‘Good Family Unit’ Seen As Slavery (Press, 1 July 1985)

On 1 July 1985, the Women's Electoral Lobby (W.E.L.) held its twentieth annual national conference in Hamilton, where national coordinator Dorothy Wilson delivered a powerful address highlighting the rise of fundamentalist Christian groups advocating for a traditional family structure that Wilson argued promotes female oppression. She claimed that these groups are pushing for a return to a model where women are relegated to domestic roles akin to "female slavery." Wilson critiqued the terminology used by these groups, particularly their emphasis on a “good family unit,” which she interpreted as a paternalistic structure dominated by men, where the father is the unquestioned authority and women are confined to household duties. In her view, these groups are threatening to undermine the progress women have made by perpetuating outdated and restrictive family dynamics. She pointed out that many proponents of this restrictive vision are part of male-dominated fundamentalist religious movements, fiercely resisting changes that threaten their power. Wilson expressed concern over the actions of those who opposed the ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and those who campaigned against sex education and homosexuality. She argued that these anti-women movements are counterproductive to healthy family life, which, according to her, should be characterised by collaboration and equal participation among all members, rather than the domination of any one individual. Wilson also addressed the contradiction in the fundamentalists' opposition to homosexuality, arguing that LGBTQ+ individuals are inherently part of family structures and that their vilification creates unnecessary heartache within families. She warned that while some progress had been witnessed during the United Nations Decade for Women, the backlash against women's rights was becoming increasingly pronounced, responding to shifts in societal power dynamics. In conclusion, Wilson called for women to express their anger towards those who disguise their agendas under the guise of caring for women while actively working to undermine their rights. She emphasized the need for women’s empowerment and the importance of building an equitable family structure where all members contribute based on their strengths.

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