Discrimination against women

Press, 17 February 1984, Page 14

Discrimination against women

Sir,—Mrs McGiven (“The Press,” February 14) is right when she says that needed changes cannot be achieved by legislation, but instead by changing attitudes. The best legislation cannot turn a wifebeater into a loving husband or a self-centred woman into a good homemaker. Education may give a veneer, but the old ugliness may be just below the surface. The Gospel can, and thousands of homes in Canterbury bear witness to the fact that Jesus Christ is the answer to the problem. Women in the early Church knew a freedom and dignity they had never known before, and Paul writes with deep respect of their role in society. Nevertheless he had to correct some who, with the swing of the pendulum, became the feminists of the day. While there was no discrimination there was a divinely-appointed order for society. — Yours, etc., H. G. ORAM. February 14, 1984.

Sir, — Correspondents writing in favour of the United Nations convention against the discrimination of women seem to ignore the fact that we never see women in prominent places of control in the communist countries that have designed, produced and ratified this convention. As a mere male, I just cannot understand their logic. When

I see all the Soviet leaders lined up for parades or funerals it is quite clear that there is just no place for a Maggie Thatcher or other women we have seen in leadership in our Commonwealth, among those “heavies,” with the generals and secret police chiefs. I support C. H. Clements (February 15). The evidence convinces rhe that United Nations instruments are atheistic and do not give choices. — Yours, NEVILLE M. RUSH. _ February 15, 1984. Sir, — In a world of free choice why will it be more difficult for the remaining countries to stand apart? (Mary McGiven, February 14.) How is “justice” to be determined without a common heritage of moral absolutes? Article one of another United Nations covenant says all people have the right of selfdetermination, etc. Why do so many readers discriminate against others by insisting on change? In some countries education is segregated by law, religion or custom — so what. The restrictive family laws in China will not be changed by the United Nations, although our city councillors may visit our sister city. But, lest we underestimate the International Court of Justice we should heed the words of Mr Downey when he was the chief Human Rights Commissioner. Of United Nations treaty provisions he said: “These are legal obligations in international law as to how a country will treat its own citizens.” Inalienable Godgiven rights are not granted or

withheld by the United Nations and its impotent efforts at world peace. — Yours, etc., (Mrs) J. M. NIHONIHO. February 15, 1984.