.TAT~ OF.WOMEN ACTION OMJllTTEE January edition Volume 9, Number 1

Inside: Conference accounts and questions and issues about reproductive technologies. Donations Many, many women donated money at the Assembly, and.because of this, our Legal .ASWAC Defence Fund 1s fuller than it has ever been. Since the Assembly more donations have been received from; Bernice Healy, 1987/88 Board members Mary Potrebenko, Ruth Whaley, Inga Jess- Luanne Annstrong c/o Edmonton office wein, Corinne Eisenbraun, Mary-Ann Warin- Donna Baines - Calgary kiw, Nola Erhardt, Muriel Stanley Venne, Nancy Cullen - Calgary Barbara Prescott, Marlene D. Rankel, Jane Haslett - Edmonton Glenda Molgat, Linda Lee Turner, A. Deborah Hollins - Calgary LeRougetel, James McKay, M.A. Smith, Joanna Johnson - St. Paul Sylvia Dubrule, Dee Rankin, 0. Belcourt, Margaret Johnson - Edmonton Kathleen Davies, V. Ruth Wilson and Julie Anne LeGras - Edmonton Jane Wiebe. Thank you!!! Terri Ann Marco - Lethbridge Anne McGrath c/o Calgary office Hug these women! Lyn Morelli - Lethbridge These women (and many more) deserve Deborah Perret - Ponoka hugs and appreciation for the work that Valda Roberts - Edmonton they have done for ASWAC in recent weeks; Marilyn Seelye - Calgary Loretta, Anne Gallant, White Calf, Valda Lisa Walter - Edmonton Roberts, Ruth Miller, June, Leslie Stewart, Jane Wiley c/o Edmonton office Mary T. Hughes, Michele Kelly, Therese Despins, and Lyn Morelli. 1987/88 B.egional reps Important dates to remember Annette Aarbo - Edmonton All members are welcome to attend the h. 437-4938 w. 432-3359 board meetings in their area. Come to the community report session on the Saturday Gerry Bailey - Westerose afternoon, or take the plunge and attend h. 586-2983 the entire meeting as an honourary board member. If you would like to see a board Elin Harlev Barlem - Innisfail meeting held in your community, contact h. 227-2927 your nearest regional rep or board member. Lori Crocker - Innisfail This year's board meetings are as follows; h. 227-1141 w. 227-3881 January 23/24 in Calgary, March 5/6 in Edmonton Naomi Ehren Lis - Lethbridge April 9/10 in Lethbridge h. 381-8727 Mary 28/29 in St. Paul July 9/10 location to be decided· Lois Soderstrom - Westerose August 27/28 in Ponoka h. 586-3535 September 24/25 location to be decided Annual General Assembly - October 28/29/30 Elaine Spencer - Ponoka h. 783-7704 work 424-2254 ASWAC's mailing address is Box 1573, Edmonton Linda Stoddard - Lethbridge Alberta. T5J 2N7. The Edmonton office is h. 328-6206 currently located at 10826 - 124 St. on the second floor. Phone 455-5777. Office hours Denise Wood - Fort MacMurray are Monday-Friday, 10-4 pm. h. 791-4634 ASWAC Lethbridge lives at the Women's Joan White Calf - Camrose Resource Centre on top of Woolworths in h. 672-2210 downtown Lethbridge - #202, 325 6 St. S. Phone 329-8338 and leave a message if no one answers. The Calgary ASWAC office is located in the The Alberta Status of Women Action Old Y Centre for Community Organizations, Committee gratefully acknowledges the Room 303, 223 12 Ave. S.W. T2R OG9. The financial support it receives from the office will be open Monday, Wednesday and Secretary of State Women's Program. Friday. The phone number is 233-0731. a ... Eighteen hours at a glance The following is our record of this year's first board meeting that was held in Edmonton December 11-13. Thank to the Edmonton Sexual Assault Centre for the use of their meeting room! Present: Luanne Armstrong, Donna Baines, Nancy Cullen, Jane Haslett, .. Deborah Hollins, Joanna Johnson, Margaret Johnson, Julie Anne LeGras, Terri-Ann Marco, Lyn Morelli, Deborah Perret, Jane Wiley, Valda Roberts. Honourary board member, Anna Pellatt. We missed Anne McGrath who was down east visiting her family. photo by Sheryl Ackermu. We look forward to her being at :Regional reps up to a the next meeting. line share laugh be liasons with the regional Orientation: Saturday was spent orienting reps, Jane W. will be liason with new members to the process of the childcare committee, a work collective work. Jane, Luanne planning committee will be set up and Deborah and Terri-Ann, at the January board meeting. previous board members, facili- tated some very helpful discus- We also agreed that board members sions around the terms proced- would stay connected with all the ures, and issues connected with work groups and committees that working as a collective in gene- may spring up from future work. ral, and as the board of ASWAC in particular. Shop-Talk Status of Women Action committee Weekend: staff from Victoria, Vancouver, Meeting It was clarified that any ASWAC Calgary, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Po cy: member is welcome to attend and the Yukon, etc. will be board meeting and is considered invited to Edmonton for a weekend an honourary board member for the of shop talk sometime this spring. duration of the meeting. Items to be discussed include staff/board relations, work, Work There was considerable disucssion publications, funding issues and -,;ranagaement: involving the structuring of work topical issues facing women. groups, the relation of staff, Luanne is doing the work to board members and members to each find funding for the event. other and to these work groups, whether the groups consisted of Personnel: Personnel policies drawn up by board members, staff, or any com- Helen Greaves were distributed. bination of the above. One completed staff evaluation and future evaluations are to be dis- Also discussed were liasons of cussed at the next board meeting board members with regional reps when all staff will be present. and caucuses, both here in Edmon- ton and in Calgary, Lethbridge Lawsuit: Discussion resulted in a committee and other areas, office connection being formed to continue working between Edmonton, Calgary and on the lawsuit. Deborah P, Luanne Lethbridge, financial resources, Anna Pellatt, Joanna, Deborah H, job descriptions, decision-mak- Lyn and Valda agreed to be members ing between meetings, membership of this committee. Lyn and Valda development and staff needs. will focus their efforts on fundraising. As a result of these discussions Women's Various options were d~scus~ed we decided that; regarding the future d1rect1ons of -Deborah P and Jane Haslett will Building: - 3 Carrying on in Camrose by Luanne Annstrong Well, its been a while. Two months, give or t0ke a few days. It was hectic preparing for it, and exhausting coming down after the intense high of those three days. How then, to write a "report" on it, which will give both the flavour of an experience that I was enmeshed in, and some kind of objective viewpoint so that folks who weren't there will understand what I'm talking about ... overall, by Sunday night, "it" felt wonderful, successful, well organized, no major glitches, smiles of the faces of the women around me. The 1987 ASWAC Annual General Assembly, of which the theme was "Feminist, More than the Label" was a hit.

A conference, for me, is three days of living in Karen Howe performed. Friday evening a high intensity high density high voltage high speed zone. Sometimes I wonder if I'm not as one an introduction to ASWAC, and another hooked on adrenaline as any mountain climber; called Visioning. Both were well attended and only I get my rushes from talking, listening, perhaps this is a good way of introducing new sharing ideas, and watching women meet and women to the Assembly. Karen Howe of Leth- grow and blossom when they realize new possibi- bridge sang wonderfully, and the food, of lities for their lives. For me, the Assembly which I had privately had my doubts, was began Thursday night, when we arrrived in lavish and tasty. Camrose to set up and get ready for the rest Saturday proved equally interesting, but in a of the weekend. The motel lobby seemed to be different way. Collectively run business meetings full of men in blue jeans and cowboy hats which are open to input from the membership are lounging around, drinking coffee, smoking , often wonderful, but can also be chaotic as com- and going in and out of the bar. They watched pared to the terse rules of a meeting run accord- us. We ignored them. I worried. But by Friday, ing to Robert's Rules. This year was no excep- afternoon, lots of women had begun to appear tion. For new women, unfamiliar with collectivity, and the men had disappeared. By the end of much of what went on was bewildering. I know this Friday night, I knew we had a great confer- because several women spoke to me about it. There ence going. This year, we tried something new is always too much to do and too little time. by scheduling two workshops on Friday night, continued on next page

the Women's Building in Edmonton, the Assembly October 28-30. (the home of the ASWAC office). As previously stated, all ASWAC Valda and Annette Aarbo are going members are welcome to attend to continue their ongoing work on board meetings and to partici- this project. pate as honorary board members. Focus for January meeting agenda - the campaign on Women Finances: The financial statements for the and Poverty. past fiscal year were distri- buted. A committee consisting of Camrose: Media publicity in Camrose Luanne, Lisa, Marg, Julie Anne, following the Annual General Terri-Ann and Nancy will look Assembly was discussed and it into the statements with ASWAC's was decided to support ASWAC new bookkeeper and report at the members in Camrose in ways that January board meeting. seem appropriate. Board Meet- January 23/24 in Calgary, March Other: Legislative refonn/pressure ing Dates: 5/6 in Edmonton, April 9/10 in groups ideas were discussed and Lethbridge, May 28/29 in St. Julie Anne, Marg and Joanna will Paul, July 9/10, August 27/28 look into organizing a work in Ponoka, September 24/25 and group to pursue this project. .ASWAC Newsletter 4 White Calf bows to her well-deserved applause

Michele with her :l'and-raising thermometer

photos by Sheryl Ackerman DJ Dale and. helper Joan get people rocldn'

However, we did manage to accomplish a great deal, Kay Anderson, discussing Bill C-31, the federal including, as usual, selecting a new ASWAC board government's bill to reinstate the indian status to carry out the ongoing business throughout of native women who had lost their status by the year. A workshop was also set up for Saturday marrying non-native men, and the effects of the evening to discuss the perennial and important Bill on the native community. question of directions and priorities for the organization. For many of us, the highlight of our conference was keynote speaker, Pam Colorado, from Leth- ! tried to speak to as many women as possible bridge. Her speech was a gentle vision of both about the Sdturday workshops, and most women said struggle and peace, of finding loving ways to they found them interesting and well done. I par- work and live together, tribal ways. ticularly enjoyed the honest and down to earth input of the women who sat on the panel for the Satur~ay night was time for laughter, partying, Women and Poverty workshop. Of course, there is and celebration, and especially for the organi- never quite enough time for the workshops either. zers, relaxation. Sisters of Sistren, a new A conference is an endless balancing of needs and women's theatre group from Calgary, had us all Wants against the practicalities of time and rocking and roaring with la~ghter, an~ the dance money. So many issues! So little time! For me the that followed continued until three o clock in most valuable workshop in terms of information the morning. (I know, I was there).

edition B photo by Donna Shirley, Mary and Linda strike a pose

Way more than any label! Sunday, was again, a day for business and work- shops. For many women, it was also a day to take time out, meet with old and new friends, relax, and enjoy the energizing atmosphere created by about two hundred and fifty feminists as they planned new activities for the year. The busi- ness meeting overwhelmingly endorsed the idea that ASWAC's priority campaign for this year should be "Women and Poverty". The closing for me, was another emotional high, a moment of love and sisterhood, as we sang and hugged and ended yet another conference on the long journey towards freedom and equality. And still, even this much later, moments come back like the flash of pure glee I had on seeing our commercial for "Feminist: More than the label," in the lobby of the Crystal Springs Motor Hotel. The Camrose Canadian weekly newspaper added an photo by Donna Antbouy ironic twist to the story of the Assembly by publishing, a week later, an (in our opinion) Past board. members clown around.I misleading and mistaken editorial about the con- ference. However, several clear and articulate letters from our members to the newspaper were also published. Many thanks to those who wrote, as well as to every one else who contributed so much to the success of our 1987 Assembly.

.ASWAC Newsletter 8 pbotO by Donna Antho~ Doria' and Frances' happy faces

pbotO by Sheryl Ackerman Gerry giviDg Jennifer the scoop

photo by Sheryl Ackerman Sisters of Sistern: a laugh a second

7 Janua:ry ediUcm. AROUND THE CIRCLE AROUND THE CIRCLE Hearing about free trade by Deborah Hollins Economist Jim Stanford spoke insurance are eroded, priva- about the implications of free tized or even eliminated by On December 3, ASWAC sponsored trade for employment in Alber- free trade. Alternate Free Trade hearings ta. His presentation surveyed in Calgary. This was in re- the impact of the proposed Peace groups such as the Cal- sponse to the closed door free trade agreement on Alber- gary Peace Council and the hearings held by the parlia- ta's major industry, oil and Voice of Women raised the mentary coJT111ittee which spent gas production. It became evi- fact that closer alignment only 2 weeks travelling across dent that employment benefits with the US economic policy and never came to of free trade in the energy will result in pressure for Calgary. We believed that will be minimal, and that jobs closer alignment of foreign some key groups that the gov- could be lost in the petro- policy. This will severely cur ernment needs to hear from chemical and oilfield services tail Canada's independent role were excluded from this pro- industries. Mr. Stanford in promoting peace and devel- cess, namely women's organi- stated that, "there is absol- opment in the world. zations, labour groups, peace utely no proof that this free activists, and economists trade agreement will result in Don Aitken, on behalf of the opposed to the so called any kind of an economic boom Alberta Federation of Labour, "free" trade agreement. in this province or any other urged that the Mulroney/Reagan province in Canada." deal be "scrapped" or at the The panel consisted of very least, no deal without an representatives from orga- election. He continued to nizations in the coJT111unity state that this government has with differing views on the no mandate to negotiate or sigr free trade issue. Lynn Arling, this pact. "It (the government) Consumers Association; Donna Peace groups raised has not consulted the Canadian Graham, Women in Support of the fact that closer people, and it has made the Agriculture; Bill Paterson, fundamental and dangerous error Calgary Labour Council; and alignment of economic of equating the wishes of multi Marilyn Seelye, Coalition for national corporations and cer- Support of Persons on Welfare policy will mean closer tain sectors of Canadian big made up the panel. Many mem- ties to US foreign business with the approval and bers of the press were also wishes of the Canadian people." present and conducted inter- policy. views. Among the other groups that presented were; The Council of Beginning the hearings was Canadians, The Communist Party Ray Martin, MLA and Leader of Canada, and independent of the Official Opposition. Anne McGrath presented on citizens. Brevity does not In his presentation Mr. Mar- behalf of ASWAC. She focussed allow me to cover all the tin stressed that the Mulroney on the crucial point that the important points that were trade deal fails to give key free trade deal will cause raised. The hearings received Alberta export industries huge job losses in the service good coverage from local TV, secure access to the US mar- sector of our economy. Over radio, and newspaper media. ket, makes unwarrented con- 80% of women workers are em- cessions to American demands, ployed in the service sector As an organization, we must, undermines policies which aim of our economy. The point was in our opposition to free to diversify our agriculture also stressed that free trade trade, offer some alterna- and resource industries and will speed up and intensify tives. The following have been gives the US guaranteed access moves towards privatization generated: to our resources at market and deregulation. This will price. This will leave Al- produce cutbacks in services - explore and develop multi- bertans even more vulnerable such as health, education lateral trade strategies with to economic forces over which and social service care. Anne a number of trading nations we have no control and will also stressed that it is only on a mutually beneficial take away the tools we need to a matter of time before Canad- basis, build a more stable and diver- ian social programs such as - institute freer trade be- sified economy. medicare and unemployment tween provinces through the .ASWAC llewslettflr 8 _...... ------~~ AROUND THE CIRCLE AROUND THE CIRCLE Lethbridge women busy bY Lyn More 11 i friend will then call another ASWAC Lethbridge has done num- member and meet her for cof- erous things sinc'e the Annual fee and leave the mug for her General Assembly, the first of to do in return. The meeting which was the wonderful cham- was closed with many tearful pagne breakfast on Saturday, faces, hugging and caring. November 28. Approximately 25 members attended. Terri Ann, Terri Ann and Lyn have been Master Chef, created "A La working madly on grant pro- Cuisine" with the assistance posals to get staff womyn . in of several other members. the Lethbridge Women's Re- Womyn drank champagne, caught source centre. Many hours of up on the news, renewed old dedicated work brings this friendships and made new ones. project a promising future. Later, after everyone was feasted and happy, we had a Lyn has been meeting with round of courtesies. Each the Immigrant women's assoc- woman in turn talked of pain iation and has learned that a and joy bonding the circle little coffee and a little of friends. friendship goes a long way. The rapport betwee.n the two Lyn introduced a mug which Our DBW Lethbridge board groups is much improved. We will be passed around from member, Lynnlllorelli, flashes are looking forward to work- member to member throughout a grin at the .Assembly. ing with this group in 1988. the year, each member upon Our Christmas party was held receiving the mug from a December 19. All women were welcome. There was a business free trade continued meeting before the party, if dismantling of provincial - reduce foreign ownership in women attended the meeting trade barriers, Canada to a more globally admission to the party was average level for industrial- free. - encourage the Federal govern- ized Western nations. ment to call a general election and put free trade before the Free trade is an issue that On December 10 we had a electorate affects us all as Canadians booth for Amnesty Internat- - form a broad coalition of com- and as women. Write letters ional at the World Citizen's munity groups and individuals to your governmental repre- Centre to write letters to to ensure productive economic sentatives and let your views try to save people from and trade agreements are put be known. We can make a being tortured and killed in in place, difference. third world countries. If you have time in your busy schedules, I would like to do some work for the Lubicon people. Ask yourself why these people are boycotting the Olympics. What is happening to the Lubicon womyn? PS. Joyce Green, one of our stalwart members is back in town. She has just been elected president of the New Democrats Lethbridge East constituency associa- tion. We hope that she will have some time for a visit to ASWAC now and then. Jam'•ry edftfcm Sensing our own power by Jane Wiley What does this trend mean? For those of us who work for a living, privatization brings lower Edmonton was the lucky host of the .National wages, reduced benefits, more dangerous worKing Action Committee on the Status of Women's (NAC) conditions and the end of job security. Since mid-year meeting and conference this November. NAC 1978, when the US government de-regulated the meetings are often far-away gatherings that airrine industry, 40,000 jobs have disappeared. demand a lot of time and money from women, but In Canada, Joan said, 35,000 jobs will be lost having the conference in our backyard meant more in the next three years due to the National Alberta women could breath in some of the nation- Transportation Act. al perspective that is in the air when feminists from all across Canada gath~r. Sensing myself As the workshop was drawing to a close, a parti- as a part of a national network was one of the cipant added this twist. She said that as gov- most exciting aspects of the November 21-22 ernment makes cutbacks to funding for govern- meeting. ment services (such as health care) people grow dissatisfied with the seemingly inefficient A Newfoundland theatre group brought a one- and poorly run government service. Privatiza- woman play about Agnes McPhail to the Friday tion begins to look like the answer. The latest opening of the conference. Agnes McPhail was double talk is that privatization is "public the first woman elected to the House of participation". I must stretch my imagination Commons: a peace activist and a socialist. pretty far to see Dow Chemical or Upjohn as Hearing her words about politics and women, "members of the public". peace and justice was a marvelous beginning to a discussion of the conference's theme, Of course, this right wing agenda is served which was, "Using Our Power - Women and very well by the proposed free trade agree- the Next Federal Election". ment. Free trade paves the way for privatiz- ation, de-regulation and "public participa- Privatization tion" by giant American-based multinational Saturday I attended a fantastic workshop on corporations. Privatization presented by Joan Gannett. Meech Lake Joan, who has written a paper for NAC on Privatization and Women, helped us pull The national characteristic of NAC was most ap- together a comprehensive and frightening parent to me at the panel I attended on the picture of the right wing (Tory) economic and Meech lake Constitutional Ammendment. Women from political agenda for our economy and country. BC, the NWT and Quebec each spoke and each Our conservative government(s) plans are almost brought their own, very different and region- specific ~iewpoints. The Meech lake Accord seems carbon copies of Thatcher's and Reagan's to mean very different things for different strategy. Yet, it seems that Canadians can women. Although all three seemed to agree that look across the border and see the monsters the Accord could have been improved, the Quebec while ignoring the wolves sneaking around our voice spoke strongly in favour of the granting very backs. of "distinct society" status to Quebec and Privatization means the selling of our crown she undermined the affects that the Meech lake corporations, abolishing or reducing regula- Accord may have on the Charter of Rights and tions (tarriffs, labour legislation, environ- its equality principles that women worked so mental protection guidelines), and the commer- hard to have included in the Charter. cialization of services. The latter is accom- The woman representing the NWT was in very plished by government contracting out to the strong opposition to both the way the Accord private sector - paying profit making corpor- was written, and its content. Aboriginal land ations to provide services previously produced claims for northern people, and provincehood by government departments. for the territories are greatly endangered The scary news is the extent to which privati- by the Accord. And because the Territories are zation has already occurred in Canada. 11 crown not official provinces they were not allowed corporations have been sold, and the new Nation- into the room where the Accord was written, al Transportation Act Act brings deregulation to nor will they be invited to the regular first the airline, and transport industries. Trans- ministers'conterences in the future. The portation, municipal services, telecommunica- people who were here first feel colonized yet tions, health care and social services are the again by the "two founding nations" of the areas that are being hit the hardest. These also white south. The NWT's speaker's anger and happen to be the most labour intensive - job hurt and frustration were quite visible providing areas in our economy. during her presentation. ASWAC Newsletter 10 place. One woman in the audience stood and fbe free trade debate asked Mr. Dorin how much longer he thinks women are going to buy such an empty and cheap argument. When I first learned that Marjorie Cohen, past NAC executive member and feminist economist was Marjorie could only briefly mention how to debate free trade with Murray Dorin, P.C. Mem- our health and social services may be nega- ber of Parliament for Edmonton West, I let out a tively affected by free trade before we broke ttOOT!. Marjorie Cohen is the only economist I into a boisterous, often angry question period. have heard who makes sense of the free trade Mr. Dorin appeared somewhat shaken by the high ;ssue to me and ! ,was very surprised to hear quality and speed of the discussion, but I that Mr. Dorin had the nerve to meet face to ' was thrill to hear so many women speaking out face with my economist-heroine. with tough arguments and demanding that Canad- ians be given the opportunity to voice their Mr. Dorin was nervous as he presented govern- concerns in a federal election. ment "study" after study that claimed Canadian consumers would benefit enonnously from lower prices, and that no jobs would be lost after the free trade agreement comes into affect. He Finally did mention that there would be some "indust- The NAC conference fell a week after the ASWAC rial adjustment" but said that in the long run, Assembly and many of us couldn't help but com- we - especially women would have new and better pare the two events. I helped to organize the job opportunities open to us. He also tried to Assembly so for me it was an exhausting, yet lend support to this free trade agreement with rewarding project. The NAC conference was a shot the threat that there were no alternatives, and in the arm. I was stimulated and encouraged by that without this free trade agreement Ameri- the information I gained at the mid-year meeting. can protectionism would destroy our entire economy. Poor, non-academic women were not to be seen in large numbers at the NAC event, nor was there a Marjorie Cohen spoke a mile a minute as she huge turn-out of grass roots Alberta feminists. discredited Mr. Dorin's studies and presented NAC meetings are expensive and intimidating for some of her own, original material. Women will women without letters behind their name. How- be hard hit by the "industrial adjustment" ever, attempting to co-ordinate national femin- that free trade will bring. She explained that ist lobbying and political action in a country in the manufacturing industries where women as large and as charaterized by diversity as are employed jobs will be lost and wages will Canada is, is no party. be forced downwards. She also mentioned that the women who work in the manufacturing sector After it was all over, I told my friends that are often older and/or immigrant women who I was becoming a NAC groupie and that I would will not be able to go out and find a better do anything to find a way to the next NAC meet- job, or any other job. ing. I have calmed down a bit now, but come May, I am sure I will be looking for some There is also no hard evidence that consumers way to scrape up the bucks for a trip to will benefit from lower prices in the market- . We deserve wellness ' Nancy Leavitt .menopause and all its myths?", Two of the other speakers at "Is she old and full of com- the conference were Dr. Frances , mid October, the Alberta plaints?" Wren, and Dr. Christine Overall. lspital Association sponsored Dr. Wren led a workshop titled conference on women's health Many doctors mistreat by us- Mid-Life issues. She stated ;sues at the Edmonton Con- ing the "quick fix" method. that menopause has become a ~ntion Centre. The featured Too many drugs and too much major medical problem in the peaker was Dr. Cynthia Carver medication is used. There is last 50 years. Dr. Wren read a ·ho writes the "Ask a Doctor" far too much surgery used: gross exaggeration of the column in Chatelaine Magazine, e.g. gall bladders and menopausal woman from a gyne- and has just released a book, hysterectomies. There are too cologist's text. According Patient Beware: Dealing with many technical procedures to the text, menopausal women Doctors and Other Medical used and far too many biases suffer from genital atrophy Dilemmas, published by against talking and educating. (to atrophy is to waste away) Prentice-Hall. There is not enough co11111uni- resulting in dry vaginas, the cation between doctors and lining of their vaginas becomes Dr. Carver said that histori- their patients. Doctors do not thinner, and they are apt to cally, women have received feel that it is their role. suffer prolapse with their poor health care. Often There is too much undertreat- organs protruding. "I hope you doctors do not take the time ment of patients. Doctors do all aren't too uncomfortable to consider the whole picture not investigate their history. sitting their on your protrud- of the health of their patient. A doctor rarely forms a part- ing organs," she said. nership with his patients in regards to their whole health. According to Dr. Wren, we are sexual, sensual and decision makers. We are good organizers, Dr. Carver gave some good career women and intelligent. points on how to shop for a We have a phenomenal wealth of doctor. "You don't go shop- experience, and when we reach ping for a car with diarrhea. menopause, we are at our mentor You shouldn't go shopping for stage. Menopause simply means a a doctor with it either." She cessation of menstruation and said to establish yourself as fertility. an individual. Your doctor is your consultant and ombudsman. Hot flashes may last 2 years Take a list of questions of more (some up to 5 years). with you and get your answers. Ask questions about what is being prescribed for you. Are there any side effects? Do not allow yourself to be a testing ground for student There are many misdiagnoses doctors if you don't want to made in women because of this. be. Dr. Carver told of the Doctors do not listen to time she had a breast lump their patients. For example, and she had to go to a breast in not listening to their clinic for an examination. patients, doctors often regard The attending physician them as a medical phenomenon came into the examining and not an actual person with room with a student and he a hea 1th prob 1em: "The ga 11 casually asked if the intern bladder in room three", etc. could examine her breasts, Women (and men) cease to be too. Dr. Carver knew her human in the doctor's care. rights but she didn't say "No!" She admitted to the Doctors often diagnose by audience that she was a category. One category is chicken in this area. She ige grouping: "Is she young said that women are exploited ind in good hea 1th?" , "Is in the medical "learning" ;he in her middle years -- field more than men are. ASWAC Newsletter 12 ::::::::::::::;:;:::::::i:=:=:=:=:::::.:::·:=:·:·:=:=:=:=:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: TheY eventually go away if of the mother. When it comes goods. Babies are born 1eft alone. The greatest incon- to the subject of abortion, that no one wants. What if veniences caused qby the hot reproductive technology puts twins are born? What if the flashes are night wetness and the issue on a collision baby is born dead? insomnia. Genital atrophy course because the primary generally does not happen focus is protecting the fetus, In the court rooms, the con- until 10 to 20 years after not the rights of the preg- tract has been taking prior- menopause. The skin becomes nant woman. ity, making the surrogate thinner, the vagina narrows baby a commodity to be bought and is dryer. There are two types of sur- and sold and argued over in a rogate m~ther: the surrogate court of law. At least in the \ Or. Wren eplain~d that the psy- chological manifestations of mother who is artificially in- instance of adoption, there is menopause are fatigue, inabili- jected with the sperm of the a period of grace for the mot- ty to concentrate like before, father of the couple who want her to decide. The surrogate mood swings, feeling of being a child. She becomes pregnant baby often becomes "the child out of control, anxiety, anger through the natural process in the middle": both sets of and depression. "The reality is of using her own egg for the that there is good reason for birthing; the surrogate mother anxiety and depression given who is implanted with a the going rate for the state of affairs for women fertilized egg from the sperm today," she said. "Anger is and the egg of the couple who a baby is $25,000 motivational. Keep it up. Use want her to bear their child. it for positive forces. Focus parents either want the child it and the energy it produces Two questions need to be dis- cussed when it comes to sur- or both sets of parents do not on good constructs for your want the child. life." rogate motherhood: are they really buying a baby?; are In surrogate motherhood, there Dr. Wren assured the women they buying the reproductive services of the surrogate? is an option of sex pre-sel- that menopause is a major ection py sperm filtering, etc. part of a woman's life. It is Dr. Overall takes the posi- We must look at the reality of not a disease and it is not statistics. Since couples in a major health problem. tion that they are, in fact, buying a baby. $25,000 is China can have only one child, Dr. Christine Overall, Assoc- the going rate. The contract there is a preference for male Associate Professor at Queen's sets up the conditions that children with the suspician of University in Philosophy of no abortion be allowed if the widespread female genocide Religion conducted a work- baby appears to be perfect, because there are so many male shop on Ethics Issues: Modern and that an abortion be children. There is a world Reproductive Technology. She performed if anything is wide preference for male off- stressed the feminist pers- wrong. What if the baby is spring. Surveys have shown pective, focussed on women's born with a defect anyway? that couples more frequently own experience, the awareness The people who contracted want the first born to be a of the history of oppression the surrogate mother do not male child, if they have only of women and the need not to wnat to pay for damaged one child, they want it to be perpetuate that oppression. a boy, and if an odd number of children are desired, they Dr. Overall stated that the want more boys than girls. popular press is superficial on these issues. It has a ten- A look at the status of women dency to take the success who apply to be surrogate cases and blow them our of mothers. 40% of the women proportion. applying are on welfare or unemployed. They become Chritine Overall's position is surrogate mothers for the that there is a tendency to wealthy who can afford to overlook what happens to the "buy" a baby. Surroaate woman in surrogate pregnan- motherhood is "rent-a- cies. The focus is on the fetus womb" service for the elite. and the woman is seen as only the carrier. The rights of the The Wellnes~ for Women fetus override the rights of We Deserve It conference the woman. was well attended. It was well wo rth my time and I The protection of the fetus hope that the Albert Hos- is a desirable goal but not pital tssociation makes it at the expense of the rights a yearly event. 13 January edition From our wombs ... to their laboratories ISSUES AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NEW REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGIES

natal diagnostic techniques is The Canadian Coal"ition on New now becoming the norm. Reproductive Technologies, head- ed by Dr. Margrit Eichler, is Questions and Issues: To what calling for the establishment extent does the use of these of a Royal Commission as soon technologies remain optional? possible to investigate the impact of these technolo- Can a pregnant woman decline gies. 1hey believe the foll- treatment and refuse information owing material is just some without being labelled irrespon- of the evidence that these sible? Will there be subtle co- issues are signifigant enough ercion or pressure by technic- to warrant such a commission. ians or physicians to, for exam- ple, abort a fetus with Down's Syndrome? 1. Fact: It is now possible to 3. Fact: A child conceived buy and sell reproductive through a variety of artificial materials and services. reproduction technologies can have as many as five different Questions and Issues: Most "parents." These include a sperm people deplore the idea of donor, egg donor, gestational "baby selling In surrogate (or uterine) mother, and the motherhood, however, a woman is parents who will rear him or her. reimbursed financially for bear- ing a child. What impact does Questions and Issues: What are this have on women's status? the relationships of all these Does it mean that some women individuals to the child? How who need money will breed, for I Ching Meditations. Adt.lf. Udnge will the child feel about a woman a fee, for others who have who provided the uterine environ- money? Eggs, sperm, and embr- 2. Fact: Once a technology ment but is not genetically re- yos can now be bought and sold. becomes available, it tends to lated. A man who donated, ( or Who will put the price on eggs? be used. Prenatal diagnostic was paid for)his sperm? How will Spenn? Embryos? How will the techniques such as amniocent- all these people feel about the children feel about having been i sis, ultrasound, and chorionic child? About each other? What do produced through a cofllTlercial villi sampling can determine purely biological links or line- transaction? How will the people some genetic characteristics, age mean in our culture? Does the feel years later who have sold abnonnalities, and in some cases child have a right to know his their eggs, their sperm, or the sex of a fetus before birth. or her genetic parents? What are their children? Routine use of certain pre- the appropriate legal responses? UWAC Rnroletter 14 4. Fact: In vitro fertilization costs of this technology1 Is Questions and Issues: Does the is an experimental procedure. this an appropriate use of scarce medical profession have the A growing number of clinics are health resources? What are the right or expertise to make these operating in Canada, and all have sburt and long term consequences decisions? Should all people have 1ong waiting lists. We are exper- of such drugs as Clomid, which a right to technologies that imenting with human life. has a similar chemical structure are now available? to DES? We are still learning Questions and Issues: The major- about the long term effects of 6. Fact: Research is now under- ity of women who undergo IVF these drugs on women and child- wav to allow scientists to man- procedures do not achieve a preg- ren. ipulate the genetic make-up of nancy, even fewer give birth to human beings. The new tech- a child, and this may be after 5. Fact: Fertile people can niques can be used for eugenic several attempts. How well in- have children when and how they purposes. formed are IVF patients about choose to. Physicians, by decid- the actual success rate of the ing who will have access to these Questions and Issues: Who will· procedure? It is also an extrem- new reproducitve technologies are make the decisions about genetic 1y costly procedure. Should in fact deciding who will and manipulation, or about which medical insurance plans cover the will not become parents. embryos to implant, abort, or discard? Should limits be set on research on embryos? If so, what are the acceptable limits? There is no way of knowing for many years what the long-term consequ- ences are of this (and other) Disabled types of intervention. In 1985, a group of women with Submissions are requested to disabilities, mothers of child- be in English, and the Edi- 7. Fact: Sperm, eggs, and embryos ren and other interested women tors reserve the right to can now be frozen and stored. met at the UN Decade of Women' edit or not accept pieces. Conference in Nairobi, Kenya and Any relevant article such as Questions and Issues: What right founded Disabled Women's original fiction, non-fiction, does a gamete ( egg or sperm) International. (DWI) Their letters, pieces about the donor have over their genetic purpose was to network in- political struggle for equal- materials? Do they still own them ternationally by publishing ity and/or independence are when they are stored and frozen? and circulating two issues welcome. Articles must be Can they be used for research? to members, and now the task submitted by the end of Do they have a right to indicate has been passed on to women April. how their genetic materials be in the US Women with Disa- used, and for whom? bilities United (WWDU) and Please indicate if you are Disabled in Action in Metro- sight disabled and require a The Coalition is looking for new politan New York (DIA) have taped version of the news- members to join in calling for a agreed to assume this respon- 1etter. Royal Comrnissi.n on New Reproduc- sibility for the next two years. tive Technologies. ASWAC has There are currently about 300 Contributions are needed to joined the Coalition. However, members internationally and defray costs. Membership is $10 individuals should write to the group would like to increase to $25, or whatever you can Canadian Coalition on New Rep- its numbers. Members are entit- afford. (Please send US dol- roductive Technologies led to receive the Newsletter lars or postal order.) Money, c/o Dr. Margrit Eichler as well as contribute arti- or articles can be sent to: Dept. of Sociology, 6th Floor, cles, express feelings, and DIA - WWDU 252 Bloor St. West, Toronto, ON. exchange information in the PO Box 323 - Stuyvesant Station M5S 1V6. The Coalition is also looking for donatio~s ~o assist publication. New York, NY 10009, USA. with mailing and pr1nt1ng costs. January editi.oll 18 Once more unto the Bench by Lois Taylor In the 1970's, the late Chief significant number of people' Justice of the Supreme Court, 3) The case is one that comes Word was received last Novem- Bora Laskin, expressed his under federal jurisdiction. ber that The Single and Divorced desire to make the Court a Speak Out Association had more interpretive social in- Hon. Benoit Bouchard insisted been awarded funding by the strument instead of simply the that all women's groups seek- Canadian Council on Social Dev- place where last ditch ap- ing funds through his depart- elopment in Ottawa, to conduct peals were brought. The use ment be required to show how a court challenge to challenge of the Charter is one approach their work will change the the constitutional validity of to meet social objectives and status of women from one of a certain section of the Old should encourage those who, financial dependence to that Age Security Act, namely, the like the last Justice Laskin, of economic and social spouses' allowance. The source tend to view the law as a force equality. of the funding is the Secretary for social change. of State Department. Section 15 of the Charter On September 19, 1985, Hon. says: "Every individual is The Spouses' Allowance has Benoit Bouchard announced equal before and under the law provided allowance to legally that the federal government and has the right to the equal married or conmon law spouses was expanding its court chal- protection and equal benefit between the ages of 60 to 65 lenge program and funding that of the law without discrimi- whose partners were already expansion with over nine nation and, in particular, receiving Old Age Security/ million dollars over the next without discrimination based Guaranteed Income Supplement five years to enable people to on; race, national or ethnic benefits. In October, 1985, an challenge the laws in light origin, colour, religion, sex. amendment to the Act was made of the Charter of Rights. age, or mental or physical which extends coverage to disability. "This list of widows and widowers in the same grounds is not all-inclusive. age group who have the same The qualifications to be eli- In addition, discrimination on needs. Nothing has been done gible for funding are: other grounds to those listed for the single and divorced 1) That the case deals with can be challenged under the who have the same needs. We equality rights under the Charter with the help of this feel that this is discrimin- Charter; program, such as discrimina- atory action on the basis of 2)The case is an important tion on basis of sexual ori- marital status. test case that will affect a entation or marital status, for example. It used to be that if a person A call to celebrate wanted change, s/he would lob- Plans for activities to cele- of peace the evening will be by politicians but since the brate Internation Women's Day on an informal, unrehearsed enactment of the Charter of March 8, and International Women's opportunity to share pieces by Rights and Freedoms in 1982, Week, from March 5-12, are off women. the trend is now to make a and running in both Calgary and change through the courts. Edmonton, as well as other It will be held in KIVA, Education ~ enters around Alberta. Groups and individuals who North, 2-103, from 7-10, on feel that they are being In Edmonton, many groups are March 8. discriminated against should planning activities centred contact the, Equality Rights around this week. Don't forget A march is also being planned Panel, c/o Richard Goreham about the event called "Pieces in Edmonton, on March 12, co-ordinator, C.C.S.D. by Women" sponsored by the culminating in a potluck dinner. 55 Parkdale Ave., Ottawa, ON. Women's Resource Centre. Come ( Location TBA). A committee KlY 4Gl. phone 613-728-1865. and show others pieces by women of women is meeting to coordinate a piece of poetry, a piece of this event. For more information, The court challenge of the news, a piece of cake, a piece phone ASWAC, at 455-5777, and Single and Divorced Speak of photography, a piece of music, start planning your participation Out will be held in the a piece of your grandmother's or event for International Alberta Supreme Court. Anyone quilt, a piece of prose, a Women's Day NOW! interested in more information piece of child's art, a piece of from our group may contact a letter, a piece of the puzzle, us by writing to: SOSO c/o a piece of sculpture, a dramatic P.O. Box 9524, Edmonton, AB. piece, a piece of pie, a piece T6E 5X2 .ABW.AIJ ll'ewaletter Learning our rights W 0 MEN: Edmonton Working Women (EWW) avoiding legal costs and has released a handbook for delays. women in the workplace detail- Know ing the minimum standards the Monica Walker, co-ordinator government has legislated. for EWW says, "From the Your Topics include the Worker's Working Women's Hotline we Compensation Boprd, unions, operate, we know that 80 Rights! childcare and sexual harass- per cent of our calls end ment. The book also contains up with no recourse for possible remedies for employ- women. That's why an important ees for the occasions when aspect of our service is employers fail to meet these support. We hope this hand- standards. However, often book will reach a broad the government agencies de- spectrum of women and signed to help workers don't assist them in enforcing help at all. Employees may what few rights they do have end up suing in small claims in the workplace." court. You can call the hotline at 453-7957 for free, confiden- a Handbook for Women EWW suggests the Employment tial advice and support. To In the Alberta Workforce Standards Branch of the order a copy of the handbook, Alberta Government should send $1, to cover postage, have the power to determine to EWW, 2 fl. 10826-124 St. and award damages, thereby Edmonton. T5M OH3 Alberta midwives demand status The Alberta Association of involve prenatal education and Midwives continues its active preparation for parenthood and campaign for the legalization of extends to certain areas of midwifery in Alberta. The licen- gynaecology, family planning sing of midwifery in Alberta is and child care. the first of many steps toward The midwife may practice in enabling qualified midwives to hospitals, health units or deliver the quality of maternity domiciliary (home birth) care desired by the Association. services. In any of these situations the midwife has an The Association has adopted the important task in health educ- International Definition of the ation within the family and Midwife used by the Internation- community." al Confederation of Midwives and the World Health Organization. To fulfill the criteria of partum period, to conduct deliv- the International Definition of "A midwife is a person who, hav- eries on her own responsibility Midwifery, midwifery n_eeds its ing been regularly admitted to and to care for the newborn and own Professional Act, separate a midwifery educational pro- infant. This care includes from either medicine or gramme, duly recognized in the preventative measures, the det- country in which it is located, ection of abnormal conditions in nursing within Alberta. has successfully completed the mother and child, the procure- (This piece was taken from prescribed course of studies in ment of medical assistance and BIRTH ISSUES, the publication midwifery and has acquired the the execution of emergency of The Association for Safe requisite qualifications to be measures in the absence of Alternatives in Childbirth registered and/or legally licen- medical help. in Edmonton and the Calgary sed to practise midwifery . Association of Parents and The midwife has an important Professionals for Safe Alter- The midwife must be able to give task in health counselling and natives in Childbirth. For the necessary supervision, care education not only for patients more information about either and advice to women during but also within the family and of these groups contact ASWAC pregnancy, labour, and the post- community. The work should at 476-7332 or CAPSAC 263-1550. 17 J anuary edition Creating our own world by Mufty Mathewson and reclaim what we already harrassed. know. Use our own symbols, I create in the healing work The creativity workshop at the our own myths and our own of massage, of reiki, of nur- ASWAC Assembly was the drawing experience to create. Then sing, of child care. card which made me decide to know that these works are I create connections between attend. I was not disappointed. significant. people. I create tiny poems. It was led by Luanne Annstrong, Cof1111ents flooded into the I create wonderful food to author and poet. Luanne began circle of participants. Each nourish those around me. with outlining some of the dif- of us in turn contributed and last but not least, ficulties women have being re- where in our lives we feel because it is probably true cognized and published. She we are the most creative. of all of us, spoke about the patriarchal' Slowly out of the large circle I create my own problems and control of publishing, galler- of femininity came a telling hardships. ies and theatre which tends of our creations. not to recognize women's ex- And so, as we recognized in perience as a valid, important I create each minute of my day. each our own deep and irre- component of society's art. I create how I look and present pressible creativeness, we were Having our creative work re- myself. enriched. However, now as I cognized is part of our strug- I create a home, a space where reread what I have written of gle. It is important simply be- people live. our creativity, I realize how cause we choose to do it. I create songs of my life. much of ourselves we give Luanne spoke about exorcising I create ways for children to away. No wonder we are under- that inner censor, that des: learn. represented in the "ARTS" as tructive critic within our- I create beauty in my shoemaking. seen by the world in libraries, selves who demeans our own I create ways in my job as a art galleries and symphony creations. Uncover, discover waitress to avoid being halls, as reviewed in the New York Times, and the Edmonton Journal. We don't demand time, money and tools for our creations but rather fit them New publication gives into our already overcrowded, task oriented lives. Part of expression to women's art our oppression is our own A new publication on Women's Art Gallerie is created by women, creation. is calling for entries. Artists for women, speaking in their own may present their work with words of their experiences and photos and a short written text. concerns. Early subscriptions are available until March 15, at $8.00 for the first issue, Gallerie is a new women's or $14.00 for a one year subs- publication devoted to Women's cription, beginning with the Art, and women artists. The first June issue, or $36.00 for six issue of Gallerie is the 1988 copies of the 1988 Annual, or Annual, due to appear in June, $50.00 for a Friend of Gallerie 1988. siz year subscription to the publication. This will be a book length publication of over 140 pages. It The publication also welcomes will feature the work of over announcements of interest to forty women artists in various women artists; they suggest a me~ia. Most of the publication donation of $25.00 for twenty will be filled with photographs five words. of their work, alongside their own descriptions of their art and Cheques should be made payable their philosophy. Gallerie also to Gallerie Publications. For wants to include articles subscriptions and inquiries, addressing issues of women's cul- write to Gallerie Publications, ture, and announcements and Box 2901, Panorama Drive, advertisements of concern to North Vancouver B.C., women artists. V7G 2A4. ABW.AC :Newsletter 18 Health care activists busy The Alberta Coalition for Univ- indicate to the government ed. All the work done by the ersal Health Care continues that health care is not a Coalition to date has been done to busily organize in the fight dead issue. People were by volunteers and more help is for better health care and has encouraged to phone their needed. Some jobs that have just recently installed a MLA, Marv Moore, , already been defined are; phone (262-0041) so that people and Elaine McCoy. updating the mailing list, can call and voice their con- Evidently, our message has compiling a monthly bulletin, cerns about the Alberta Health been heard as there is an compiling a speakers bureau, Care system. The Coalition .is indication that steriliz- sorting postal codes, documenting these concerns ation and contraceptive co-ordinating volunteers, and Will use the infonnation counselling may be help with mailouts. If you to make a case to the govern- re-insured. have the time, skill or ment that access to health energy for helping please services is presently inade- The Coalition prepared a let the Coalition know at: quate and needs to be improved. presentation based on a Another encouraging piece of package of information Alberta Coalition for Univer- news is that the existence of prepared by Maureen Osis, that sal Health Care, Box 503 8 ST. our access line was brought up gives facts and figures about S.W. Calgary, AB. T2P 1B2. in the legislature.by the health care as weJl as pro- Phone 262-0041 for more in- official opposition. It is jections in regard to the fonnation. satisfying to know that as health care direction in a coalition we are having Alberta. If any group would an impact. be interested in hearing this presentation, please contact New journal During the last week of the Coalition. November and the first week launches of December the Coalition The Coalition wants to continue organized a phone blitz.The its work, and volunteers are Other Voices, an exciting new quickly becoming crucially need- literary journal, has sc~eduled focus of this campaign was to its first issue for Ma; of '88. The editorial colle~tive is looking for quality writing and original work that addresses Aid for Nicaragua a wide audience. Women in Nicaragua have achieved by the Contra war (supported This new little magazine based much since the revolution in by the American government) in Edmonton, Alberta, hopes to 1979, but further extension of and the American trade embargo. publish biannually, if enough these social advances depends on But there are some things the well written material is re- material aid from the developed women of Nicaragua cannot pro- ceived. Other Voices is run by world, such as provided by vide for themselves. a collective that is feminist, Tools For Peace. largley composed by women but Women agricultural workers need not restricted to women. The The democratic gove·rnment of rubber boots, while those becom- editors welcome short fiction, Nicaragua is controlled by the ing literate need notebooks and poetry, reviews, essays, and Sandinista political party, in pencils. These and other prac- experimental forms of literature. which 56% of its leadership tical items in short supply positions are held by women. there, are available relatively This government has improved cheaply in Canada. Efforts will be made to connect the lot of women with the with and solicit contributions following: advertising which Tools for Peace collects these from cultural and racial minor- exploits women has been pro- types of goods and sends a ities. Women from these corrunun- hibited; all adult family shipment to Nicaragua every ities are especially encouraged members are now legally res- year. Donations of practica1 to submit material. ponsible for helping to items, as well as money to support the family unit; day purchase corrugated roofing Those interested in joining the care units - publicly funded for those displaced by the war, Other Voices Collective, vol- and run by trained, unionized are gladly accepted. unteering time or expertise, staff have been established or becoming a matron or sponsor in urban and rural areas. For more information contact should phone 432-2525, or 424 _6949, or write to Other Tools for Peace in Calgary Voices, 10504 16th Ave, Edmon- These advances are continuing, 270-8565, or Edmonton 421-1495, t on AB T6S SH9. despite the hardships caused or Lethbridge 328-5725. Ja:a:aa:ry 8u.A~ 19 The Poet's Corner What's in a name?

by Luanne Annstrong also my birthname. They liked it; the school didn't care, Sometimes the very simplest and Welfare didn't care. All was most obvious things can cause hunky-dory, but no longer. a resounding feminist click in Now they are no longer small one's head. Take names. It was children: they are becoming and is, for many of us a adults. Now they are revolutionary act to keep our suddenly forced legally to "own names" or "birth name" or use a name which they have "maiden name" to give it all its barely heard of, dislike, and politically varied labels, when don't want. we get married or unmarried or whatever. For some of us, that's Well, why not change it then? permission. Of course not. not enough because even our birth Well, its compl1cated in a Why should he? Regardless of names are, of course, our father's myriad of little ways. First whether he loves his children, names, and some of us have renamed of all, you cannot change your or cares about them, or pays ourselves in various ways. Names child's name without the permis- child support, or abuses them, have power. What we are named, sion of its (absent) father. they must still carry "his" or name ourselves, indicates Secondly, one my sons was un- name, his patrilineagP.. How many things about us. luckily and rather stupidly on many of us are there in this my part born in the USA, the particular closet I wonder, child of an American father and in how many varying ways? Calling oneself and one's and a Canadian mother.· This How many of us, having married children whatever we choose means even though he has lived and then left some man, still works fairly well, inciden- his whole life in Canada with carry around "his" name for tally, until one comes in me, he is not technically a the rest of our lives. How contact with the actual legal Canadian citizen, because up many of our children carry on system of this country, vis a until 1975, only the father the names of absent fathers? vis getting driver's licenses, could confer citizenship. And why does it require his jobs, bank accounts, etc. pennission to change the I had a call the other day from situation? I have lived with this a woman in a similar situation, situation in varying degrees of also a single parent with four There is a huge and growing amused irony, bemusement, children. These children hadn't number of single parent exasperation, since I first seen their father for eleven families headed by women in managed to produce children. years. They also went to this country. What are we Being rather hard headed and school and were known in their named? What are we calling stubborn even at a fairly community by their mother's ourselves? We still do not early age, I decided, when I name. But their names also have equal rights to our was a single parent, to call couldn't be changed because children because we still live them by my chosen name which is the father would not give with a legal system that in its essence, still considers children their father's property. The rights we do have are being eroded in many ways, by new reproductive technology, by courts which Tired of too much 1V? are insisting on giving men access to our children, regardless of their ability Come to an ASWAC meeting and join the real show. to father, and often giving Watch for upcoming meetings in: them custody as well. And the name is exactly that, the Lethbridge 329-8338 Calgary 233-0731 stamp, the seal, the brand of Edmonton 455-5777 being the property of the father. ASWAC Newsletter 20 Wisdom written Dear Sisters, put down IN WRITING, all the different functions of our As one of the first established Centre and our most success- Women's Centres in Canada we ful ways of handling difficul- ·have had our share of problems ties within the membership. Our and conflicts. Like many of you, original intention was that we stumbled through each crisis the resulting document would be and swore that it would never for our own use, but, in talking happen again, or that next time to other Centres, we found a we would do things differently! great deal of support for making Unfortunately, when the next the manual available to other crisis came we stumbled - again. groups. Three years ago we got smart. A With the generous help of the small group of us went through Secretary of State, we have had years of minutes, picked the printed, several hundred copies brains of founding members, and of our Policy and Procedure Manual, which are now avail- able to our sister groups across the country. The cost is $5 plus $3 for postage and A piece of mind handling. Dear ASWAC members, ation so I may support my family independently and We hope that you will find I have just recently been with dignity. this manual useful to your introduced to your contro- groups. versial women's group. It I want so badly to jump pleases me i11111ensely that into the political sides Karen Phillips, for the Policy such groups are finally get- of ASWAC, but I know that I and Procedure Committee of the ting together to deal with can't properly help others Port Coquitlam Area Women's the quality of women's lives. until I can properly educ- Centre, Box 220 Port Coquitlam, It is not easy to do anything ate and help myself. Then - BC. V2C 3V7. Phone 941-6311. produc'ffVely feminist in this watch - out. Within the male dominated society. support group that I'm finding myself in are vast I am a single mom with two areas of knowledge and children ages 4, 6. I know experience which is exact- Thanks! what it is like to confront ly what is needed to even Dear ASWAC Sisters, social services, employers, approach these subjects manpower, etc. I was in a logically, systematically, Thank you so much for acknow- managerial position at work physically and psychologi- 1edging my work with ASWAC at and was infuriated to cally. I strongly believe our Annual Meeting and for learn that once I had quit that "where there's a will honouring me with a copy of the working to further my educ- there's a way". as long as delightful 1988 Everywoman's ation a man took over my posi- its realistic. Only with Almanac. The many profound tion at four times the amount our own education, will be quotes and herstories in the that I was making, because be collectively successful! almanac will give me a lot to he had a "family" to support. The importance of our unity think about as I use my appoint- I will never accept this can't be stressed enough. By ment book throughout 1988. And kind of insanity. I am now banding together we can do it will be a cherished keepsake. in my second year of school- anything: there is strength ing and let me tell you that in numbers. We must believe I always enjoy our Annual Meet- it is not the easiest thing in ourselves; we must be ings, the excitement of be~n~ to do. Schooling not only determined; we must not with so many dedicated fem1n1sts. requires a very disciplined give up now! Our very lives Meeting old friends, making ~ew co11111itment, but nerves of and those that we care for ones the work, the celebrat1on, steel to be able to cope depends on it! 1 enJoy it all! And it is always with low funds, no support a learning experience: ~ feel from the children's father, (This letter was unsigned, grateful to be a part1c1pant. the list can go on and on. but we decided to print it. In sisterhood, . ) But I am not ever going to It has been edited for Addie Miron (Lethbr1dge give up my right to an educ- length. ) J,Ul:lllU7 21 NAC year-end The NGtional Action Commit- tee on the Status of Women (NAC) is holding its annual general meeting in Ottawa, May 13-15. If you belong to a group that belongs to NAC you may be eligible for some travel subsidy. If you are an ASWAC member and are interested in attending the conference National conference No more secrets on behalf of ASWAC, contact the offire nearest to you. The Canadian Day Care Advocacy NO MORE SECRETS: A Con- If there are a number of Association will be hosting ference on Child Abuse women who would like to a major national conference will be held in Toronto, represent ASWAC, we will addressing the issue of May 24-27. This national have to come up with some Childcare in Canada. Where is conference is designed for form of a selection pro- it going? Where do we want professionals who work in cedure. it to go? How can we ensure the area of child abuse and that Canadian Children will adult survivors of child For mor~ information about receive the kind of quality abuse. the NAC meeting you could care that they need? write - 344 Bloor St. West, Conference presenters Toronto, ON. M5S 1W9. Childcare: Meet the Challenge include dynamic therapists, wTll-reature maJor speakers researchers and activists Film n:lght and workshops on the expected such as: Lucy Berliner, "Change of Heart" an NFB new federal childcare init- Sandra Butler, Diana Rus- film directed by Anne Wheel- iatives, service delivery de- sell and Lucie Blue Tremb- er and written by Sharon velo~nents in the provinces lay. For registration in- Riis will be shown January and territories, and recent formation contact: Corrrnun- 21, at 7:30 in the Tory childcare research. Skill- ity Resources and Initia- Theatre, U of A. building and strategy sessions tives, 150A Winona Drive, will help conference parti- Toronto, ON. M6G 3S9. Or The film focusses on the cipants to take an active phone (416) 658-1752. decision of a farm woman to role in shaping future public leave her marriage of policy. 30 years. This film showing is sponsored by the U of A The CDCAA has made tremendous Midlife workshop Coordinating Committee on progress in increasing the The Women's Program, Facu- Women's Studies. Admission awareness of this issue is free. Call 432-3093. across Canada. It has been lty of Extension, U of A successful in bringing child- is sponsoring, "Midlife: care to the top of the Challenges and Changes" Know your town national agenda, and all a workshop for women. It DECCA, The Development levels of government are now will feature discussion Education Co-ordinating prepared to act to improve on fitness and lifestyle, Council of Alberta is childcare. Never has it been health care and nutrition, sponsoring a workshop so important to have an aging, sexuality, and called "Analyzing Your informed and involved com- re-joining the workforce. Corrmunity" for develop- 11uni ty. ment educators and social The workshop runs Saturday, change activists. This fhe CDCAA is well into the January 30, 9 am - 5 pm, workshop will be facili- Jlanning of this conference, and the fee is $30. The tated by Lily Mah-Sen 3nd right now they need workshop will be held in January 23, 24 in Calgary. financial support. Any dona- Humanities, Lecture Theatre Co-sponsored by CUSO tion would be greatly appre- 1 on the U of A campus. (Canadian University :iated. The conference will Students Overseas), )e held April 21-24, 1988 at For more information call call 269-4744 for more the Skyline, Ottawa, ON. 432-3093. information. .ASWAC Newsletter aa Stompa Contra Lubicon Lake Cree Healthy collective Come along for fun at the The Lubicon Lake Cree The Edmonton Women's Health First Annual Contra Stompa people need your help. Collective is rejuvenating! Benefit Dance. You can help They are struggling to They are looking for new to stomp the contras or obtain land for a reser- women with new ideas for just stomp your feet, but ve and maintain their iden- projects. If you are inter- in any cilse you will lend- tity as a·people. ested in health issues and ing your support to the would like to get involved Edmonton Learner Centre. with an old-new group, call Some of the action the Val Gervais 426-1042 after band is taking to draw five o'clock. This mid-season revelry public attention to their and energizer will feature land claim involves the music with International 1988 Ca1gary Olympics. Themes by D.J. Dale They have asked museums to What's happenina? Taylor. boycott a display of Tell WI: 488-877t native artifacts at the The dance will be held Glenbow Museum. As well, at McKernan Community the band is asking people to join in a peaceful pro- League at 11341-78 Ave. Women in the church Starting at 8 pm tickets test at the time of the are $6 or $5 for Learner Olympic Torch Run. "Behind the Veil: Nuns", Centre members. A limited another NFB film that re- number of tickets are The torch will pass cords the history of women available at the Centre. throuch Edmonton on Feb- in the Christian and For childcare information, ruary 10. For more infor- Catholic Churches will ca 11 424-4371. mation call 424-4371. be shown March 3, at 7:30. The location is to be announced. Admission is free. This film is also sponsored by the of A Coordinating Committee on Women's Studies. Call Marie Gordon 432-3093 for details. wants to represent the Working together New Democrats in the Working Together: Women in the Non-Profit Sector is the federal riding of title of this third annual Edmonton Northwest. conference April 8-9, 1988 She needs your help. in Toronto. This regional conference is Marie is committed to: designed for women who work opposition to the free trade deal in the non-profit sector. The focus of the conference of universal medicare is to provide concrete sta- a fair tax system tegies for developing healthy and productive affordable, accessible child care organizations from a femi- nist perspective. Char1otte real equality for women Bunch the internationally Marie is: renowned feminist activist a lawyer whose practise includes family law wi11 be the feature keynote speaker and one of the work- a committed feminist an

YOU! You can make the difference! Your five dollar, ten dollar, fifty dollar donation can give the legal defense fund the boost it so badly needs. We are still facing enormous bills from our lawsuit. See the next newsletter for an update on the defamation suit facing ASWAC.

Please send donations to the ASWAC office. Clearly label cheques "for Legal Defense Fund".

ASWAC memberships run from September to September with a grace period until the Assembly in November. That means that 1988 memberships are now due.

Membership: $ ___ D New D Renewal Name: Donation: $ ___ Address: Legal Defence Postal Code: _____ Fund: $--- * suggested membership fee is $10, but we will accept whatever you can Phone: ___ (home) (work) afford.

make cheque out to: ASWAC, Box 1573, Edmonton, Alberta TSJ 2N7

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