Younger Women Join Soroptimist (Press, 1 July 1985)

The annual conference of Soroptimist International New Zealand South took place in Christchurch over the weekend, focusing on youth as its central theme. Among the highlights was an all-girl debating team from Cashmere High School, which engaged in a lively discussion on the unconventional topic "More People Should Bite Dogs." Margaret Clark, the organiser of YETI (Youth Expeditions to India), presented details and slides about the expedition. During the conference, Mary Holmes was appointed as the new president for New Zealand South for the year 1985/86, succeeding Edna Seger from Ashburton. Eileen Mars, the publicity officer, shared the success of South Island Soroptimist clubs over the past year. The Christchurch club is committed to supporting an engineering hobby room at Burwood Hospital, while other clubs have also made significant contributions. The Nelson club raised $20,000 through the sale of handmade toys, the Invercargill club helped fund a dinghy for the "Spirit of Adventure," and Christchurch clubs supported local initiatives like the Nga E Wha marae and a proposed youth centre. In a noteworthy international effort, all Soroptimist clubs across New Zealand contributed $20,000 to the Water For Women project in Senegal, facilitating the opening of three new wells. Although Soroptimist is a non-political organisation, three remits regarding Homosexual Law Reform, the proposed Goods and Services Tax's impact on service clubs, and the regulation of bicycles on footpaths were set to be voted on during the conference. Eileen Mars noted a shift in club membership, with younger members beginning to surface due to relaxed admission categories. The conference also highlighted the importance of women's participation in governance and community service. Ann Hercus, the Minister for Women's Affairs, announced the publication of a resource book titled “What Women Want of the Ministry,” aimed at fostering communication between the Ministry and women's groups. Moreover, a successful workshop run by the National Organisation of Women during the Women’s Decade Festival will continue on 10 July, led by Jenny Heal and Judy Waters. The Women’s Electoral Lobby’s Christchurch branch coordinators, Paddy Austin and Jenny Lee, recently attended the national conference in Hamilton and will share insights at an upcoming meeting. They expressed a desire to support the Women's Division of Federated Farmers in their campaign against pornography. In community initiatives, the Y.W.C.A. is offering kits to help establish Neighbourhood Support Groups, which contain valuable information based on Auckland's experiences. Christine Cole-Catley, a notable writer and publisher, is set to cover the Nairobi End-of-Decade Conference for the “N.Z. Listener” following her travels in Africa. Additionally, several courses are being offered for women, including baby massage, assertiveness training, discussions on peace and nuclear weapons, and women's health, aimed at empowering and educating participants in various aspects of life. Overall, the conference and related activities reflect a strong commitment to community service, women's empowerment, and international support efforts.

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