Every Woman Is A Consumer (Press, 15 July 1985)

On 15 July 1985, an incident at a petrol station spotlighted ongoing gender issues in consumer experiences. A woman reported being greeted dismissively by a male manager who remarked, "Not another bloody woman!" after experiencing a day filled with female customers. This prompted her to drive elsewhere for petrol and spurred discussions about consumer treatment based on gender. Lester Wolfreys, coordinator of the Community Law Centre, noted that such issues are critical for women consumers and introduced a forthcoming meeting to gather Christchurch women's views on the proposed Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Wolfreys emphasised the lack of female representation on trade committees and corporate boards, which often leads to women's issues being overlooked. The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Shields, expressed a strong desire to hear women's concerns and invited their participation in a meeting set for 24 July. The session aims to discuss how the Ministry can support women's consumer needs, alongside broader topics like healthcare access, legal resources, and the financial strain on families due to credit policies. In addition, the Waipara Women's Health Day on 17 July would provide North Canterbury women with valuable health information, covering topics such as pre-menstrual tension and menopause, through sessions led by the Family Planning Association. This event highlights the importance of accessible education on women’s health. Moreover, the upcoming Women Studies Association Conference, scheduled for 23 to 25 August in Hamilton, will focus on "Racism and Heterosexism" and encourage contributions highlighting the experiences of Māori, lesbian, and disabled women. Registrants are invited to participate in action workshops to further their interests in political advocacy. Other notable initiatives include a street appeal for The Women’s Health Alternatives on 19 July and a meeting focusing on post-natal depression on 23 July. The latter aims to establish a support network for affected women, highlighting the complexities of mental health following childbirth. Jennifer Carr, a woman who underwent oophorectomy (removal of ovaries), expressed a desire to form a support group for others experiencing similar physical and emotional challenges. This underscores the need for communal support among women facing health-impacting decisions. Lastly, a meeting focused on Alzheimer’s Disease care, scheduled for 18 July, aims to offer guidance to those caring for loved ones suffering from dementia. Overall, the coverage reflects a significant moment in 1985 when women's consumer rights, health, and community support initiatives were increasingly brought to public attention, signalling a growing recognition of their importance in societal discussions.

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