Five Themes To Highlight Next Women’s Convention (Press, 22 November 1978)

The upcoming United Women’s Convention (U.W.C.) in Hamilton is set to be a significant event, taking place over the Easter weekend from April 13 to 16, 1979. It will mark a landmark occasion for women in New Zealand, with an expected attendance of 3,000 participants. The convention's symbol will be a white camellia, reminiscent of the flowers worn by Members of Parliament in 1893 to signify support for the Women’s Suffrage Bill, along with the British Suffragette colours of purple and green. Unlike previous conventions that followed a workshop model, the Hamilton U.W.C. will be organised around five thematic areas: Women and Health, Women as Chattels, Institutions of Power, the Women’s Movement, and Communication. These themes will be spread throughout the university’s facilities, creating a comprehensive involvement for all attendees. Entertainment will also feature prominently, with a continuous programme that includes drama, music, dance, film, poetry, and art exhibitions, all contributed by professional women artists. An international dimension is planned, with participation from every foreign diplomatic mission in New Zealand. They will showcase films, literature, and exhibitions that reflect the status of women in their respective countries. The official opening on April 14 will feature two prominent guest speakers: Madame Martine Levy from France and Charlotte Bunch, a significant figure in feminist theory from the United States. The convention has been organised by a diverse coordinating committee consisting of fifteen Hamilton women and around thirty others from across New Zealand, reflecting a wide range of ages, occupations, and cultural backgrounds. This committee was formed following the decision to host the U.W.C. and has worked collaboratively to agree on all aspects of the convention. Their efforts aim to avoid the media-related issues that marred the previous event in 1977, opting instead for controlled publicity through press releases and conferences away from the main event. The structure of the convention will allow participants to engage more broadly than in past events, where attendees focused on only a few workshops. Arrivals are encouraged on the Friday before the event for registration and preliminary activities, including an opportunity to view art exhibits. Following the guest speakers' addresses on Saturday morning, attendees will break into smaller group discussions, and the themes will focus on real action, including practical workshops like self-defence. On the final day, participants will gather to discuss establishing local consciousness-raising groups and other initiatives, marking a shift towards ongoing engagement beyond the convention itself. This year's Hamilton U.W.C. promises to be the largest gathering of its kind in New Zealand's history, building on the success of previous conventions, like the 1977 Christchurch event that attracted 2,600 women. With registrations already exceeding expectations, this convention is anticipated to bring about a significant movement for women's rights and community engagement in New Zealand. Registration fees range from $10 to $15, depending on the timing of the application.

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