Tv Reporting Blamed (Press, 6 June 1977)

In a recent convention in Wellington, significant tensions emerged regarding the participation of male reporters at women's rights events. Mrs J. Steincamp, president of the Christchurch branch of the Abortion Law Reform Association, noted that animosity towards male reporters stems from a controversial recommendation made during the previous year's convention, suggesting that males be excluded from future events, particularly influenced by a lesbian group. This recommendation sparked widespread outrage, although it was reported without the accompanying dissent on television, which further aggravated feelings among attendees. Steincamp expressed concern over how media coverage has treated the women’s movement, describing it as divisive and diminishing the movement's strength. Former Mayoress of Christchurch, Mrs Alexia Pickering, expressed her disappointment regarding the actions of the minority group advocating for the exclusion of men. She emphasised that women cannot progress without collaboration with men and lamented the intolerance exhibited by some group members. Pickering articulated that the goal should be the acceptance of women as individuals contributing meaningfully to society rather than being reduced to mere sex symbols. Another participant, Mrs Natalie Carlisle, voiced her outrage at efforts to exclude male reporters, recalling a previous meeting where such a proposal was overwhelmingly rejected. Carlisle argued that the message to both women and men should be one of collaboration and mutual respect, not exclusion. Furthermore, Mrs Ginny Talbot from South Canterbury highlighted the necessity of having male reporters present to ensure balanced representation of the convention's proceedings, provided their reporting doesn't amplify negativity. Despite the protests against male media presence, attempts to engage key coordinators of the convention were thwarted, as they showed reluctance for interviews with male reporters. During the event, one male reporter experienced hostility, including an interaction with a woman who questioned his presence and asked him to leave. However, he also encountered some sympathetic women who opposed the exclusion based on gender. The situation culminated in an ironic recommendation from a workshop group called "Women in the Media," stating that no discrimination based on sex should occur at the 1979 United Women’s Convention but only women should be allowed to participate. This highlights an ongoing struggle within the women’s movement regarding inclusion, representation, and the right balance between asserting women's rights while also working alongside men to achieve broader societal acceptance. The division within the movement, particularly the contrasting opinions on male involvement, reflects larger societal debates about gender roles and the direction of feminist advocacy in New Zealand.

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