Concern Unites Women’s Conference (Press, 1 September 1982)

On 1 September 1982, a major gathering of approximately 180 women occurred in Palmerston North for the annual conference of the Women’s Studies Association. Participants from Christchurch noted a sense of happiness and unity throughout the event, although discussions were dominated by concerns over education cuts impacting women's studies programs. The Auckland Workers’ Educational Association's Women’s Studies Courses faced the most substantial reductions, while attention was also drawn to the low status of similar courses at Waikato and Victoria Universities, which are likely to experience staff reductions. A highlight of the conference included a play centred on the Victorian con artist Amy Bock, written by Fiona Poole and performed by an amateur group. Furthermore, a video produced by Mary Hancock captured the Rixen factory sit-in, highlighting the multiple redundancies suffered by many female employees, predominantly Māori women. The film showcased how these women drew from their community experiences on the marae to guide Pākehā on cooperative living during the sit-in. Among the various presentations, several papers explored women’s contributions to literature, offering feminist interpretations that deviated from traditional views. Notably, Chigusa Kimura-Steven from the University of Canterbury compared the prominence of female writers in Japan before the 11th century to their subsequent decline, attributing the shift to societal changes from matrilineal to patrilineal lines with the emergence of the samurai class. Looking ahead, plans are already underway for the 1983 Women’s Studies Conference, set to take place in Christchurch the following August, hosted by local association members. In another significant development, the New Zealand Country Women’s Institute, led by retiring president Mrs April Kerr, conveyed a transformation in its identity. Rejecting the stereotype of women merely comparing scones, Mrs Kerr emphasised a more forward-thinking and active approach among attendees. She highlighted that the Institute, while rooted in homemaking traditions, has adjacent goals that allow women to engage more fully in community and political matters, reflecting their evolving role in society. The Institute has maintained consistent communication with various women's groups and engages with government departments on women's issues, unafraid to tackle controversial subjects without endorsing specific political parties. As Mrs Kerr noted, the institute members now prefer versatile meeting times to accommodate working women. Additionally, the article details upcoming educational opportunities at Christchurch Polytechnic focused on women’s health, job-related issues, and trade unions, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to nurturing women's skills and building confidence. Mrs Betty Friedan's quote emphasising the need for men to be more involved in the women's movement highlighted the broader societal changes and the evolving perspectives on gender roles. Items for consideration for “Making It Happen” can be sent to Mrs J. Steincamp in Christchurch.

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