Women’s viewpoints

Press, 22 February 1978, Page 5

Women’s viewpoints

Wanganui. Women should make a concerted effort to educate themselves and take a stand on matters of international concern, even if it involves controversial politics and delicate issues. Lady Powles, wife of the former Chief Ombudsman. Sir Guy Powles, told delegates at the national Pan Pacific and South-East Asia Women’s Association conference at Wanganui that they must encourage social consciousness and

knowledge oi issues such as the armaments race, hunger, polution and exploitation. “We must widen our horizon and take a global view of the issues facing us,” she said. “We cannot shut our eyes to facts such as the 2000 M people who have no safe water supply.” She said women should be particularly aware of traditional concerns such as the production, distribution and trading of foodstuffs, but broaden their interest to a world view. The ease ot communication had given “tremendous opportunities” for international understanding and this should bring people closer. “Technology does not provide all the answers. We need to communicate at a more personal level to be aware of people and human problems in a changing world.

'With maturity and tolerance we must accept the equal worth of every human everywhere. “It is only by doing this that we can hope to make this world wider, friendlier, and more peaceful for our children.” Lady Powles said that pakeha women had taken part in a wider range of activities and been a part of political life from pioneer days, and although under greater stress because of the dominant pakeha culture, many Maori women had also distinguished themselves in matters of national importance. However, women still had to grapple with problems such as the status of the housewife, child care, the breaking down of sex stereotypes, and the relevance of the education syllabus which still did not give girls the same opportunities as boys.