Feminist Hoping Convention Effects Will Last (Press, 21 April 1979)

During Easter in 1979, the United Women’s Convention held in Hamilton served as a significant gathering for women to form groups sharing common interests and goals. An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 women attended the convention, where American feminist speaker Ms. Charlotte Bunch noted a “very high level of energy” among the participants. She expressed hope that the momentum generated at the convention would continue to flourish across New Zealand. Ms. Bunch, whose activism began with the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements, is the editor of the feminist quarterly “Quest.” She has extensively written and spoken on feminist theory and the lesbian feminist movement while remaining connected to the university Christian movement. Having travelled widely and edited several books on feminism, she views the women’s movement as a global political force aimed at social change. However, she realistically acknowledges that not all women will identify as feminists. Bunch highlighted the evolving nature of the feminist movement in the United States, which increasingly engages working women and homemakers. She noted that while progress has been made in shifting women’s self-perceptions and opening up alternatives, legislative advancements lag due to resistance from entrenched systems and the necessity of male cooperation. The backlash against the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling on abortion shocked and united many within the movement, demonstrating the opposition faced in achieving freedom of choice, an issue Bunch regarded as fundamental. She emphasised that control over women's own bodies is essential for the movement, which includes the aspirations of the lesbian feminist community for complete self-determination. Bunch believes that this concept extends beyond reproductive rights to encompass broader autonomy over one’s mind and life choices. While Bunch once identified as a separatist, she now collaborates with other women and engages men in supportive capacities, recognising the value in these collaborations. Regarding the debate within the New Zealand women’s movement on whether to work within established systems or separately, Bunch affirmed that American women have navigated this division and found merit in both approaches. She advocates for women who are committed to feminist principles to drive change within the existing system while acknowledging the importance of alternative groups in challenging the status quo. Bunch addressed concerns about the potential corruption of women who attain power, asserting that feminists possess a broader commitment beyond personal ambition. She believes the election of more women into positions of power would lead to better governance, citing the reputation for honesty of women in Congress. Bunch’s vision involves advocating for systemic change through a balanced approach that incorporates both feminist activism and collaboration within the political landscape.

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