Many Faces Of Feminism Women Of Two Worlds Find... (Press, 12 July 1975)

The article discusses the complexities and contradictions that emerged during the International Women's Year conference held in Mexico City, which took place in July 1975. The event brought together 1,300 delegates from 133 nations, divided between the official United Nations conference and a more radical "International Women's Year Tribune" that met separately. The presence of both gatherings highlighted a significant divide between Western feminists and women from developing nations, who often viewed issues of gender equality through different lenses due to their lived experiences of poverty and survival. A prominent theme was the criticism aimed at the official conference, where many felt that it reflected patriarchal structures, showcasing male dominance even in its leadership—exemplified by the appointment of a male Attorney-General to oversee proceedings. Critics, including famed feminist Betty Friedan, argued that the gathering was largely symbolic and aimed at image enhancement rather than meaningful change. The Tribune, in contrast, was seen as a space for more genuine engagement, featuring discussions and protests that challenged the status quo and sought to address the varied struggles faced by women worldwide. As the conference unfolded, contentions arose over the representation of issues. While Western feminists focused on topics like equal pay and sexual liberation, delegates from poorer countries expressed that such discussions felt irrelevant in the face of dire social and economic challenges. The differing priorities led to tension between groups, including protests during Western-led discussions that accused those from developed nations of imperialist attitudes. Some influential figures, such as Germaine Greer and Gloria Steinem, participated in the Tribune, voicing their discontent over how mainstream feminism often overlooked the struggles of women of colour or those facing economic hardship. Greer specifically condemned the event as insincere and pointed out the contradictions in funding from nations that suppressed women's rights. The official conference's final resolution, which came to be known as the "Declaration of Mexico," attempted to outline a ten-year plan for women's equality across various sectors, but was perceived as lacking substantial measures to achieve its lofty goals. The discussions often veered into broader political themes, reflecting global tensions rather than focusing solely on women's issues. In summary, the conference represented a microcosm of the broader feminist movement, with chasms between different ideologies and priorities laid bare. Despite the challenges and frustrations expressed by many delegates, some, like Nigerian delegate Dr Victoria Mojekwo, found value in the shared understanding of women's pain worldwide, suggesting that the meeting's most significant outcome may simply be the recognition of diverse experiences and struggles faced by women across the globe.

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