Feminist’s visit unlikely

Press, 6 December 1985, Page 14

Feminist’s visit unlikely

Wellington reporter The proposed visit to New Zealand by the leading American feminist, Betty Friedan, does not now look likely. Questions to the Minister of Women’s' Affairs, Mrs Hercus, drew the response that it was now unlikely that the original proposal would proceed. The president of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers had written to her on August 30,

1985, to ask her general views on a possible visit and speaking tour by Ms Friedan, relating to certain topics. Mrs Hercus said the letter had indicated that the Women’s Division had already tested the idea of such a visit with the National Council of Women and the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges. Both groups had been supportive and she had agreed to the involvement

of her Ministry in a ways and means committee. However, a second letter, dated November 19, from the Women’s Division had indicated that, having put the proposal to its own members, there had been great support for the topics but many had felt that a New Zealander of equal ability could be used. There was also concern about the cost of bringing someone from overseas.