Every woman is a consumer

Press, 15 July 1985, Page 8

Every woman is a consumer

Making it happen

The other day, when I drove into a petrol station, the manager ‘ (male, of course) greeted me with “Not another bloody woman!”

I asked angrily what he meant by that statement. He answered, rather sheepishly, that he’d had nothing but women customers all day long. At which point, I told him that I was one customer he’d lost and drove elsewhere for petrol. What should I have done? Should I have complained — and if so, to whom? And would he have taken any notice?

“This is exactly the sort of issue which is important to women as consumers”

says Lester Wolfreys, coordinator of the Community Law Centre and organiser for a forthcoming meeting aimed at obtaining Christchurch views on how the proposed Ministry of Consumer Affairs should operate. When Lester Wolfreys started talking about the nation-wide meetings to provide policy proposals for the new Ministry, I wondered just where women

would fit in. Lester Wolfreys thinks that because there are so few women on trade committees, and industry and commercial boards, women’s complaints often don’t get the attention they deserve.

He stresses that every woman is a consumer — whether she goes on a bus, buys at the supermarket, posts a letter, or patronises a service station. The Minister of Consumer Affairs, Mrs Shields, is keen to have women and women’s group representatives at the meeting. She wants to her their concerns and their views on how the new ministry could best help them. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Horticultural Hall. Mrs Shields will speak briefly. This will be followed by general discussion, then small group discussions and

reporting back. The Christchurch meeting is one of a series being held around the country, very similar to last year’s Women’s Forums. Lester Wolfreys suggests that it might cover issues such as: Should the Ministry of Consumer Affairs be set up in the same way as the Ministry of Women’s Affair? Should it be Wellingtonbased, or should it have regional representation? Should the new Ministry aim to take particular interest in the needs of women consumers, and if so — how? Are health services meeting the needs of women consumers? Do doctors charge too much? Do they listen? Are legal services available to women?

Are families getting deeper into debt because of extended credit facilities? Are women’s interests getting the attention they deserve — because of the white male bias in the power structure? For any further information about the meeting, contact Lester Wolfreys, phone 66-870. Waipara Women's Health Day An opportunity for North Canterbury women to get practical information about health matters. Tutors from

the Family Planning Association will offer sessions on Pre-Menstrual Tension, Women’s Sexuality, Women’s Health Care, Menopause, Sexual Abuse, and Sexuality and Communication. The Health Day programme will run at the Waipara Hall, 9.15 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 17. It is sponsored by the North Canterbury Federation of Country Women’s Institutes.

It costs $10; participants should bring their lunch. Further information and registration forms from Elaine Hassall, Hawarden phone 44-496, Myra Bruerton, Scargill, phone 848 — or from any Country Women’s Institute secretary. Women’s Studies conference This year’s Women Studies Association Conference takes place in Hamilton, August 23 to 25. “Racism and Heterosexism” will be the central organising issues for the conference, with papers and workshops being particularly welcome on these themes. “We would like those offering papers and workshops to consider, where possible the visibility of Maori, lesbian and disabled women in their presentations,” says the conference

organisers. Time is also being set aside for “action workshops” so that special interest groups can meet to plan political strategies or ongoing activities. The conference registration fee is $35 for waged women, and $25 for unwaged. This includes meals, but not the conference dinner. Accommodation is available at the hostel at Hamilton Girls’ High School, the conference venue, at $l3 per night. Motel accommodation and billets can also be arranged. For further information, write to W.S.A. Conference, P.O. Box 13-027, Hamilton. T.H.A.W. Street appeal Collectors are needed to assist with the July 19 Street Appeal for The Women’s Health Alternatives. Offers of assistance should be made to phone 796-970 (10 a.m. - 5 p.m.), Thursday till 8 p.m. or turn up at the Anglican Cathedral crypt on July 19. Post-Natal depression The formation of a support network for women suffering from post-natal depression will be discussed at a meeting to be held at Hagley House, Hagley High

School, July 23, 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The meeting is particularly for those who have experienced post-natal depression, though all are welcome.

Depression is fairly common following childbirth. It is a clinical disorder, with symptoms.

Doctors differentiate between three kinds of depression associated with childbirth. They see maternity blues as a tearful, but shortlived episode. “Post-natal depression” as encompassing a whole range of symptoms and often persisting for months; and “puerperal pyschoses,” which occur only in about one in a 1000 cases.

For any further information, contact Community Mental Health Team, phone, 792-934.

Ovarian loss “Loss of ovaries is a terrible thing for many women,” says Jennifer Carr, a wife and mother who had her ovaries removed two years ago. Mrs Carr says that though hormone deficiencies are partially met with artificial hormones, there are many emotional and physical sideeffects. These do not occur with women who have had hysterectomies only. She would like to start a support group for women who have lost their ovaries. She envisages discussions, addresses by health professionals, and general support.

Anyone whose physical and emotional problems are proving a burden following ovary removal, and who feels in need of support, should contact Mrs Carr, phone 841-945. Alzheimer’s Disease People caring for their dear demented loved ones

— those suffering from memory loss and confusion — may be interested in an informal lunch-hour meeting at the Health Planning and Research Unit, 888 Colombo St. (opposite Christchurch Women’s Hospital. The meeting, on July 18, from 12.30 p.m., to 2 p.m. will be addressed by Dr Wendy Low, who specialises in health care for the elderly. She will answer your questions.

Please bring your own lunch. Tea and coffee pro*, vided. For further information, contact Caroline Oliver, phone 385-059, ext. 829. Quote

It is through the silence of women that male knowledge of motherhood — and of numerous other events — goes unchallenged. Dale Spender.

Complied by Jacqueline Steincamp. Items for consideration in Making it Happen should be addressed to Mrs J. Steincamp, c/o Home and People Page, “The Press,” P.O. Box 11005, Christchurch.