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Summary: Mini-convention For Women (Press, 17 September 1987)
On 17 September 1987, excitement filled Christchurch as women prepared for a mini-convention to commemorate Women's Suffrage Day. Over 50 women registered for workshops scheduled for the event, which coincided with the opening of the new Next Step Centre for Women at Christchurch Polytechnic. The centre was to be inaugurated by Mrs Ann Hercus, New Zealand's first Minister of Women’s Affairs and a former MP, according to Ms Jenny Heal from the Polytechnic's art and community studies department. The convention featured a variety of workshop topics, including women’s role models in mathematics, women’s sexuality, the experiences of lesbian women, women and religion, and health issues concerning women. Various organisations participated, such as the Pacifica group for Pacific island women, Health Alternatives for Women, Canterbury Women’s Employment Trust, and a group dedicated to recording a Canterbury women’s oral history. Additionally, there would be displays from the Y.W.C.A.’s night shelter for women, the Human Rights Commission, and the Kate Sheppard Bookshop. Ms Heal noted that the demand for women's studies courses at the Polytechnic had exceeded available space, prompting the establishment of a women’s drop-in and information centre. This centre aimed to provide resources for women seeking information on courses or study options, staffed by trained volunteer counsellors. The centre was also accessible to women with disabilities. In a related event, the National Organisation for Women chose to celebrate Women’s Suffrage Day on the preceding Friday with a potluck dinner and a panel discussion focused on education at the Old Stone House in Cashmere. Participants included notable figures such as Dame Jean Herblson, former chancellor of the University of Canterbury, and educators from various backgrounds. The National Council of Women encouraged participation in Suffrage Day celebrations but opted to wait until 14 October for its own events, when patroness Lady Reeves would be in Christchurch. A reception at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church was planned, where Lady Reeves would address Project Waitangi and the cultural issues concerning Maori women, topics deemed crucial by the council's president, Mrs Liz Baxendine.
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