Women need ‘equality at all levels’

Press, 24 October 1984, Page 26

Women need ‘equality at all levels’

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington / It is very important that women do not become obsessed with equality at the top — equality is wanted at all levels, according to the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Shields. She told the Wellington Business and Professional Women’s Club that there were very many women in ordinary sorts of jobs at low income levels who had far less options. They needed extra help and money for childcare, transport, extra training; the social costs of survival for women were high indeed. “My Ministerial office is kept clean by women who arrive in the dead of night and then go home to cope with the care of young children while in a tired state,” Mrs Shields said. “It is difficult enough looking after toddlers when you’ve had a good night’s

sleep; to do so after many hours of night work is something again.” She said these ~ women were not working for intellectual satisfaction or to dfford life’s luxuries. They were working for their family’s survival. Very often there was no way they could afford child care or spare the energy for playcentre, let alone space for themselves. Professional and business women had to speak for all women. A positive and professional approach was needed in the push for equality, Mrs Shields said. “We must instil ambition in each other, and get into the job market and apply for jobs,” Mrs Shields said. “We must push forward and not let up in our stirring for positions at all levels.” There was no point in creating an environment for equal opportunity if the women on the shop floor did not respond to the challenge.