Marilyn—‘it’s Everything, Being Female’ (Press, 26 September 1979)

Marilyn Waring expressed optimism regarding the National Party's chances in the next election, a sentiment she revised following the recent Budget, which she found largely positive. She noted significant changes in economic policies, such as the devaluation of the floating exchange rate and a shift towards tariff controls rather than licensing, viewing these steps as overdue progress. She highlighted two critical areas that might influence the election outcome: advancements in energy policy and free trade negotiations with Australia. In her role as chairwoman of the Parliament's public expenditure committee, Waring admitted to feeling "terrified" due to the complexities involved in managing public funds. She acknowledged the challenges of tackling questions about public expenditure and aimed to enhance the effectiveness of her committee, emphasising that it was the first time a woman had served on it from both sides of the House. Waring deemed the Abortion Supervisory Committee unnecessary, citing duplication of functions within government and the significant costs associated with it. She expressed surprise at her appointment to chair the committee and anticipated little change to the existing abortion law in New Zealand, attributing this to parliamentary hesitance. Waring acknowledged the existence of three clinics but felt the legislative environment surrounding abortion remained tight, creating a scenario where both sides of the issue were being appeased without true resolution. On the topic of abortion access, Waring advocated for safe environments for women seeking terminations and believed there should be better access to effective contraception to reduce the need for abortions. She viewed the state’s responsibility as protecting citizens after the first 12 weeks of pregnancy but maintained that women’s desire for terminations would persist, legally or illegally. Waring also defended her views against criticism from the New Zealand Medical Association regarding suggestions for self-administered menstrual extractions, arguing that with proper support and environment, it could be safer than some existing practices. Reflecting on her personal life, Waring shared that her passion for music had diminished since her entry into politics, a loss she felt deeply. She mentioned moments of emotional vulnerability in Parliament during significant debates, highlighting a connection to broader issues impacting women's lives. As a committed feminist, Waring articulated her commitment to representing women's experiences in government and the importance of alternative media to challenge male-dominated narratives. She stressed that feminism transcends various societal divides and serves as a unifying movement. Despite acknowledging that not all women agree with her views, she maintained that her role was to reflect diverse female experiences. Waring critiqued radical separatisms that shunned collaboration with men, asserting the importance of engaging with established systems for societal change, while also recognising the complexities and multifaceted nature of her political identity. She concluded by mentioning the significance of being interviewed by a woman, underlining the value of gender representation in media.

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