WORLD TASKS /FOR WOMEN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28541, 21 March 1958, Page 2

WORLD TASKS /FOR WOMEN

National Council President

The international aspects of the work of the National Council of Women of New Zealand were discussed by the Dominion president of the council (Mrs T. H. Cumberbeach) in an address to members of the Christchurch branch last evening. “The international work of the 1 council is closely linked with that of the United Nations. We should be as enthusiastic over international affairs as we are over national matters,’’ said Mrs Cumberbeach. “It rests with us as to what sort of heritage we leave for the next generation—we, with our background of two world wars who know the trouble, anxiety and destruction of wars. We must try and wipe out fears and prejudices and give our children confidence and security, not only in our own country, but in all countries. j “We must have closer relations with all countries. Even America; has found that she could not con-| tinue a policy df isolation,” Mrs Cumberbeach said. “Peace as we know it today mostly means a race to develop better and more destructive atomic weapons and countries are jostling each other, to get into the best positions for 1 supplies in the event of war.” she said. j Mrs Cumberbeach said that the l council had advocated that more women should take part in civicand national life but not enough: women came forward. Women were very critical of women candidates who offered themselves.

“Some men would lead us to believe that there is something not quite ladylike in .a woman aiming at public office,” said Mrs Cumberbeach, who then gave details of countries where the status of women was increasing rapidly, j Mrs Cumberbeach said that she, liked the wording of the tion of the International Council 1 of Women which reaffirmed! women’s rights to equal pay for' equal work, a fair assessment of jobs and access to all forms of vocational training, to all positions and to fair promotion. ‘‘lt appears that we may be getting somewhere with equal pay for equal work in New Zealand,” she said. I “Through our membership in the -council we are pledged to work for the peace, happiness and' welfare not only of women and| children but of all mankind. The| strength of all nations lies in its womanhood.” Mrs Cumberbeach said