International Women's Day takes aim at Howard
By Becky Ellis
SYDNEY — Feminists are preparing for International Women's Day 1998. The Sydney collective aims to bring together as many women as possible against the Liberal government's onslaught.
Collective member Trish Corcoran told 91×ÔÅÄÂÛ̳ Weekly that there are many activists involved in different campaigns and women's services, "but it is IWD that gives us the opportunity to come together with a strong, united voice".
The Sydney collective has held two forums on issues confronting women. The first, in September, featured speakers on child-care, workers' rights and education cuts. The speakers explained how the Liberals' "reforms" in these areas are hurting women.
The November 10 forum focused on racism. Sharon Tobin from the Working Women's Centre gave many examples of migrant women facing harassment and exploitation at their workplaces.
University of Western Sydney student Caroline Minchin talked about how racism is entrenched in academic institutions.
Representatives from Immigrant Women's Speakout, the Association of Non-English Speaking Background Women of Australia and Women for Wik also attended. Speakers and participants were very enthusiastic about making the defence of native title a key demand of the next IWD march.
The IWD collective is open to all women who would like to help organise the march, rally, festival and dance next March 7. "The discussions about next year's theme and demands are happening now, and we'd like to get wide-ranging input to make IWD 1998 bigger and better than before", Corcoran said.
IWD marches take place in all major cities around Australia. Check pages 29-31 to find out how to get involved in your local collective.