What women said

THE INTRODUCTION OF PAY EQUITY will affect many other areas of women's lives such as saving for retirement, and the living standards of one-parent households. (Coalition for Equal Value Equal Pay, 24 March 2003)

PACIFIC WOMEN NEED TO BE SEEN in the context of family, community and work, rather than on their own as the well-being of Pacific women depends on a balance of other factors such as family, community, church and work rather than . . . Pacific women in isolation. (PACIFICA, March 2003)

MANY MOTHERS are unable to fully participate in their communities and/or the workforce for want of accessible and affordable child care. This impacts on the ability of mothers to earn a decent income, or to advance in their chosen careers. (Parents Centre, 13 March 2003)

VIOLENCE AND NEGLECT can be physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, financial and sexual. For women it can manifest as an act of omission - women are not supported when support is needed and appropriate - or commission where violence or neglect is actively inflicted. The prevailing societal attitude 'protects' the perpetrator as people don't want to see, or can't see the violence.
(Women's Health Action Trust)

PRIORITIES FOR MAORI WOMEN INCLUDE:

• To be accepted as the cornerstone of the whānau with the right to make their own decisions as to what is good for them and their whānau and to be sincerely listened to and positive responses made.
• To be considered as true partners and active participants in terms of decision-making towards the economic, social health and wellbeing of Māori, the communities they live in and their country.
• Acknowledgement of the tangata whenua status of Māori women.
  (Māori Women's Welfare League, 7 April 2003)

OVERALL, it was envisioned that women, from the young to the elders, would be provided with an environment that enables them to be confident and secure in their living space and in their chosen career whether it is mother/homemaker or in the paid workforce. Then they can provide positive leadership to their families and neighbourhood. (Manawatu Branch, National Council of Women of New Zealand, 13 March 2003)

Published by the Ministry of Women's Affairs Minitatanga Mo Nga Wahine

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