Women’s policy discussed

Press, 16 July 1987, Page 8

Women’s policy discussed

By

MARGARET BAKER

The National Party advocates choice for women, with no stigma attached to whether they work at careers or within the home, says the Opposition spokesman on women’s affairs, Mrs Katherine O’Regan. In Christchurch yesterday to visit National Party candidates and speak to women’s groups, Mrs O’Regan said all issues were women’s issues, and all political policies should be read by women.

“Women have to take responsibility for themselves. We are not going to make any value judgments on what they do in their lives, but they should be well informed on issues that affect them.”

Mrs O’Regan said the National Party would retain the Ministry of

Women’s Affairs because its work had not been finished. “It still has a long way to go. Much legislative change was made during the National Government, and it is now an offence to discriminate against women. “But attidues are different. Changing them is not an easy task, and this is a vital part of the Ministry’s role.” The Ministry often worked behind the scenes in Government departments and within organisations, and so its work was often not seen and therefore not appreciated.

Main issues for women that the National Party would tackle included the availability of pornographic magazines and videos, said Mrs O’Regan. “We would tighten up the definition of pornography and what ‘inde-

cent’ actually means. No doubt there will be a cry of censorship, but many things need to be done to give women back the right to walk on streets at night, and to stem this type of violence and degradation.” Mrs O’Regan said she would like to see a commission established to look into the issue of pornography, and perhaps also to address the matter of prostitution.

She was also concerned about the child mortality rate in New Zealand, and believed the physical care of children needed to be addressed, together with parenting and budgeting skills.

“The extended family is not around anymore. Many young mothers do not receive the skills needed for looking after their children.” National would also en-

courage the development of childcare centres and other facilities to allow women equal opportunity to go out to work or to remain within the home. She believed parents needed to be made a lot more responsible for their children, and to “learn to say no” and apply reasonable discipline at home. Education for parent and child towards helping prevent violent behaviour was essential. Mrs O’Regan said it was also a difficult time economically for women, with many trying to make ends meet in impossible situations.

“Family Support only covers GST and it seems some employers,could be regarding it as a kind of S.M.P. National will have a look into the support system and see if it is going to the people who need it most.”