the work climate, it is not surprising that its cost. Similarly, there are a partner to share force. The economic women at home often feel many mothers in the labour responsibilities with and in two- vulnerability of women at home defensive about their choice force whose reasons for being parent families it has been well is of particular concern and at times criticized and there are primarily financial. documented that husbands because the family is not unappreciated. Too often we talk about rarely share family and

ALICIA NATIVIDAD TERRI E. DELLER LAW OFFICE TERRI E. DELLER, B.A., LLB. BARRISTER, SOLICITOR, NOT ARY PUBLIC BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS PATENT AND TRADE MARK AGENTS Real Estate Business and Commercial 160 ELGIN STREET Wills and Estates Criminal OTIAWA, ONTARIO Kl N 8S3 TEL: (613) 232-1781 Personal lniury Family FACSIMILE: (613) 563-9869 (613) 563-7936 801 Princess Avenue Telephone Brandon, Manitoba R7A OPS (204) 726·0128 OTTAW1'. TORONTO KITCHENER (AMBRIOCE May/June 1989 page31 May Celebrations: The difference between what we ~ay and what we do by Rosemary Sullivan

May, the time when the comfortable shoes, and went to earth lies uncovered again. Ottawa to join all those who do The snow gone. Green life care in protest of the beginning to return. Boots international arms exhibition, discarded. New shoes clicking ARMX. on the sidewalk. The earth is On May 22, Lansdowne still too cold for bare feet. Park was full of killing Memories of May from my machinery made by Canadian childhood at a catholic school: manufacturers. From May 23 the May procession for the to May 25, ARMX displayed Blessed Virgin Mother, walking these wares to a crowd of in straight lines across the 10,000 buyers and users of grass in special shoes, military equipment from around dressed in a special white the world. This exhibition The faces of dress, head clamped with a wasn't open to the general white veil. M.emories of my public, only to "bona fide motherhood body being told to be still, don't buyers, prospects or users", general interests of peace." move, don't run down the hill, American effort has spread all according to the publicity. Canadian companies involved Mother's Day was to be a day don't run through the field, over the world, through the These "bona fide buyers" in military production, including for peace. don't make a sound. card-selling business efforts, were from countries that have Bell Helicopter, GE, Honeywell, In 1907, Anna Jarvis, an In 1870, after tending the no doubt. But how does our repressive military regimes, Litton, Northern Telecom, and American schoolteacher, set wounded in the American Civil world really respond to like South Korea and Taiwan; Westinghouse. These War, Julie Ward Howe started a out to get national recognition "mothering", to bloody countries involved in wars, companies get millions of two-year crusade to institute for Mother's Day after her own childbirthing, to life-affirming hostilities and human ngnts dollars of our tax money Mother's Day. This same mother's death. She began values? violations, like Algeria, through grants from the woman who had written The what has been called one of the Whatever makes money is Argentina, Bahamas, government. These same Battle Hymn of the Republic to most successful one-person valuea. But the natural chaos Bangtadesh, Barbados, Brazil, companies in 1987 gave sing as those soldiers marched letter-writing campaigns in of all those things that have to Burma, Chad, Chile, Columbia, $439, 109 in political donations in their war procession now history. She contacted do with women, their mother- Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, to the PC's and $16, 101 to the issued a new cry: congressmen, governors, bodies, their blood, their "pre- Haiti, Honduras, India, Liberals. "Arise all women who have mayors, newspaper editors, menstrual" experience, their Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, What do we really value? hearts ... say firmly: we women ministers and business leaders kitchen meetings and messes, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, If you believe in life and want to of one country will be too throughout the United States. their sharing and caring more Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, make a May-time statement, tender of those of another They listened and on May 8, about life than profits, their Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, use your body and your voice country to allow our sons to 1914, President Woodrow voices raised in protest of Peru, Philippines, Saudi to write letters to your MP, injure theirs. In the name of Wilson signed a Proclamation killing, are these really valued? Arabia, Somalia, Syria, Sri newspaper, minister, anyone womanhood and humanity I designating the second Or are they dressed in white Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, you can think of to tell them earnestly ask that a general Sunday in May as Mother's and told to hold in their Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, you oppose Canada's Congress of Women, without Day. stomachs and keep their and Zambia. War and involvement in war for profit. limit of nationality, promote the But are "Mothers" really mouths shut? repression are big business. alliance of the different loved and cherished in our This May, I covered my According to the Public Rosemary Sullivan is an nationalities, the amicable society, our world? Yes, the body loosely with bright Accounts of Canada, cited in activist and healer who writes a settlement of international British have long had c.olours, and I put feathers and Project Ploughshares working weekly column for the questions, the great and "Mothering Sunday", and the flowers in my hair. I wore paper of 1986, there are 80 Sherbrooke Record in Quebec.

Feminism and women at home cont'dfrompageao The work is obscured care, although vitally tedious and burdensome, but it affirm child care and domestic monolithic model of because at the end of the day necessary, will penalize can also be creative and work as the real work that it is, motherhood, a single culturally the meals are eaten, the parents who care for their challenging. The home is. not and to support those who are sanctioned, "correct" way of clothes are dirty and the house children at home unless always a safe place, but it is doing such work. doing things. Now there are is untidy, yet again. So often, mechanisms can be found not simply a place of Equally important are many possible ways of Jhe day disappears in a blur of which also support parental exploitation and oppression for measures which would allow mothering. But having moved interruptions, small upsets and care. Such mechanisms could women. The home can be a both men and women to away from the one supposedly unrecognized accom- include community support place where parents, with balance family responsibilities "right" way - a mother doing all plishments. As well, we services such as parent-child support, can lovingly nurture with labour force participation. the child care from birth their children. assume that work which we are resource centres as well as Such changes to the work through adolescence -- we doing out of love, particularly direct benefits to parents, Unfortunately, many place include flexible working seem to have lost our right to women at home have felt left child care, is somehow not beyond paid maternity and hours, job-sh2ring, part-time unconditional support for our behind and left out of the work. parental leave. decisions. No matter what Although mother work and women's movement. At-home arrangements you make for mothers are often unaware of housework are often invisible your child's care or whether the work feminists have done and lacking in recognition, you do it al! yourself, there will domestic work is obviously which is of benefit to women at be people, both individuals and socially useful and important home -- work such as organizations, who will be work. I believe that society will establishing transition homes critical. I think we need to be only value domestic work and more equitable family law, gentler with one another and sufficiently when some of the and promoting pensions for with ourselves, recognizing the parenting done in the home is homemakers. lnstread, women enormous social changes that paid work and when men at home focus on the participate more equally in ambivalent and sometimes we are in the midst of. domestic work. overwhelmingly negative reac- And what of mothers at I do not believe that tion many feminists have to the home,? Are they a dying breed? homemakers should be paid homemaker role. I would hope not, since I believe that mothers need more wages for housework from Yes, feminists have work· with prorated benefits, time with their young children public funds; after all, every uncovered and enumerated too and family responsibility leave. than they are currently family has housework to do. often invisible work traditionally Although we are increasingly experiencing. But I hope that However, I believe that done in the home, and moving child care into the the role evolves to include parental care of young children demonstrated its significance public sphere there are still fatt:ers as well as mothers, and should be recognized as part of to the economy, but many parental and household that ultimately parents can a comprehensive child care feminists are unwilling to affirm responsibilities that, for the combine family responsibilities policy; and any policy should Some feminists baulk at the choice of being an at-home most part, will remain in the and labour force participation include improved maternity and supporting long-term parental mother. private sphere. We must take more easily. parental benefits. As we move child care, objecting to Too often, women at home the burden of this work towards greater governmental anything which might are dismissed as a misguided, seriously. The work place has encourage women to remain at dying breed -- as if minority been designed by men and for Maureen Kellerman is an support of day care, we must Ottawa based feminist and be careful not to overlook once home since this choice can be status makes their needs and men who have had women detrimental to women. But is concerns less worthy of available to take care of child Mom active in the group again the child care work done Mothers are Women. by mothers at home. This, too, our only answer that women attention. rearing and homemaking. We is deserving of support and should flee the home in an While feminists are rightly can not expect women to must be integrated into any attempt to escape the burdens critical of the role of women at achieve success in the work child care policy which claims of mother work and houswork? home, it is presumptuous, I place in the ways in which men to be comprehensive. I think it is time we believe, to be judgmental about have simply by providing day Increased governmental acknowledged the ambiguities the choices women make in care. funding of non-parental child and complexities in our lives. such an imperfect world. In less than a generation At-home parenting can be Feminists must continue to we have moved away from a

------The Womanist page32 May/June 1989 Keepers of the past - Builders of the future by Audrey Mclaughin

advocate of Indian and women have been pretty well accommodations for battered women's rights, softball player doing a variety of jobs for a women, but has also helped extraordinaire, on the baseball long time. Martha Louise raise the community's circuit she's known as Black, for example, left her awareness of the issue of Muggsie. husband and children in Seattle family violence. And, there is Mary. She in 1898, headed for the All of this is not to say that has a drinking problem, her Klondike, climbed the Chilkoot women have not had to fight for children are in foster homes Pass during the Klondike Gold the advances which they have right now. She has been Rush, and upon arriving in made in the North. Women who ages, and life circumstances. beaten many times by her Dawson City, found that she choose a mining career still Priority issues for the women of husband, but things really was pregnant. In 1936, at the have a fairly rough time. But the North include: improved The faces of started going wrong when was age of seventy, she became we also don't just accept things child care; better supports for the second woman in the motherhood raped at eleven years of age. as they are without a fight. The rural women; educational She got a lot of help and Canadian Parliament, as MP for opportunities; equal pay, the Yukon. first Supreme Court challenge strength from the women at the under the Charter concerning peace and international When she speaks to 'you, transition home; right now In the 1970s, when there development; preserving the was no public transportation in the right of a woman to return to she always holds your hand. she's in an alcohol treatment using her birth name was past and building a future for our children. She is the last remaining program. She thinks she will fought and won by a Yukon person in the world to be fluent make it this time and then will francophone woman. Our feminist newspaper, in the Tagish language and she return home to her village. Madeleine Gould, a the OptiMSt, recently proudly wears her beaded celebrated fifteen years of These are just a few Dawson City resident since publication. The title of that necklace next to her Order of "women of the North." Not 1946, won a landmark human Canada medal at official really so different from women rights ruling this year when she edition perhaps best sums up functions. Angela Sidney, in everywhere, mothers, took the Yukon Order of the my love for my home in the her eighties, a mother, grandmothers living through Pioneers to court for their North -- The Yukon: Where grandmother, and friend to good times and bad. Every policy against women Men are Men and Women many spirits, is a woman of the Pioneers! woman has a story and members. Having been very North. because we are in a small active in the Order, Mrs. Gould Judy was born in the community, we are able to just didn't think it was right that Yukon in a remote area Audrey Mclaughlin is the share our stories, our joy and Whitehorse, a group of women women were "allowed"· to Member of Parliament for the accessible only by boat or our pain in an intimate fashion. got together and started a bus fundraise and hold social Yukon. plane. She was raised 6y her Unlike many city folk, we are service. It is now the municipal events, but still were not family who ran a lodge on the not separated from each other bus system. A few years later, recognized as true pioneers. Yukon River. Her ancestors by our class or our profession. an Indian woman who had The Yukon Order has now had come from Britain. Today We drink coffee at the same suffered repeated violence Good luck, Audrey, she is in her thirties, a widowed appealed the ruling to the cafes and share our lives at the from her husband, got together Supreme Court. mother of five, an active and congratulations same meetings. It is one of the with other women, became Women in the Yukon, as trapper who makes her living great joys of living in the North. involved in politics and was the from The Womanist from the land. so many women everywhere, This intertwining of our catalyst behind one of the first on becoming a Margaret Joe is the first are continually examining our past and our future is a rural transition homes for Indian woman Cabinet minister roles and our relationships candidate for the in Canada, a member of the constant thread of what women in Canada. Kaushee's within the community. The New Democratic Yukon happens in the community. Place, as it is now called, has women's movement has begun leadership of the Government. Now Minister of There's not much talk any more operated successfully for a to actively examine racism and national New Justice, she is also raising a of "non-traditional: occupations number of years, and has to build coalitions with women Democratic Party. grandchild. A long-time for women, because most provided not only of different backgrounds, Another look at Mother's Day

Mother's Day should be Women have babies for Dickinson, Florence Nightin- abolished. It is a sentimental many reasons, not all merit- gale, Miss Steckelberg, a contrivance of florists, candy- orious: because they are teacher of mine -- I forget the m akers, the ecologically taught they ought, because course matter, but never her illiterate and male chauvinist they like to play with dolls, generosity. These "barren" pigs who enjoy tossing need company, because of ladies I'll vote to kneel in honor occasional bones to bed- tedium, or accident, to get of 2.ID!. day, in spring, winter, raggled housewives. ahead of the Joneses, to have summer, or fall, for their The holiday has no someone little to push around surpassing, supra-uterine gifts tradition or wide appeal. It is for twenty years. Why a medal to creation. May their fruitful without connection to ancient for this? tribe multiply over the earth! In place of a day for and lusty rituals, it is ignored We are indebted to Anne Schutte welcomes you to McGEE'S, a handsomely the world over, and its vintage mothers, (I'm no simple ico- mothers for half a life and many noclast}, how about honoring restored Victorian mansion with 14 guest rooms centrally in America is recent and raw -- of us (myself included} for located in Sandy Hill within walking distance of Parliament Philadelphia, P.A., 1907. the people who adopt children? much more. But the much more Now that would be a day to Hill, Rideau Canal, the University of Ottawa & the Why a day for hasn't to do with motherhood. It Congress Centre. motherhood? Is it not but one celebrate! has to do with caring, respect, of many roles a woman might Father's Day? A mere knowledge, responsibility. afterthought of the Tie Industry She has tastefully decorated 88ch room for business or be born into? Why not an These qualities attach to pleasure featuring... Aunt's Day, a Niece's Day? and Bell Telephone, I leave it persons, not ovaries. out of our discussion. Why should procreation win the So down with this cult of But many women most •Private Bath •Cable Television •Telephone •Working prize on this population-packed womb worship, this important in our lives never Areas Air Conditioning Fireplaces •Jacuzzi Ensuite globe? Nothing wrong with beatification of breeding, this conceive or carry. You have Complimentary Breakfast babies, up to two, but no Fallopian folly. Personhood, special virtue either. your own precious list, I'm Free Parking sure. I think of Emily not impregnation, is the chief end of woman as of man. Visa/MasterCard Mother's Day is an idol, and it's RESERVATIONS: (613) 237-6089 time to tie her tubes. 185 Daly Ave. Ottawa K1 N 6E8 If Anna Jarvis can Single proclaim Mother's Day from a $42-$92 Methodist Church in Philadelphia in 1907, I can Double proclaim Woman's Day from a $48- $98 Universalist Church in South Weymough, Mass. in 1971. Recommended by "Country Inns," "Your Money," "Ottawa Happy Woman's Day, ladies! Magazine," AAA/CAA From a Unitarian Church 37 rue #1 bulletin, reprinted in the April 1988 newsletter of the Ottawa- K1N 7E2 (613) 231-7962 based lnferU/ity Self-Help Support Group May/June 1989 page33 The myth of motherhood

by Hel«J E. Cates

This was a very difficult fit into a national norm, our It is time we spoke out care of women as I grew up; my article to write, because of feelings are as valid as anyone loudly about the negative side maternal grandmother, who where I am in my life. It is else's. These women share of Motherhood. There should held court in the throne room -- delivered from the heart, with me a disillusionment with be a book on the shelf that actually the parlour on the wrapped in tears and grief. All the face of motherhood. collects the experiences and chesterfield. She had a stroke the women I talked to about The nuclear family just wisdom of everyday mothers. in her late thirties, and never this subject told me their doesn't exist for me. Not to my Not the airy, fairy stories that really left the chesterfield after stories only if they could knowledge. Once in a while I appear on Mother's Day about that. She was a nurse before it remain anonymous. Their had friends who seemed to how wonderful and special the was seen as a proper children and their mothers are come from perfect families: one relationship we had with our profession for young ladies, still alive and someday they mother, one father, children, a Mother was or is, and how and brought up three children. hope for a better relationship dog, and a station wagon. The overjoyed we are with She was definitely strong, with them. mother was there after work to motherhood. There should be a assertive, maybe a tad I talked to: still married pass out cookies and ask how record of how difficult aggressive. My mother hated The faces of mothers battered by husbands, the day went, but the fathers I motherhood can be, not just her, I adored her. I am not sure motherhood mothers who chose to be single hardly every met. They were the collected glow of saint-like what a lady is but she wasn't it. parents, lesbian mothers, not my norm, and according to mothers, but of the older, more She was not a perfect mother. single parents not by choice, the statistics they are not experienced, and I boldly add, My mother brought me up and women who were abused anyone's norm. Over 1/3 of all_ disillusioned ones. alone. We moved every year to by mothers - that is something adults live in single families, so Write to me with your avoid the rent increases. She wrote in her story, "if asked will you never read about. The that only leaves about another experiences. I'm ready to write was not perfect, either. I have tell you a heart-rending differences between the under- 213 in other kinds of families a book, and edit a book. I want been a single mother of four for account of my birth." The 40 opinions and over-40 and we know that they are to put together the true five years, and I know I am not sarcasm rings so sharp that opinions is remarkable but not widely varied families. experiences of women. What is perfect. I have not lived up to tears rip at my heart. She has enough space to allow This is not a research motherhood for you? Is it what anyone's ideals of mothering, no idea how much. I wanted her, comment. paper, this is not an unbiased you thought it would be? not even my own. and her brother and sisters. In This has been a healing piece of journalism. I looked If nothing else, we may be My daughter brought home that same story she wrote "my experience for me to know that around me. I asked questions. able to laugh together. I a biography that a teacher father is a successful engineer I am not alone. The women I I got answers that proved to me promise to answer each of your insisted she write. In it were and my mother is a writer, but talked to are the face of that I am not isolated in my letters personally. the seeds of the beginning of she hasn't written anything motherhood. Even if we don't feelings and anger. About me. I was under the the end. "My mother," she lately."

Once upon a time the fairy lot and through the years I they can do it all. Over and supermoms like, the own in One university graduate tale goes, all mothers were have used it to validate my over again women say "no Expressions magazine this explained, "I set out to do wise, kind, all-loving, forever feelings.· problem I can do it all." They month about the three talented everything. I had. my children, caring, forgiving and magical. I Joan told me, "My first expect to be better mothers women who have wonderful nursed .two of them through knew that was true because I child was born after a difficult, than their mothers. Most of glowing relationships with their Political Science 200, in the used to gaze fondly and miserable pregnancy and was them will succeed marginally, children, and all are living back row. I played and studied wistfully at all artists' the fifth pregnancy. She was a but at what cost? Most won't examples of super success with them. I should have renderings of the ethereal miracle baby. Everyone was even live up to their own and perfection. Most of us known it wouldn't work. I images of tho mother and child. thrilled with her. She was expectations. can't afford a horse, never nursed every baby until they I knew that there existed an all bright-eyed, and full of wonder One mother explained, mind a house, for our kids or weaned themselves, often with nurturing, perf'3ct mother. We as she gazed around the labour "Everything I say, everything I private girls' schools. None of a text book in the other hand. know that because all women room. All three after her were do is responded to with 'Oh, us are national broadcasters, The writing was on the wall. are brought up to be nurturing, only a little bit more perfect, Mom.' I remember saying the actresses or opera stars. When the babies were old perfect creatures. It is our role; each so special in their own same thing to my mom, in the But our children are still enough, they used their free our lot in life. way. I planned to keep that same tone of voice. My mom growing up thinking they can do hand to try and knock the book Universally, women are fed it all; believing their mothers out of _my hand and pull my up with myths, we are angry, are failures because they eyes to theirs. The first of we are disappointed with haven't successfully combined many compromises to come -- motherhood. We are fed up motherhood and a career. We, all choices between the trying to live up to myths that on the other hand, tried to bring children and a career. don't exist. up our children believing they "But they said I could have The myth of motherhood: can do it all, be anyone, go a career and be a great mother. The propagation of an unreal anywhere. It has backfired on I know they did I Who the hell glow of motherhood that draws their mothers. were they! The top 1% of and traps women to this day. A friend decided to take off genius superwomen? I am just There is no ethereal glow school and bake cookies one me, and I screwed up both around motherhood. Half of the rare afternoon. When her career and· childrearing. I am women I interviewed said that daughter arrived home she not alone. I pasted and although they are happy their said, "Oh, you've decided to coloured and played with my children are alive and well, they bake like a real mother." children, I read every theory of would not have become open, trusting joy alive told me when I was growing up, Attitudes not learned at home, I child rearing and in the end mothers if they knew the reality between me and all my 'Don't slump, stand up straight, assure you. No matter how none of them were right." of motherhood. Motherhood is children. It doesn't exist now and don't play with your hair.' feminist our views are the My horizons are filled with also tears and grief. We are that they are teenagers." Guess whose daughter always children are still bringing home single families headed by sick of unreal images of If you think children have plays with her hair. Looking for unreal attitudes about mother- women, if not struggling motherhood; of roses, lace and modern views of motherhood, split ends, I'm told. Looks real hood and a family. financially, suffering emotion- candy. watch Tiny Talent Time, on your moronic looking through Irene, a mother of four, local cable station. Watch your crossed eyes at the end of told me, "I went to a counsellor, generic versions of Tiny Talent your own hair to see if it's split. cont'd on page 34 to get help for being upset that Time featuring the tiny talented Is that what my Mother thought my children were going to go (I am never sure whether that of me?" live with their father. 'I see a means "tiny amount of talent or The real face of woman full of anger, and grief," tiny in stature" - it seems to be motherhood is tired, furrowed the counsellor told me. 'I'll help both) when the MC, the clown, with worry and at the same time you grieve for your loss and or the ring master asks each strong, determined and handle your anger,' the little tot what they want to be twinkling with laughter. Without counsellor said. I went away when they grow up. It hasn't laughter many mothers and thought about it and she changed much. The girls still wouldn't make it to get up and was right. I really am full of say, •When I grow up I want to face tomorrow. anger and grief, but why should get married and be a mother." My generation tried the I learn to handle it? They sometimes add "I am motherhood and career bit. We I once went to a going to be a doctor, lawyer, are not ashamed anymore to psychiatrist, and asked him if whatever." They boys never say it is bull. My world does not he thought I was crazy say "I want to be a father when include supermothers. It because I was crying so much. I grow up." doesn't include superwives, He asked me why I was crying The school counsellors superfeminists, or super- and I told him. He said, report the same fantasy among women. It does include 'Woman, if you weren't crying, I our high school students. amazing women, resilient and would think you were crazy.' I What has really changed? struggling against odds and we thought about what he said a Nothing, except now they think are tired of the stories of page34 May/June 1989 A mother and daughter by Kay Nand/a// and Natasha Nandlal should thank them for that and not have to stay home and be the things they do and help you housewives if we don't want to with. be. Men can stay home and do housework and look after Kay: Things they do and help babies. Women and men now you with? have the choice. Natasha: Mom tells us what is wrong and what is right, gives Kay: What can you do to help us advice, such as: Do your the issue of women's rights? homework, then have fun. You ' Natasha: Write letters to the have taught me how to do government. Speak up and laundry, to cook, sew, pack demand our rights. Children wood, paint draw, shovel snow, should speak out, too, and not fish and dig for worms! Gee, wait until they are women. I Mom, you taught me a lot of would like to ask women to The faces of things! come speak to us in school, and tell us what we can do to motherhood Kay: What are the bad things help. They should also tell us Mom does? how to prevent the problems Nat ash a: You can be women are faced with now, like As an active feminist, mother, why women are abused, what wife, and counsellor for abused impatient, make me do stuff, and don't do the same thing. problems may arise when women, I worry about the marrying or living with amount of time I spend away You fall asleep with your good from my children. The following clothes on when you are tired; someone. We should have a interview with my youngest you put lots of popcorn in your regular program in school. daughter Natasha (age 12) mouth; and you tell me to put in The one in the background is Nadia or Nadina, the one in the front helped me to view the situation one piece at a time. I have to Kay: Speaking about school, do my share of the chores, I right is my mom, Kay Nandlall, and the one in the striped sweater is and what children should know, differently. It started out as a Natasha Nandlall. discussion on what to get me can't look at my favourite TV what do you think of fairy shows. You don't let me play tales? for Mother's Day, and evolved Kay: People can be mean to are better than women. games on the computer -- well, Natasha: I do not believe in into a talk that helped me see each other, Tasha. What does (Giggle) I think we are better most of the games -- and you them; it's somebody's my daughter with a new this tell you, for example, when than they are. understanding. I see her not won't let me use a calculator for wandering imagination. my math homework. you are older and would like to only as a daughter, but also as be in a serious relationship? Kay: You mentioned at the a maturing adolescent who will Natasha: Mom, when you tell Kay: Do you think we should Kay: Speaking about math and beginning of our discussion explain the reality of fairy tales help carry the torch of computers, what do you think me what happens to women (I that Mother's Day is a feminism. work in a house for abused to children? about school? celebration of women's rights Natasha: Yes, before we read Natasha: It comes first, before women), it tells me some men also. Can you explain why you Kay: Tash, what do you think are cruel and I should be fairy tales, we should let the anything else, my friends also. feel this way? js Mother's Day is? careful. I should get involved kids know it just a fairy tale; Natasha: Because it was it is only somebody's Natasha: Well, it is a day to with people who treat me with Kay: Your friends seem to be women who helped us have the imagination. celebrate mothers' and quite important. respect, and would not take rights to go out and work and to women's rights. Moms brought Natasha: They can be nice, advantage of me or the be anything we please. We can us into this world, and we but they can also be mean. relationship. Men think they be a fireperson or doctor; we do The myth of motherhood cont'd from page 33 OPEN I NG ANNOUNCEMENT beginning to let go of our guilt for not being superwomen, DR. YVONNE K. McGUIRE, o.c. supermothers, superwives and 780 Baseline Road Ottawa, Ontario superfeminsits. Unit 3 K2C 3V8 This article is not a lament for not measuring up to society's ideals but it is a claim FISHER HEIGHTS that society has to change if CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC we are to have both career and motherhood without guilt. Our HCCEPTING NEW PHTIENTS BY HPPOINTMENT daughters are still growing up (613) 723-5555 thinking they can have it all. I am here to say it is not so, unless roles and choices are radically changed. I am not willing to be silent in my anger and let history repeat° in its ally. All do the best they can, exploitation of women. some with less than others, but Until women decline the all care. major responsibility of care and One woman expressed her nurturance of men, children, Grindstone Island Centre frustration with motherhood, • I relatives, the old, the sick and thought I would grow up to be a the differently abled, nothing is kind and loving mother close to going to change. I am willing my children. I felt in my heart I and able to share, and share Programs of special interest to women was making it, but now that my only, in caring for others. I am babies are almost teenagers it willing to share power, money, is like they are of another domestic work and child care •Front-line Workers' Retreat, June 26-28 planet. Don't get me wrong, I'm equally with those that I live a fairly modern woman. I go with. Most importantly I am Celebration - A Women's Retreat, June 30-July 3 dancing every Saturday night, I willing to accept the fact that I Women and Community Economic Development, love fun, I like wild clothes and will nurture myself. wild music: I am university Looking around at the July 31-August 2 educated. I think I'm modern. world and its lack of progress, •Women and Unions, August 10-13 My teenage daughters my personal response to it is treat me like a moron, and they anger. I don't want to diffuse Women and Men - Listening for a Change, like the music of the 50's that I my anger, I am going to use it. couldn't stand then and don't I have every right to be angry, September 15-17 much like the second time and I refuse to turn it in on me. around. Now that we aren't Until the message that close, the sacrifices I made women must share equally in all For more information about these and other programs, don't seem worth it." aspects of society: until we contact Grindstone Co-op, 202- 427 Bloor Street West, The idea that we can have give up the role as primary Toronto, Ontario M5S 1X7, telephone (416) 968-9187 it all -- a career and children is a nurturers; until all men and myth. We are sold a bill of women accept this message; goods and we load ourselves we live in never-never land, and down with guilt for not the supermother fantasy goes succeeding. We are only on and on and on. May/June 1989 page 35 What you always wanted to Imo~ about the budget byJoan~ but were afraid-to ask What Is a budget? expenditure on other programs. million existing federal sales tax as of The A budget is the govern- (Remember that the interest on January 1, 1991. The tax will ment's proposed expenditures the public debt is $39.4 billion What are the major be 9% on all goods and 1989 and revenues in the upcoming or some 28% of 89/90 revenue measures In the services with the exception of fiscal year (in this case, April 1, expenditures). Second, a budget? basic groceries, prescription federal 1989, to March 31, 1989). lower debt would allow lower The major revenue drugs, medical devices, budget interest rates -- having to measures for 89/90 are: residential rents, most health What Is a deficit? attract funds from the public federal sales tax and dental services, day care, A (budget) deficit is when pushes up the interest rate. rate changes $795 million legal aid and most educational the government's proposed Third, it would allow a lower excise levy increases services. The tax is a expenditures exceed the value of the Canadian dollar (gas & tobacco) $1,233 million regressive one (that is, proposed revenues. A surplus since a high interest rate personal income opposite to progressive) in that budget is the opposite and a attracts foreign funds which tax surtaxes $545 million the rate of tax is the same no is when pushes up the value of the large corporation tax matter what the level of income proposed expenditures and Canadian dollar. Fourth, it & modification of of the consumer. However, the revenues are equal. would help unemployment surtax $410 milllon government claims that income Wilson has presented a . since a high value of the other measures $265 million tax reductions for the lower deficit budget for the upcoming Canadian dollar causes •savings from UI $425 mil!jon middle class and a generous fiscal year: unemployment by making our TOTAL $3,695million tax credit for the poor will leave Expenditures $142.9 billion exports too expensive. these two groups no worse off. Revenues $112,4 billion What will be the Impact of The government also Deficit $ 30.5 billion Are there hidden agendas these revenue measures on claims that the tax will be security payments. This is the In the government's budget? women? "revenue neutral" -- that is, the so-called "clawback" provision What Is the debt? Satisfying business and It is difficult to predict the new GST won't bring in any in the budget. The (public) debt is the business' particular agenda is specific impact of these cuts more. money than the federal accumulation of past deficits one aspect of this. All along on women, apart from the UI sales tax it will be replacing. What wfll be the regional not compens~ed for by there has been tremendous changes which will affect However, it is estimated that lmpad of the budget? surpluses in other years. The pressure on government by seasonal and part-time workers the new tax will cover 75% of all The regions have been Canadian public debt is business to make trimming the especially hard. However, it is goods and services that are experiencing high unemploy- expected to reach $352 billion deficit its number one priority. possible to say something purchased (as compared to ment while Ontario has been by the end of the 89/90 fiscal Ideologically, business wants about the impact on families at 33% before) and that it will experiencing a boom. In this year. Because of this debt, government to cut its different income levels. raise the average family's cost way, a deficit budget is $39.4 billion of the govern- expenditures and put more and A progressive tax is a tax of living by between 2.5 and appropriate for the regions. ment's proposed expenditures more of the economy in private in which the rate increases for 3%. The recent crisis in the Atlantic (e.g. of the $142.9 billion) are hands (privatization). For higher levels of income. The fisheries with plant shutdowns" for interest payments on debt. practical reasons, business surtax, 5% of taxable income What are the major expenditure and lay-offs makes that would like to see both a lower as of July 1, 1989 (3% for 1988 cutting meaSlH'es for 89/90? region's situation even worse How serious Is the interest rate for the financing of taxable income), is not Transfers to other levels than before. deficit/debt problem? . investment and a lower value of progressive since the rate is of government (including With the budget, the poor The $2.7 million campaign the Canadian dollar for the sale the same for all levels of $175 million for regions are going to suffer from that the government has led of exports abroad. income. The newly introduced child care) $265 million the cutbacks in transfers to the urging us to "think of the future The thrust of the budget high income surtax of an Major subsidies and provinces -- health and generations" is misleading and also coincides with the additional 3% on high income transfers (including education (starting 1990), day alarmist. Since the deficit is government's free trade level ..individuals (as of July 1, $10 million for Secretary care ,and crop insurance. financed by money we owe agenda. One of the most 1989) will, however, add some of State grants and There will also be the very ourselves (in contrast to the fundamental requirements for progressivity to the tax contributions) $188'mlllion severe impact of the closing foreign debt which is money free trade with the United system. •Major payments to down of the military base at owed to foreigners), there is no States is the harmonization of The chartered accountant crown corporations Summerside, P.E.I. danger of the country going Canada-U.S. policies. This firm of Coopers and Lybrand (Via Rail, CBC, etc) $108 million There are also cutbacks in bankrupt. We can print more involves the withdrawal of have estimated that it is low Defense $575 million funds to the Industrial and money if it comes to that anything the Americans might middle-income families who International aid $360 million Regional Development pro- although such an approach see as subsidies or incentives. have been hardest hit by the Operations of gram.development agreements would bring inflationary Thus we can see in the budget surtaxes in this and the last government $ 49 million with the provinces and the pressures. the slashing of funds to Via Rail several budgets while affluent TOTAL $1,545 million Atlantic Opportunities Agency Economists are not all in and Air Canada and less Canadians are better off than (ACOA). Cutbacks to Via Rail agreement about the government contribution to they were prior to tax reform in What will be the Impact of will also be particularly hard on seriousness of the deficit unemployment insurance, day 1988. the expenditure cuts on wmen? the Atlantic Provinces. problem. See, for example, the care, health, education and For Canadians with taxable The major direct impact of the Finally, the longer eligibility Globe and Mall artide, "Wrong regional development pro- income of $100,000, the expenditure cuts on women and shorter collection periods Policy, Wrong Problem," (May grams, to name a few. marginal tax rates dropped come from the cuts in promised under the proposed UI benefits 15) or the Toronto Star article, from 53.88 % in 1987 to 46.48 child care funding and the cuts will affect all but the highest "Deficit not Problem Ottawa What measures does this % in 1988 and then will rise to the Women's Program at the unemployment areas. Season- Says It is," (May 16). budget take to reduce the slightly to 48.03 % by 1990, Secretary of State -- $2 million al workers, e.g. in the fisheries, According to Keynesian policy deficit/debt? still less than in 1987. of the $1 O million cut to forestry, etc., will be especially (John Maynard Keynes was the Actually, the budget For Canadians whose taxable Secretary of State was to the affected as they may not be most important economist of reduces neither the deficit income is $27,000, the Women's Program. able to get the required weeks the twentieth century), a deficit ($28.9 billion in 88/89, $30.5 marginal tax rate climbs Official Languages 3% of work to be eligible for UI. budget is appropriate for an billion in 89/90) nor the debt steadily from 39.89% in 1987 to ($1.5 million cut from $30 economy which needs ($320 billion by March 1989, 41.97% by 1990. million) Where Is more Information stimulation -- e.g., where $352 billion by March 1990). It Multiculturalism 10% about the budget available? unemployment rather than only reduces them compared to Are corporations paying ($2 million cut from $20 million) The Department of Finance inflation is the most serious what they might have been if their fair share? Native Citizens 3.6% has put out a package of problem. Many economists spending and taxes were left Corporations are able to ($2 million cut from $56 million) documents entitled Budget 89. would argue that for anywhere unchanged. avoid taxes by deferring them •Women's Program 15% Most of the information you in Canada, outside of Ontario, The deficit has been tackled by through the writing off of ($2million cut from $13.2million) need is there if you look hard unemployment is our most en~ugh increasing revenues (mainly investments in plant and The Established Programs although the infor- serious problem. taxes) and decreasing equipment at an artificially fast Financing cuts (e.g., to the mation is presented with a expenditures. The greatest rate. (See Linda McQuaig's provinces for health and particular slant. What advantages would burden (71 % by one book, Behind Closed Doors, for education) slated for 1990-91 Also NAC, the Pro-Canada there to reducing the size of be commentator's estimate), has more information on this). of $215 million must also be of Network and the Canadian the debt? been on the increased Broadbent gave the estimate major concern to women. Brotherhood of Railway First, it would reduce our revenues: Revenue measures- that these "deferred corporate Workers are sponsoring an interest payments on the debt $3,956 million and Expenditure income taxes" now total more What Is the attack on across-the-country train trip to and thus allow more restraint measures: $1,545 than $39 billion. "universality'' contained In the "get Ule budget on track.• The measures which are in budget? Those on the trains will join in the budget include a new "Universality" is equal protest activities at the various minimum tax which is to be access to social programs stops and provide information Marlene Catterall imposed on corporations worth regardless of level of ihcome -- for those who want to fight the MP- Ottawa West more than $10 million. Also, e.g., everyone gets Family budget. For more information, the Canadian Exploration and Allowance, Old Age Security, contact NAC at (416) 922- I welcome your calls Development Incentive medicare services, etc., even 3246. Program was withdrawn. A tax miflonaires. Although Family and letters, and news on banks which was talked Allowance and Old Age Joan McFarland teaches of community events. about was not imposed. Security have already been Economics at St. Thomas made taxable, starting with the University in Fredericton, N.8., What about the proposed fiscal year 1989/90, those and is the upcoming President Parliamentary Office Constituency Office goods and services tax (GST)? whose net income exceeds of the Canadian Congress for 245 West Block 2571 Carling Ave. The proposed goods and $50,000 will have to repay their Learning Opportunities for KIAOA6 K2B Tl2 services tax will replace the family allowance and old age Women (CCLOW). 996-0984 990-7720 page36 May/June 1989 "Give us tools and seeds" -

Graca Machel was Minister "Then they got angry and education today in who are refugees, with our our interests and who is of Education in Mozambique for cut off one of my ears. They Mozambique means to take economy destroyed as it is, against our interests. 14 years. She participated in left me there bleeding and went into account that the one with children being traumatized I could tell you that in negotiations for the 1974 off. I was cared with traditional million and three hundred as they are - why we still Mozambique we have 200,000 agreement through which her medicines, but it took a year thousand children who are in stand up as the People's children who are orphaned like country won its independence before I was realty well. school are somehow like Jose Republic of Mozambique from Jose Sefamiej Mashawa. But from Portugal. Currently, she is "At the end of that year, I Sefamiej Mashawa. North to South, from East to probably 200,-000-~hildren president of the Mozambique was kidnapped by bandits. I So what does education West, as an entire country and would just be another figure children's organization called was trained at their base, mean to my country today? also as united people. among the other figures you the Continua/es (the learning how to dismantle and We could think of People could be tempted hear about Mozambique. What continuers), as well as load arms. Also my job was to education as buildings, to think that all these I wanted to try to bring to you is president of the national get water and wood. One day I equipment - children having combinations of destruction, of these children, how they face commission of UNESCO, a was sent to get water and I comfortable schools and basic de~tabilizing, could make this their future and their lives. member of the central took the chance to run away. I materials to learn. But this is country, these people just say, We want the nightmare of committee of the governing didn't know where I was going not the case in Mozambique. "Well, enough is enough." Why orphans in our country Frelimo Party, a deputy of the and wandered about. I arrived School in our country, many then does it happen that with all gradually to disappear, people's assembly the at an armed barracks and times, means children and their these problems, all these absorbing these children in our parliament of Mozambqiue, a presented myself to the teacher, sitting under a tree difficulties, Mozambican own families, to give them a member of the Mozambique soldiers there. "(He means and, if it's necessary, trying to people still stand as united second family and to give them women's organization. Fre/imo soldiers there.) write on the soil. These people? the right to have a mother and a She recently ca'me to "They asked me where I children, with problems like This is the response of father and, of course, the right Canada on a tour sponsored by had come from and when I said Sefamiej Mashawa, are they people who defend their own to develop themselves as the World University Services. I had fled from the bandits, really able to think, to interests, their own normal people. This is a Below are excerpts of her they asked me to take them to concentrate, to learn aspirations. When people know challenge. But it's also a speech at Dalhouise University the base. I went there with the geography, to learn maths, that the struggle is for their dimension of how we struggle in Halifax, Nova Scotia. troops, but the base was history and biology? Are they right to be the people they are, against apartheid and against then they are able to accept the impact of apartheid in our whatever is the sacrifice being country. No one of us should demanded of them. Because be marginalized just because as our first president of the they have been victims of movement said, "The choice we apartheid. All of us should have in Mozambique is to live rebuild our links - our on our knees or to die standing relationships - in families, in up." communities. To build one The choice is that. To unique identity of people - surrrender - it would mean Mozambican people. that, okay, we can live, but The impact of apartheid in always on our knees. We'd our society is to try to build accept domination, we would delinquents, assassins, people accept hegemony against who are absolutely Mozambique. But then - if we destabilized. . .So struggling have to remain Mozambican against apartheid and people, we have the right to destabilization in Mozambique build our own dreams, we have is to build a very strong front of the right to make our sovereign all of us in which any child is my decisions - then we'll stand ·up child, and of course, any and continue to be standing up, mother and any father can be a and if it is necessary, to accept mother and a father for each that we'll die, but standing up. child in Mozambique. This is I think there is another another dimension of how we dimension of resistence I would understand to struggle against like to make you think about. It destabilization and to maintain is how it happens that a child the development of our project who was brutalized by the of building the nation. bandits is able to recognize We are also trying to I'm really very happy to be already abandoned. Now I live in the position of understanding and to keep confidence in other develop a sense of self- able to be able to bring a little in Langien Centre and I'm well why there have been such people who are also armed. cared for." brutalities and atrocities? And reliance. We try to make sure bit of Mozambique to you They do have arms - they are that people in displaced camps tonight. I know many of you This is a short story of a how is it going to help them to troops. How a child can do not stay as refugees in the know my country, many of you Mozambican child of fourteen. attend a school? distinguish between bandits sense of only waiting for know my region. You do also We can multiply this story to I would like you to think and governmental soldiers? To someone else to give food and know what are the problems thousands in Mozambique about what Jose Sefamiej is say, "I run away, but I can go to clothing and medical there, so it suggests an today. At that age I was saying. Our children in many Frelimo soldiers and present opportunity to bring a bit of our dreaming of how to be able to cases are no longer children. assistance. As soon as they myself and tell them who I am can, they should develop feeling, a bit of our challenge finish my school, because When a child has to learn to and where I come from.• This is economic activities, especially and still, many of our hopes studying was the passport of resist, to accept that they cut the relationship and the agriculture. and dreams of what we want to trying to be someone in one, two, three, four fingers, confidence of Mozambican On one hand we try to give continue to build in society. And then after, in and to keep quiet - this is not people in their government, them food and clothing, but on Mozambique - with your Venice, I learned from my own a child. This is an adult - an the other hand we give them support, of course. experience what education adult who understands what tools and seeds, and we say, I'll try to avoid talking means. And I said, "Let us help the bandits are going to do if he "Start again." In a country in about economic destabil- to build the dream of many shows who his father's friends which apartheid is trying to ization, and bring another kind Mozambican children. Of are and where they are. And he of dimension of destabilization playing, singing, dancing, develop disability, we try to decides, "I'll die for his sake, build the strongest and highest which· I think in the future is of going to school, having a but I'm not going to show where level of consciousness so that much more concern to stable family, being happy they are so they are not going we will be strong when we are Mozambique and eventually to children. Children of indepen- to be killed." able to develop on our own. other African countries in my dence." This is a child who is region. I had the experience of prepared to die for the sake of And those who are friends, those who are giving solidarity Imagine me as a child working in the Ministry of other people. He is no longer a to Mozambique, mostly they'll talking to you. Education for fourteen years. child. He is a soldier, in my "I'm Jose Sefamiej country, who has learned that come to join our efforts for One of my biggest dreams was development. Mashawa. I am fourteen years exactly how to make our to defend people and to defend This sense of self- old and come from Asinga in children _be happy and how to our nation, it can mean that he even in their army. It is the determination is not only a the provin-ce of Vinamban. My make our children grow in a free will die. sense that the government and political sense. It must be father was a member of the country. How to develop all I'd like you to think that in the Frelimo soldiers will defend rebuilding what was destroyed, militia and was killed by the their potentialities and their Mozambique we are not only our sovereignty. People feel replacing what was taken from bandits who came to the abilities of being people and refugees. We are not only that "If I need one place to be us. Whatever are the changes house. After they kitted my being men and women. And of displaced people, but mostly safe from the bandits, I can run father, they asked me to show course, by that, build another we are people who are to be done in Mozambique, to a Frelimo soldier and ask for Mozambican people them- them where his friends lived. I dimension of development. struggling and we are people help." said I didn't know who they It is with a sense of who resist. This is the face of selves must start them, and The struggle continues then others will come in were or where they were. Then disgust that I say that after Mozambican people I would like there because we peoples of solidarity. It is another they cut off one of my fingers thirteen years of you to think about tonight. Mozambique and peoples of dimension of what we think to make me speak. Again, they independence, instead of And to understand also - Southern Africa understand about the links with asked me where my father's children who think and play, with all these brutalities, with that we bave no choice than to international community. We friends were, and again I said I draw, sing and dance, the the thousands and thousands try to survive, but survive with· expect all people of good will to didn't know. Altogether, they stories my children tell me are of people who are killed, dignity. We have to struggle cut off four of my fingers, but,~ exactly as this one of Jose millions of people who are for our own right for dignity. cont'd on page 37 said I didn't know anything. Sefamiej Mashawa. An affected, thousands of people And to identify clearly what are

The Womanist·------May/June 1989 page37 Rebuilding Mozambique respect our dignity and not just whatever is important and Don't get used to our children Apartheid in its We don't mean the same - I give us food so that we'll possible to accelerate the being traumatized. What is philosophy is a regime of mean we don't seem that we downfall of apartheid. Because going on in that part of the survive today - this is good, violence. it's important - but more than then we'll have the basic world has to end. And we have are human people. That's that, give us tools and seeds. conditions for changing the a contribution to make to that. But you know, I think in why people do not feel. I am Of course I mean whole situation. Let me say When we try to appeal many, many people in our sorry to say very frankly. agriculture, but I could also we'll take control in the area, in forcefully, directly, it's century the problem, the I mean to kill thousands mean training. There are seeds the region - we peoples of our because we in our region are real problem, why very and thousands of white you can put in developing region, we'll take control. giving solidarity to each other, decisive steps are not being children and the world to heads, in the minds of people. Supporting frontline states to one another. And then we taken in Southern Africa - keep quiet as it is keeping These seeds will germinate and is very important - it's have the moral strength to ask you know what I feel? Its a quiet - they wouldn't necessary. But more than for solidarity. Because we we will develop ourselves. This racist problem. acc&pt it. They would have is the kind of solidarity we that, it's urgent. If you like, it is know that whatever is possible If all the thousands and something we cannot wait for acted a long time ago expect from the international - politically, economically, thousands of people who community. To plant seeds in and try to give time. It's diplomatically of course, and (applause] but my children, our minds, to help Mozambican important to do whatever we even militarily - we peoples of are being killed and all these my grandchildren, uh-uh, do people to develop so that can to make apartheid fall now. our region, we are working detainees in South Africa not touch the heart of Mozambican people will walk on' Don't get used to the figures. together. We have been gio1ing being brutalized - all these people. This is the point. their own feet, to develop their Don't get used to our faces of our possibilities and our efforts things - if they were not I'm telling them, "Look. own country. malnutrition and starvation. and resources to this struggle. black people, I think action Every seven minutes my What is destabilizing Don't get used to the numbers But if it is understood and would have taken place a children are dying in Mozambique is the apartheid of people who have been killed. accepted that apartheid is a long , long time ago. We It's much more than numbers. Mozambique. Do some* regime. It's important for you crime against humanity, then don't mean the same thing thing!" And they ask me, - all of you - to give us let us bring the whole humanity to many people in this world. solidarity, to help to build a to support our struggle. And to "Give them time." Mozambique, to rebuild do something concrete in economic infrastructures, action, not only to be and many other things could be happy. They have the right to social infrastructures, to sympathetic, but action, to told to you by South African live. contribute in whatever way you say, "This is a crime against children, by Angolan children, A black child of our region think to rebuild the integrity and humanity, and you have to stop Namibian children. In any of was asked, "What would you personality of our children, it .• our countries, children of our like to be when you are grown these children who are I wanted to talk about the region would tell you a story up?" And the child answered, traumatized by the war. But to human dimension of more or less similar to this. We "Alive." This is what children of build a stable situation in destabilization and what it just want you to feel our my region expect. First of all to Mozambique and in Southern means. This is happening in children are like your children. keep alive. And of course then Africa, that is decisive - to do Mozambique. But this story They have the right to be the rest will come.

r r r t e t n a A a rs t A t JP t ns t re JP a Women of Mozambique (From the booklet "Women new classrooms being built. If preparing food was a job Women and War and the Mozambican army. in Mozambique" in the resource There is a health worker and ,a men did or shared, the grain mill Over two-thirds of kit Mozambique: Apartheid's small clinic to provide basic might get more use. The emancipation of Mozambican women have been Second Front, from medical care. There is a grain women was one of a number of displaced from their homes. Cooperation Canada mill that grinds dry corn into the Changing Traditio.nal issues occupying the centre They can no longer sow the Mozambique) fine meal used in making the Customs stage during the first few years seeds, tend the plants, harvest stiff porridge that is·the staple of Mozambique's and cook the food. Instead, Realities of Rural Women food of the region. Another target for change independence. No one had they must listen to their Both the water pump and is the traditional customs that predicted that by the early children crying in hunger, The vast majority of the grain mill have the potential are viewed as detrimental to 1980's, all questions of knowing that they can not feed Mozambicans live in the rural for relieving women of literally women, such a polygamy, transformation and them. They watch their areas and work the land. The hours of hard work each day. lobo/o (bride price) and development would be pushed children die and can not help 1980 census calculated that But what happens when they arranged marriages. These into the background by South them. 70% of the economically active break down? - an inevitability customs did not emerge simply Africa and its war of • Frelimo is the governing population works in family in any society, but a critical because men liked the idea of destabilization. The first five party in Mozambique. Frelimo, agriculture. Of this figure, 93% problem in an underdeveloped having more than one wife, or are women. one. as mechanisms to oppress The average work day of a There's a good chance women. Rather they are rural woman is arduous in the that there's no one who can fix inextricably linked with the extreme, unaided by help from it. Ninety per cent of peasant economy. Lobo/o, men and, except where Mozambicans. were illiterate at which is given from the development aid has independence, and shortly husband's family to the wife's penetrated, unaided by after, virtually every skilled family, compensates for technology. The peasant Portuguese settler fled the women workers lost from a woman is up at dawn, preparing country. The result is a grave family. food for her children and shortage of skilled workers, While objectively lobolo is husband, preparing water for including mechanics. Added to oppressive to women and their wash. Then she sets off this are the problems of lack of should be absent in a new, non- to walk to her machamba, or spare parts (expensive to exploitative society, the need field, which can be miles away import), and serious for it will continue as long as from her house. She hoes and transportation problems. the economy remains plants and weeds with primitive The benefits to women essentially unchanged. The hand tools. By midday, she has from this technology are also ultimate answer to transforming made the return trek home to forestalled sometimes by men women's lives is to ensure that begin another round of and by tradition. their daily domestic and domestic tasks. Take the grain ,mill, for agricultural tasks are altered One Step at a Time example. Even when the mill and the sexual division of was functioning, many women labour, which relegates certain years of Mozambique's which stands for Front for the did not use it because it would Other changes were tasks exclusively to women, is independence was a period of Liberation of Mozambique, led have changed the traditional realigned. Not an easy problem introduced to try and ease hope; now the country is being the long but eventually way of cooking papa, the to solve. women's heavy work load, devastated. successful struggle for the region's staple food. particularly their domestic While women's heavy work In many ways it 1s the independence of Mozambique Traditonally, corn is ground to a chores. One source of pride load is recognized as an unfair women who bear the brunt. from the Portuguese. for Tres de Fevereiro is the paste after being soaked burden, Mozambican society Over the past eight years, the The complete resource kit, electrically generated water overnight, a task that the grain does not confront this situation MNR (Mozambican National pump which allows women to mill can not perform. directly. Women are urged to with several in-depth booklets, Resistance, the South Africa- shorter pamphlets, a full colour get their water comparatively "We have not eaten," show that they can do what backed, anti-government poster, and other materials, is speedily. Women recall how complain the men, "unless we men can do. But the question forces) has carried out a they used to scoop unsafe have eaten papa the way it just as urgent, but seldom available for $10 (individuals) consistent policy of attack, or $20 (institutions) plus $3 water from the river or travel should be cooked." And so asked, is "Can men do what mutilation, rape, kidnapping long distances to collect just women spend hours of women can do?" Not only has postage and handling, from and murder. It has targeted Cooperation Canada one 20-litre can of water. Now strenuous pounding each day, there been no active civilians in order to create clean water can be collected in rather than take their dry mobilization of men to share Mozambique, massive dislocation, destroy c/o CCIC minutes. kernels to the mill to be ground housework, the idea of women the country's ability to feed There are schools, with in minutes. challenging men on the 1 Nicholas St, Suite 300 itself and undermine the Ottawa, Ontario K1N 787 domestic front is discouraged. peasantry's support for Frelimo page38 May/June 1989 The struggle in Uruguay by Michelle Albert offices which would be set up The date was set for April for only two days. 16, 1989. A green ballot would A huge effort was made cancel the law and a gold one and several newspapers would uphold it , thus the "voto published the list of identity verde" (green vote) movement. For 12 years Uruguay was numbers to make them more Access to media was ruled by one of the most accessible. The NPRC extremely limited as one minute repressive dictatorships in publicized the list and of television time cost the Latin America. From 1973 to encouraged people to go verify equivalent of ten American 1985 Uruguay had the highest their signatures. dollars, the average daily wage number of political prisoners In their report on Uruguay of a worker. per capita of any Latin the Inter-Church Committee on On April 16, the votes were American country; one in sixty- Human Rights in Latin America tallied and the referendum was five Uruguayans was tortured; (ICCHRLA), stated: "In a lost. According to officials, one in four was interrogated, country so recently emerged 53% voted to keep the law and jailed, exiled, tortured or killed. from long years of military 40% voted to repeal it. The About 200 people remain repression, this was not an accuracy of these figures, in "disappeared" today. The easy thing for people to do. light of the government's military also abolished But, despite their fears they did previous actions, is Parliament, trade unions and it. They included frail, elderly questionable. But as Eduardo political parties. people with their proud Galeano, a well known In 1985, the military journalist and writer from memories of Uruguay's long government handed over power Uruguay wrote before the tradition of democratic to the elected. civilian referendum took place, "I don't government before the 1973 government of Julio know if the green vote will win coup; a woman who had given Sanguinetti on the and Intelligence Agency signature. This was supposed the plebiscite, but the 600,000 birth the day before came in a understanding that they would imvaded the embassy and to take six months but ended signatures they've collected not be tried for crimes that abducted her. She was never up taking almost a year. The wheelchair. People who owned cars provided lifts to the are already a victory , in this occured during their rule. In seen again, becoming one of court invalidated thousands of elecioral court offices. " country of scarcely three 1986, Sanguinetti's the 90,000 people who have signatures on technicalities million people. A victory government passed a law disappeared in Latin America. and generally made things Victory came on December against the tradition of whic.h granted immunity to As a result of such breach of difficult. They greatly feared 20, 1988 when the Electoral paralysis and against the police and military officers diplomatic law the Venezuelan the possibility that the Court Minister announced that powerful machine of fear". accused of human rights government broke off referendum would be held and 555,917 signatures had been For more information violations during the previous diplomatic relations with the law would be repealed. accepted as valid, 216 more contact: The Commission In 12 years.This law is called the Uruguay. Since that time Tota On December 1st, 1988 than necessary. People Support of the Uruguayan "Law of Impunity". At the time, has been very active in the the electoral court stated that celebrated in the streets for 8 Referendum, P.O. Box 474, polls showed that 80% of struggle for justice and respect 532, 738 signatures were hours. According to ICCHRLA Station U, Toronto, Ontario, Uruguayans were against the for human rights. accepted as valid, almost " ... twenty blocks of the main M8Z5Y8. law and felt that investigations When the Law of Impunity 23,000 short of the number avenue in the capital city of of human rights abuses were was established, freeing all required. They also announced Montevideo was filled with Michelle Albert is a free- the most important step police and military from that 23,307 of the 36,860 people, dancing, jumping up lance writer with a special towards the re-establisment of prosecution, the families of the signatures still being looked at and down, and hugging one interest in the global links democracy. The day after the victims of the regime were would have to be reaffirmed in another." They had succeeded between the many struggles for law was passed the movement determined to see it repealed. person. Not only that, but the in their long and difficult justice. for a referendum on whether According to Uruguayan people would have to go with campaign to gain the right to the law should be ,repealed law, to hold a referendum you their identification papers to have a referendum. began and the National Pro- need to collect signatures of Ref ere nd um Commission support from 25% of the eligible (NPRC) was formed. voters within one year bf the Tota Quinteros is an law's implementation. That organizer with the commission meant collecting 555,701 Two way ticket to El Salvador and was one of the people signatures. involved in starting the Tota described the by Sara TOfT8S hands little white flags which campaign. She was in Toronto incredible grass-roots As soon as the seatbelt moved along with the rhythm of during International Women's organizing that went into this sign was turned on, I could feel our songs. I felt very strong. It Week and gave several public effort. Women were very active my heart beating faster than seemed that nothing could talks. She spoke at the rally ~ and played a major role in this normally. The plane was happen to us. We knew we International Women's Day and effort. The Commission is led supposed to arrive in San were being watched by the led the IWD march with a pro- by three women. The campaign Salvador's airport in no more security forces for the referendu m banner along with ran up against many difficulties than 10 minutes. Salvadorean government. I am members of the Uruguayan as the government and military I waited so many years for sure Maria Cristina knew the community in Toronto. were vehemently opposed to this moment that it was almost risk she was also taking At a public talk in Toronto, having a referendum. They a dream flying over El attending the rally. Tota told her personal story of encountered opposition from Salvador's territory. Peace through dialogue involvement and gave an the mass media as well and I could not take my eyes and negotiations is what all my account of the commission's many threats were made to away from the window. I wanted friends wanted, in the capital, struggle to gain the right to hold those signing the petition. It to see everything: the hills, the in the countryside, in the face a referendum. was even suggested that the houses, the rivers, the trees. of a tiny child sleeping on the Tota Quinteros is one of signatures be controlled by the It was like meeting somebody street, in the mind of a the many mothers of the Ministries of the Interior and you love for whom you are grandmother looking. disappeared in Latin America. National Defense! There was willing to do anything to make My days in El Salvador She is the mother of one of the much intimidation of this sort to him/her happy. passed incredibly fast. There hundreds who disappeared in discourage people from El .Salvador represented was so much action going on Uruguay during the signing. so much to me. Its courageous that I was always catching up dictatorship. Her daughter, Despite so many people were my inspiration to not statistics any more. All or behind. One day the Elena Quinteros Almeiida was problems, by December 1987, keep doing solidarity work for those killed were present in the government troops would break arrested on June 25, 1976. the NPRC presented the them in Canada. Its women, its soldiers that I saw everywhere into the popular unions' offices, Three days later she managed government with. 634, 702 children, its muchachos are I went. They represented the next day the workers were to escape while supposedly signatures, many more than knowingly risking their lives in torture, rape, humiliation, marching on the streets aiding her captors to get was necessary. Although they order to bring about a new psychological anguish, and denouncing it. The people are someone else. She made it to had succeeded in their quest, society. death. always on alert to respond to the Venezuelan Embassy but they had to wait for' the What would I lose by Many things happen daily an attack. members of the Information electoral court to verify every visiting them? Perhaps my life? in El Salvador. I can well recall When I said Adios to many Who knew! There have been a Tuesday afternoon when a of the women I met, it was an already more than 10 woman came into her office uncertain farewell. For my part, Up-to date information on foreigners who have died in El wearing jeans and a white T- I was coming back to Canada confident that nothing can Latin America: human rights, Salvador because they, as I shirt. She seemed nervous but happen to me by helping them women, Canadian policy. do, believe in the justice of the happy. Her name was Maria th e struggle! How about the Cristina Gomez. It caught my to achieve peace, freedom and Write for thousands of Salvadoreans attention because of her self-determination. subscription dead since 1979? The comments about being one of In their case, it was er1can information, assassination of 70,000 peple the speakers for the rally that I different. Each day is a free bookstore Seventy thousand rests on the was also waiting to attend (she challenge to wake up alive in catalogue hands of the Salvadorean had four children and worked the morning, to eat, to work. roup available early 1989. government, backed by the as a teacher in a school in the That is why every woman G United States administration. capital, San Salvador) hopes to see their people free. After arr1v1ng at The rally started at 3 pm. Their commitment is fearless. P.O. Box 2207, Stn. PToronto, Ont. M5S 2T2 Comalapa's airport, the huge We were all chanting slogans They know that they have number of people dead were and songs. We had on our nothing to lose but their lives. May/June 1989 page39 "Desaparecido" - The Disappeared

by Michelle Albert

waging interna! war aga_ir:st a family who suffers. She perceived enemies and political discussed the recent claims of opponents. Using ideo_logical a lessening of human rights DISAPPEARANCES, according to FEDEFAM. justifications for bypassing due violations in the region, process of law, security forces pointing out that . those signed the Esquipulas Accord to investigate crimes against ""Desaparecido ": the form of human rights violation" and paramilitary groups have statistics are used to gain more humanity. They decreed that victim of a practice so peNerse that exists worldwide, but "disappeared" an estimated foreign aid. The lower figures, state responsibility does not and widespread in Latin which has occurred with 90,000 Latin Americans, she claimed, do not represent a end with a change of America that no word in English "exceptional intensity in Latin according to rights groups. change in government policy. government. They stated that a quite captures the full horror of America in the last few years." Training and technical support Forced disappearance contin- Disappearance as required by these operations ues today. Civilian govern- current government can be it. held responsible for providing The "disappeared" practiced in the region in recent have been funded, in many ments have not stopped the justice even if a previous populate a shameful chapter in years is the product of nations, by United States repression. In fact, it is human government is found guiltX of contemporary Latin American "National Security• doctrines military aid. rights activists who are committing or tolerating 1.~70s implemented by Armed Forces Jn the 1970s, countries history, a period in the increasingly being targeted and abuses. and 1980s in which the military threatened with death. Mayra and Emma stressed establishments of the The Esquipulas Accord, that the Courts' verdicts were Americas refined to new levels the agreement signed by the extremely important as they of cynicism and efficiency the five Central American started discussion around the practice of "disappearing": t~at presidents to work together to topic of disappearance and is, the practice .of sending solve the region's problems, brought it into the public realm plainclothes secunty agents to has undoubtedly been for the first time. This affects abduct and capture individuals beneficial in that it has created the social culture of a country without due process of law, of a space for Central Americans and forces people to discuss holding victims illegally in to talk. ACAFADE recognizes the issue. It also has a similar secret jails while denying any this as an important step, yet impact on th~ international knowledge of their points out that throughout all community. Mayra pointed out· whereabouts to relatives, of the Esquipulas meetings and that before International interrogating and torturing meetings of the Presidents of organizations would only pay victims before summarily the region, human rights attention when there were executing them and disposing violations are never discussed. thousands of "disappeared". of the bodies in unm

------cont'd on page41 In over a century gynergy books announces of vibrant life, WEL THY HONSINGER FISHER pioneered in education for women in pre· revolutionary China, became one of the out· standing speakers for peace and social reform NEW of her generation, and at seventy-three began her major work for literacy in India. She lived FEMINIST the world as one place long before global uniW in diversity began to seem possible. TEXTS Sally Swenson lived, worked and travelled Nancy Chater with Welthy Fisher for the last fourteen years of her life, around the clock and around the Bodies of Knowledge: fear world. Ann Deeter "This unique biography of a most remarkable In sister woman, Welthy Honsinger Fisher, is based not only on the author's first-hand knowledge during Angela Hryniuk fourteen years as her companion-secretary, but walking inside circles also on thorough research of (and careful selection from) a phenomenal amount of original Patricia Seaman documents and source material. Compulsory - Hotel Destine -and compelling - reading for anyone, Signals of a Century illustrates what can be achieved through the goal-directed life of one individual. The ripples will continue to spread, as new souls are inspired by this sensitive recounting of that life." (Dr. Norma E. Walmsley, Founding President of MATCH International Centre)

ISBN 0-9693684-0-2 517 pages, 75 photographs Available from Sally Swenson Stittsville, Ont KOA 3GO available June 1 at your local women's bookstore $22.00 (Cdn) $18.95 (U.S.) $9.95each Distributed by Inland Books or order from University of Toronto Press Distribution May/June 1989 page41 t of the Fathers" they may not have participated contact between the children but they must be taken in caring for their children and the other parent. This only seriously because Canadian during the marriage. increases the burden on the legislators are taking them The phrase "best interests custodial parent and has the seriously. They have of the child" came into vogue in effect of making her presented unfounded access the early ?Os and still remains a responsible for a situation she enforcement figures to vague notion often defined by can't control. Also parents' provincial governments and a white, middle-class, male mobility is fettered. govenrment has responded by judiciary and their colleagues, If sexual abuse is introducing legislation. This, the mental health professionals suspected between the child despite the fact that all studies in family law. Crean says that and the parent, the woman who seem to indicate that a much although psychiatrists' makes allegations is often not more significant problem assessments can be good, believed. To make matters occuring after marriage they have their own biases. worse, if she delays throwing breakdown is that the fathers him out or reporting on him she OUR RIGHT TO LOVE: A Also there is no appeal from an don't make support payments LESBIAN RESOURCE BOOK assessor's recommendation. If runs the risk of being and don't visit. These fathers' considered an accomplice. If they don't like you, or more rightists are in the minority and read and useful particularly to By Ginny Vida importantly don't understand or she denies access the father seem to be motivated not out of persons going through divorce accept you, you could simply may apply for custody. love for their children but out of or custody proceedings or Lawyers realize how such Ginny Vida, Editor of Our lose your children. revenge for the ex-wife. those working in the field. It allegations can hurt the Right to Love: A Lesbian Mediation has also It is ironic that the could be made more useful if custody case for the mother Resource Book, is inviting become extremely popular in provincial governments which she didn't move back and forth so they regularly advise lesbian photographers to family law. Crean says that introduced this access from subject to subject mothers not to voice their fears submit photos of lesbians for power imbalances go largely enforcement legislation with so throughout the book. Also I of sexual abuse. possible inclusion in the unchecked and if the less little need for persuasion had wouldn't have subtitled it The Crean describes the revised edition of Our Right to powerful spouse refuses required women's groups to do Story Behind Joint Custody. It fathers rights' movement as Love, to be published by E.P. settlement at mediation she fifteen years of lobbying and deals with a lot more than joint more appropriately labelled the Dutton. Photos are due May could be considered research and statistics before custody. men's rights movement they began to enforce support 15, 1989. Preferred size is 8 X uncooperative by a judge later One final note. Crean is because it "has less to do with and maintenance orders. 10 or 5 X 7. seen in the custody process. not down on fathers taking an fathering than about male Default rates have been at 80 Our Right to Love is an In 1973 a controversial equal and active role in their superiority and privilege." to 85%. anthology of 1,esbian writing book, Beyond the Best children's lives. She is down on Access enforcement that includes· more than 40 Interests of the Child held that Says Crean, "They use the legislation means economic those who only seem to pick up essays, dozens of personal the custodial parent should language of equality, assume a an interest at the point of stance resembling that of an sanctions against single testimonies, and more than 100 determine access matters. mothers. Manitoba, Ontario marriage breakdown or those photographs of lesbians plus Fathers were furious and set oppressed minority, they and Newfoundland have who want custody because some lesbian rights the stage ior the promotion of appropriate feminism and use it introduced legislation and the they can do it cheaper. supporters. The original edition the presumption of joint to undermine fragile legal gains custody in family law. made by women in one major Uniform Law Conference of was published in 1978 by Canada is very interested in it. Louise Shaughnessy is the Prentice Hall. Joint custody seems like a area where significant change Public Affairs Co-ordinator at good idea at first, but forced has actually taken place." Crean ends her book with a Submit photos to: Ginny very useful chapter on the U.S. the National Association of Vida, Editor, OUr Right to Love, joint custody became a recipe Feminists have labelled the Women and the Law. for disaster for warring phenomenon "the equality experience which provides us 45 Plaza St., #1-G, Brooklyn, couples. The difficult "friendly backlash." with examples of what not to NY 11217 (718) 789--0391. parent" rule requires the The fathers' rightists initiate. Please do not send negatives. custodial parent to facilitate misrepresent facts and the law, In all, the book is a good Persons who wish to submit photos via Express Mail, UPS, or anything requiring signature, please send to Ginny Vida, c/o Commission on Women, 52 A Chambers St., Room 207, NY, woman's crossword NY 10007. Down

1. A natural reaction to Professor Philfp Rushton's theories. 2. Tei go ahead, to show the way. 4. To make whole. 5. People who are most affected by a regressive sales tax. 7. Its what you do to urge the passing of a Bill. 8. 60% of its victims are '+'omen. 9. Canada helps create their existence through providing financial support to Third World countries which violate human rights. 11. Not competitive, but ______13. In January 1988, it was the subject of a law struck down by the Supreme Court of Canada 19. Not big, but ___ 20. National Committee on the Status of Women 21. Harmony between men and women everywhere, between nations and races, religions and cultures. Harmony between humanity and the earth. 23. What non-sexist parents give their girl and boy children to play with

Find out you can help 3. A system of values 16. The Canadian Charter guarantees it before, and. World Wild ife Fund get results. 5. The Prison for Women under, the law Write: Clair E .. Suite 6. In Manitoba they make up 40-60% of prison 17. Child sexual abuse should prompt a feeling Toronto, Ontario M4T1N5 call: admissions of__ _ 8. What women celebrate every March 8 18. Not authoritarian, but-,--____ 10. A woman who advocates widespread political, 22. Apartheid in South Africa must . economic and social reforms 24. As long as discrimination exists women will always 12. The real issue at play in many forms of sexual abuse work for it. 13. What women are told to do freely and without 25. Low level flight testing is hurting these people. condition 26. Women , Take Back the Night 14. The Assembly of First Nations is the largest native 27. The Organization of Immigrant group in Canada and Visible Minority Women 15 The movement towards social justice and economic 28. The goal of all the poor, the oppressed, the equality exploited. WWF Solution on page 42 page42 May/June 1989 How the well are you? by Cathy Beaumbnt How do I know spring is magazines, books, and telling what kind of diets they'll here? Well, there are the usual tabloids tell us how to Lose be willing to try. Nevertheless, signs: crocuses, robins, the Weight Fast, Get Rid of Winter for the record, here are the sudden disappearance of my Flab, and Prepare for the facts. co-workers on sunny Swimsuit Season. We decide A woman who weighs 120- afternoons ... But the surest we don't like our shape, or the 140 pounds expends between sign of spring and impending shape we're in, and set out to 1200 and 1300 calories each summer is not to be found in lose that stubborn five or ten day on basic metabolism: weight she loses will be a modifications to your eating the great outdoors. Walk into pounds that we've always breathing, pumping blood, combination of water, lean habits with regular physical any hairdressing shop, line up wanted to get rid of. digesting food, replacing and tissue, and fat. And over 90 activity (walking is probably in any grocery store, browse at You know the rest. After a repairing damaged and worn- per cent of the time, she'll gain your best bet), and set both any newsstand, and there they few weeks of enthusiastic, out tissue. If she goes on a back the weight she lost after short- and long-term goals. are: the fashion magazines. well-balanced dieting and calorie-reduced diet, her body she resumes normal eating Use affirmations and positive Glossy enough to use as a working out, we discover that will reduce the number of patterns. self-talk, or read an inspira- mirror, heavy enough to do any the scales have barely budged. calories required for basic Whew! Depressing, isn't tional book to get you through would-be assailant permanent We feel miserable, binge on functioning in an attempt to it? But lots of people do it. the rough spots. damage, they broadcast the Oreo ice cream and strawberry maintain normal weight. So Maybe you've done it at some If you're still at odds with news: Spring is here! New cheesecake, feel even worse she'll lose a few pounds and time yourself. your body, and you know it's colours! New styles! New the next morning, and decide to then level off as her body The ~econd point is about because you don't look like body-conscious clothes! New spend the summer in a muumu. makes its own adjustments. why we get into the dieting sexiness! (Why these folks We've been told, from the maze to start with. Studies (fill in name of model/famous use so many exclamation time we were very small, that have demonstrated that women person/actress here), you points is beyond me -- perhaps the closer we come to a certain frequently overestimate their should know that self- they figure most of us have the "ideal" physical image, the body size. In one landmark acceptance doesn't happen reading equivalent of more we will be able to attract study, women were shown overnight. You can start, deafness). Be.tween the the things we imagine will make figure drawings of bodies of however, by starting to covers of the fashion us happy: a true love, money, various sizes. They were appreciate the things your magazines cavort smooth- friends, better jobs. It seems asked to identify the drawing body does well. skinned, tanned (where have not to matter that the ideal they thought they resembled, they been spending the past physical image is unrealistic; and the one they wished they few months?), rail-thin, we strive for it nevertheless, resembled. Most of the women extremely well-dressed (and and use our failure to attain it to indicated they were average or sometimes undressed) young feel unhappy about our bodies. slightly overweight, but over 80 women, all of whom telegraph Why? per cent wanted to look 10 to the same message: You'd First of all, there's one 20 per cent underweight. And better do your best to look like thing that everyone knows and here's the kicker: sixty per us, otherwise you Just Won't nobody believes: Dieting cent of the women who Measure Up. Doesn't Work. When bright, perceived themselves as Spring and summer are with-it women feel good about She'll also probably become so overweight actually were not. fraught with anxiety for many their bodies, they'll roundly accustomed to suppressing In fact, if there's one women. Stripped of our condemn any form of dieting as normal feelingL of hunger and generalization we can make comforting layers of wool, long an exercise in self-abuse. fullness that she'll lose touch about men, women, and weight, sleeves and turtlenecks, we When these same bright, with-it with her natural ability to know it's that women are overly confront our bodies with women are talked into feeling when to eat and when to stop. conscious about their weight, ambivalence at best, terror at bad about their bodies by the If she diets without increasing and men don't care enough. worst. Everywhere we look, fashion magazines, there's no her physical activity, the So what are we to do this spring? Clearly, muumus are Try learning to do an option, but one with limited appication. If you are really a something new with your body, A Feminist Report from lot heavier than average, or if whether hiking, needlework, or you have overweight-related planting a garden. If you're the Custody Wars conditions such as high blood hooked on the bathroom scale, pressure, diabetes, or gather all your willpower -and "We need to know the hard truths gallstones, you may benefit throw it away. lnstread, rely on assembled in this book. ... We from losing a few pounds. But how you fe13I and the way your do it sensibly. Get some clothes fit to tell you how you're need to be equipped to detect and doing (this takes some time to professional advice from a adjust to, but it works). And decode propaganda." -says Michele nutritionist and a fitness avoid the fashion magazines at Landsberg in her Introduction to professional (and a doctor if all costs. Take your issue of you have medical In the Name of the Fathers, Susan The Woman/st to the grocery complications), and be gentle Crean's brilliant expose of the store and the hairdresser with yourself. Combine 'fathers rights' phenomenon. instead. Spring is widely heralded as a time of change and $9.95 renewal. This spring, maybe the change should happen in your head, not in your body. ISBN 0-921299-04-4 Arts and Association Management Stay well.

Cathy Beaumont is dedicated to fitness, well-being and A Convincing Radical chocolate. She pursues a Analysis of Pornography Providing administrative services in: wellness lifestyle in downtown Toronto if that, in fact, can be Planning done. Susan G. Cole cuts through right- Promotion eous moralism and liberal abstrac- Marketing Answers tions to show us what pornography Event Management Box Office really is and the harms it does. Tour Booking Across Pornography and the Sex Tour Management suggests a legal remedy in which Financial Management 3. Ethics Bookkeeping 5.P4W Down women matter, to replace Canada's Fundraising 6. Natives bloated and ineffective censorship 8.IWD Grantsmanship 1. Indignation 10. Radical machinery. Professional Development 2.Lead General Administration 12. Power 4. Heal 13. Give $10.95 i.. ----'.- .. 5. Poor : 14. AFN ?.Lobby 15. Feminism 8. Poverty 16. Equality 9. Refugees 17. Outrage 11. Consensual At your bookstore or direct from: 18. Egalitarian 13. Abortion 22. End 19. Little Amanita Enterprises 24. Justice 20. Action P.O. Box '"'84. Station P 25. lnnu 21. Peace Ti:Jronto, Ontario 26. Unite 23. Doll Canada .H5S 2ZI (416) 690-5775 27. National 28. Liberation page43 May/June 1989 Company of Sirens brings theatre to the people

by Lynn McGuigan

Company of Sirens is a groups, and developed in seen in the Soiree series. unique theatre company which conjunction with Ground Zero Performers have ranged from acts as a community Productions. groups such as Hysterical animateur. The company is This June, the Company Women and Ebony Voices to devoted to developing original will be performing a new play individual artists such as dub- theatre productions and taking commissioned by the Ontario poet Lillian Allen to storyteller them to audiences interested in Association of Interval and ltah Sadu. affirmative action for women. Transition Houses dealing with In addition, at least once a They perform at conferences, racism and sexism. year, Company of Sirens in women's shelters, at Next season, the produces a show in a traditional community centres, in schools, Company plans to produce theatre venue. This allows the in the workplace, at union three new shows: Alf The Way, Company to stay in touch with meetings and events, for dealing with teen sexuality and regular theatre audiences, and women's service agencies, peer pressure which will tour to encourage the audience it labour organizations and high schools; Les Ms., a has reached in non-traditional cultural associations. It is rare lighthearted satire of recent venues to experience the indeed to see Company of Broadway hits and current company's work in a "real" Sirens in a traditional theatre. feminist mores; and the theatre. The plays developed by Portugese Wedding Song, a Company of Sirens is an Company of Sirens focus on haunting portrayal of a exciting addition to the issues relevant to women, and woman's desire in the Canadian theatre scene and to the Company will actually tailor- repressed old world culture of the Canadian feminist m ake shows for specific Portugal. A tour in the movement. The Company's audiences and sponsors. To Maritimes of The Working commitment to women artists date, Company o~ Sirens has People's Picture Show is in the and to feminist issues, and its been commissioned to develop planning stages. commitment to taking theatre plays dealing with issues such As if all this activity was to the people in familiar, as sexual harassment, not enough, the Company of everyday environments has battered women, day care, SI re n s also produces a given it a unique role as an racism, pay equity and women performance series called advocate for social change. and work. Performances are Siren Soirees. This series followed by a discussion, led developed in response to the Lynn McGuigan operates her by the actors, al:>gut:..ther Issues Status of Women's report on own business, McGuigan Art raised in the show. Women in Theatre, which Ventures, In Toronto. She has Founded in 1986 by a revealed through statistical produced theatre, dance and analysis that women are not collective of women artists, the Company of Sirens, Mother Tongues, Rita Kohli and Cynthia Grant music events, and has written company now operates under well represented as numerous performing arts the guidance of Co-Artistic Filipino community to develop a College and the Sexual playwrights, directors and publications. Directors Lena Chartrand and piece about this group's Harassment Education Centre artistic directors in Canadian Cynthia G.rant. Chartrand's experiences in Canada. at York University; and the theatre. background includes several Over the past year, the company's first production, Through the Soirees, the years with Pelican Players, a Company of Sirens has The Working People's Picture Company of Sirens provides a multicultural neighbourhood provided more than 150 Show commissioned by a forum for other women artists theatre which presented plays performances reaching more number of unions, women's to present their work to the on lgcal issues such as racism. than 150,000 people. The organizations and community public and receive critical She is a professional demand for their work has feedback. Over the years pl~ywright woo ,writes in both grown so quickly the Company nearly 200 artists have ben French and English. Grant was currently has two troupes of the founding Artistic Director of actors on tour. Nightwood Theatre, a women's Shows developed to date theatre in Toronto, from 1979 to have included Shelter from WotpB,nlst is fr~e. J~ut; Ii~~ all other· publications, we mu?t rely on ads ,~nq 1985. She has directed Assault, commissioned by the Tflil written and acted for a wid~ Ministry of Housing; Foul Play, sut>scriptlons to cover.· our cost.s. ..··We are free because we beUeve that au variety of companies and is commissioned by the Women's wQmen1 wf:l.at~ver thefr eCQnomiC situation, should be able to get news .about currently working with the Studies Department of Glendon WOJnel'). We nave /IOticed tllat most women's periodicals do not get distributec:f JJ1tJC:h farther than the vvomen's community. By being free we find .that we can distriQQte TbeWoman/st to places where women are, such as laundromats, corner stores. and commlln!ty centres. Classified We neecf your help to make The Woman/st accessible! P1(3ase subscribe or Waxing Moon Healing. Planning Full breakfast, small garden advertise,. OR. Write us and tell us where you th.ink The Woman/st should be a visit to Beautiful British and friendly cats. For distributed Jn your community. Help us insure that all women who. want the news Columbia, this August. Womyn information call (514) 376-2183 Healing Village Society, a or write 7235 Delorimier, abou.t women .¢an get The Womanlstf group of womyn organizing a Montreal, Quebec. H2E 2N9 womyn's healing village is planning a healing gathering Oceanfront Guesthouse on during the week of the Labour beautiful Gabrlola Island, B.C. Day holiday. Workshops. Play. Sleeps six. Rates $330/wk or Subscribe to The Wonlanlst ,Fun. Healing. Within a few $50/night. For information, like to subscribe to The Woman/st hours drive of Vancouver. For ·reservations, phone Judith at Yes,Jwould' more information please write (604) 248-5742, or write J. l~vk:Jval: $p~$1o (pays for the printing and mailing of your copy) WMHVS, c/o 14115 Marine Quinlan, C87, Site 248, RR2, ____,fnstittJtlon: Government $25, Non-Profit $15 Drive, White Rock, B.C. V4B Parksville, BC. 1A6 or call Jan or Brenda, (604) su$t~ning:$25. and more (pays for additional copies to be distributed 536-2960. Apt I house to share. My name ~~~M~~ is Sheila McCarthy. I'm a Montreal Women's Bed and feminist writer and poet, Yes,.Jwould like to get involved with The Woman/st Breakfast. Bright, sunny room. looking for other feminist men Excellent location. Close to or women who are involved in writing doing diStribution absolutely everything! (514) feminist volunteer work, and doing artwork ~endme advertising rates 288-9890. who have an apartment or house to share. Please leave ______Feminist looking for a house to name & phone number at 230- spend my vacation in, on west 1692 (Ottawa): No messages coast, in a Bed and Breakfast please. manner. Please send prices, location, etc. to: Box 4064, Consider a classified in the Stn. B, Winnipeg, Manitoba, newspaper. For $10 you can R2W5K8. have up to 10 lines to advertise or tell women what you want to Montreal Bed and Breakfast 541 Suite2Q1, Ottawa, share. Just send us your text! "La Doulllette" Women only. page44 May/June 1989

en of recently Canadian Advisory an organizing he manual covers Council on the Status organize ourselves, how of Women t objectives, how to select e best event to meet our The Canadian Advisory affairs. She has been objectives, includes check Council on the Status of member of the Catholic lists of all the things that need Women was established in Women's.League of Canada for to be done, and lists all the 1973. Its mandate is to advise 26 years. community resources the government and to inform Eileen Best of Cardigan, nnedy, of available. the public on matters of Prince Edward Island has had olumbia is Written in clear and easy interest and concern to women. an active and varied career as curren nager for to understand language, the The following people have an arts administrator and a publi y. She manual is a valuable resource been appointed to three-year freelance writer. She has has wo inning for any woman or group new to terms: served as the Vice-Chair of the Women: olitical rWomen's organizing events, or Western Vice-President - PEI Advisory Council on the Skills, the ights has recently interested in simplifying the Sylva May Farrant of Calgary, Status of Women. Coalition an AF. k series on organizing of events. To order, Alberta is a policy analyst with Alice Brown of Kathryn, Lorraln ;i\bout Health. enclose $5 per copy to cover the Human Resources Alberta has owned and Comeau, Que ks are Talking postage. Department of Amoco Canada operated a family farming and adult edu ds, Avoiding To order write: Petroleum. A past president of corporation with her husband founding Miscarriage, IWS- Saskatoon Chapter the Calgary BusJness and since 1968. Ms. Brown is a Regroupement omen Talking P.O. Box 9582 Professional Women's Club. past director of Alberta Women la Cote-Nord and Saskatoon, Sask. Eastern Vice-President - in Support of Agriculture and a of Naissance-R book is easy to S7K7G1 Ginette Drouin Busque of member of Women for the 1984-1986. numerous clear Outremont, Quebec, is a Survival of Agriculture. Joyce Reba glossary, detailed The newly Elected Rep- lawyer who has worked Kenneth Fisher of Ottawa, Nova Scotia has tents and section resentatives of the Congress extensively on issues such as Ontario is a consultant with nurse. She is a rights. of Black Women of canada are the reform of family law in Neighbours Consulting. For the of the National Or ook is $12.00 and Esmeralda Thornhill, President Quebec, the reform of the past two years he has directed Immigrant and Vis of five books sells (Montreal) ; Ettie Rutherhford, Quebec Pension Plan and projects on child abuse, Women and an . Prepaid orders Vice-President (Toronto); pornography. She has served employment equity and the new member of nly $8.50 per book if Sandra Aneirobi, Secretary and as President of the Federation role of men as partners in the Association of Bl underemployed. Naida Callendar, Treasurer des Femmes du Quebec since workplace. Workers and the our order to #302- (Vancouver). 1985. Dyanne B. Gibson of Black Women, Hal t St., Vancouver, Esmerlda Thornhill is a Toronto, Ontario is Associate Ms. Robact is also Y7. lawyer, linguist and educ Director of the Admis- the Nova Scoti who has been worki ns/Liason Department at Council on the human rights field. University. She is a Women.

Phyllis F. sitions on the NAC lberta for ffice of the (Hamilton, Ontario were acclaimed at on the NAG Execu AGM. There were no ff airs. of one year. Sh The new executive: man, (Sask- involved with th Kaye, President en a member ecutive for the Federation of Bu ntario) has been a he has been an Professional Worn tive member for six Jacqui M years since 1977. mber of the IWD ee in Saskatoon for the (Ottawa, Ontario) homemaker and involved in th ynn Kaye was t few years. Anne McGrath (Alberta) Women's Lobby. st year. has been a member of the NAG Sharon J. executive for the last year. (Vancouver, Britis She works full time as a has been a membe Project Co-ordinator for the executive for one Alberta Status of Women has been a me Action Committee. steering com MediaWatch and · for the six-piece band "Key Change y Mccuaig (Toronto, Marian M as been a member of (Sydney, Nova Executive for the last year was the Ch tte Osborne, Vice- Janet Maher, he was an elected Survival of t (Hamilton, Ontario) (Toronto, Ontario) h f Organized Working Committee and m on the NAG member of the NAG Employment Com since 1986. She for one year. She was President of the nominated by the Child Poverty of Black Women Action Group. (Prince e Whyte, Vice- Regional Representatives: been a (Hay River, xecutive Smokefre is the Terrritories) has Susan Hyde, Nova Scotia. ember of e NAG Executive has been on the NAG Originally from ation of Executive for one year. She is Minority moved to NWT in a clinical psychologist and an started the Hay erson of ex-officio member of the Group of Centre and Women's Action Coalition in