‘Step up demands’

Press, 28 August 1980, Page 2

‘Step up demands’

NZPA Wellington Kindergarten teachers were yesterday urged to step up rhe fight to achieve their demands, as they were working in a sphere controlled by men. Addressing the Free Kindergarten Teachers’ Association’s annual meeting, the National member of Parlia-'

ment for Waipa (Miss Mar ily Waring) said that the whole strata was “rigged” ir favour of men. Working in an area where men were in control was the biggest barrier the female dominated association was up against, she said. Kinder garten teachers would havf ’to be at least twice as gooc

in presenting their facts, strategies, and arguments. The system had a structured network that favoured political action from men. She added that teachers were not only up against those in control, but faced tremendous frustration in relation to the time they had available. “Beware of rhetoric coming from liberal-minded males,” said Miss Waring. It only appeased their consciences. “We must demonstrate to women that their support on a one-tp-one basis is equal or more than equal to the support of male leaders. We must demonstrate that to women and use them in that way,” she said. The barriers would continue to exist, regardless of the Government, until there were enough women in Parliament, and that .they in fact controlled the majority, she said. - The role, of kindergarten teachers was still seen as a traditional domestic nurturing role, relieving middleclass women of their responsibilities for a few hours.