13 April 2006

Women Influencing Policy

The 13th April (Founder's Day) marks 110 years of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) working for women and their families. The women who successfully lead the campaign for Universal Suffrage formed NCWNZ in 1896 as they wanted a forum for women to debate issues. Today, as in earlier years, the issues that NCWNZ debates have ramifications for all citizens of New Zealand.

"The women of the Council have been influencing policy for 110 years," said Christine Low, National President, "and we have achieved this at a local, national and international level resulting in real and progressive changes for everyone."

"From allowing women to serve on juries to standing for Parliament; from food labelling to press censorship; there are very few topics that NCWNZ has not debated and then used to influence decision makers and other shapers of New Zealand society," she continued.

"Some issues such as pay equity and controls of the sale of liquor have yet to be resolved," Christine Low concluded.

The NCWNZ operates as an umbrella organisation, actively seeking the views of members at a national and local level, either in response to proposed policy or as a result of prior research. The issues are debated and informed comment is then submitted to decision-makers.

The National Conference of NCWNZ will be held in Invercargill 28 September-01 October 2006 when the 110 Anniversary will be officially celebrated at a dinner at the Ascot Hotel.

ENDS

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