737 10 13267 https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2755/1979_Vol_5_No_1.pdf a32a4983c8e3a1446b9bf7f74da7d9a8 PDF Text Text (743 orilon FEBRUARY- MARCH 1979 50 0/ VOL. 5 NO.1 j 411111111111111111111% oman ourn cir PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITORIAL, Women are up to a lot these days, as they gradually infiltrate the business world to become more and more the rule rather than the exception. This issue concentrates on many things. Rosalyn Taylor-Perrett talks to a self-made women, Lauretta Johnson who made it in the business world in the old days. We talk with an artist who is just beginning to see her work as a source of income, ON OUR COVER SiApa K6hop ekeated this beau,ti, 6we coven iettusttation i2a commegr °nate the Intennationae Yearn of the Child. S,ucpa was born in Fintand but raw Zivez in Thundet Bay. S he mo6tty doe ate tvoiLk 4c,A. hen Priend4. Hen itewsttationis appear in SALT AND YEAST. creasingly more visible, and almost Broadening our scope a little, this commonplace, in the world around us. Wha issue takes a look at what women it indicates is that a lot of speaking in Canada have of the Asian culture out and serious thought is resulting in to say about feminism and how it relates irreversable changes. Hopefully to their own experiences. It is time for some we will all be affected for the better us to recognize the unique battles by the best of these changes. of other women that are related to This year, 1979 has been declared the many years of an even more oppressive International Year of the Child. To culture and tradition than that which herald this commemorative year in prevails in North America. Are they new feature a this issue we introduce perhaps victims of a sexism that is entitled OUR CORNER which is for young a result of a racism that we ourwomen...i.e. well under 20. We decided selves feel and perpetuate. that this issue might also be a good It has been mentioned to us by one in which to recall an idealized readers and perusers of the Journal set of rights for the child...rights that women learn and benefit most through which might become formalized if the w exposure to the experience and ideas Year of the Child is successful. of other women. So perhaps it is time to focus on those very things by profiling diverse women in the pages of our paper. Women are doing. That is becoming in GERT'S GOSPEh The movement has the blahs! From the east coast to the west the spirit sags and we are left wondering if this crazy current we are so firmly plunged into is a madness that will pass. Are we solid? Are we committed? Do we believe we are a part of something that will last a thousand years? If we believe that what arrogance permits us the luxury of supposing, all our passion and fire will count for nothing unless it is our generation that turns the world around. What immature foolishness is it that drives us to make martyrs of ourselves for us end up snivelling because nobody recognized how allseeing and all-knowing we were. A poet said, "I've tasted every vine. The last was like the first. And yet I've found no wine, as wonderful as thirst." We are in the business of creating a thirst. But God help us if we imagine our role is perfecting the formula that will quench that thirst. We thirst for the reality of all we are. The true survivors of the planet. To come this far in history without being persuaded that we are invincible It must be is ludicrous to imagine. that we have the wit and intelligence to say what must be said, or to do what must be done. To be depressed because we haven't the sense of humour to view the scope of human response with all the grace of a winner is clearly a failing reserved for children. We owe blind allegiance to nc one or nothing. The term sisterhood does indeed call for some new code of ethics. If it did no more than recognize the diversity of the human capacity to think, it would solve a problem in communication. Self-interest makes us users and self-awareness recognizes how easily we fall into that trap. EVERY SYSTEM LIVES TO BE CHALLENGED, EVERY ATTITUDE TO BE EXAMINED. As feminists we are half the way there if would only realize this principle. The commonality of women is such a gut thing. The amount of time we spend proving our differences, hanging our guilt trips on somebody else is such a waste of precious time and energy that it is sure to do us may be accused of not facing all in. reality, but my response is that I I ient for our time. We can hide in a have faced it, stepped over it and dismissed it. cave or stand in the storm and enjoy the lightning. The times call for If my code of ethics is rooted in a total risk. Every route is worth my desire to bring the best possible coesidering that does not challenge committment to the movement, it is the core of individual integrity. not for duty's sake, please God, but Without that strong personal committmer for sheer love and gratitude for what to honour and self-discipline, we it revealed in me to me. Class means have nothing to offer. We have a resnothing to me. A feminist is in a class by herself. I've worked for love and ponsibility to study the history of I've worked for money and I've worked women and movements to be productive would recommend for pure pleasure. in the cause, to stand against presall three. People who think that sure inside and outside the circle. their justification for existence is Sometimes the feminist press itself pontification should never be taken is oppressive. It reeks of bleeding seriously neither by themselves or egos, and weary footsoldiers slogging by others. We perpetuate the class systhrough the mud, laying their tattem even in our small circles...the tered bodies on some man-made cross. doers doing and the deciders deciding No sense of humour, no light at the what they would have done differently end of the tunnel, no upward moveIf they hadn't been too busy with their ment of the spirit, just fuel for a own little world to do what the doers fire that they haven't yet decided did. It's a minor irritation, hardly what to do with. We are being led by the defeated, worth confrontation. Women riding on the backs of other tutored by the frustrated, and coopted by the powerful. But we whose women is a present threat. No true feminist would do it. No true feminist feet were bound for a thousand years whose genitalia is still being mutwould allow it. Rather than deal with ilated, whose bodies are sold and these truths, we cry "foul" and "butt whose minds have been stifled, have out" and sow disillusion in the whole movement. We have miles to go and a thirst to open this can of worms mountains to climb, We haven't time that civilization has kept a lid on. to hold a funeral service for every Are we like Pandora's box,filled how with dark dangerous things? Or are stone in the road, no matter to our own surprise, tougher much we enjoy the mourning ritual. we its than we knew, stronger than we supIn the foulest days of slavery, posed, more intelligent than we victims sang, "Some day, some day, from the dreamed. Will we find that when we we shall be released," up have thrown the garbage out, there gut and the bone they believed it. is enough love to build that woman The will to survive is rooted in the oppressed. The thirst is established of tomorrow ? Polarization is the act of an if it finds its first expression in uncontrolled fury; even if that fury immature person. Honest confrontatit is productive.. ion is exhilarating and God knows is di-rected inward, tell you need the practice.The movement is An old farmer like me will blueberries is bigger than any of us and that may that the best crop of be precisely where the difficulty lies found on burned over muskeg. It may never be full blown until we We are not the movement, whatever speak from the importance we attach to oursleves. are full grown. grass roots as one who never knew We are a small vanguard, lifting a had privprivilege and whom, if few lids, stirring a few pots, loosing (mainly from our own ankles) ilage today would give it away. It a few chains road to my would be a stone in the weighing a few alternatives, dabbling personal development. Two things we with political philosophy (man-made), alive and not have to learn. We are wild to give birth (without labour forever. To be fully alive one must pains ofcourse) and refusing to be impregnated with any idea but our be stimulated physically, mentally and spiritually. This movement has own. provided me with all three. It will Now for the good news. We are the live. a necessary ingred- not die while hope of the future I , I I . , I Northern Woman Journal, page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Local committee fights sex role stereotyping by Monika McNabb had to fight to Six years ago visit my child's classroom and when suggested at a parent-teacher meeting that we look at sex-role stereotyping in textbooks, faces of "what are you talking about" stared back at me. Affirmative action in this area has been a long time coming and today we have the Lakehead Board of Education Committee on Sex-Role Stereotyping am a member as a of which representative of the Women's Centre The other members are involved in the educational field and the primary goal is to raise the awareness of educators regarding The Ministry the problem of sexism. of Education has issued a Resource Guide on Sex-Role Stereotyping and Women's Studies for teachers which includes suggestions, units of study and resource lists. To implement this guide, the following suggestions were made at the Sex-Role Stereotyping and Women's Study Conference held *ast September in Toronto: - encourage the regional Ministry to implement the guide by such means as a) discussion of guide with administration and Principals b) helping implement a course of studies at the Faculty of Education - inservice training for principals and teachers to raise the level of awareness in this area - Principals should be encouraged to include elimination of sex-role stereotyping in the schools in their -,177*#mm*mm000w goal-package - curriculum developed for the Lakehead Board should be reviewed for bias - the sex-role stereotyping committee of the Board of Education should continue to provide a team to go to schools for in-service workshops on P.A. days, and Principals should be made aware of this service. To date, the Committee has developed a presentation for Principals which can be given to I I I other groups as well. This includes the film "He and She" (delineates SRS) and how it relates to our concerns, statistics on women in the work force, single male parenting, giving examples and positive ideas on things that must be changed and a display of supportive material. Part of this display is a "trunk" of non-sexist learning material which can be circulated to schools. We have also previewed a film on Careers which is intended to be shown to children from grades 7-10. The Committee found the film to be heavily biased and decided to reject it. Letters were sent to individuals concerned with the production of it BRIEFS MAIDEN NAME Whether you are married, separated or divorced, you can change to your maiden name by the following: -take your birth certificate to Manpower or UIC office and ask for a Social Insurance Change of Name form. The person in the office will take your sworn oath that you are who you say you are. If there is no one in the office (i.e. at noon time) go to the Ministry of Northern Affairs on the corner of Donald & May Street. No charge of any kind is as well as to members of the Board of Education indicating that the film is not appropriate and should not be shown in schools. If you are concerned about this aspect of your child's education here are several things you can do find out what your child is reading and learning in school; make sure your child is being given open, nonbiased career counselling; make the next book you buy or borrow role free. Reading lists, articles, short stories, books and career counselling material are available in the Resource Library at Women's Centre. Why not use them? up a permanent residence for women who have been raped, sexually assaulted, and battered. They will also serve abused children. A questionnaire will be distributed to areas in their city, similar to the study conducted by the Women in Transition Project in Thunder Bay. It is great to centres being establsihed in the smaller communities such as Kenora, where there usually is a high incidence of rape and battering. Congratulations to Rossalyn, Diane and Diane. Eve and the Rape Crisis Collective involved. -this form is sent to Ottawa and when it is returned VOILA! Now to change your driver's license. Take the form and your birth certificate to the Department of Transport and tell them you have reverted to your maiden name and they will take it from there. If you want your name changed completely, this is another story and must be done through the courts and the Change of Name Act. Information provided by Donna Phoenix Recently on a visit to Kenora dropped into the Crisis Centre for Women. Three women have been hired under a Canada Works Project to set I The Resource Library now has a collection of 248 books with a couple of new ones on order which deal with sexual harassment and menstruation. We regularly receive 24 periodicals and magazines of interest to a variety of tastes including Akewesasne Notes, Gay Tide, Information - Status of Women, Kinesis, Pandora, Upstream, feminist newsletters from across the country, Perception (social commentary) and our latest is the always informative, interesting and funny New Woman. Reading, learning, growing is good self therapy. Take a positive step down to 316 Bay today! UTTERS Hi Everyone, Please renew my subscription to the Northern Woman Journal. Keep the change. wish it could be much, much more. enjoy reading your paper from the first to the last word. Have enclosed some Dryden Observer clippings and an interesting story that you might be able to use in the Journal or post on the bulletin board. Thanks so much for all of your concern in regards to women. Wishing you more and more success with the Journal. May it grow and reach more and more women. Can't wait for the next issue. Sincerely, Kathy Gunderson. Thank4 Kathy. Ut apwteciate it. I I Hello and best wishes for '79 from Kenora: became aware of your newspaper came to Kenora two months when ago and truly enjoyed the editorials, articles, letters and poetry...I am not fully aware of the struggle I I women have been and are experiencing but your newspaper helped open my eyes to a lot more wrongs within our society. Thanks. Hopefully, when everyone begins to realize that we are all people; living, working, fighting and struggling within the same sphere--then maybe we can all live, work, fight and struggle together for the comfeel that mon good. Until that time, that it is folks like yourselves who help to bring us closer to that point in space. Your efforts are appreciated and admired. Your brother, Brian Beaton I Editors, Northern Woman Journal, Thank you for "Once Upon a NonPerson". The article made me more aware (or, to use the jargon, heightened my consciousness) of people in this country who have done significant work in the movement for the rights and dignity of Canadian women and, as you intended for the reader, made me feel very proud of how far back in time the history (or, if you I)110:1 tiotA Think? 1.1JAITe! want to pun it, the "herstory") of this movement's activities goes. A clear, but brief outline such as you have presented backgrounding the women's movement in this country is very useful. It sounds glib, but it is true; with rights go, responsibilities. would very much like to see an article on the responsibilities of people who consider themselves feminists. mean a memBy the term "feminist" ber or supporter of the women's movement. Judith Petch. I I Northern Woman Journal page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �known ONE WOMIIN'S WRY Ontario. Lauretta and Ray had a by Rosalyn Taylor Perrett how some men would try to bait her by showing her manager for Investors Syndicate Limited. She traditionally been done by men. They handled these jobs efficiently and found them enjoyable. teaches product development for this branch and called assist in various departments such strange metal part in his Lauretta presently Johnson is district a occasionally teaches Financial Planning and Investment courses for Confederation College. Lauretta laughs at her many early ventures into business when, as a small girl on the Prairies, she parlayed her weekly allowance of 25C into 75C or more by investing in a box of fifty .22 shells and shooting crows and gophers for the govern- ment bounty of 2C each. She became such a little "Annie Oakley" that by about age 14, the local Sergeant at Arms sometimes invited her to shoot at the local Armoury to encourage the soldiers. Lauretta attended business college in Brandon, Manitoba during the depression. At that time she spent half a day in class and the rest of the day working. Her first full time job was as a general office worker for Gillis & Warren Limited, one of Canada's largest automotive and Lauretta was often to on as shipping, purchasing, cataloguing, costing, counter sales, inventory control, etc. She was fascinated with every aspect of the business. She often saw where improvements could be made and was allowed to institute changes. In the Autumn of 1944, Lauretta's husband was killed. Since he was an only child, Lauretta gave his life insurance to his aging parents. She lost interest in managing the Goodyear warehouse and didn't see any future in working so hard when she no longer had a goal. When the war ended and her sister's and her friend's husbands were returning from overseas, Lauretta felt a desparate need to get away from Brandon. A man from Los Angeles, by the name of Potter, had been courting her. He had Ray been travelling into Canada representing the Industrial Wholesale Lincoln Engineering $45. a month which, she Missouri. Lauretta mar- Louis, Distributors. She received Company assured me, went a lot further in those days. She ried him. Ray's job kept him constantly travelling into Montana, North office manager and Credit Dakota, time to keep the books for accompanied him on worked her way up to Manager and also found two service stations. At that time, Gillis & Warren were distributing tires for Goodyear. When they decided that lack of warehouse space necessitated the discontinuation of tires, Goodyear had to make other arrangements. It was then that Lauretta wrote to Goodyear to say that she had experience in this field and was highly qualified. after, Soon took she charge of the Goodyear tire warehousing for Western Manitoba. It is interesting to note that she got the job because Goodyear had mistakenly thought she was a boy. "My job as manager came about because when I applied, I simply signed my name L. Warren. The manager of Goodyear knew my father and assumed that I was a boy," she explained. "It was quite a blow when he visited the warehouse and saw that a twenty year old girl was managing the distribution of tires, many of which were large tractor tires." Lauretta was married during the war to Charles Willis. He was an artist who became a Major in the army. He was posted overseas only five days after their wedding. While he was away , she worked hard earning as much as possible to help them get started when he came home. During the war years, to a tremendous shortage of male wcrkers, many women were hired to fill jobs that had due of St. a part and asking her to identify it. One day, one of them came in with a greasy hand. With a smirk he asked her what it was. Feeling quite irritable at the time, Lauretta replied briskly "It looks like a metal ars hole for a teddy bear." He was quite stunned but it did put an end to the baiting of the woman Automotive and Industrial Distributor. On another occasion after Potter and Kerr had opebed a Chain Saw Distribution Store, Lauretta, wearing old clothes had gone to the store to check the stock and sort things out. While working in the back repair section where it was cold and dirty, a man overheard her speaking to a cutter about purchasing a load of wood. He sidled up to her and putting his arm around her, said quietly, "You shouldn't be working in such a dirty place dear, I can get you a much better job as a chambermaid." Lauretta never let on who she was. Some time later, while sitting in her glassed-in office, she saw the same man come in to the showroom. He noticed her and spoke to one of the countermen who obvious- Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Lauretta ly told him who she was. He turned several shades of red and left in a hurry. business trips. It soon became evident that up the operation of the business in spite of the these Ray was chronic a alcoholic. Lauretta felt that if they could settle down somewhere and send down roots, she might be able to help him overcome his alcoholism. It was a lot of fun setting fact that the old building was so cold heating system and the so bad wear practically everything she owned to keep warm. Lauretta had to While Morley was Since the automotive business was the one she knew best, Lauretta began to do research for the best area in which to start, and technically in charge of the bookkeeping, Ray the Thunder Bay. While still shelves started. finally decided out on west, Lauretta contacted various factories, lining up the distribution of such lines as Spark Plugs, Friction Materials, Rubber Products, Engine replace- ment parts, Storage Batteries, Welding Eqip- ment, Tools, and many other lines. She persuaded her who had been in banking, to join Morley Kerr, the Company. Unable to locate a warehouse, their business "Potter & Kerr Limited" began in a small run-down building that now houses the Co-Op Book Store. Previously this building had been used for a Restaurant and evidently bootlegging and prostitution. Working late at night setting up shelving, putting away stock, etc. they were often visited by police, who were suspicious that something illegal must be going on. Men were fascinated seeing a woman in this type of business. Lauretta recounted two funny incidents. She noticed respected and throughout Northwestern selling and Lauretta the purchasing and general warehouse management, all had to pitch in to get up and things work care to for her children for a while but she remained on the Board of Directors and was always available for consultation. Ray never recovered from his alcoholism in spite of treatment. Lauretta divorced him, he was paid his full equity in business and he left for the States. Morley and Lauretta continued to carry on. In 1960, Lauretta decided to re-marry and move away. A good offer for the business and it was sold. Later on it was aquired by Acklands. After her marriage, received was Lauretta and her family to moved Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The marriage did not work out. As Lauretta worded it, "His greatest occupational hazard was getting his fingers broken if closed my purse too fast." I Lauretta divorced him and brought her family back to Thunder Bay. Since then, she has worked for Investors Syndicate as a salesperson. When she first joined the company, she was the only woman in a salesforce of over 700 men. Quite a number of woman have joined the Street which used to get so cold that when they came home at night and read the daily newspaper they afterwards stuffed it around the windows to keep the draft out. But it wasn't long before the business got off the ground. They had begun with only $12,000 capital and the gross sales for the first year amounted to approximately $80,000. Within a few years gross sales had reached over a million dollars annually and the company employed twenty-four people. Branches were opened in Fort William, Atikokan and Geraldton. A chainsaw store was also opened. Later, a new building was purchased on Memorial and the Port Arthur and Fort William branches were amal- agreements must be strictly honoured and only the finest products available should be handled. Lauretta has achieved a good many firsts. Not many women become managers at the tender age of twenty, especially in an area that is still predominantly male. When asked why it is that so many women stay with traditionally female occupations and don't venture out, she felt that the biggest barrier women from their owri hesitation. To quote face is Lauretta, "The meek do not inherit the earth, they come last." She believes that women have a great deal more ability than they give themselves credit for. Lauretta's father did not believe in a stereo-typed job-world. He was closer to the old pioneer stock where the women stood shoulder to shoulder with the men and there was no discrimination. They didn't dare discriminate, they couldn't have managed without women. Lauretta admits the that earlier on in her life she Terrace She has more respect for When reviewing Lau- sciously aware of them- Geraldton, Longiac, Schreiber and Bay. retta's career in business it becomes clearly evident that there is a driving force behind this sequence of events. Lauretta's success was not luck, it was years found women quite boring, they were always talking about their kids. women who are con- selves as individuals. She finds herself interested in vital issues for women e.g. equal pay for equal work. She is also concerned about the number of Not women in the job world incidental but planned. The war years had proven to be a testing ground for not be part of a pension plan. Generally she hard work. of women to find out what they were into a capable of. Lauretta did not stumble career in the business, she chose it. "My father was in this of work. He was line Warren of Gillis & Warren Limited. In a family of four girls, there is always one who is father's boy. My family did adopt a boy when I was about twelve but I was always a pal of my dad." The other reason why Lauretta chose this line of work was that she loved every aspect of it. When she defined "success" and the meaning it held for her, she felt that it is necessary to love a career so much it no longer is work. She stipulated that it is important to have a clearly defined goal. "If you have to walk barefoot behind a plough, keep in mind that you are going to own the farm." She does not believe success is easily won. There is a lot of sacrifice and a lot of work involved but also a lot of gamated under one roof. Many more lines of joy. merchandise had been added and much of it was arriving by the carload. mobility of success, The Company was well- log cabin, he was Company since that time. Lauretta's work takes her to Dryden, Sious Lookout, Automotive & Industrial Lauretta and Ray rented an attic room on Waverley Avenue baby boy in 1947 and in 1956 they adopted a six year old girl. Lauretta left in a famous because he had enough brains to get the hell out." To achieve success in business one must be scrupulously honest and offer first-class service says Lauretta. Business Another quote who, when they retire, will notices that men are becoming increasingly cautious since the onset of the women's movement. She scarcely noticed any discrimination during her career but now she is aware that men consciously measure their words to avoid being accused of discrimination. Lauretta, now past sixty, has no plans to retire. Currently she is studying to obtain her degree as a Chartered Financial Planner. Her son. 15 presently taking time off from University where he has been working on his Ph.D. Her daughter is married and Lauretta looks forward to becoming a grandmother in the Spring. Lauretta's children are no longer living at home, but she has a boy living with her whom she supports. He comes from Borneo and is in Canada to further his education. Lauretta, who has a great sense of humour, enjoys telling her friends that he comes from the Iban tribe, who until recent years Lauretta is fond of using, which personifies the were head-hunters. She "Abraham Lincoln wasn't famous because he lived they say 'so long, don't says, "My friends don't say 'good-bye' anymore, lose your head.'" Northern Woman Journal, page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Somewhat of a recluse, Gayle's ambition now is to go to art school in Toronto; not for ideas, she stresses, just to broaden the scope of her tech- MT FOR ART'S SEE and in natural settings---or two women that are part of the same women- to reflect a dual personality that feel exists. Men don't interest me as subjects. guess because feel that woman is the total--you know-- back to the womb kind of thing. put them in natural settings because identify women with nature." Her work is original. One thing she has never been able to do is copy. Yet at one time in her career, another local artist accused her of doing just that: copying. "About three years ago, a friend encouraged me to do something with my work, so decided would go to see 'someone capable of giving me a critical evaluation. I've always liked criticism, whether it's negative or positive. don't mind just so long as it isn't a neutral reaction. This woman who went to see was an artist herself. She was very snippy with me. She looked at the pictures and said,"What graphics mag azine did you copy these out of? They will never sell in Thunder Bay. The people around here like pictures of the Sleeping Giant." was crushed." As a result, Gayle made her work private again. Only recently,friends in Taos, New Mexico, a small but nevertheless thriving arts centre, took about 25 paintings for display there. He work is striking, indicating a very definite style. Each picture has a great amount of detail, some certainly taking hours just to complete the shading. All of her renderings, both of nature and I I I I I I I I I by elaine lynch nique. "I don't feel that I'm going anywhere here in Thunder Bay." It's not the social life she misses "I tend to stay to myself. don't join groups, women's clubs or go to PTA meetings. figure that teachers, like all of us, have their jobs and th they should, be left to do them as they know best." "I've never joined the formal women movement," she adds. "There's too rrich pressuring that goes on in those circl, You're not free to have your own thoug basically read what everyone has to sit bask and form my say and then don't believe in a own opinions. lot of things that the women's movemen think in some ways that has done. they are spoiling it for themselves." Even though she is a recluse, Gayle has been convinced that late spring would be a good time for a formal show ing of her work here in Thunder Bay. "I probably won't show up when it happens, though," she cringes. "Basically I'm a very shy person. But will certainly be dying to find out what people's opinions are. Really don't have much confidence. If it hadn't been for the encouragement of friends, never would have bothered," she I I I I I I Gayle Chapple is a woman in her thirties who has been through a lot: 2-divorces, learning to be independant, the births of her 3 children, and moves from Thunder Bay to Toronto, to Winnipeg, Edmonton, New Mexico and back to Thunder Bay again. Through it all her desire to create says. works of art has survived. Fortunately, quite a few people Gayle has never really perceived who have seen Gayle's work think that herself as the kind of artist who has she has a lot to offer the art world. something to sell to the world. She But even if her pictures are not a pro. began drawing as a child in Thunder fit making venture, the will keep on Bay. But parental pressure steered doing them. It's as necessary to her her away from making art a career. as breathing. "My parents always encouraged 40,111011"'women are beautiful and ornate. She guess I'm is attentive to sharp and minute detail me a great deal. But and also has a sense of flamboyance, just naturally a rebellious person. occasionally using gold paint. didn't go in for art in school," Apart from a few brief steps forward, she explains sitting in the living To people who repected the ConGayle has never actively marketed her room of her huge 1914 landmark home. federation College Support Staff But her surroundings reflect an artist's work. She has illustrated the Indian for picket line which was made up Act for the Ontario Native Women's Assoctemperament. The unique decor and the most part, of secretaries and iation and did work for a now defunct bits of paraphernalia communicate female kitchen workers. local native clothing business. Other a strong sense of design. than this, she expresses her aesthetics After highschool, Gayle studied in the window fronts of local clothing nursing. She didn't like the professtores. Right now, she says, she is a sion. So she went to Toronto to study To a locally run florist...that little tired of window dressing and would modelling and hairdressing. There she is owned and managed by a woman, for like to devote all her time to art work, met her first husband with whom she an advertisement that the Northern "I've spent the last ten years learnhad 3 children now ages 12, 11 and 6. Women's Credit Union received in the ing," '!she explains; "I guess learning Again her career was unsatisfying. Christmas.Even thougl to be independant. After my first marriage, mail just before She became divorced. At some point the letter is sent by women to women learned that really didn't need a man. she returned to Thunder Bay. Looking the following excerpt reads: could manage quite well on my own with for work, she responded to an ad At times the giving becomes a my children. My second marriage was that would eventually take her to major problem to the busy executive. hardly a marriage. was on my own most Winnipeg to become a window dresser Along with all the extra work that the of the time. As a result my children have (her present profession). Since that season brings, he has to contend learned to become very independant as time she has lived in Edmonton and with the problem of what he is gowell." Taos, New Mexico. Once again she is ing to give and where he is going At one time Gayle was surprised at how --.in Thunder Bay. to get it. After all, his employees easily her three children adapted. During all of this, she entered her and clients are very special people second marriage which also ended in "This is the first time that they and he needs a gift that will show have been in a school for 2 years straight. divorce. his appreciation of their services They moved with me, made their own lunchThroughout all her experiences, to him during the past year.... es since they were about 5 or 6 and they and all her different roles. Gayle And so on... Do you see our point? have always been very accepting of new perceived herself first as an artist. peeple around them." "I've always worked to relax. Presently Gayle shares her large use pen and ink, acrylics home with her children and 3 boarders. Primarily and currently, watercolours. When feel the impulse to work- "We all kind of fe4l into this On Thursday, February 15 at house. We get along well and take whether it be in the middle of the 8:00 pm, the Women's Centre is care of each other. This is a very onight--I get up and do it," she says. pleased to have Dr. Pat Wales, pen household. It's not that there is Gayle has never had the confidence Chiropractor, as guest speaker no discipline," she says looking at to go public. Her work, which usually on NUTRITION AND CHIROPRACTIC her son, who has just arrived home from centres on the themes of women and AS IT RELATES TO STRESS. school but has not inhibited the flow nature has long been the object of Try to attend this informative of conversation. "We talk about things friends' admiration. Some have been evening just for the health of openly...when were in the mood," she her customers. it! laughs. "I have always drawn women...alone I I I I I THUNDERCLAP I , THUNDERBOLT I I I I Thursday night I PrOgraMMing I Northern Woman Journal, page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �TAXATION UNTANGLED or, CHALK UP ANTE dismay...pension, UI...Health Ins., and then the biggest bit of all- Taxation. And as you wondered where all that money goes you may have had your first labour force insight. There are two main reasons for reprinted from the Advisory Council on the Status of Women's THE PERSON PAPERS HAVE YOU EVER FILED AN INCOME TAX RETURN? Filing an income tax return does not seem to have achieved the importance it deserves. In itself, it is a rather tedious, somewhat difficult task which requires a little knowledge of basic arithmetic. But doing it is the first step in coming to terms with Taxation and the reason why taxes are structured in one way or another. Taxation Untangled is not a handy guide to help you file your return. Instead it explains the principles that lie behind our tax structure and shows how they discriminate against women. DISCREET DISCRIMINATION It is not that there is one set of tax laws for each sex. You will not read "Men deduct $2,000. and women deduct $1,000," for this would cause an outcry. As this paper will explain, the discrimination is far more subtle than that, and most of it would not normally come to your attention. It is possible that even if you are among the fortunate few who are acquainted with the joys of tax returns, you may have filled in the facts and figures like an obedient automaton without stopping to question why that deduction or this credit or those particular exemptions. Those days of unquestioning tax payi ing must end at once if we are to rid ourselves of this costly inequality. It will not be easy, but we must learn about taxation and then demand that the laws be changed. Understanding Taxation: Whether you are young or not so young you probably joined the work force out of necessity--you needed the money. And probably, also, when your first payday arrived you received your first workforce awakening. A large bit had been taken from your cheque by way of deductions. You glanced among the columns with mild Tax test is an island: Taxes exist because we live in a society with other people and it is easier to provide common services like roads, sewers, garbage collection, schools, police protection and hospitals from a common money box. Also, everyone stands to gain from a well-run, developing economy with adequate defence. IF WE DO NOT LIKE THE WAY OUR TAXES ARE BEING SPENT, WE EXERCISE OUR lath slice- .i8,298' to $31,368-45.7% ta 9th 8th 7th 6th 5th 4th 3rd 2nd 1st A( B( 2.The Tax Base ) 1st slice:$654.X 7.8% ...$51.01 2nd 3rd 4th 5th HOW ARE WE TAXED? In theory we are taxed according to how much we earn, on the ability to pay principle. The more we earn, the more we should pay. After we have filled in the tax form and arrived at our Taxable Income, we look up the tax table and find out how much au( taxes are for that year. The tax table is a very simplified version of the Tax Schedule on which it is based. This is a great advantage behaving to do a cause it saves us lot of difficult calculations. On the other hand, it means that most people never get to know how the tax system works. The tax schedule is a pyramid made up of thirteen building blocks. Each block represents a slice of taxable income and each slice is taxed at a different rate. Here is the pyramid used in 1976 for Ontario residents The percent rate at which your Total Income is taxed. C( Income 4.Exemptions and deductions. D( Declared income before exemptions and deductions. ) ) Legal ways of reducing some peoples taxes. 5. Taxable Income E( ) A person who uses tax loopholes to avoid paying taxes. 6. Marginal Tax Rate. F( ) Types of income that are taxable (Not all of them are) 7 Average Tax Rate 8. Credits G( H( ) ) Amounts subtracted from Total Income Amounts deducted from your tax payable 9. Tax dodger I( )Total income minus exemptions and deductions 10. Loopholes J( )The % rate at which your last few dollars are taxed. 9=r 5,-.1 8=H ii=9 Z=d 6=3 01.=0 If your Taxable Income for 1976 was $6,535, for example, your total tax would be $1,586. This is how it is calculated (hold on to your hat): ii) People do not have equal opportunity in life. From the moment of conception, everyone has a different chance in life. Depending on family circumstances, ethnic origin, sex, educational opportunity, health and occupational chance or choice, our financial success will vary. Tax monies are used to correct the most flagrant of these inequalities, providing family allowance to parents, welfare to the disabled or the very poor and pensions to the old. Taxes recognize the different ability-to-pay depending on opportunities. The more you earn, the more taxes you should pay. ) slice-$14,377 to $18,298-40.5% tax slice-$11,763 to $14,377-35.2% tax slice-$9,149 to $11,763-32.6% tax slice-$6,535 to $9,149-30.0% tax slice- $3,921 to $6,535-27.4% tax slice-$2,614 to $3,921-26.1% tax slice-$1,307 to $2,614-24.8% tax slice-$654 to $1,307- 23.5% tax 7.8% tax slice-$654 or less VOTE. TO WHET YOUR APETITE FOR THE GOODIES TO FOLLOW, WHY NOT TRY THE MIX AND MATCH TEST. JUST FILL IN THE MISSING NUMBER IN THE EMPTY BRACKET. 1.Ability-to-pay principle 3.Total taxation: No 'man' i) THE TAX SCHEDULE 13th slice-more than $78,420-61.3% tax 12th slice-$56,973 tp$78,420-56.1% tax 11th slice-$31,368 to $50,973-50.9%; £=0 L=9 I. =V :NOIIMOS IS31 XVI slice:$653($1,307-$654)x23.51 $1' slice:$1,307($2,614-$1,307)x24.8: slice:$1,307($3,921-$2,614)x26.1: slice:$2,614($6,535-$3,921)x27.4; $1,585.' In this case your marginal tax ratethe rate at which your last dollar m taxed-is27.4%. Your average tax ratethe rate at which your total income taxed-is about 150 (Total Tax Payable divided by Total Income x 100). Don' be impressed when people (usually HI men) tell you how the government is fleecing them with an exhorbitant ta: rate. It is the average tax rate tha counts. A person with a total income of $25,000, while having a marginal rate of 45%lhas an average tax rate of only 20%. DON'T FEEL SORRY FOR RICH PEOPLE- TAXES ALLOW THE PICH TO GET RICHER AT THE EXPENSE OF THE POOR. WHAT IS NOT TAXED? at your Income Tax ReIf you look turn you will see two main ways that the government arranges not to tax your income: Deductions and Credits. We shall look briefly at each of the i)DEDUCTIONS are sums of money which may be deducted from your total income.Some of these Deductions are called Exemptions. There is a person exemption for each taxpayer ($2,090 for 1976), each "dependant spousd' ($1,831 in 1976) and each dependant child ($392 for children under 16 and $719 for children over 16 in 197 There is also an age exemption for those over 65 ($1,307 in 1976). Other exemptions include sums granted for disability, for expenses while attending university and for child care expenses. There are also some fairly new deductions which are particularly discriminatory because most women cannot afford them. Some examples are the Registered Retirement Savings Plan, the Interest and Dividend Income Deduction and the Registered Home Ownership Savings P1 They will be described in more detai in Chapter 5, THE LOOPHOLES, where will be explained how they benefit the rich at the expense of the poor The main problem with all these deductions and exemptions is that they discriminate by giving greater tax relief to those who earn the most. This happens because, as we have seen, people with a higher income also have a higher marginal ta; rate. A $1,000 exemption, for exam- Northern Woman Journal, page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor I �DNE FOR DISCRIMINATION ple, will bring the following savings: Taxable Income $5,000 $15,000 $55,000 Saving $274 $405 Marginal Tax Rate 27.4% 40.5% 56.1% A considerable difference! ii)CREDITS are the fairest way of not taxing income. This is because they are deducted from Tax Payable rather than Total Income and thus affect everyone in the same way. At present they are allowed for such things as political contributions and investments costs, and ACSW suggests they should be much more widely used to iron out the discrimination against women in our present tax laws. Tax Credits could be used to eliminate sex discrimination in Taxation. HOW ARE WOMEN AFFECTED BY TAXATION There are two ways in which women are discriminated against by taxation in our society. i)Our tax laws favour the richer Canadians and by-and-large women are far poorer than men, and ii)our tax laws are so designed that they tend to reinforce the inferior dependant status of women in society. In the following chapters, this paper will show the ways in which women are controlled by and discriminated against in the present tax system. SISTERS, WE'RE BEING GYPPED WANTED Average man seeks woman to cook? clean house, care for three children under the age of seven, act as hostess at occasional business or dinner party. Successful applicant must be able to shop wisely, garden, decorate, budget, mend and provide comfort. Possibility of unpaid job in family business for the right applicant. Annual salary: Nil, plus board and share of bed. Hours: flexible, about twelve a day. No fringe benefits or pension. Good looks bonus, but not essential. Until Death do us Part: Marriage may hold the promise of security and romance, but let's face it, what other job would dare to advertise such terms and such conditions? It's enough to break a union organ izer heart. And perhaps it is not the too much to suggest that it is failure of marriage to live up to expectations, coupled with the woman's growing dissatisfaction with working conditions that explains the current failure rate of marriages. Canadian Tax Laws reflect and entrench the unpaid position of homemaker. HOW MARRIED WOMEN ARE AFFECTED BY TAXATION a)Married women who have no income because they are homemakers do not pay taxes. Oddly enough, this is not an advantage. For the payment of taxes is a positive act which gives citizens the right and responsibility to have a voice running of the country. Of in the course homemakers have the vote, but in terms of their pocketbooks, where it really counts, they can only speak through the income of their spouse. This tends to alienate homemakers from $561 political processes of Canada. b) Let's look at the effect of the exemption the husband gets for a "dependant" spouse. As the government increases this exemption each year to follow the rise in the cost of living, many married people applaud. But in fact the spouse exemption does little for the homemaker. Far from being a dependant, the average homemaker provides essential services that are worth a lot more than it costs to support the her. Worse still, the spouse exemption hampers homemakers from taking work outside the home when they want to work. This may be because the husband is reluctant to let go of his dependant spouse tax relief. Next time you come across a woman house cleaner or a babysitter who wants to be paid in cash and does not want to declare her income, remember it may well be pressure or persuasion from her husband that led her to choose this illegal course. The Married Exemption makes tax dodgers of cash-paid homemakers. How are Womeo-Working in a Family Business Affected by Taxation? At present our tax laws do not allow the owner of a family business which is not incorporated to deduct any salary paid to a spouse. This means ofcourse that there are many wives doing a great deal of work for the family business and are not being paid, pensioned or protected or receiving the proper benefits from their work. Incorporation is a fairly heavy expense for a small business and obviously would not be done if the only benefit would be to give a fair deal to a spouse who is already giving free services. Tax laws discriminate against the unpaid spouse in the family business. HOW ARE WOMEN IN THE LABOUR FORCE AFFECTED BY TAXATION? Women in the labour force are usually working because of economic necessity. They can be divided into two groups--single women without dependants and women with children. Our first comments apply to both groups: On average, women in the labour force are earning far less than men. In 1974, the average wage for all Canadians was $10,038, but the average wage for men was $11,736. and for women it was $6,734. Ofcourse, this meant that women paid less taxes than men. But they still paid more than they should have according to the ability-to-pay princple. This is because the less money you make, the less jazzy deductions you can afford, and therefore the greater the propottion of your income that gets taxed. Secondly, we would like to draw attention to the double role that women with dependants assume. The work day includes the paid, taxed hours spent at their work force job and also the unpaid work that they do as homemaker. Such women have very little time for leisure or career enrichment. HOW ARE SOLE SUPPORT MOTHERS AFFECTED BY TAXATION? Sole support mothers are such womenn4 Statistics show that they are among the poorest people in Canada today in with an average annual income 1974 of $5,910. The poverty line for 1975 for big city dwellers for a family of five was $9,388. How do sole support mothers manage to bring up their children?? Once again our tax laws exacerbate an already difficult situation. For the present they do not allow lump sum payments which may be made upon separation or dissolution of a marriage to be tax deductable. In consequence these payments are usually spread over a period of time--in order to be a deduction--and thus the separated spouse with the dependants, usually the woman, is tied to the fortunes and whims of her estranged spouse. THE LOOPHOLES In a fair system of taxation, every taxpayer would be able to take advantage of any benefits offered. In Canada in recent years some new deductions have been introduced which provide a large tax saving for those who can afford them. Recent statistics show that, alas, most Canadians do not have a hope of using these benefits.And, ofcourse, they are entirely beyond the earning capacity of most women. We call these deductions, The LOOPHOLES because they are in fact a way for the wealthier Canadians to avoid paying taxes...quite legally, and at the the other, less fortexpense of all unate taxpayers. For each time that less taxes are paid by those in the upper income brackets more will have to be paid by the others. This amounts to a massive subsidy to the "loop- hole users", but ofcourse it never appears as such reports of government expenditure. Hidden tax Subsidies are not subject to annual review or publication. SEEK TO ABOLISH BUT MEANWHILE USE LOOPHOLES! Since all Canada's poorer people are discriminated against by these tax loopholes, and women in particular, this system should be opposed and changed. But if it is to remain, obviously as many women as possible should try toI take advantage of it. It is even worthwhile to borrow the money to purchase CONT'D PAGE . Northern Woman Journal, page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A CHILD'S BILL OF RIGHTS Because 1979 is the International Year of the Child, we thought it would be interesting to print a set of reforms outlined by Richard Farson in 1974. It is clear that, even though the matter of children's rights were being thought over in 1974, in 1979 we still have a long way to go: 1.THE RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINATION. Children should have the right to decide the matters which affect them most directly. This is a basic right upon which all others depend. Children are now treated as the private property of their parents on the assumption that it is the parents' right and responsibility to control the life of the child. The achievement of children's rights, however, would reduce the need for this control and bring an end to the double standard of morals and behavior for adults and children. 2.THE RIGHT TO ALTERNATIVE HOME ENVIRONMENTS. Self-determining children should be able to choose from among a variety of arrangements: residences operated by children, children exchange programs, 24-hour day care centres, and various kinds of schools and employment opportunities. Parents are not always good for their children. Some people estimate that as many as 4 million children are abused annually in the United States, and that half a million children run away each year. 3.THE RIGHT TO RESPONSIVE DESIGN. Society must accommodate itself to children's size and to their need for safe space. To keep them in their place, we now force children to cope with a world that is either not built to fit them, or is actually designed against them. If the environment were less dangerous for children, there would be less need for constant control and supervision by adults. t. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION. A child must have the right to all formation ordinarily available to in- adults--inciuding, and perhaps especia information that makes adults uncomf_.-_- ortable. 5.THE RIGHT TO EDUCATE ONESELF. Children should be free to design thei own education, choosing from among mar options, the kind of learning experier they want, including the option not tc Compulsor attend any kind of school. education must be abolished because th enforced threatening quality of educat in North America has taught children t hate school, to hate subject matter ar tragically, to hate themselves. Childr An addiction, whether it be to food, alcohol or some form of drugs, is an acquired problem that has physical, cultural and psychological It is not really known causes. whether an addiction is biological and hereditary, environmental, It's cure, in or pbychological. short is taking responsibility for one's addiction and making it unnecessary by achieving a feeling of self-worth. On the evening of January 10, 26 women gathered at Women's Place for a seminar on Women and Addictions as a part of the evening programs Addicted! JOAN OF ARF them to addictions. "Women tend to suffer more from victimization than men,"she said. "They feel guilt because they tend to blame themselves for things and in turn, men also blame women. To overcome guilt is to overcome the stress that leads to addiction. Once a woman becomes embroiled in selfblame, she gets into failing to deal with responsibility...'It's can't am bad...' hopeless because will do it a lc stop doing this, so These are reasons for many addiction( and their justification," she said. I I I series. Joan Gale of the Addicition Research Foundation brought along a kit dealing with women and addictions A WOMAN'S EXPERIENCE OF ADDICTION A videotape entitled All In The Same IS INSEPARABLE FROM HER EXPERIENCE Boat demonstrated how the various AS A WOMAN. MANY ARE FRUSTRATED, pressures of being a housewife can POOR AND SLOTTED INTO INFLEXIBLE ROLES. lead to addictions that interfere with a woman's role as homemaker and TAXATION CONT'D Plan mother. 3. Registered Home ownership Savings one of the Loopholes because the saving "There seems to be a real need foi In November 1974 a new loophole was in taxes will pay interest on the loan the exploration of women and addictlaunched. Every taxpayer is now allowed many times over. ion in Thunder Bay. We plan to use to put $1,000 a year for ten years into Remember--Financial Independance is the Savings Plan. this film extensively in the city ov( a Registered Home Ownership BASIS OF POWER This money is never taxed if it is eventthe next few months," said Joan. HERE IS A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE LOOPThe Addicition Research Foundation ually used to buy a home or home furnishHOLES: provided some interesting and startlings.It is only available to first home1. Work Expenses and Business Expenses. ing facts about women and addiction: owners. Every wage earner is allowed to deIt -General Practitioners are more like Again on the surface it looks good. duct 3% from an annual income up to a to prescribe tranquillizers to woment is intended to "assist young people in maximum of $150 for work expenses which to men presenting complaints. accumulating the capital required for a do not have to be specified. This is not down payment on a house." -alcoholism develops more rapidly in very much. However, statistics show that once women than in men. However, self-employed people and again, these same young people were not alcoholism develops later in life fc owners of small incorporated businesses in- the ones who could afford this luxury women than men usually between the are allowed many business expenses which $1,000 vestment and tax saving. Note that 28 and 33. are not available to salaried workers. at the Marginal Tax Rate of 7.8% means far the majority of women drinkers, drit 2.Registered Retirment Savings Plans: less relief than $1,000 at 61.3% Marginal at home, alone. All Canadian Taxpayers are allowed to Tax Rate. -9 out of 10 men leave alcoholic wive put money into a Registered Retirement Interest and Dividends' Income 4. out of 10 women leave while only Saving Program each year. The limits Deductions. alcoholic husbands. $3,500 are 20% of annual income up to Last but not least of the loopholes -most often alcoholism in women is for those who already belong to a comis the $1000 deduction which is allowed denied by those in a position to hel and $5,500 for pany pension plan for interest on dividends on savings, them, i.e. husbands, friends, childr, those who don't. bonds, mortgages etc.its stated intent and family. As long as the money remains in the was to keep savings and investments in -women's alcoholism is often diagno It should also be plan, it is not taxed. Canada (a praiseworthy goal), but need as a psychological disorder which de mentioned that it is possible for the we point out that this incentive once fines the woman as emotionally ill higher wage earning spouse to invest ,,again means a higher share of the taxes rather than addicted to alcohol. this money in the name of the other spous Jana thus less buying power for those who Part two of the program on pills and thus if the money is withdrawn, it is have little money to invest. jother drugs will be presented later then taxed at the lower rate of that the year at an evening program. spouse! Women and their problems with addictions are unique. Sita, an expert on Yoga, massage and Tai Chi openid the program with a discussion of the different stresses that affect women and that can eventually lead ' 1 Northern Woman Journal, page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �10.THE RIGHT TO JUSTICE. Children must have the guarantee of a fair trial with due process of law, an advocate to protect their rights against parents as well as the system, and a uniform standard of dentention. P. THE RIGHT TO ECONOMIC POWER. Every year a million children get intc Children should have the right to work, trouble with the law. One out of every to acquire and manage money, to receive nine children will go through the juv 6.THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM PHYSICAL equal pay for equal work, to choose trade enile court system before the age of apprenticeship as an alternative to PUNISHMENT. 18. At any given time about one hundr( school, to gain promotion to a leadership thousand children are in some kind of Children should live free of physical position, to own property, to develop threat from those who are larger and jail. Some are held illegally, many a credit record, to enter into binding more powerful than they. Corporal punhave not committed any kind of crime, contracts, to engage in enterprise, to ishment is used impulsively and cruelmost have done nothing that would be guaranteed support apart from obtain ly in the home, arbitrarily in the considered a crime if done by an adult school, and sadistically in penal instithe family, to achieve financial indepand none have been given a fair trial tutions. It does not belong in our endance. with due process of law. The juvenile repertoire of responses to children. justice system was designed to protect 9. THE RIGHT TO POLITICAL POWER. children from the adult justice syst( 7. THE RIGHT TO SEXUAL FREEDOM: Children should have the vote and should but it is more unfair, more arbitrary Children should have the right to conbe included in the decision-making and more cruel. process. Eighty million children in the duct their sexual lives with no more United States need the right to vote restriction than adults. Sexual freedom for children must include the right because adults do not vote in their behalf. At present they are no one's to information about sex, the right to nonsexist education, and the right constituency and legislation reflects to all sexual activities that are legal that lack of representation. To become among consenting adults. In fact, children a constituency, they must have the would be best protected from sexual right to vote. are programmed, tracked and certified in a process of stamping out standardized educated products acceptable to th university, military, business and industry and community. Education can change only through the achievement of new rights for those exploited and oppressed by it--the children themselves. abuse when they have the right to refuse--but they are now trained not to refuse adults, to accept all forms of physical affection, and to mistrust their own reactions to people. THE BEST PITCHER IN TOWN! The batter stands ready for Fast Fanny's throw. The umpire watches carefully, ready to go. and the game remains tied. Fanny's first pitch and the It's hard to know which team fans begin to shout..."STRIKE will break the tie, but the game ONE", the umpire yells, "Two goes on and the spirits stay HIGH! more strikes and you're out." Yes it's true, I'm a girl and I watch my mother wipe the at that, only ten--but I can tell dirt from her pants. Adjusting you that Baseball IS NOT JUST FOR her cap, she gives the catcher MEN: a quick glance. Women begin to My mother is a pitcher, Fast chatter, "OK Fanny--Another Fanny by name, with eight other strike. Put it right past the women who play a fine baseball batter just the way we like." game. Women on the field ready SO...if you're a girl growing for the play. All positions up...wondering what you can do... MOTHER IS A PITCHER are covered...Fanny's pitch is REMEMBER--it's more than cooking by Maxine Kahn on the way a stew, or sweeping a floor or The pitch comes sailing right Get nine women together and over the plate. The batter swings-- tying a shoe... Perhaps you'll write music or what can they do? it's a hit---but wait.... dance on a stage or pfactice medThey can do more than sweepShelly Shortstop is moving far icine for a decent wage ing or cooking a stew. to the right, Leaps in the air OR More than washing a floor as the ball comes into sight. Imagine yourself with a bat and or tying a shoe. She's caught it--Shelley Shorta ball...or perhaps you're an Perhaps they'd write music stop has stopped "the hit"-umpire making the calls... or dance on a stage, or pract- the ball has landed right in And with eight other women ice medicine for a decent wage. her mitt. WHAT COULD YOU DO? But imagine nine women with "GOOD PLAY", yell the women, Perhaps you'd play baseball.. bats and with balls and a woman "One out and two to go..." YOU CAN umpire making the calls. And the next batter steps up and and Get nine women together and waits for the throw. WOMEN DO::: what can they do? Perhaps they'd Fast Fanny is at her best. play baseball. They can and... Strikes two batters out in a row. THEY DO: There's "Fast Fanny"-my_,mother And I think to myself, "Hey, that's my mom out there--and I FAMILY PLANNING IN FINANCIAL who stands tall on the mound, want everyone to know." takes her windup and looks TROUBLE around. Her arms are strong, her Monique Begin, Minister of And I sit in the stands as the legs firm on the ground. FAST National Health and Welfare, innings go by. Batter after batter has announced a reduction of FANNY, my mother... almost 50% in the ministry's family planning grants program, effective April 1, 1979. The cut entails a drop from $2.1 you keep youA heakt you ztitt have the twine million in the current fiscal deep in you pocket wrapped anound your. 6inget year to $1.1 million in the bunted in utea6ez that puffs the coAd next. Believing as we do in wheAe no one can nob it, atound my neck, the importance of contraception Ii id in the otd)s but you ingot o6 gabaiLdine cotton, we should make our views on thi< to untie the knot we aAmed by yowl. handz, cutback known to the Minister. LETTER LOBBY iizt clenched, you have tacked it avay. Via& CodeAte when you 6/teed me 6tom your. coniinement. Viaa GOdetke, Kaminiztiquia, Ontrotio Write to: The Hon. Monique Be-gin Minister of National Health and Welfare 558 Confederation Bldg., Ottawa, Ontario Northern Woman Journal, page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BOOKS: archaics and anarchists 4. Woman must depend on a man for fame. Brown, Jeremy and David Ondaatje. Her only immortality is love. (p. 234) CANADIAN BOOK OF LISTS. Penguin Press (Toronto 1978) Paperback $5.95. 5. Cooks are always temperamental. by Joan Baril if you flattered them, they did better. thought nationalist"At last", 'If you didn't, they wilted. They were ically, "A CANADIAN Book of Lists." like women (p. 139) For I, like other triviamaniacs, loved reading fact and folly listed in groups 6. Listed under "Canadian Hang-ups". of ten. "Involutional Ennui: In women who But as sexist quip followed sexist don't know what to with themselves and quote my enjoyment soured. Thus, this menopause" (p. 30). The same hang-up is list: listed for men but the word "menoA SAMPLER OF 10 ABNOXIOUS QUOTES FROM pause" is changed to "retirement." THE CANADIAN BOOK OF LISTS: 1. No woman can resist the opportunity 7.The woman who enriches her husband to join in that most fascinating of all with her admiration and her ready resports--man-hunting. (p. 279) sponse gets her reward--from her husband. (p. 18) 2.When you educate a woman late in life, it always sort of upsets her. 8. In point of intellect, the aver(p. 284) age woman cannot reason and think. But she can argue. (p.18) 3. Under the heading "10 interesting Facts about Eskimos" the following: "According to an Eskimo proverb," A 9. A woman wants to be taken not adored. man's best friend is his dog, better (p. 18) even than his wife." (p. 331) 10.At certain moments, even an ugly woman, if she has lived with the sun and th ewind, can be sexually attractive. (p. 18) I Some of this material is several years old, brought back for laughs presumably. But even the contemporary 1950's air, like reading lists have a back issues of "Calling all Girls". Ten Rules of Etiquette for Canadians asserts, "a woman should never carve meat or fowl at the table" (p. 140) and in "Important Ways that Women Can Please Men," we read that we can please "by appearing to be dumber than he, which, let's be frank, is not all that difficult."(p. 231) Oh, deja1950-vu: And please note the lack cif a complimentary list of ways to please a woman. Published to coincide with the hol-iday gift-buying, this book was the Christmas turkey of 1978. A resounding Thunder Bolt to authors/ compilers Jeremy Brown and David Ondaatje tie to our ultimately destructive it recognizes the size of the machine Like Freud, sexual arrangement. that has been created as a result of Dinnerstein believes that the infant our own ambivalence toward life. Whether identifies the woman as the first or not things can be changed is source of comfort and nourishment. difficult to foresee dubious. It is It follows that woman is also our people living in man-made civilizations, first blame object for pain and coping with the constraints and imperhunger. She is the first power focce atives it has placed upon our lives against which we rebel for autonomy. and at the same time working towards its She is the one who presides over overthrow. One way she recommends is our early triumphs....and our humilthe mutual participation of malesand iations. The male who orbits outside females in the care of infants throughthis close, deep-rooted union comes out their formative years. But against to represent the more neutral force, the odds of outside society un the link to the outside world. Women, doing all that has been done in says Dinnerstein, are the "dirtythe home, the effectiveness of goddesses" connected with the mystery a new childraising arrangement of birth and life and yet also carried out on such a small scale associated with our abrupt and rewill not change the direction of sented initiations into selfhood. things significantly. This book gives the reader a great The result is that women become the deal to ponder. It is not terribly main focus of blame and hostility both for men and women. As the mother difficult to read, but care brings figure we know in childhood, she repthe most reward. It is also an excelresents a power that must be restrained lent way of getting in touch with and oppressed in society outside the the work of Marcuse, Brown and de Beauvior, and an inspiration to consult family where she is banned from posher original sources. itions of knowledge and authority. For the die-hard seekers of truth, But it goes much further. One must The Mermaid and the Minotaur is most read Dinnerstein and her years of definitely recommended reading. research and careful reflection to understand our basic impulse (both men and women) towards being controlled and in turn dominating others. This will Phelps, Robert. BELLES SAISONS: A COLto control and manipulate things LETTE SCRAPBOOK. Farrar, Straus and around us (which manifests itself overt- Giroux, New York, 1978. Hardback $15.00. ly in men) to somehow partially conquer ings. by Ann McColl the unchangeable fact of mortality, Superficially, it is a pretty outperpetuates the intolerable oppression rageous proposition. Dinnerstein is of women and the yet more intolerable only too aware of the fact that her This book is far more encompassing deadly progress of the male species theory will evoke rage in many readers, and absorbingthan one would expect towards the destruction of the entire particularly those not patient of a scrapbook. It provides an entrancenough to follow her arguement through. human race. ing protrait of a truly liberated Dinnerstein also relies heavily But then,ber book is not intended French born woman, one who transcends on the work of Herbert Marcuse, Norfor the reactionary defender of the the female stereotype by her refusal man O. Brown and Melanie Klein. In status quo. to acknowledge the social convention proving her thesis she uses literature, Starting with an anthropological of her time. Collette was a writer of social history and popular culture. explanation of the development of many famous novels based on her own After clarifying the universal psychpeople, Dinnerstein focuses on the actress and a respected life, an ology of the problem, she goes on to human infant's long period of helpdeal with why male dominated revolutions part of the Parisian Avante-Garde. lessness and dependancy to expJain The scrapbook chronologically fail andson a more contemporary level, how women got themselves into a outlines Collette's life in a sympathetwhat went wrong with the New Left and role that present-day technology ic manner, affording the reader a the reason for the resurgence of outhas made unnecessary and obsolete. very real insight into the life of raged feminists. She then turns to Freud (carefully a truly remarkable woman. The really frightening thing about refuting his theory of penis envy) The Mermaid and The Minotaur is that to deal with a neurotic psychological DINNERSTEIN, Dorothy. THE MERMAID AND THE MINOTAUR:Sexual Arrangements and the Human Malaise. Harper and Row, New York 1976. Hardcover, 14.00, Paperback available. by Elaine Lynch The Mermaid and the Minotaur was recommended to me by a male acquaintance. Previous to that had not heard of it. After reading the book, found it rather surprising that a thesis so radical and so urgent has not been more explosive among people with serious social concerns. The book, a very good one, might also be titled: Beyond Freud and de Beauvior; firstly because the author, uses the theories of the two innovators of thought and,secondly, because she has, like de Beauvior, created a theory of female subordination of such magnitude and complexity that it is difficult to discuss adequately in a mere book review. Using anthropological and psycho} logical theory as her initial basis, Dinnerstein asserts that society is now rapidly moving toward the destruction of the world. The reason for society's terrifying course is due to our present sexual arrangements, and specifically the female monopoly of early child care. Motherhood is far from being a sacred biological given. It is,rather, the thing that produces quasi-human beI I Northern Woman Journal, page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Asian women in Canada: coming to terms with obsoletes Reprinted from the Asianadian, Fall/Winter Vol. 1 No. 3 by Momoye Sugiman For centuries Western Culture has viewed Asian women through a distorted lens, creating two disparaging images: the vacuous, submissive, exotic sexual servant--and the vacuous, submissive, virginal domestic servant. The efficacy of popular Western literature, films and television in keeping alive these stereotypes is evidenced by the fact that we, as Canadian women of Asian origin, still encounter flat, preconceptions of ourselves in everyday interaction with non-Asian Canadians. ...we are beginning the essential process of demystifying ourselves, not only by questioning our mythical media images aad hidden herstories, but also by giving expression to our creative talents and voicing common concerns, aspirations and frustrations--the thoughts and feelings that have remained silent for too long. Before we can expect to raise the consciousness levels of other Canadians tu:4-a-Lui/S Asianadian women, we must first heighten our own awareness of ourselves and erase any traces of the geisha girl mentality. We have to begin to challenge the sexist division of labour, the political distribution of personality traits--and our "place" in this male-centred society. We have to examine the various ways in which rigid cultural traditions of our ancestors continue to stultify and subjugate us. In order to fully understand our particular struggle as Asianadian women, it is also necessary to recognize the fact that our history, culture,social sphere and psyches are markedly different from those of Asianadian men. The oppression and exploitation that we suffer is more intimate. It is a combination of the personal and political, arising not only out of racism and capitalism, but ultimately out of sexist ideologies deeply rooted in all Asian cultures. Thus, our struggle to assert our rights and identities as Asianadians is complicated by an added dimension of ignorance amongst allies, i.e. Asianadian men. (A fairly valid analogy can be drawn here between our situation and that of Black women in the American civil rights movement. Like us, these women were made to feel doubly inferior, since they too were expected to defer to the 'male ego' subordinating their special needs and concerns as women.) It is horrifying to realize that a Confucian ethic in terms of the role of women still exists in Canada. A surprising number of Asianadian women still practise self-denial, deriving their personal identities and feelings of self-worth from their roles as daughters, wives and mothers. There are still many women among us . today who would not consider a career as a viable option, for they have been indoctrinated from birth to believe that keeping a man happy, by taking care of his children, house--and penisis their chief vocation in life. It must be acknowledged that in some families, women actually exercise much more power than their husbands. Yet, tradition dictates that they allow other people to think that the husband is in control. In any case, for a great number of women in the Asianadian community, the narrow definition of 'womanhood' is so deeply entrenched that any woman who violates the norm by challenging a man intellectually or in the work place--or who manifests lesbian tendancies--or even demands to have heterosexual desires fufilled, is automatically labelled "agressive." She is therefore "masculine and unfeminine". A lot of us have assiduously begun to defy the sex-role system but,generally speaking, Asianadian women are still at the awakening stage. Faced with the complex relationships between sex, economic and social class and race, how do we Asianadian women fit into the Canadian feminist movement? The development of this seemingly amorphous movement has shown us the common oppression of women has different ramifications in different racial and social classes. Certain divisions have emerged along economic and political lines, giving rise to distinct factions: radical feminists, socialist feminists, liberal bourgeois feminists, etc. As Asianadian women, is it necessary to add to the divisiveness by separating ourselves from other women? Or is it possible to work out our unique problem within existing groups? We must concede that the complex differences between feminists are very real and should be respected. And we should never ignore the fact that our experience as Asianadians sets us apart, not only from non- Asianadian women, but from each other as well. Cultural upbringings, political leanings, degree of assimilation and level of feminist consciousness may vary drastically...However, while recognizing the distinction...it is still important to strengthen our links with women all over the world by finding a fundamental ground... The next question facing us is that of trying to define the enemy. ...Not all men are (excuse the cliche) There are sevmale chauvinist pigs eral sensitive and enlightened men who actually support us in our struggle...for they too are in a state of powerlessness and are equally hurt by the prevailing sexist conservatism. Placing the onus entirely upon the capitalist system would also be an incomplete explanation. Eliminating capitalism will not guarantee an immediate, magical change in the way men and women treat each other in their personal lives...The condition of women has to improve now--not at some nebulous point "after" the revolution. As long as the idea of women as personal property lingers in the minds of men, the personal oppression will continue: despite any sort of institutionalized, or legislated equality. The enemy to be eradicated then is the sexist system upon which-our society is based---the system which equates aggressiveness with manhood and passivity--i.e. pathological passivity with womanhood... As Asianadian women we must analyze the roots of our oppression and establish roots of communication with one another. We will have to decide on where we stand on issues that directly affect our daily lives and futures. SEXUAL SLAVERY IN CANADA...THE STORY OF JAPANESE WOMEN...See next page tAlotattn (Women a 7.5% Dividend set at meeting The Northern Women's Credit Union announced at its annual meeting Jan. 29 that it has tripled its assets.' in the past year. It is monitoring current interest rates and with the 3 increases from the Bank of Canada over the past year, an increase from the current 12% per annum may soom be necessary. Savings and Term Deposit accounts After an examination are now available. by the Ontario Credit Union League, all things are reported to be in order. The distribution of surplus will be evidenced in the 7.5% interest it will pay in dividends. Northern Woman Journal, page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �SEHUM AMERY IA CAIIADA: Our Herstor by Cassandra Kobayashi This story is about women who came to the New World, the women who are our mothers. I have written primarily about the Japanese because of limitations of time and energy. I hope others will share their stories about women from other motherlands. As sisters in a world that perceives us as 'Orientals', we face common prejudices. By talking about our situation, the real and apparent differences can be sorted out. If we are clear about ourselves, we can unite against those who seek to confuse us by diyiding us against ourselves. The history of men is different from Women may live side by side our history. eat the with men, work in the same fields, the but our experience is not same food, By discussing what our foremothers same. endured, perhaps what we mean by roots and However, due to culture will become clear. the paucity of written material left to us by our foremothers, we must look for our the lines written by men, story between For example, in Roy Ito's The about men. excerpted in the A/ftivat ozi Mankichi Omutca, we are told last issue of The ,Aianadian, how our hero arrives in British Columbia, then fishes and a lumber mill, in works after serving Canada in World War I, 'setBet tles down' in Port Essington at age 28. He did not have "Mankichi needed a wife. himself, qr the money to go back to Japan he asked his parents to find him a bride." Because arranged marriages were the norm in Japan and most of the Western world it is not extraordibefore this century, nary that Mankichi's wife was chosen for she was selected According to Ito, him. Also hard-working family". from "a good, of importance was being of the same ken and socio-economic background (locality) and possessing domestic talents, good health to produce sons. A wife ability and the providing the support and a means of was maintenance -- activities necessary to hold it into a to make family together, the "Mankichi needed a viable economic unit. that he desired means (my emphasis) wife" the services of a woman qua domestic serchildren/sexual outlet. vant/mother of his bought her a sewing machine, the better He to perform her duties. female role is Such a concept of the not merely pragmatic for the harsh life in In traditional Japan a frontier culture. the wife's role was essentially the same as Women universally. almost it is today, into husband and family pour their energies while he goes into the world and makes history. Just because we are not overt targets of racist attacks today should not make us a Our security depends, to complacent. great extent, upon Canada's relations with Because Canada was friendly with Japan. of immigration Japan during the early years was economically advantageous to it (i.e. maintain relations) and because the Japanese government was highly interested in the welJapafare of Japanese wherever they were, nese were not included in the ban on immiUnlike gration by "unassimilable" groups. the Chinese immigrants who had to pay a $500 head tax from 1883 to 1923, Japanese entered Canada under the free entry clause of the However, beAnglo-Japanese trade treaty. ginning in 1908 'gentlemen's agreements', by which Japan promised to limit immigration Unwere as effective as any outright ban. til 1928, the controlled maximum did not include wives and picture brides, but following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 and the end of the picture brides in the U.S. in included the 'gentlemen's agreement' 1921, \\ \ \'' \\\ \ , , Unfair? \\ ' \ 0 \ \ , , We deplore the stereotypic, condescending depiction of Chinese women as cute, Little, dark breasts are brown China Date's. but the Chinese women are obviousexposed, ly viewed as children, peering with innocent wonder at the physically more adult-like White woman. Isn't it interesting how Wes- N\ -, '''''') tern artists unabashedly exploit non-Western women in the nude (c(). Nationat Geogiutphic) as though they are object of the 'local colour'. Asian women are not all brown and do not all look alike. And many do not find a white-skinned woman a source of curiosity or fascination. rying 'mongolians'. The relationship between sexism and racism has been discussed extensively with respect to the American Black Movement. The hierarchy of male over female, and white over black sets up tensions that are often expressed in sexual terms--lynching including castration, Black Power machismo, the Black sex kitten and Black Womb of Africa. While the rape metaphor is applied to white/ Black relations, 'peaceful penetration' is the term used to describe how the Japanese operate. In all cases, white men speak of 'profrom the male anicourage, tenacity, their industry, and their tecting white womanhoqd' mals of other races. Saskatchewan in 1912 skills what gifted Canadians they are." Not all Canadians share Trudeau's ap- and British Columbia in 1914 passed legislaparent gratitude. Many believe we should be tion to prevent white women from working for Women of 'other races' were thus 'shipped back where we came from'. While we Asians. not worthy of protecting. Japanese women may perceive ourselves as Canadians, others were said to be "so subservient still consider us Japanese. that they Such individueasily become prostitutes," and "many a Jaals would not openly advocate repatriation. By praising the Japanese Canadians, they can panese is supposed to make his living by the The pimp who somehow ease their consciences sufficiently prostitution of his wife." to justify repressive measures against other lives off the avails of prostitution is unigroups. (note: Immigration Act, 1978) versal, but charges that Japanese (or curSimilarly, when women's accomplishments rently Blacks) are natuhaety prone to such in certain fields are recognized, the implibehaviour is a xed herring. As Simone de cation is that anyone can make it if she Beauvoir said, there is no fatal hereditary This society factor, no psychological defect. wants. This is simply a lie. "The runs on the unpaid, unrecognized labour of truth is that in a world where misery and women. While individually we may be lucky unemployment prevail, there will be people for most to enter any profession that is open." enough to escape the gilded cage, women, motherhood and wifely duties are all It is not the woman who is to be condemned, we are expected to engage in, aside from the but the society where prostitution is the 'oldest profession' in the world: prostitu- "least repellent option." quota of wives and children in the annual 150 immigrants. Whether women and children are included was a negotiating point in an expensive Yet as recent international game of wits. there is still a notion that Japan as 1976, takes an interest in the lives of those who On his tour of Japan, Prime have left her. Minister Trudeau described the success of NiZei despite Canada's sordid' record of the on berepression and then thanked "Japan, half of all Canadians for the contribution made to Canada by the men and women of Japanese origin who have shown through their tion. Women's usefulness as a sexual object for men underlies both prostitution and marriage. Engels remarked that the wife 'differs from the ordinary courtesan only in that she does not hire out her body like a wageworker, on piecework, but sells it into slavery, once and for all." There has always been a notion that male humans have an absolute need for sexual intercourse. Therefore, one of the basic functions of the family is having the wife provide approved sexual outlets. In the Dsbrizei era before the arrival of picture des, prostitutes provided the hequi/Site sexual outlet for the population of young single men. Even beWomen were interchangeable. tween the prostitute and wife there was substitutability. However, in order to mainwives and prostitutes were tain monogamy, artificially distinguished-- good girls vs. bad girls. Thus, on the American mainland, prostitution by Japanese women was suppressed by requiring the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco to approve the application of men requesting an imported woman for a wife. If he was among the 10- 30% who did not meet the financial and moral standards, he ould likely remain womanless because California ; law prohibited whites from mar- HERE AND NOW Canadian culture is said to be multiethnic, a mosaic as opposed to the American meUing pot. Indeed, we find individual groups celebrating their holidays on the streets or in community centres. Grand cultural expositions are held (e.g. Toronto's Caltavan), during which visitors can experience the food, drink, dance and crafts of other cultures. However, these types of activities are merely the visible tip, of the iceberg. Culture and ethnicity involve much more than putting on traditional costumes. The social structures and customs which govern individual behaviour underlie and give purpose to the trimmings. It is where my personal expectations intersect with the cultural expectations, be they Japanese Canadian or mainstream Canadian, that I begin to question the value of maintaining my cultural inheritance. reprinted from the ASIANADIAN (in part), Vol. 1, No. 3 Northern Woman_Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �"VOW eCAMAI Caleb pee WO Pomp put1 Bulk third INSIDE ins En timbre bonte dams O The story of a self-made woman, before the page 4. time of a new consciousness 220 RETURN TO: Artist as private person...an interview THE NORTHERN WOMAN page 5. with Gayle Chapple 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P,The ONT. subtle discrimination of our income page 6-7 tax system Return Postage Guaranteed Rights for Children:are we big enough to let them happen, or too much used to page8-9 the role of seniority rules A look at books Asianadian and feminist page 10 page 11-12 61111/11111/111=11/1111/1 YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE U MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. cribe: VI, mart gt 6 4Slil-reetr, er al, bd. A.014 tt uss) mar usittaSse ftraftrifort Lamt kWrtf% Ao-acceions' PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 5 No 1 Description An account of the resource Vol. 5, No. 1 (Feb-Mar 1979) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Women in business Lived experiences of Asian women in Canada Sexism & racism International Year of the Child Feminist movement losing steam Sex-role stereotyping in textbooks Affirmative action Sex-Role Stereotyping and Women's Studies Conference (Toronto) Changing your name after divorce Women’s Centre resource library Crisis Centre for women Kenora Women in art Income tax returns & sex discrimination A Child’s Bill of Rights Women & addiction Women in baseball Family planning during financial trouble Feminist book list: good & bad (excerpts incl.) Northern Women’s Credit Union Sexual slavery in Canada herstory Challenging racist stereotypes of Asian women Authors/Contributors: Gert Beadle Sirpa Bishop (cover illustration) Monika McNabb Eve Pikerman Judith Petch (letter to the editor) Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Elaine Lynch Maxine Kahn Viola Coderre (Kaminstiquia) Momoye Sugiman (article reprinted from Asiandian vol. 1, no. 3) Cassandra Kobayashi Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-02 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2756/1979_Vol_5_No_2.pdf bb26f35b3087cdbc5487d4631462c3f3 PDF Text Text oman N?Ttigstrn April - Pkay, 1979 VOLUME 5, NUMBER 2 journar WTI -1107 SEEING, OURSIEbUIES this oil by Anna Akerval was one of the pieces at the art show. See centre spread. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITOR& Strategy and job creation programmes the primary benefactors of government There will be little reason to 5)lay-offs in the public service as well restraint. celebrate the 50th anniversary of as changing the rules for paying pubis not too difficult to come to It women becoming persons in Canada. lic servants. the conclusion that the government 1')79, the_year of this anniversary has a strategy of discriminating aEqually apparent is the plan by the is also the year that women are facgainst women, particularly married Liberal Government to ensure that ing attacks unparallelled since 1945. women are the primary benefactors women to keep them out of the labour Over 50 years ago, Magistrates of the restraint programme. The force. The campaign became most Emily Murphy and Alice Jamieson of cutbacks will save the taxpayer very apparent in 1978 when the government Alberta, first women judges in Canada, little but deprive women of much introduced policies that will have a were challenged by lawyers as to the needed services and benefits. Included more detrimental effect upon women legality of the sentences they were in these are the revision of the than men: imposing, on the grounds that they family allowance system, the slashing 1)the tightening of the Unemployment were not legally persons under the of family planning grants and the Insurance Programme. British North America Act. Appointdiscontinuation of funding to rape 2)reduction of the Outreach employment ment to the Canadian senate was denied crisis centres. services programme. on these same grounds. Five women, 3)cuts in training allowance for married Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene women So what's to celebrate?! Parlby, Louise McKinney and Henrietta 4)removal of women from its Employment Muir Edwards petitioned the government for a ruling. The Five Persons Case Language difficulties was sucessfully settled when the Privy The Thunder Bay Multicultural AsCouncil in England ruled on October 18 For an anthology on the subject sociation opened an immigrant inform1929 that women are persons un the of child molestation, we are seeking ation centre in early January to proeyes of the law. first person writing--stories, poems, vide assistance to people who are exThe courts continue to be biased journal entries, etc, by people who periencing language difficulties. and downright contemptuous when it have been molested as children. We The information centre is looking comes to dealing with women. In Sept. are also interested in writing by for people who are interested in 1976, Ontario Provincial Court Judge other family members and by children. working with newcomers. if you speak Vincent McEwan contribtued the unrelAll material should be true, although more than one language and have a few iability of a 48 year old women's you may change names or use a pen hours to spare, you are invited to testimony to female menopause. In Sept name. Please type and enclose a stamped, join the volunteer staff. Call 683 1977, B.C. Provincial Court Judge self-addressed envelope. Mail as soon 6251. Les Bewley in passing down a light as possible to: Ellen Bass, 240 Day sentence to a man charged with assaultValley Rpad, Aptos, California, 95003. ing a woman stated, "You know, women don't get much brains before they are 30... " I FITEEFIESTEED" And then on October 31, 1978, the tragedy- SHORT,STORIES BY WOMEN: Supreme Court of Canada ruled that 1. Length--1,500 to 6,000 words Press Gang Publishers is collecting Stella Bliss was ineligible to receive 2. Deadline for submissions--August maternity benefits and stated that any original, unpublished short stories 15, 1979 (We'll get back to you by inequality between the sexes under UIC by women for a book to be published Oct. 15, 1979) next year. We are looking for stories rules "is not created by legislation stamped 3. Please enclose which explore and illuminate the real but by nature." .xperiences of women. Some pssoble sug- envelope. Recognizing that attitudes usually 4. Stories should be typed double spaced. change last in the courts, women have ;estions to expand on: 5. Copywright will revert to the author --women working with each other, in always held out more hope for governfolllowing publication. Now that hope )ffices,factories, restaurants; in the ments and legislation. 6. Author will be paid a $100 fee for come, volunteer work; too has been quashed. stories upon publication. To mark the fiftieth anniversary of _political activity PREE GANG PUBLISHERS women as persons, the Liberal ad-- -women in the future 603 POWELL ST. -- -girls together: at school, in ministration has given women two VANCOUVER BC special roles to play: groups 253-1224 To be martyrs by accepting the blame Whatever mode of fiction the writer 1) (press gang is a feminist publisher) to be comedy for high unemployment; and 2) may choose: realism, satire, , ANTHOLOGY UTTERS To whom it may concern: have just read for the first time, an issue of the Northern Woman (Oct. 1978) and have found it most perceptive and relevant in its portrayill of the very unique problems faced by the northern women. A recent immigrant have been struck from the "south", by the inappropriateness of strategies developed by southern women to suit southern problems-a primary resource industry town just does not offer the to urrant§e of options available ban women and consequently it is harder to overcome the feeling of powerlessness many women experience. I Perhaps other issues already do, in apologize for the ill which case informed suggestion. look forward to the coming issues, and keep up the fine work. Yours sincerely, Audrey Anderson Red Lake, Ontario I I I From this end of the typewriter, Thunder Bay seems like a booming metapplaud your ropolis and although very excellent efforts to address would the northern situation, welcome articles whose focus moved to the smaller communities so that more women could feel truly included. I I Northern Woman Journal, page Dear Margaret, Enclosed please find payment for the subscription to the Journal and a little something extra--thanks so much for sending the material down This Journal is splendid, not only that, but it is becoming famous. A couple of days after it arrived, Mr. Theron Krawer, the Hamilton based representative for Secretary of State came to see me re: the summer was attacking the depprogrammes. for its cutting of the womartment en's programmes, showing him your material. He had seen the Journal before, and his remarks were very complimentary. So are mine. Thunder Bay women have manages to sustain a great deal of the momentum in many of their activities. ... Peace Love and all good thoughts, Novia Hebert Carter. ov gern 316 Voma Im-.4iretir,, tWinVer The NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL is feminist newspaper that is pub lished 6 times yearly for the people of Northwestern Ontario Content is determined by an Ed itorial Collective which meets bi-monthly at 316 Bay Street. Submissions are welcome but subject to the Editorial polic of the Collective. I 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MARCH 8th: The Celebration blues International Women's Day brought a host of celebrations in the region that were very well attended and very successful. People attending from Thunder Bay were very impressed and inspired by the activities that were held in Fort Frances and Atitkokan. The following are accounts from the two celebrations. RAINY RIVER DISTRICT: The Rainy River District Decade Council held its first celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, 1979 in Fort Frances. The event included a pot luck supper, arts and crafts displays, verbal and visual presentations from several district women's groups. Over 150 women were present and many favourable comments were received from those in attendance. Ruth Cunningham of Confederation College Women's Programs was keynote speaker and Gert Beadle gave a poetry reading that was a distinctive highlight. Because of the favourable outcome, the women hope to make the celebration an annual event. ATIKOKAN: To commemorate International Women's Day in Atikokan, an article appeared in the local paper explaining the significance of the day. There was also a special television program put on by Atikokan TV Productions featuring an internview with Ruth Cunningham and Bernice Taylor of the Decade Council conducted by Linda Wiens. The interview covered womens' issues, careers and opportunities, the aims and interests of the Decade Council, their sun-committees and regional efforts. MARCH 8--a day that was acknowledged in many different ways all over the world. In Thunder Bay, March 8, International Women's Day was celebrated by approximately 80 women at the Thunder Bay Labour Centre. The evenings discussion centred around a rather serious set of issues. Sponsored by the Northern Women's Centre and the International Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council, the program began with the showing of the film GREAT GRANDMOTHERS, which looks at the contribution of early immigrnat women to the development of Canada. Panel discussion was started by Mickey Murray, who was later awarded a scroll for her special contribution to the activities of the Decade Council. She spoke on the history of International Women's Day and the current international objectives of women, particularly in the peace effort and the preservation of the family. Dr. Margeurite Neelands addressed the problem of hospital bed closures in Thunder Bay and the general lack of care facilities, for the chronically ill. Margaret Boone who is active locally on Committees working to deal with and educate the public on the problem of child abuse, told of what is happening locally in this area. She stated that an increasing number of reports on the problem of child abuse does not necessarily indicate that the number of abused children are increasing, but perhaps that people are more aware of what to look for and more willing to report their knowledge of a problem. Margaret Phillips of the Lakehead Social Planning Council closed off with a talk on the new Unemployment Insurance legislation and its adverse effects Upon women. The evening was wrapped up with coffee and cake. Open letter to the women:Rainy River District Sharing the first International Women's Day held in Fort Frances, "In Praise of Women", find myself unable to stop praising. With every opportunity that arises find myself affirming that am part and parcel of that valley where women are somehow bigger, deeper and less given to paranoid fears in their relationships with other women. It is normal, say, no great surprise to find one hundred and fifty women of all ages, from every church and service club, praising each other, feasting together, showing and telling what they have done and what they hope to do, making music together. It is the northern air, say, perhaps the water (ugh), certainly the mineral in the soil. There is tension in the valley and although it is not of your making, nor will it even be partially solved by your input, the fact remains; it is you the women who will heal the wounds and restore the Valley to sanity. You will do this because you have always done it and because you are wise enough to know that bitterness and hatred has nothing to give to the future but destruction. The history of Women In The Valley has I I I I I shown us to be (you will notice say us) resilient and resourceful. The future will hopefully prove us to be pragmatic in consolidating our strength to make the necessary changes in the roles that have up to now, discouraged the free sharing of viewpoints and the interchange of nuturing affection. The level of consciousness in the CFOB radio station is abysmal. The term "LIBBER" dates the mentality. When in casually conversation, expressed the need for women to establish a closer relationship, it was immediately equated as a sexual response and a further observation that women could never be equal to men, since the moderator had consulted some Hockey Jocks who had declared that we would never have enough muscle to shoot the puck. SUPERWOMAN also functions here, dismissing her six children with an airy wave of her hand, being all things to all people, feeling totally )iberated from Pastor Peter, and having a great form as well. could not decide whether she should be decorated or investigated. wanted nothing so much as to be able to assure the moderator that only his mental capacity was under threat. I I I I The accessability of the local Cable TV station is a great asset to communication. One immediately feels a youthful vision that is able to transcend old myths and the present prejudices. In that same vein, the Rainy River Decade Council, who sponsored the Celebration of Women, has opened the door to honest sharing that deserves the respect of every thinking woman. The groups represented here, whether sorority, church group, service club, artist, entertainer or worker in the cause of women, have one thing to offer that is basic; to be of some use in the evolution of the time allotted to them for action. Like a giant net spread under today's trapeeze artists, you have nutured the arts, kept alive your cultural uniqueness, involved yourself in your community's welfare and your children's education. But nothing you have done so far will reap future benefits for your daughters like the celebration of yourselves as women and the praise of each other as productive and confident members of the human family. GERT BEADLE, Northern Woman Journal, page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �LET'S TALK KENORA RI IN WE THE WIVES OCAL M M MMMMMMMMMMMM 111111111111111111111111IMMA. MMMMM " What a farce! Those women had absolutely no business being on the scene at all. They don't work for Boise. Their husbands do.... " D. Sinclair, pub. MM AM 10/ A Kenora Miner I MS 1 r mom. mmo I r - U IN ',1". R 111 I I' I I MI MS r . WI MI MEMO I MN EV OMMO MMMMM MEM A MMMMMMMMMMMM .7119111111 MMMMMMMMMMMMMM IR MMMMM =MOM 1111l MMMMMM Ai IS 1 W F, IW IR A MIME MMMMM F OMR 'MMIMI AI I/ fill MMISIIIIIIII 1 If -7. P Jr' l ...MU OMR gm,-.WIMP .A. A MOM- I ' I 11 All Al I 1MM WZ- IM- I A - I e .A AMR I MMMMNI I I AMOMMOMMII MMMMMMM V tOMF :I'. wpm. --- 111111111MMW II:MOW - Amy I MMMMMMMMMM 4 MMMMMMMM MIIIIIMMOMM &NOW MMOMMLOMMII :1111M11MEMFAF ALM, Virilad11111 11111111M1111 M - I 111MIM ...WM AP ---.1". MOM M V-. 1111110._ Sm.7.81 mow 1. AL 'II V AS BIND VINO I 1110.-% .,1101.- i ,31 ' IMMOA 1. A. ME, .. 77MOW MI. I . SIM /EMI%Mi. immr. M svomalimmur , ... MIIII A 1.! /e. MMMMMMMM MISIMMIIM IMMOMMOMOSMOMMOM 'EMS IMO, II - OMMOMMAMMIIIMM MMMMMMM OR..-7IIMMOMMOMMOM Mb. 7 A 1 10711111MOMMOMMONOMMEW I I 0 Ii I MOM MMMMM OMMOMMOMMOMMIIIIMMOMMOM II A," IF 1 A I ' OM IM, JAM 1 In Kenora, Ontario, the strike W IV, AIM 11 ir IN l' 45MM I I MMMMM MOM A r f I AL MMMMMMMMOM I at Boise Cascade Lumber and Sawmill MMOR WM I OEM M OEM drags on. Apart from the effects 111111111111 upon the striking workers, there men make $64. per day with no room have been serious changes in families, and board and in addition they pay for resulting in the militancy of the wives of the striking workers,who are their own gas and transportation. It is interesting to note that striking for the removal of an ownerNot only is there the daily picket that have spent the most operator clause. The wives have joined the 2 women duty confrontation to face, but the time on the picket line were not only the treattheir husbands on the picket lines, conflict with the police has spilled charged but also fingerprinted, given ived, sevto the disapproval of the media and over to cause incidents after hours. a mug shot and assigned a number. together We are very concerned with the monstrate safety of our children walking to and at there in the vicinity of the from school that is Off duty officers have been known Boise Cascade mill. The Boise buses orted by to harass the women of striking workers, and pulp trucks travel at high speeds. ice--we live here and we have the sidewalk on Third Street North. One day, the children were actually made and have even pinched behinds on the picket line. In the 1°6.31 bars there enjoy ourselves over a We are outraged at the sudden Preto walkright some to distance on the road is constant harassment from the poldrink with out having the OPP breathing because the police were blocking the judice being expressed against women. down our necks. Don Sinclair, publisher of the KENORA .IMF AM'/ , I I / / A ' . l r t , A " I I i the union local Cascade_ physcially they proc- MINER AND NEWS has been abusive to the women who feel that they have a right to partcipate in the strike... and has treated them as somewhat of a joke...as you can see in parts of his columns. ring the e, was the process the media. news restrikers the media. wists etters. before tter to only ast noted print We feel we have a right to participate because we the victims of a total absence of income and we certainly can't ignore the number of police in a town of 11,000. (*Note: Don Sinclair claims he does not discriminate against women and demonstrates this by saying that 65% of the KENORA WINER NEWS employees are women---We wonder what the wages of these women are and are curious to know what their jobs are with that paper.) The following is a letter to the Journal from Shirley Ronald of Kee- watin ....We are all very nervous about the police. We women don't know which one of us will be picked up next and charged and treated like a criminal. My husband has been arrested. As for myself, have been struck, thrown, verbally abused etc, by our own FINE police force. " am afraid of the law now. My children have lost all of their respect for the law...After they saw how the police treated their mother and the other women. My Brother is a police officer here and we have not spoken to one another for 4 months. He told me that the extra police were brought in here for our protection. Then showed him my bruises and he hasn't spoken to me since. When he is in the cruiser, and pass him, all can do is turn my head. am afraid to admit that he is my brother now.... I I Tragedy has been the result of this strike. We feel that the death of 53 year old James Portman would never have occurred if it had not th charges Mr. Portman been for this strike. court had been working 12 hour shifts, 7 nforcement days a week since October 11. The ff the fellow who was responsible in the al to deal accident was not qualified to do the r is not job he was doing--Jim Portman was not It is volved doing his regular job either. nts, all rather ironic because Portman was NMENT also the Safety Supervisor. to join When Leo Bernier was approached about this incident he said that it of the was up to the company and not the here government to deal with the problem. It is very suprising to see where CANADA MANPOWER stands. They have accused the strikers of strangling the economy and of robbing the company of profits. They ask the strikers how they can expeeps) ect the company to pay $100, per day in R' (in our wages plus room and board. ly unfounded WHOSE SIDE IS THE GOVERNMENT ON and why do they distort the facts. Our I I I AS MOMOM 111111f Ea I MMMMM f I immumploommr Fr MR.7.:. , II I .' I I Wil , MEM "IMMUNE II . 1111 M 'MEOW IF ' F I IIIMMFAA. ...MEW. 1.IIW F I / IS cu. _ 6 II lorm-mr e MEI. AN O Alik AMER 11111111111111111111/ 1 MIMEO 111M1b -AIM I True to the cause, Shirley Ronald THE FOLLOWING IS THE ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER STRIKER'S WIFE, ISABEL ULAK: My husband has been involved in a legal strike since October. This has been a real education for me and my family. wrote to our local members of parliament. They both replied very politely but no help seems to be forthcoming in either case. Our local newspaper does not seem to be very supportive either. On Friday February 23, Don Sinclair, I cont'd , page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Publisher, KENORA MINER AND NEWS wrote, "Those women had absolutely no business being on the scene at all." Surely this is not an illegal act or the women on the scene would have been charged. Why should women not support their husbands, fathers, or any men in their family emotionally, mentally or physically if possible. This erudite writer with expressions such as "this one was also the Pitts" (Not to be found in the Thornedike Barnhart World Book Dictionary- or is it a spelling error?) and sentences---"This time helped by the picketers wives." (sic) He did not seem pleased with the article written in the Winnipeg Tribune or the Newsmagazine feature aired recently. He stated, "Tune into C.B.C. Newsmagazine Monday evening and watch our town be dealt another kick in the pants that isn't true. (misplaced adjective clause) Mr. Sinclair wrote,"I didn't think the CBC news department prefabricated their journalism but know now that they do." He wrote about this program at least nine or ten days before the public had a chance I to see it. As a woman, am very unhappy with his remarks about women who are sticking by their husbands and trying to I help them. Perhaps in the long run, we and our families will have become a far closer unit for having supported each other. Sincerely, Isabel Ulak. Living on company land live in Camp Robinson, Ontario, ninety miles from Kenora. Camp Robinson is a bush camp owned by Boise Cascade, and the only family camp left in the area. Since the strike started here on Octoner 11, 1978, I've been heavily involved in it myself; writing articles to the newspapers, organizing :campaigns for moral support, and writing artftles to government officials, law authorities and Boise Cascade executives. For the first couple of months after the strike began, sat back and took in what was happening until could stand it no longer and had to speak out. could no longer stand to listen to the lies Boise Cascade told, or watch the O.P.P. aCt as strike breakers and harrass our men and their families. It is evident that the O.P.P. are biased by their persecution of certain individuals and they seem to dream up any charge at all to get the picket leaders off the picket lines and away from the strike. To add insult to injucy, the officials in Kenora and the government are supporting the company and the O.P.P. in their escapades. When the strike began thought it would be dealt with fairly, but as time progressed, could not believe what was seeing. have lost all faith in our law authorities and government, and never dreamt that Boise Cascade could be so callous, calculating, cannibalistic and down right dirty. could spend hours writing about the injustices to the strikers and things that have taken place, but will confine myself to the Camp RobI I I I I I I I I I inson area where live. An O.P.P. helicopter flies over the The Camp Robinson men have been camp site regularly, checking for vehicles and snow mobile trails to especially centred out by Boise Cascade, since the majority are active report to the cruisers. Some vehicles in the strike and strong union members. have been stopped and checked as many Out of 14 members who have pickas four times within fifteen miles. It eted seven have been charged and is also known that our phones are ordered off the picket lines, along bugged as several incidents have happene with being jailed several times. to make this a fact. My husband has spent seven days in don't know how much longer the jail, and all seven of those days were government can take the back-benching needless. He was charged with making stand that they are taking. Are they a threatening phone call to a foreman, so misinformed or near sighted that and thrown in jail for five days. His they cannot see what is happening here? conditions for release were that he They are the only ones who can put forth surrender all firearms, keep away some rules and regulations for the from Boise Cascade property O.P.P. and Boise Cascade to follow and leave the district of Kenora within instead' of letting them run the 36 hours. The District of Kenora is strike as they damn well please. Our approximately 5 to 8 hundred miles> livelihood is' at stake here. We are square and we live right in the middle respectable citizens who can only of it. Being that am in a leg cast take so much injustice or pushing and have been for five months now, around and it is time to put a stop my husband refused to leave me. Our to this charade before more families sewer is frozen til spring and we and people's lives are torn apart. burn wood for heat. This along with ...we stand by the facts 100 percent. other circumstances such as a shortage Marlene King, of money to move, no place to go, and Camp Robinson, Ont. the question of how authorities can banish a man away from his home in the 66 I think their husbands middle of winter brought cries of outrage. My husband contacted a union lawyer, who appealed and notified my husband that papers were being drawn own disputes. up in the Kenora court for a stay it more orderly until court five days later, and that he was to remain at home until then D. Sinclair, PUBLISHER On Saturday afternoon, the O.P.P. KENORA MINER AND NEWS arrested him for failure to comply THE FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT PREwith the conditions and stated that PARED BY THE WIVES OF STRIKING LOG they had no knowledge of any such papers AND SAWMILL WORKERS UNION 2693 MEMand he was kept in jail until Monday, BERS THAT HAS BEEN WIDELY DISTRIBUTED when the judge signed the necessary THROUGHOUT THE KENORA REGION: paper. It appears that the judge took sick and the papers never got to him For eight months now, we have to be signed although they were there, viewed the Boise Cascade strike in and the courts are closed on the weekKenora and Fort Frances with keen ends. Is this justice?? He spent those interest and involvement, being days in jail needlessly. At court on the wives of Strikers local 2693. Wednesday, the 36 hour condition was We have been filled with sadnes$, dropped and the case remanded until disgust, and frustration. We've watched June 20. It would appear that this helplessly as our men have been needstrike has created the rule that lessly and unjustly jailed, given crima man is guilty until proven innocent inal records for being strong minded an and is sentenced before trial. Meanand fighting for what they believe in. while who will repair the damage We've watched families and friendships done to my husband by having his name fall apart because one or the other broadcasted on radio and TV like is on "the wrong side of the fence." a common criminal. He has never had We have seen our men off to the a criminal record prexiious to this. negotiating table full of optimism, Boise Cascade has constructed a only to have them arrive home more shack at Camp Robinson for their secbitter and militant each day. We urity guards, hired from Sentinel have burned with rage as company securSecurity in Winnipeg. These security ity guards patrol our homes continuous guards patrol the camp 24 hours a day ly,,..Is it really necessary for and we are under constant surveilance. Boise Cascade to know how many times The shack is full of cameras, a day our vehicles leave the driveand radio equipment. Our every movement way, or what time each night our closely watched, written down and lights go off? They are only serving reported. We have had OPP cruisers to antagonize an already explostve stationed at the Camp Robinson turn situation. off for over a month now since Boise We have spent many hours protesting Cascade started moving equipment and and calling out for logic and fairness hauling wood. Several homes in the camp in this situation, only to watch hundhave been searched and the women reds of O.P.P. officers, supposedly and children harrassed by the officers. called in to keep the peace, aid Boise Will our children respect the law Cascade in their daily whims and after what they have seen and heard? strike tactics, by allowing Boise free All vehicles travelling in and out run of our towns and woodland areas. of camp are checked and reported. It Were they sent to keep the peace, or baffles me as to why this harrassment to be put at the disposal of Boise? is necessary. It's evident that the These O.P.P. Officers are merely only reason they are doing this is puppets to this multi-national nightbeeause this is Boise Cascade property, mare. Where does the O.P.P. involvefor there are no check points for peoplement end? Does their involvement involv( going through Kenora or Fort Frances. I I I are big enough boys to their ...they do than the women." handle . cont'd to page 6 Northern Woman Journal, page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �iledged to make the money they make our country. So to Boise Cascade, primary employe of our region, our only message is that intend to stay and work in Northwesterr Ontario, by choice, not necessity; to build it into a better place to live for ourselves and our children. In order to make anything work, we must al give and take. We have given a lot to you in the past and you have taken, No It's your turn to give. To all others, our government authorities, labour boards, and the media who grumble about the inconveni( of this strike and wonder what we are complaining about....come on down her sue. Most of us were born and raised here, for r a while and do our husbands jobs and others have moved here by choice and work with us a while. We guarantee and we'll be damned if we will give up you won't wonder what we are you, our right to live and work here by a complaining about, you'll know. company such as Boise forcing irrational WIVES OF STRIKERS issues upon us. They should feel privLSWU 2693 Were you not elected by the people, for the people? Are we only votes on election day? If this is so, then guarantee you, you will have a good deal less votes next election day. That Boise is trying to break our union is evident. People may call down unions if they wish, but in this issue we back ours 100%. If not for our union we would be totally at the mercy of companies like Boise Cascade that cares more for profit than it's employees. To this company, who is steadlly reaping the wealth from our country,' we are nothing more than numbers on the payroll, as dispensable as toilet tisI flying Boise executives to woodcutting sites in their O.P.P. helicopter, or include taking full control of our highways and town roads? The O.P.P. stops traffic for any length of rime suit Boise, while we, the taxpayers to must sit and wait, taking a back seat. Boise is moving equipment to woodcutting sites and hauling wood that they promised they would not do at the beginning of the strike. Do we have faith in these people? Contractors have been cutting wood and stockpiling since the strike began. It seems that they meant to break their promise all along. The O.P.P. is costing millions. Are we the taxpayers not paying for this calamity!! We have sat and listened to our Federal government quote statistics on inflation and repeated warnings of, "Canadians must tighten their belts, we are nation living in debt and must stop living so high off the hog and start budgeting." And then we listen with amazement as our government states that millions of dollars ($400,000,000 to be exact) will be granted to Pulp and Paper companies to help build their industry. WHO WILL BENEFIT MISTER PRIME MINISTER?? Will we benefit?We who face life-time debt and multiple lay-offs if the "owner-operator" issue goes through? Are we not also a part of the pulp and paper industry as a human resource, does this industry not also belong to us? Should we not also benefit? Since it is our taxpaying dollars that you are so liberally granting to Boise Cascade to upgrade their operation, then it seems a shame that Boise Cascade sees fit to force us into debt to upgrade their operation. We have met with the Minister of Labour and called out to the government to really see what is hapofficials pening and speak their minds. Are they afraid to incurr the wrath of Boise Cascade? Is this multi-million dollar corporation more powerful than our government and more important that your people? Are you afraid that they may close up operation? This area is one in of the best pulp and paper areas the world. We are worth millions to Boise, so fear not my friends, they won't pull out. Even if they did, there are plenty of speculators who would jump at the chance to buy this area from Boise, and probably would do a hell of a lot better job running it too.Are we, the people of Northwestern Ontario not worth anything to you? Mr. Leo Bernier, our honourable MPP, where have you been the past eight months? Come out, come out wherever you are. It seems that you have not wished to comment on the strike at all Tell your friends!! The Northern Women's Credit Uns on an intensive membership ion We encourage our members drive. to seek other potential members. Tell your friends about us. Recently the Ontario Credit Union League raised its interest rate to 12 percent on borrowed money. This could have adverse affects. If our capital should fall short of meeting the loan demand, we will have to borrow from the OCUL at this rate of interest. To encourage new members and to better serve our existing members, we have recently expanded our seri vices : A) TERM DEPOSITS of a minimum of $100. will gather an interest rate of 8.5% df left in for a period of six months. TERM DEPOSITS of a minimum of $100. will gather an interest of 9% if left in for a period of one year. The interest for both term deposits is to be calculated semi-annually. B) SAVINGS ACCOUNTS with a minimum of $50. which can be added to in multiples of $5. with an 8% annual interest rate, claculated quaterly on the minimum monthly balance. Chris Torrie has recently been hired as the Credit Union's Treasurer Manager. It is now possible for women's groups and organizations to belong to the Credit Union under one memThe former stipulat&on bership. for a group membership was that 50% of the members of the organization had to be members of the Credit Union Since this has been individually. changed, we encourage organizations and groups who have bank savings accounts to keep their savings in the Credit Union. PIM IERE PEOPLE ARE Canadian Women's studies ies carvers de is femme CWS\CV SAYING ABOUT Women's Place Printing CENTEMELM. CCALEGF PLMLICATION "GREAT!" A creative new magazine for women: articles, interviews, poetry, book reviews and much more. CWS/CF is a bilingual quarterly for all women subscription rates: Institutional 515.00 Individual $10.00 VA QUALITY JOB...QUI AND INEXPENSIVE!" Brochures Booklets Student single copy Pamphlets 5.00 S 3.00 send to: CWS/CF, Centennial College 651 Warden Ave. Newsletters Scarborough, Ontario MI L 3W6 MY NAME IS No order too small MY ADDRESS CITY PROS 316 BAY ST. CODE Those 3L5-7802 Northern Woman Journal, page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE UIC GAME! NEW RUbES VICTIMS care arrangements. But women can't qualify for daycare unless they are already working." The UIC benefits have been cut this year from 66 2/3% of a persons wages to 60%. This will mean additional hardship for women because they only make an average of about 53% of what men make,to begin with. Part time workers workers will no longer have access to U.I. unless they work 20 hours per week. More women than men are part time workers. restraints. Changes deny benefits to people unable to find long term employment. EMPLOYMENT/UNEMPLOYMENT: All Canadians are aware that the Women are the last hired, first country has had some problem with fired which makes them largely afunemployment over the past few afted by the highere entrance reqyears. However, women should perhaps uirements for repeaters. After colbe especially aware of the problem. lecting UI, the claimant must find "We must attack propaganda that work for at least as long a period we presently encounter that 'blames' as they collected. Many women can womenfor the present economic crisis'! only get work on a part time or Marg Phillips emphasized. temporary basis. For example, one myth alleges that New entrants and reentrants into working women are all secondary wage the labour force will have to work earners and only marginally attached tp 40 w eeks in the last 2 years and 10 the workforce. to 14 weeks in the previous year to "By wage standards, yes women look qualify. This will affect all young people, male and female, but will to be secondary wage earners, but not because they want to be," said Phillips. uniquely affect older women trying "And how can women become anything but to re-enter the work force after marginally attached when they can't get years of homemaking. adequate daycare and training programmes What these changes amount to for that make them eligible to become older women and women in other categoeies is that 263,000 people will full fledged members of the labour Women in the workforce have yet to be contended with by the government as is evident in the recent changes to Unemployment Insurance in the area of eligibility and new policies on Daycare, said Marg Phillips who gave a presentation on the Unemployment Insurance issue at the March 8 IWD celebration at the Lakehead Labour Centre. Restraints in government spending since 1976 have mainly been in the area of human services. Women have been the first affected by the these force?" To demonstrate the way in which this assertion distorts the actual situation of women, Phillips cited several stat- K not qualify for UI benefits under the new legislation and therfore at least an additional 130,000 people will be turning to welfare. CUTS IN TRAINING ALLOWANCE Adverse effects can be expected from the cuts in government training grants. It is, under the new legislation, impossible to collect UI benefits and receive training allowance to make a person able to get off UI and onto the labour force. Further, training allowance to a woman whose husband is working will be cut from $45, per week to $10. per week, hardly enough to cover the cost of transportation, let along day7 care, sai d Phillips. Cutbacks will also apply to OUTREACH Programs which funded a number of women's employment centres. The National Action Committee on the Status of Women recently put forth the following resolution in response to the government legislation: "BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE WOMAN, JUST AS THE MAN AND THE YOUNG ADULT OF BOTH SEXES, SHOULD HAVE THE UNDISPUTED RIGHT TO WORK AND THAT THIS RIGHT SHOULD BE FUNDAMENTAL FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: ECONOMIC,PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, SOC4AL AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION FOR THE COMMON GOOD OF THE NATION." FROM the RESOURCE hIBRIIRY istics. by Monika McNabb In fact, of the 3,600,000 women in Sexual harassment on the job and the Canadian Labour Force in 1975, consumerism have several things in 1,146,000 were single and self-supcommon - they are commanding more porting, 347,000 were widowed, separated news coverage as relevant, problemand divorced and 767,000 were married atic areas of concern to women, they to husbands making less than $10,000 further illustrate the case of woman per year. One would be forced to as victim and they are two items conclude therefore that women were which have been added to the Resource not working for superfluous cash, but Library. to support themselves, their childSexual Shakedown: the Sexual ren and share in support of the Harassment of Women on the Job by family. Lin Farley is now available in Women are accused of being the Thunder Bay only at Women's Centre. cause of unemployment, However, Ms. The Canadian counterpart Secret Phillips countered, women are the Oppressions: Sexual Harassment of victims not the cause of unemployWorking Women by Leah Cohen and ment. Women are the victims not the Connie Backhouse will soon be cause of unemployment. Women are published and Leah Cohen will be aldi off jobs in higher numbers than giving a speech and workshop on this men. Women usually assume low paysubject at the Women Against Violence ing jobs, are less likely to belong to unions and are often part time workers. All of these factors amount to an inelegibility for seniority and special training, thus making women more dispensable. Another accusation directed toward women is that they take jobs away Conference here in May. On sexual harassment, Lin Farley says "In the history of men's misuse of women, this abuse is a relatively recent arrival and is related to man's need to preserve his dominion over modern work". Because men do have dominion and control over most of modern work, women are "prey" as consumers as well eg: car and house purch ases and repairs; unfair business practices; high prices; phony schemes - and because we are not informed about Consumer Rights and Res ponsibilities, we leave ourselves susceptible to being ripped off. As the result of a two-day workshop with the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations we are better able to provide information and guidance for you on this subject. from men. "Not so," stresses Ms. Phillips. "Women are in different labout markets from men., therefore they are not directly competing. Women are in job ghettos performing tasks that men are not willing to do at wages men would never accept. The large percentage of unemployed men are in occupations that have very few women." "Women are accused of abusing UIC," she continued, "But they are in a catch 22 situation. They are cut off UIC because of unavailability for work...i.e. they are unavailable because they haven't the proper child 11 HE Re- BRINGTVE REVOLUT1014 1404E. Northern Woman Journal, page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Live nay know what you have done teatize you have a66ected a Zi6e mint. tememben my teAtmizing moment's the Emotiona pain wLU tazt 4oteven.. in youA zick mind L t waz Zovemaking simpZe bucking i.twais much mote. oppAezzian degnadation humiZiation violence. knav .thins . understand. and then with yowl con/science i cane you, tive. gage o'hanton stained glass by Estelle Howard SONG OF SOLITUDE I often wonder at the time what chance had I a dark hebraic maid against fair Helen? Donna Phoer which is dc material. I Women in Ai eration Co] presentatic the openinc Poor Miriam I think you knew your savage knowledge of the world and black nocturnal lust must fade beneath those northern lights; how could you not lose dusky face beside that myth that launched a thousand men? Nevertheless you understand the rose of Sharon never will a lily make nothing can whiten this small hand. LYNNE KOSITSKY on March 25. Batik by Claire Cikalik THE YOUNG GIRLS TOO SOON From out of the past Like some unawakened dream Realism comes I hear them say, They feel sorry for me, Sitting all day Doing nothingT'was only yesterday Mother grew old. The young girls spend too many daydreams misting over tattered pictures that burst into ... amber and gold Flashing like the blade of a knight who's coming always coming Yetnever there. JUDY ROBINSON, Espanola ALEATA E. BLYTHE Makwa, Sask. in the silence 1 the chrystal poi when all the pn beyond son flower the seeing in t, weaving by Pat Ryan she wished she had carried him when he was small and brown as a betel nut waiting to birth now he grew dark and luminous into her life and she wondered how long his first mother mourned him CHINOOK Like leav her stemn She bends that L Another too cold for a Lynne Kositsky Northern Woman Journal, page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor . �SEEING OURSELVES....an art show of work by women, many of whom have never put their work on display before. The purpose of the exhibit was to get the art work of women where people could see, discuss and appreciate it. Oraganized by Menika McNabb, SEEING OURSELVES presented the work of 10 women. The opening night was well attended and generated some interesting discussion. Looking it over. Lifeline There is engulfing lonliness which lies outside my window every night as I decipher and recalculate the length from here to other lives. h her art work a variety of who teaches a se at Conferdgave a slide discussion at EING OURSELVES The world rotates and I taut spider spinning off the Earth wave thread into a timeless universe dull blackness which negates my insect gaze in the webbed finality of silent nights I understand we lose our scanty tightrope strung across the stars and go crashing sightlessly into eternities of dark galactic forests. Lynne Kositsky Anna Akerval, batik, ink, photography SEASIDE HOW IN WINTER like a long ago school day, the street looks amiss, an once stolen kiss by stringed mitts freezing to metal railings. Viola Goderre ils by Diane Paroby The cottage gkeet4 me empty dampne44 ceing4 and hoveAs I'm WV though and walk thnough 41 ant ADOM4 to Witch on the etecttic blanket Seems i_tis /mining out and -tn... that damned ADO4 again! Now to tight my ofd btack iiton heaters then the 6iteptace a wett thought p&tn to avoid a coughinghouse of wood, moke! Onty Aaingatek &tipping 4teadity into the bucket punctuates the stittsad quiet. dedned night, es from a crying heart ere never intended Viotet Winegatden landscape in oils by Lorraine Harris Viola Goderre. WARD 2- SHIFT 12-8 AM ling together wave wantonly the sterile storm ?r. boughs ROBINSON, 7anola The old lady looked Over her thick rimmed specks And glared at meEnvying my youth? My apple red cheeks? My light, quick step? I doubt itShe said, "You know, One half of this world Is made to screw the other half And I think we got The short end of the stick." ALEATA E. BLYTHE Makwa, Sask. Northern Woman Jounral, page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Findings & outcomes of the ROYAL COMMISSION life in a small town Remember when the Royal Commission on the Northern Environment came trapsing through the north? If so, you may be interested in the background paper that expresses the cumulative opinions expressed at the various hearing held in the small towns throughout the region. The entire publication can be acquired by writing The Royal Commission on the Northern Environment, Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St. West, Room 801, Toronto, M4W 1A5. However, to deal with it in part, the following is a representative portion of Chapter 5 from the section entitled WOMEN IN THE NORTH SEEK JUSTICE: ...the Commission learned that traditionally, it would be left to the native women to break camp, move family and belongings and set up another home following the seasonal pursuits of hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering. Trapping has often been a male-female team effort among native people, with the women helping to set traps and retrieve the catch and invariably scraping the furs and tanning the hides. Today in the north, trapping, commercial fishing and wild rice harvesting are usually partnership efforts for men and women. At the turn of the century, white women came to live in the north in some numbers during the second phase of "civilizing" the country, the period after the wilderness had been mapped. Traders' wives, missionaries, teachers--they all contributed to life in the north. Later came the miners' wives, the bullcooks working in the lumber camps and the women of easy virtue in the mining boom towns. For women, the north meant adapting themselves to a rough and narrow lifestyle created and dominated by men. It was not a comfortable life nor a familiar one... While there was some contact between native and white women over the years, close friendships were unusual... The division still exists to a considerable extent today in northern towns, i.e. white people live in towns, native people mainly in shanties on the outskirts or on reserves...: In recent years, some younger women of both cultures have been learning to recognize feelings and life experiences that they share in common, goals which can bring them together as women... Issues raised by women in the north were basically similar to those voiced by their sisters in the south. They need facilities for pre-school children to allow mothers freedom to seek employment or pursoe cultural interests. They want interval houses to allow them protection from beatings or abuse. They want job opportunities to give them greater economic independance and allow them to have a greater say in the devel opment of the area. The problems northern women share with their southern sisters are compounded by the realities of living in a remote community. Isolation, inadequate housing, lack of cultural and recreational facilities and a shortage of activities and occupations outside the home all serve to make life harder for women in the north: "Fear, isolation, lack of financial resources, transportation and child care are all factors that make living in the north a very difficult place for women to grow and participate as citizens of Ontario." (NWO International Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina) An almost total absence of paid employment opportunities for women characterized a number of communities visited by the Commission. One reason for this lack, the Commission. One reason for this lack, the Commission was told, was the dependance, typical in the north, of an entire community on a single employer, generally a resource extraction industry: "In single industry communities... the majority of jobs will be male oriented and the traditional female employment opportunities will not be as prevalent as in a more diversified southern community." (Timmins Women's Resource Centre, Timmins.) In part, there are few jobs for women, daycare services and facilities are inadequate and costly; and without daycare facilties, the new jobs for women are further out of reach... With few opportunities for employment outside the home, a northern woman is restricted to her home and family. Concern was expressed about: "...the alarming increase of men- tal illness of young women attributed to the never-ending stress associated with caring for small children in cramped company houses, trailers or mobile homes." (NWO International Womens Decade Co-ordinating Council, Nakina.) Not only do women experience the psychological strain of isoMen too lated northern communities. suffer the tension of an unstable way of life. Tragically, the victims of their frustrations are often their wives and their children: "...The top priority expressed by women in the communities we visited was the desparate need for crisis or interval housing. Small communities lack even the minimal social support services..." The stresses of women living in' isolation are ,compounded for those who come to the north later in life, perhaps following a husband who has found employment: "Those of us born here are accustomed to the conditions. We value our environment four independance, selfreliance and pace of life while recog- nizing mutual dependancy in times of emergency...To newcomers...the weather conditions! can be debilitating, inadequate housing...demoralizing, the absence of medical service close at hand frightening; and recreational and educational facilities virtually nonexistent for women, depressing.... (Kenora Women's Coalition, Kenora) Many women are concerned that expansion and new development would cause further problems. An influx of workers, both single and married, imposes a burden on a community which may not be able to support it. Once again, those who suffer most tend to be women and children: "The social impact of (development) will effect all members of the community, but it may have a particular impact on women, their children and their communities. Aggravated housing problems, the pressures of overcrowding and the deterioration in the public utilities...would fall mainly on women who, during the long northern winters are often alone at home." (KenoraRainy River District Health Council) Native women in particular feel the negative impact of development. Sometimes an isolated native community is forced to absorb an influz of people without any preparation or assistance... The Commission was reminded that development, with its influx of transient workers, creates other problems for native women: "We are concerned with the sexual exploitation of our native women, through the availability of alcohol and out communities being close to the camps; the evidence of violent attacks on women, rape, illegitd imate pregnancies, unwanted children, prostitution and venereal disease will rise beyond a social problem.(Ontario Native Women's Association, Geraldton) Generally, the women of the north, both women and non-native women, recognized that industrial activities of some sort are inevitable. Consequently, they were determined that Northern Woman Journal, page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �her term in mid May. The same Royal comission complete that conducted future undertaking not bring with communities designated for the the hearings and publsihed the The report them problems comparable to those that you have just read will fund are a three study Red Lake, Ear Falls, Souix experienced in past developments... this year month QUALITY OF LIFE study Lookout, Hudson and Ignace. Each commun"Traditionally, economic developthat will cover phase one ofity a hopeis at a different stage in the ecoment in single industry northern fully, positive process. nomic development process. communities has not included the The Quality of Life Study, Awhich womanwas or group of women will co-orexperience, knowledge and concerns first tried in the one industry dinatetowns activites in their communities of women. This has resulted in male of northern British Columbia a very andhad bring other women together to disoriented communities at all levels, It got women cuss together issues relevant to their experience economically, socially and politically positive effect. talking about economic development as women and in single industry towns. The The needs of women and children hopes for thei r communities. They women began in each community met for contact have been given only marginal recogto feel confident that their imput into a training and introductory seminar in nition.(Kenora Women's Coalition) economic decisions was not Dryden, only valid, March 20. From their submissions to the but extremely beneficial to both The themcontacts are as follows: Royal Commission, it was clear that RedofLake--Freda the Isaac, Ear Falls--Josie northern women want the opportunity to selves and the other members community. Let's hope the same process Barlow and Rae Kiebuzinski, Souix Lookbe involved in decision-making, to out--Kathy Keisel, Hudson--Barb Lewis is started in Northern Ontario. help determine the future of the and Bev Enstrom and in Ignace--Isabel communities in which they live and Huston and Christine Jacobs. to secure equal rights for their sex... As well as bringing together women Jill Torrie was recently employed The story being told by by the the economic women in their communities, the contacts will development committee in the preceeding report overseeing may not be this study, to carry out Phase be responsible for producing an informexactly encouraging....But ative document on their community and one.there may assist in organizing a workshop. She began work February 25 and will be hope. ENDNOTE or creative feature writing. All this, for the sake of 'exposure', in an attempt to develop that special discipline that she felt was necessary to write well. She withstood the unspoken and saLetime spoken judgement of friends who refe,-red now, feeling relieved, slightly exhilto her reporting as a hobby, which no erated.All the while, that small glow doubt kept her busy now that"the childgrowing a little, to remain there, in ren had left". These remarks relegated her consciousness. her to an odious position of filling in As the span of time lengthened, time, now that the important things hope grew and she wandered through her of her life had slipped away (the bearing days with suppressed excitement: "they" and rearing of children)), rather than were giving it a second look, that facethe fufilment of a life-time ambiless group of persons who worked for the tion to write. And then the feeling magazine and read unsolicited manuof panic, in case, perhaps, that she scripts, relegating hers perhaps, to was indeed indulging in a silly hobby that special pile of "possibles". "kept her busy". Surely this was Kay, freelance journalist-photographerthat this force within her that striving, covered local events in her small town had to be put into words was real, was for three newspapers and two radio indeed a talent which had to be heard? i stations. This led to further coverage The long working hours: her apprenticefor the women's page in the daily synship towards fluency. dicated paper which ultimately launched This summer she had gone camping her into feature stories and a weekly and canoeing with her husband. Coming column. by JOYCE DUNN,' home from these trips, tired and sunShe attended Council meetings and s supreme burned, the sleeping bags and boxes sat through countless stultifying sesden, of stale left-over food crowding her sions, dashing home later that night a riot of colour, kitchen floor, she would look up her to evolve a coherent report out of in the fragrance hurried scribblings and remember the what had been the trite haranguing of wers. glow of sunsets and the opalescence a group of well-meaning aldermen. In y is her life of early mornings. In between the order to fight back the antipathy she e says: plague of so-called friends, who dropfelt radiating from the mayor, who, o anything!' ped in uninvited as they passed. with his back to her, was constantly answer her trying to silence the vociferous alder- through in their campers, crowded cars or worse, the grown children of friends men, she developed a callousness, a o the flowers." long forgotten, who stopped for a free poker faced indifference. At public meal, she managed to write of her m hearings, she would wedge her way been an opressive day. travels, jubilant of the good coverage through the small group of citizens the long envelope in her she got, and best of all, the reward squeezed into the small village office, at at the kitchen table and of extra payment. She felt gratfied, o as they protested the attempt on the ough the window of the grey and her growing bank account gave her world of Novemeber, letting the part of the paunchy real estate agent, of self worth. But, late at a sense of cold momentary despair en- to turn their residential area into a' night, thoughts tumbling in her mind, She knew again the destructive coomercial zone. Or she would sit she would go down to her basement room ailure and disappointment. That stolidly through lenghty discussions and write her stories. on garbage disposal, or the installation glow in the back of her mind, Kay looked down at the letter and of water pipes. deep in heart?, extinguished. smiled wryly. Sometimes a few words Sometimes she got angry phone calls. rted whe she first mailed the would w be added to the rejection slip, At first she shook and stammered, but anuscript, punctuated, neat; or a letter inclosed instead with some as time wentron, she grew brave, devult of all the scribblings, kind criticism telling her either that eloping a toughness, doing her research heets from the typewriter, khr story was banal, or too melodramthoroughly, avoiding abvious pitfalls. ts of the original inspiration ,atic or, from a small magazine, that launched the agony and ecstasy Conquering sheer panic at camera failure the back log of manuscripts was too her palms sticky with sweat, she faced the story. And here it was, big to accomodate her contribution. the group of posing Chamber of Comightly worn looking in the She would seethe, die a little, the merce executive members, her confident ssed envelope,' rejected. glow extinguished, leaving in its stead, smile belying confusion. That too, e years, Kay had invented a a world where there was no life, theree. After tailing the manuscript, she overcame by learning the intricacies fore no tastes, no scents, no colour. of the camera which, in her profession, consciously despatch its For days after a rejection she would carbecame an extension of herself-, the to the farthest part of her visual reflection of factual reporting ury it deep, forgotten for ORT STORY OTHER IN fi CliNYON ' cont'd next page Northern Woman Journal, page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �icacy proffered with the same enthusiasm the impact of the glittering river as the showing of the flowers, would be seen from her living room window. All followed by accounts of grandchildren, ephemeral in texture, the force of whose pcitures crowded the top of the imagery pressed upon her mind's eye, old upright piano. to be revealed in the written word. At last, ready to leave, Kay would It was later on in the day when kiss the faded cheek, detecting that the phone rang. By this time Kay had quick flash of sadness clouding the thrown the manuscript in the drawer a bright eyes. As Kay reached the rickety already full of other such dismal fai. gate, she would smile, adjusting it ures. Giving the rejection slip a cur back on its warped hinges, a small delay sory glance (no comments this time) as she turned her back on her old friend. she went back upstairs and started to By the time Kay had slipped behind the make her Christmas cake. She was hapwheel of her car, Mrs. Blossom had pily mixing the fruited batter with moved forward a little and was standing her hands when the persistent ringing amongst her flowers with that look of of the phone interrupted her. yearning that Kay was noticing more and Nerves taut, exasperated, and more, a look which betrayed the impatedge to her voice, Kay snapped: ience that the 88 year old woman felt "Hello..." There was a slight pause, ry this dead weight in her heart, her nortoward her great age, compelling her to a rustling then the sound of Mrs. mal good humour gone, the edge of her say often as she now stood on the Blossoms voice, a little frightened, temper sharp. But eventually an inner perifery of the life she loved so saying, "Hello, hello, is that you strength would rise within her. Undewell: "I don't do anything." Kay? I hope I have the right number... feated she would gather up her forces Kay decided to write her tribute in Ashamed and contrite, reassuring and go back to her old self and to interthe form of a poem. As the clock ticked her caller, Kay held the receiver viewing local celebrities, old-timers, away the afternoon, she wrote effortless- delicately, as she would a flower, any attending Friendship teas and Council ly, each ward carefully chosen, comparing listened humbly with child-like gratmeetings. Mrs. Blossom'scspecial charm, to her itude as the familiar rough old voice Trapped in her local environment, bright garden. Later on, she took the in its hestitant, modest way reKay longed to soar, to reach out bepoem down to her den, typed it and mailed jected the poems praise, thanking the yond her boundaries. The closest thing it off to the little weekly paper. writer for its tribute. Her increasto an escape was her column., which was Kay did not think too much of her ing deafness making conversation over an expression of either her concern, poems. She likened them rather to the phone virtually impossible, Mrs. humour or sometimes a description of the lyrical tunes children could Blossom acutely embarassed as always, a rural scene in her own small town. dance to, or to the violets that grew by her lack of hearing bid Kay an It was her poems, however, that in the shade of tall grasses by mountabrupt goodbye. gave wings to her spirit, creating ain streams in the summer. Happy and Replacing the telephone delicately, a momentary perception of life, a total insignificant, a personal pleasure, in order perhaps not to break the magjoyful understanding of the world an indulgence which the people who ic of the moment, her moment--this spe around her. On sunny days she would read them enjoyed. Once, she had ial joy, Kay deposited the instrument run down to the river with Domino, the sent a group of what she considered back soundlessly, the opressiveness black and white mongrel dog, to sit her best poems to a magazine, but she of the day gone. No one could mar, by the shore and watch the water turn had never heardl...A great writer had criticize or reject the intrinsic black,as the rays of late afternoon sun once compared sending off poems for happiness she felt at times like emblazoned the leafless trees to gold, publication, to the dropping of a these. against the dark autumn sky. Picking up feather into a canyon. a stick for the dog to chase, she In flashes of cruel self-analysis walked along the gravel shore and as Kay wondered what possesed her to she did the poems would echo in her brain continue in this pursuit of life as Joyce Dunn is a freelance journalist, and clearly, like music in words, spring she so often saw it--the trembling and creative writer who lives in to her mind.Like a girl then, laughvision caught on the wings of a song, Chase British Columbia. ing, she would chase the dog back up the hill to the house and there, at the kitchen table, quickly snatching up a piece of paper, she would write in words the poetry of sound she had heard by the river. It was last week that Ruth Brown, editor of the local weekly paper, had asked if Kay would write a "little something" for the S-- Weekly, to commemorate the occasion of Kitty Blossom being chosen Mother of the Year. As she sat down to write the "little something" for Mrs. Blossom, Kay had smiled happily at the memory of the old lady showing her around her small women agqinst mence garden. Each spring, by special invitation, Kay was summoned to this bowery of colour, with the important news that "the orange lilies were out in bloom" and that the delay of even one day would diminish their glory. In the balmy fragrance of the spring day, Kay was introduced to each and every flower, until with supressed excitement, which had begun with the careful study of the first flowering bush, the old woman guiding Kay round the corner of the house, would come upon the orange lilies and point them out proudly, their gleaming petals unfurled like mute horns proclaiming the joy of spring. Later on, the tour over, Mrs. Blossom would lead Kay into the dim parlour, cluttered with the memories of a long life and invite her to partake of that special dish, Gooseberry Fool. The del- A CONFERENCE MAY 18 , & 20, 1979 FEATURING KEYNOTE SPEAKER TOPICS COVERED: HELEN LAFONTAINE TRUDY DUNNE LEAH COHEN JOANIE VANCE RAPE********BATTERED WOMEN*******SUBTLE VIOLENCE TO BE HELD AT Confederation College in the Shuniah Building. THE CONFERENCE IS FREE OF CHARGE, HOWEVER IT IS NECESSARY TO PRE-REGISTER FOR MEALS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BROCHURE WRITE: Women's Centre, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay P or call 345-5841 sponsored by: NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE, RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT, NWO INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DECADE CO-ORDINATING COUNCIL, WOMEN IN TRANSITION CRISIS HOMES INC. Northern Woman Journal, page-12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �It's spring....a time when fashion designers haul out their new lines and attempt to create an excuse for people to spend money. Although women are pretty 'much past the question of clothes, it is interesting to note the re-emergence of the emphasis on fashion that has taken place over the last few years. Even MS. MAGAZINE finds it worthy enough of a feature article entitled "How to get dressed and still be Yourself". Fortunately most of us are beyond the mentality where it is of any great concern. But here, just for a laugh, we reprint an article that appeared as a "RETORT IN A SPIRIT OF SERIOUS LEVITY", in the CANADIAN HOME JOURNAL January 1932. The author, Martha Banning Thomas has gathered her wits to respond to an article that the CANADIAN HOME JOURNAL, Novemeber 1931 by one Dr. Benge Atlee entitled "Are Women Sheep?". The article accuses women of frivolously modelling themselves on the Paris and London dictators of fashion. The respons to his assertion was overwhelming, but two responses were chosen...the following and one by Judge Emily F. Murphy, first women magistrate in all of Canada. Both and thought provoking. Add are witty so we present: BU T AREN'T MEN PE\GUINS busy for their firms some where else. No one with an honest heart, will try to lay the invention of a single, modern convenience at her door, not (circa, 1932) even the hump-hair pin or freewheeling ernity, etc. What a place man, oh what But she did her bit about destiny. a place this poor spinning world: Yes, it's a man-made world--bless their By being beautiful in a deadly sumptWheels turning. Whistles blowing. Facpompous little hearts:: And it all began uous way, and by selecting important tories screaming with energy and proa number of thousands of years ago during people like Ceasar and Antany' for her duction. No colour anywhere, but posa period known as ".THE BRUTE MANAGEMENT playmates, she nearly cracked up civsibly flowers. (Was God all wrong SITUATION." A girl had to pretty and sly ilization She invented high bloodabout beauty?) No parties, no fun, no and crafty in those days to get her own pressure, and gave the outstanding quarrels, no children bothering about way.And more often than not, she got a portrayal of a vamp. Those men ...just millions upon millions of smart clip on the head with the family were intelligent, too. Emperors and business suits going to work in the cudgel. All this must have been rather such in their own home towns, orators, morning. trying. dictators, the leaders of their people. It's a deperate vision, rather. But what could she do? What can a canDon't deny that the woman had as much Isn't it---honestly? And here we might ary do about an eagle? Absolutely nothing power as a fleet of oil-burners. be bold enough to mention the names but chirp at it and hope for luck. OfAfter that, time went on, as it alof a few out of hundreds of women, who course, in a manner of speaking, the ways does somehow--until fashions for have exercised a world-wide influence? woman got used to being dragged around men got gayer and gayer. Women just Florence Nightingale, Clara Barton by the hair of her head, of being hurled about gave up competing, and went a(organization here, surely), George hither and yon in the spirit of sport, of round in the sulks. Silks, satins, Eliot, Mrs. Siddons (the great tragic being tossed about at the caprice of her plumes, laces, curled ringlets, slashed of the English stage), and in modern darling, protective Neanderthal hubby. sleeves. Magnificent: But was it manly? days, the Pankhursts, Jane Adams, This went along for quite a while, in Everybody thought so at the time. Men Edith Cavell, Margaret Sanger. Who fact several hundred of cycles. Then the put on stylish wars, and women praised can calculate what they have done? beginnings of civilization began a faint, them in a crafty manner, and did more Nobody. feeble twitter. Caves were more or less and more what they wanted. But to return to clothes--always a abandoned, bludgeons thrown away in favThere were the female Medicii for man's petulant wail. Is there (be brave) our of swords, art, literature, buildinstance. There's a family for you. anything more depressing than a bowler ings and organized war cropped up deterSome of them bad, very bad. And the hat? More fatiguing than a claw-hammer? minedly. Women learned to manage their Borgias. But lEterature still works More dismal than masses of white shirt affairs with greater craft and skill. up a fever and dumb ague for them. The bosoms, stiff ties, black evening Helen of Troy happened. She did not hand that rocked the cradle, fooled clothes...the endless formal procession erect an assembling plant for cars, but the world. Give them gals their due. of Penguins at a party? in her girlish (sheepish) way she was They matched their wits with strength, Oh, sometimes could scream for a the cause of assembling large armies precedence and crushing dominance. And dashing, red sash, satin knee breeches who fought and raged about the city gates, they've sent their somewhat doubtful ...anything to lift the deadly pall and kicked up a memorable dust. She names ringing down the centuries. of black. They're all alike. All scared homes and humanity. wrecked heroes And so forth. There was Good Queen of being conspicuous. Not a noble achievement, but they couldn't Bess. No use going into that. Everyone Dispiriting sight! And if we women Take this idea home and live stop her knows what a booby she made out of the wore the same? The world would go inwith it a while; it's a good one. One elegant Essex. Women auch as she do not sane. haven't more time now. I've need to herd together in corporations, woman had the world by the ears. She got got to whip around the corner and orand holding companies, and lodges and results. Poets sang of her, wrote volder a couple of solid business suits. parades. They encompass a whole epoch umes of blank verse which boys and One will have to do for frying eggs in themselves. girls to this day must translate in and doughnuts and washing the dishes and sweeping etc. It will soon be order to be called educated. Certainly you must allow Helen her slice smelly and spotty and reeking of a Now we come to something else. It's of international influence? She did pitiful to think how soon after this men thousand kitchen odours. The ether will nor require a Wall Street...she was due for calls, having the parson in got scared.Scared of being pointed at, a panic all by herself. for tea, errands, pcinics, movies, picked out in -a crowd, commented upon. informal suppers given for the husband's Gradually they laid aside their beautQuite a while before this, men's law partner. iful, colourful attire. They swarmed clothes took a turn for the better. And I'll be laughed at, and hooted by the thousands, into homespun, dull, They discarded for good and all,the drab fabrics, that made them look exactat and made utterly miserable. By whom? old fashioned one piece leopard skin. By men...dear brothers and sisters...! ly alike. (It has occurred to that magThey went in for pleated,short skirts men who like their ladies well-dressed. nifying glasses might have been made at with a smart design embroidered on the By men who poke fun at plain straight time, though really don't know. hems. They wore flathy helmets, and thinking, resolute, somewhat unfeminine Anxious wives could thus go about se(irchbelts and breastplates. And tunics. ,women who have fought valiantly for ing for their husbands in the dun colYou simply got nowhere without a tunic. oured crowd (But this is beside the point)their less vigorous sisters. And there was much purple and fine Women are not men, nor ever can be. Pilgrams and Puritans clung to wide, linen here and there, even rings and But aren't men...penguins? white collars and silver shoe buckles, bracelets. but a cherry ribbon for the hair of their Then naturally, there was Patty, ladies, was blasphemy. Yes, the woman known to students of history as Cleosubmitted. They had to. Give them the patra. But her pals called her all bone and frame and sinew of the mole, sorts of cute little names, even great leave out the charm, gaiety, love, matbig strong men who should have been PO' MARTHA BANNING THOMAS. . I , I I I Northern Woman Journal, page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Understanding PRO-CHOICE Canadian Association for Repeal of For an individual Abortion Law membership ($15.) or family membership ($25) send a cheque to CARAL, Box 527, Station Z, Toronto Ont. M5N 2A6 Recently the Right to Life organization in Thunder Bay has been appearing on local talk shows, and carrying on a drive for memberships. To balance the picture,we present the following explanation of what it means to advocate Childbirth by It is important when ponderChoice. ing this often emotional issue to keep the facts in mind. It is only then that a sane and healthy decision is made. WHAT IS CHILDBIRTH BY CHOICE? Briefly, childbirth by choice means freedom in planning one's family. It means not being FORCED to bear a child. It means not being FORCED to have an abortion. We believe that a woman should have the freedom to choose whether or not to continue an unplanned, undesired preganancy. We believe that restrictive abortion laws, far from solving the abortion problem, only make it worse. Canada reveals that one third of those obtaining legal abortions in 1976 were under 20. This is a regrettable situation. But consider what might have happened if those abortions had NOT been granted. For women under 20, the physical costs of compulsory child birth are particulatly high, since it is a well documented fact that pregnancy in either the early or late childbearing years increases the risk of maternal mortality. Further adverse consequences for the adolescent may be interrupted education, restricted marriage opportunity and general economic hardship. There is also a greater risk of mortality and illness in the infants born to adolescents. One sees then, that compulsory childbirth in adolescence costs society dearly, in both human and dollar terms. UNWANTE DNE SS Opponents of abortion law repeal appear to centre their concern for life on fetal life. They do not seem A WORLDWIDE TREND: to consider the fate of the unwanted At the beginning of 1971, 380 of child produced by compulsory childthe world's people lived in countries birth. Two studies, comparing children where legal abortion was liberally born to mothers whose request for available. By early 1976 the figure abortion has been refused with a conhad increaded to 640, nearly two trol group of children born to mothers Few social thirds of the world. who had not requested abortion indicate changes have ever swept the world so that the former are worse off in every rapidly. The worldwide movement, in repspect...Forssman and Thuwe, after evidence on every continent, reflects; a 20 year study in Sweden, reported an increasing willingness by national that children born to women whose legislatures to face the reality of applications were rejected showed a abortion as a major public health issue. significant pattern of social and The international record shows that emotional disability. A study in Prague prohibition of abortion does not preof 200 children under the same cirvent its practice. Restrictive lews cumstances yielded similar results. only assure that abortion will often Ofcourse psychiatrists have long recbe inexpertly carried out under cland ognized the damage caused by maternal estine circumstances, rather than rejection, and some of them believe safely performed under hygenic condthat one of the most important goals itions with competent medical superof preventive psychiatry is the prevision. vention of unwanted offspring. LIBERALIZATION AND WELL-BEING ADOPTION Many countiqes have liberalized One often hears the glib slogan, access to abortion, including sever"Adoption not Abortion". Those who al societies that have much in common hold this view are either unaware of with out own --U.S.A., France, Great or indifferent to the trauma of giving Britain, AusLria, Israel, Italy, and a child up for adoption. In fact, the Scandinavian countries. women who have experienced both giving Although different laws, policies a child up for adoption and having and judicial decisions have evolved an abortion invariably say that abortion in each country, the official durisis less traumatic. and studies which dicition in each case is the same- compare the psychological reactions the physical, mental, social and of three groups of women (those who economic well-being of the woman had an abortion, those who gave the concerned. child up for adoption, and those who None of these countries encourages kept the child that they bore), found abortion, or enforces compulsory that although all groups experienced abortion through its laws or policies some stress, it was clear that the and most emphasize strongly the adabortion patients fared better convantages of preventative contraception. siderably than those giving up children But each state tacitly recognizes in for adoption. its laws that without broad access The number of newborns available to abortion, legally, for the poor for adoption have in fact declined in as well as the rich, maternal health past years for a variety of reasons. and family well-being will suffer. The idea that some women should be FORCED to have babies so that others ADOLESCENTS may adopt them is surely unthinkable Many women seeking abortions in Canada are adolescents. Statistics in a democratic society. GREATER HEALTH RISKS WHEN ABORTION REFUSED Advocates of Compulsory childbirth often make the claim that women who seek and obtain abortions suffer grave psychological and physical consequences. This is refuted by the emminent psychiatrist Dr. Wendall Watters, who, after a thorough and painstaking analysis of many studies states that "A woman is at greater risk to her mental health when she is refused safe, legal abortion, if that is what she really wants, than if she is granted one. Committees refusing abortions in such instances are contributing to the ill-health of Canadian women." He continues, "Apart from the risk to her emotional health is she is forced to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term, a woman is at a greater risk medically. The mortality rate following childbirth is much higher than that following abortion." In addition, he states,"The rate of immediate complication following induced abortion is low. Further, it is related to the length of gestation (very low in first trimester abortions) it is realted to the procedure utilized (very low in vacuum apirations), and it is related to the experience and expertise of the health care personnel (very low in free standing clintis, where high volume provides an opportunity for operating skills to be perfected). SUBSTITUTES FOR CONTRACEPTION? Supporters of restrctive abortion legislation argue that readily available abortion becomes a substitute for contraception. Studies carried out recently in the U.S., however, indicate the contrary: most women,,,,fraim, who have sought and received legal abortions request contraceptive advice and materials and go on to use them responsibly. This experience is similar to that reported in other countrtes. In Great Britain, where ready access to abortion is combined with a thorough programme for public education in contraception, the abortion rate is one of the lowest in the world. Conversely, in most Latin American countries, where abortion is severely restricted and contraception is not promoted, the abortion rate is among the highest. It is not surprising, in fact, that most women, given the choice, prefer contraception to abortion. Even if there were no other dimensions to the abortion decision, it is common sense that few people regard any surgical operation lightly. CONTRACEPTION Many people believe that there would be no need for abortion if all couples used contraception except when they desired pregnancy. It is true that if reliable family planning information, education and services were universally available, the number of unwanted pregnancies could be significantly reduced However, failures can occur with all current methods of contraception, and even responsible users of EFFECTIVE methods may occasionally find themselves faced with unwanted preganancies. More significant is the fact that several conditions existing in our society create a climate where couples may experience unwanted preganancies. Otore,-51 Northern Woman Journal, page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Since contraception was against the law until 1969, there is no tradition of sexual responsibility in this country. *Many people still reit), on INEFFECTIVE methods of birth control to prevent pregnancy. It is often difficult for adolescents to obtain contraceptive services and information. In this age of effective female contraception, the male may not always be aware of his equal responsibility. *In this age when doctor-provided contraception receives so much emphasis, many people are not aware that effective contraception (especially effective when used in combination) are easily available at the corner drugstore. *Contracpetion and allied subjects are inadequately covered by our medical schools and thus doctors often give poor advice on this subject. *The government supplies free brochures about birth control to all who ask for them, but unfortunately the quality of information is not always reliable or useful, especially with respect to respect for life in society, leading to the advocacy of euthanasia and other Nazi policies. In fact, no country in the world has legalized euthanasia, not is considering doing so, although 640 of the world's population live in countries where abortion is legal. It is also note worthy that Nazi Germany was the only durisdiction in modern history which has punished ABORTION WITH THE DEATH PENALTY. And Nazi Germany was the only jurisdiction in modern history that legalized and enforced euthanasia. CANADA"S LAW Abortion is legal n Canada only when a hospital abortion committee certifies that a women's life or health is likely to be endangered by the continuation of a pregnancy. While appearing to promise access to abortion for serious reasons, the law places many obstacles in the way of women seeking the termination of unwanted pregnancy, and in fact denies abortions to many Canadian women who need them. Section 251 of the criminal code teenagers. requires that abortions be performed WHO IS PRO-ABOTION?? in only approved or accredited hospThe most effective way of reducing itals which have a Therapeutic Abortthe abortion rate is ofcourse the ion Committee of at least three docactive promotion and encouragement of tors. The Committee must rule on is difficult to It contraception. applications for abortions and none understadd therefore, why self-styled of the doctors on the Committee is "right to life" organizations either allowed to perform the operation. ignore contraception or actively oppose it. Malcolm Muggeridge, a leading spokes- There are several shortcomings in the law as it stands: man for these groups, has publicly proNo hospital, even though publicly claimed his opposition to contracpetion. One "right to life" organization, Birth- financed is encouraged to establish a Therapeutic Abortion uommittee. right, includes the following position No hospital, even if it has a Ther on contraception in its constitution: apeutic Abortion Committee is required "The policy of every Birthright Chapto perform any abortions. ter and everyone of its members and *No provision is made for the many volunteers in all the Chapter's efforts hospitals outside the major cities shall be to refrain in every instance which cannot find the means to estfrom offering or giving advice on ablish such committees and perform contraception or sterilization and abortions. to refrain from referring any person No woman applying for an abortion to another person, place or agency is allowed to appear before the Therfor this type of advice." apeutic Abortion Committee. This attitude is one which helps *No right of appeal is allowed where to create conditions resulting in a woman's application for abortion more unwanted pregnancies and thus has been denied. more abortions. The claim of such organizations to be "anti-abortion" DISCRIMINATION is therefore not entirely accurate, According to Statistics Canada, only and, objectively, their stance could 271 out of 1359 hospitals have Therealmost be described as "pro-abortion". peutic Abortion Commritees. A survey (The only other "pro-abortionists" are done by DOCTORS FOR THE REPEAL OF THE back street butchers and some questionABORTION LAW reveals that the number able commercial agencies who profit is even in lower. And some Committees excessively from restrictive abortion never grant abortions at all. Thus, laws.) Canadian women cannot be assured of SANCTITY OF LIFE equal access to legal medical procedIt is often held that the sanctity ure. of life is an absolute moral prohibOpponents of freedom of choice deition against abortion. But this plore the fact that a disproportionate view is far from universal, even within number of abortions are carried out the Roman Catholic Church. A well known in some hospitals in big cities like Catholic philosopher, Daniel Callahan, Toronto. They neglect to add that these urges that a "mother should have are the hospitals that often provide a bias in favour of the sanctity of safe abortions to women deprived of life so that abortion would be the them in their own community. (Some LAST rather than the first choice women have come from as far.as Newwhen an unwanted or problem pregnancy foundland to obtain an abortion in occurred. It ought to be avoided if Toronto. These same women, of course, at all possible, but as a part of resdo not and need not travel to Toronto po'ssibility for the dignity of life, to ontain obstetrical services.) it would be morally acceptable if INTERPRETING THE STATISTICS duties to self, family and society, Supporters of restrctive abortion made it the only reasonable choice laws claim that the annual government for her." statistics for therapuetic abortion EUTHANASIA demonstrate "a massive and accelerating The opponents of freedom of choice increase in the number of abortions often link abortion with what they in Canada." This view of the statisterm a progressive deterioration of tics seems to suggest that Canadian women began having abortions when the present law was passed in 1969. In fact, women have always sought abortions when they were unwillingly pregnant, and have had to resort to dangerous illegal procedures when no safe, legal help was available. It is obvious during the past seven years, safe, legal abortions have been replacing illegal ones. But because of our restrictive abortion law, many Canadian women are still forced either to travel to other countries for safe abortions, or to seek out dangerous back street abortions in this country. PUBLIC OPINION As long ago as 1971, the Canadian Medical Association resolved that the decision to have an abortion should be made solely by the woman and her doctor. The Canadian Psychiatric Association has stated that abortion should be removed altogether from the Criminal Code of Canada. Many other well respected organization have echoed these resolutions. A majority of Canadians agree. A Gallop Poll in October 1974 revealed that fully 620 of the adult population believe thatithe abortion decision should be left to the woman and her physician. DEMOCRACY Criminal law in a free society fundamentally reflects a consensus that certain activities should be forbidden. There is a consensus in Canada, for example, that attacking a person on the street or robbing someone are criminal acts. But there is no such consensus about abortion. To impose one moral vie of abortion upon everyone in a pluralistic society, therefore, contravenes the very basis of our criminal law. As Alan Borovoy, general counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association states, "In a totalitarian society the tendancy is for the rulerss to decide how the citizens shall live. In a democratic society, the objective, as much as possible, is for each citiz( to decide for himself." THUNDER CLAP to the Fort Frances/Rainy River District women for their admirable celebration of International Women's Day. THUNDER BOLT REAL ESTATE to the Realty Co. 60 PROPERTY FOR SAL responsible for the ad you see here. It was spotted by Helen Lovekin in the March 10 edition of the REALTY LIMITED REALTOR Chronicle Journal. 911 VICTORIA AVE 623 1431 ULU HUSBANDS BEWARE! Do not show this to your wife because she will kneel down in this plushly carpeted living room and plead, then sit in the formal dining room and beg! She'll satisfy your taste buds in this large kitchen, pull off your shoes and love you in the private master suite! Well throw in the carpeting, drapes and dishwasher. You need not woke up just call! Northern Woman Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT Spring Programs For Women ZW 002 WOMEN IN THE WILDERNESS Would you like to develop your skills and confidence outdoors in the company of other women, who, like yourself, need just a "nudge" to change their whole outlook on outdoor living? What would it be like to pack your backpack or canoe and head out on your own, or with others, assured of your ability to not only survive, but comfortably enjoy yourself outdoors? Experience the wilderness--it's great. Tuesday evenings April 3rd to May 29th 7 to 10 pm and one overnight (optional) Facilitator: H. Hyer Fee: $30.00 ZW 011 FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMEN A mini course which will serve as an introduction to the subject of Financial Planning. The course will address itself to such questions as: 1.Is RRSP really for you? 2.When do you need insurance, both life and disability? 3.What are the four cornerstones of financial planning? 4.What are the pros and cons of life annuity? In addition, money management, a look at sucessful spending and investment will be explored. Come and learn, it's your money. Thursday evenings, April 5th to April 26th- 7 to 10 p.m. Instructor: L. Johnson Fee: $15.00 ZW 007 Women's Programs provides a variety of programs WOMEN AND STRESS SEMINAR This weekend experiential program is designed to help women learn how to business world or at home, looking for a change in recognize adverse stress factors in direction or just wanting to know what other women are thinking and feeling. There are no prerequisites. Forget their lives, and how to diffuse desabout what your educational background is or is not. tructive stresses. Each participant will be encouraged to "try on" some Come and learn, grow as individuals. proven techniques to deal with and/or alleviate her own stresses through biofeedback, relaxation and positive imaging, and through the development of creative, holistic, wellness-oriented habits. ZW 015 Friday, May 4th, 7 to 10 pm and WOMEN AND HEALTH CONFERENCE Saturday, May 5th, 9 to 4:30 pm Sponsored by the Lakehead Women Teachers Facilitator: J. Evans Association of Ontariof..aimed at Fee: $15.00 exploring the isssues realted to health, this conference offers a variety of workshops to choose from. 1. A Lifetime of Eating 2. Fitness at Home REGISTER EARLY TO AVOID DIS3. The Pill and its Alternatives APPOINTMENT EITHER AT THE 4. "It Could Happen To You" REGISTRAR'S OFFICE (8:30 5. How to Talk to Your Doctor am to 4:30 pm) OR AT THE CON6. Stress-Distress TINUING EDUCATION OFFICE 7. Menopausal Myths ROOM 163 (4:30 pm to 8:00 pm) 8. How You Stand--the importance of good posture. *PLEASE NOTE: This Conference is open to regional women teachers until April 1. After April 1st, remaining empty IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INseats will be open to other interested FORMATION ON THESE OR OTHER women, on a first-come basis. WOMEN'S PROGRAMS, DON'T April 27 and 28th, 1979 HESITATE TO CALL 577-5751, Fee: $7.00 designed for women of all ages, married or single, in the EXTENSION 232, 352 or 278. Z W 016 THE NEW FAMILY PROPERTY ACT & SUCESSION DUTIES An information seminar on the new Laws that affect you. Come and learn about them. TUESDAY, APRIL 17th,1979 at 7:30pm RESOURCE PERSONS: P. Smith & J. Packota FREE SENIOR CITIZENS AGE 60 OR OVER, UPON PROOF OF AGE MAY REGISTER FOR ANY SUBJECT AT THE COLLEGE FOR A TUITION FEE OF $5.00 PLUS ANY LABORATORY FEE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: CONFEDERATION COLLEGE - 577-5751, EXT.353 Northern Woman Journal page 16 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Cowls NOM Pa Commis 11111111111111111=1111M Pomp pa. Ennornbre thiddyno clan doirse Sulk third 220 INSIDE: Art and Poetry, seeing ourselves 8-9 RETURN TO: THE.NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. Return Postage Guaranteed Life in a Srall town...the findings and 10 outcome of the Hartt Comission KENORA STRIKE- The wives talk back....4 YES women are NOT sheep...But aren't men PJiNGUINV 13 Understanding the stance, "pro-Choice"14 IWD in the region 3 1.111111111111111/11110 YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 5 No 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 5, no, 2 (Apr-May 1979) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Seeing Ourselves Topics include: Thunder Bay Multicultural Association seminar for language barriers 50th anniversary of women becoming persons in Canada Call for short stories by women from Press Gang Publishers International Women’s Day Boise Cascade Lumber strike - Kenora Northern Women’s Credit Union Sexism in unemployment insurance Northern Women’s Centre resource library Poetry Art Royal Commission on The Northern Environment Women against violence conference Understanding pro-choice Confederation College spring courses for women Authors/Contributors: Anna Akerval (cover art) Audrey Anderson (Red Lake, ON - letter to the editor) Novia Hebert Carter (letter to the editor) Gert Beadle Isabel Ulak Monika McNabb Estelle Howard Lynne Kositsky Gayle O’Hanlon Aleata E. Blythe Judy Robinson Viola Goderre Violet Winegarden Lorraine Harris Joyce Dunn Martha Banning Thomas (circa 1932) Canadian Association for Repeal of the Abortion Law (CARAL) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-04 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2757/1979_Vol_5_No_3.pdf b4d170035851ce38eb6d6eba29d6ccd3 PDF Text Text li5ortigern JUNE- JULY, 1979 VOLUME 5, NUMBER 3. 5 0° i^0 TRUDY DON JOANIE VANCE Vomag Journal/ LEAH COHEN HELEN LAFONTAINE WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE SEE CENTRE SPREAD PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITOR& by GERT BEADLE NEWS ITEM: ROME ITALY, EASTER SUNDAY The Pope pleads for the world's hungry, an indication that he is aware that seventeen million children perish each year from starvation and related diseases. ****AAA**** Seventeen Million! Think of it. Not in Canada,you say...."Well perhaps a few natives"...."A minor detail, really, in the face of what is truly important to US. You see in Canada, we don't much care what happens to the fruit, but we'll fight to death for the seed. Copulation is a religious rite in the west; the seed sacred from conception. Man's right to sow it is undisputed. We may yet prove to be the last bastion of defence for lust, but in order to perpetuate the myth of holiness, we have penalized and trivialized and diminished women into nothing more than passive receptacles rfor man's sexual apetites. Seventeen million children! Too bad they didn't have an organization to defend them. It could have called itself, CHILDREN WHO HAVE A RIGHT TO LIVE, but one could not expect them to be as effective or powerful as our own RIGHT TO LIFE, for obviously God could not support both and we alr ready know whose side he is on, don't we?? At the time of the potatoe famine in Ireland, a man named Malthus (now recognized as a progressive thinker because he struck the first warning bell of population explosion) actively lobbied against measures to relieve the suffering in that unhappy country. He felt that the famine was a divine intervention to check the threat against himself and others of his ilk whom he regarded as being of some vital importance to civilization. There is a survival of the fittest attitude built into the Western mentality that is very hard to disguise. With this att(itude comes a complete lack of sympathy for the women who bear and bury their young outside the perimeters of our narrow Christian influence in the world. In spite of the mutual reluctance to become parents, in spite of the evidence that many of us are not born with the nuturing spirit that every child needs and wants, choice is a luxury that the conservative Right denies to the children who perish or to the women who question the wisdom of bearing them. The arrogance of unenlightened morality must be challenged, for the choices are too narrow. What does society intend to do with the fine passions of future generations? If heterosexuality allows us no control over our own reproduction, then we surely must be prepared for Lesbian and homosexual choices to be made as an alternative lifestyle. We might very well say, as Malthus did, "It's God's way of regulating the population in a nation hooked on sperm." In my own simple-minded way, I don't see the redeeming virtue of making an issue out of unwanted preganancies in a world where seventeen million children are turned back to the soil and more than we care to mention are abused physically and sexually in our country. If we really are interested in laying guilt trips on each other, there are plenty of reasons, other than a rational decision to end a pregnancy early and safely. ere do YOU stand? We were quite surprised after the publication of the previous issue, vol. 5, No. 2 to hear a few comments about the nature of the cover of the Several people felt that Journal. it was extremely bad taste to use a nude woman as the cover illustration. Some even went so far as to speculate that the woman was stimulating herself sexually, although the painting gave no indication that this was so. We were bewildered. First of all because the cover was chosen to represent an art show held at Women's ?lace last month. The painting happened to photograph very well, and as a work of art, was one of the finest Frankly, there the show had to offer. was not a thought given to the fact that the painting protrayed a nude... and a woman at that We like to suppose that our readers are forward thinking people trying to make sense of the oppression and discrimination of which women are the This oppression operates victims. on a physical level, as well. as a socio-economic and psychological level. Objectively speaking the cover is in good taste.The objection would not likely have arisen if the magazine had been any other magazine. It is because we are an openly feminist publication that a few among us might eel a little self-conscious of what we are doing and its public acceptance. After a bit of discussion on the matter, we have concluded that the cover was a perfectly acceptable one and that as an art piece expressing a woman artist's conception of the female body, the painting was one of the finer examples. No apologies. GMT'S GOSPEL 21.11111IP THE DYNAMICS OF CABIN FEVER If you were lucky enough to escape that dreaded scourge of the North this past winter, the Gods were kind to speak of cabin fever, a woto you. man's disease and a kind of madness known only to those of us who know about isolation and the seductive voice of Poe's Raven inviting us to the depression that accompanies unrelenting cold and ceaseless snow. Our moods respond to the barometer, leaking energy and good feelings. We are full of unresolved anger with noone to punish but frail politicans and an unrepentant God. It is astounding the number of things that we can think of to depress us when we really get into the subject. Once upon a time it was considered a victory of the will to talk ourselves out of a depression. "Count your blessings", we sane through clenched teeth, "Half the world is starving and you have a leg of lamb in the oven, your spouse loves and needs you--you were I - 14' simply imagining that he planned to smash your hand in the door-- that funny look in his eye means nothing. myself.So many things and places to am such a pitiful express my anger. crtature that it's a pleasure to sympathize with me. No one loves me. am couldn't bear it if they did. not yet ready to be loved or liked or even borne. One of things that retards returning spirits is the pressure to become lovable once more, and soon. The danger is that we will pretend to be lovable when in truth we haven't an ounce of charity in us. Let's face it sisters, when you are depressed your cup is emptied of true generosity and you need a refill. But, contrary to what we presume, no one can fill it for us. The barometer rises. The sap runs. The sun shines. The snow melts and if we are as receptive to the light vibes as we were to the dark, we have once again come full circle as one who intends to find some redeemcon ing aspect to all our experiences. sider depression a time when we should take advantage of a situation that demands nothing more from us that we be miserable. I I Now we know that depression is a normal and passing phenomenon that requires the ability to walk a piece down the road of its choosing and at the first fork in that road, choose another direction. What we have not understood is the futile struggle to master what patience will resolve, in the end, leaving you intact. approach this monster with tongue know him well. You cannot in cheek. completely master depression but you can take on his whole bag of tricks. This nameless dread must be named and never singlely. Pile it on. When wallow in misery walk with depression feel the country breaking non-stop. lock my doors at night. The up. word "Conservative' gives me hives, the faces of politicans leer and sneer, bigotry drips out of talk shows, born again shills harass me, sleep evades me. At some point in this high drama, am enjoying usually discover that I I I I I I I I I I Northern Woman Journal, pa e _2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �FROM the RESOURCE hIBRILRYTHUNDER by Monika McNabb Full of insights, dedicated to awareness, self-mastery and growth showered with humour, the New Woman In this issue - try is for you. "Foods you can eat and not eat to heal your nerves Are you happy with yourself? Under the Blanket Wife Beating why does he beat her? what can she do?" Recommended Reading: My Mother, My Self by Nancy Friday Women on Women trom the Gerstein Lecture Series featuring Margaret Atwood, Laura Sabia, Linda Nochlin, and Patricia Graham Taking What's Ours, everywoman's guide to welfare and student aid Women and Credit by Betty Glenister CLAP to the Women Against Violence organizers, who spent many months of meetings, letter writing and telephone calls to make the conference a success. : The resource library is always growing. Take advantage of it! : Quote : No one can make you feel inferior without your consent - Eteanot Roosevet THUNDER BOLT_ New Woman, March-April 1979 to the Royal Bank, the wealthiest bank in Canada that did not find the Women Against Violence Conference significant enough to provide complimentary folders to the delegates "This is the first time I've stayed up to watch 'Wonder Woman.' Until now, I'd always assumed it was a show about a divorced woman who raised two kids while running a household and advancing herself in the business world." meet the ere preaching their the Conservatives ld encompass the ques- The Northern Women's Credit Union would like to thank all of the people who responded to the last newsletter's appeal for funds. We are happy to announce that we are fast appraoching the $100,000. mark in the area of assets. The Board of Directors and all committees plan to meet fOr a policy workshop, June 2 at Women's Centre. Beginning at 9:30 am, the workshop will carry on for the entire day in an attempt to formulate policy and procedure for the Northern Women's Credit Union. CORRECTION: In the last issue of the Journal we carried an article on the subject of PROCHOICE. That article contained an address for people interested in obtaining a membership to CARAL. The correct address for information and donations is: CARAL, Box 935, Satation Q Toronto, Ont. M4T 2P1 CANDIDATES. WITH FOOD PRICES ted produce ks questioned the boyproducts. It was me products, which as lower-priced e now priced almost lar brand-name prowere particularly the marketing tech. putting all noogether where the make an easy compars have been conned ng gimmick into re getting a good not always the case. ustry is extremely me cases a large in owns the wareessor and the trans- portation service and also controls the producer. Consumers understandably feel powerless as individuals. But consumers, as a whole, have an incredible amount of power. W.A.R.P. members feel that with strong support the boycott can be extremely effective. In southern Ontario W.A.R.P. boycotts have been going on since February with some interesting and positive results. The next meeting of W.A.R.P. will be held on Tuesday, June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Ogden Community School. At this meeting members will look over the list sent from Bramalea and make any changes they feel are necessary to make the list more applicable to N.W. Ontario. All interested persons are invited to attend. For further information call Miriam at 345-7802. NO/=tlierri woman JOiirfia 1 i page' 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Feiffer An Feet co*. 00111.__WOE FATIBP 17/5ANM GX1H Me. 60 TO A EMIR. I To-. evawai UST 3)S. I FRG smeter f-2? ALv ad Au. 136M. PUr UV Fig 0.1 tf.R. MOUTH advantages overboyfriend a peace bond or a charge remedy. The woman's or type of "injunction" It is a or will assault. husband inevitably find out thehas courtgone may to grant as with other the and, police that she itoften must than accompany injunctions, to complain and more not, another main action such as a divorce. she will be under pressure to with- In Britain, such injunction can be draw the charges andan"keep the peace" granted on its own, as we saw in the It takes strength within her own home. Davis case. to see a proseand determination courts came to the realization that instead of going away that incidence of domestic violence is escalating at a frightening rate. American statistics estimate that 60% of all marriages involve at least one incident of wife abuse. British legislation and case law show a concern cution all the way through, and about the plight of battered women THE RESTRAINING ORDER: battered women seldom receive any that our government and courts have Restraining order can be obtained support along the way. not yet recognized. much more quickly than a peace bond ; Again, there is nothing necessarily The U.S. Senate voted last sumin an bond emergency situation in a peace to order a man a lawyer can' mer to authorize a $150 million to stay away from his wife or his launch and action and apply for a temporfor a five year program to curb girlfriend--it is only after she wife-beating and other domestic aryagain, order perhaps within amore day severely, or two. The usis hurt abuse. ual peace restraining will prohibit that the bond isorder of any value. Here in Canada we need a serious a husband from arrest entering The police can then thethe manhouse and re-examination of exisiting legal harrassing his or wife. and put him in jail fineShould him. he breach remedies that focuses on their the conditions setthis out remedy in the order, One positive aspect of effectiveness and accessibility. he may be held in contempt of court ad is its availability to anyone- We need continued and generous govandmarried can be or jailed. whether not. A second ernment support of shelters for advantageAlthough is that restraining no lawyer isorders are probattered women and we need communbably the strongest required. A woman can go toprotection the pol- a ity support for women who start battered canlay obtain, they're not ice station andwoman ask to an informsaying no to physical abuse. the final answer. The woman must ation before a justice of the peace. The women who need help most, The prosecution is them taken over however, are in no position to make a main action such as divorce or civil by the Crown Counsel, and the woman's their concerns known; their own assault before she can apply for an role becomes that of a witness for personal tragedy demands all that It has never been granted autoorder. the Crown. they have. They cannot raise their matically, and judges are often relvoices to their husbands, much less uctant to turn a man out of a house to their legislators. Our laws should that he owns himself THE COMMON ASSUALT CHARGE: or with his wife. meet, rather than dismiss, the needs In can Alberta, of the new MATA woman chargePart her 2husband of people in such situations. The RIMONIALwith PROPERTY makes or provisions or boyfriend commonACT assault law should not treat marital viola"matrimonial homePolice possession assault bodily harm. forcausing ence any differently than it does order" .Upon the Court has are hesitant to layapplication, such charges the power evict may one have spouse from that any other crime in the community. themselves, and to a woman Until we overcome the myth that matrimonial home, and to restrain the to go down to the police station battered women are willing victims or "attending person from entering if she decides to preceed with the at or near" the homefor a certain period and that violent husbands are merecharge. This remedy suffers from the . A consider- of time. It is hard to state with car ly exercising their rightful mate before rimonial perogative, we will be concertainty when the courts will grant and if a doning terrorism within the home. these orders, since the act just came ly be fined, into force in January of this year, The need will remain hushed and ilar crimes. and few applications have been made the victims will remain gagged. he man out under it. There is some hope that the Welfare for BATTERED WOMEN: HOW TO USE THE LAW Act will be of some help to battered is not is a pamphlet by several law students women, at least those living in Alonment. in conjunction with Edmonton's berta. een com"Women In Need" House. Designed to Canada's laws offer piecemeal prod, it is help battered women understand about need of tection to women in desperate s of his legal remedies available, it is it. Existing remedies, for the most he will available free of charge from Studpart, do not correspond to the needs lesting ent Legal Services of Edmonton, of battered women. Legislative sted, howLaw Centre, University of Alberta neglect presently smacks of the a matter (ph. 432-2226) and from Clagary Legal attitude "if we don't do anything Guidance, 100A-315-10 Ave. S.E., about it maybe it will go away." ery difCalgary (ph. 265-5545) The Eritish House of Commons and many , Northern Woman Jnurnal c PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �LITERARY morning has already broken the harsh, cruel wind slapping the gnarled bodies huddled in the store alcoves contorted bodies, which rise only to wretch blood regurgitating onto tattered clothing a man, skin leathered & coarse, stands, shakily wiping a mucussed stream from his nostrils, and bends his head down down between his legs remaining still eternally silent until the wind whips his frail bode and he cringes WOMEN are beautiful, are me, feel mutual, are free. moans & smashed bottles, cries of despair.... Women vc Women -- Women v Women O 4, Women work together, In the rough weather, ....and in the dsitance, V7e gleaming towers of capitalism engage in social intercourse counting, devising, scheming, buying....laughing laughing.... falling night cruahing as the day closes, the what little warmth the city sun, begrudgingly releases, shelters are sought, but rarely found, as they return to their haunts & continue with their lives as victims. Caring, Sharing, Women can see. By Tanya Shaw Age 10 Ogden Community School CAROL AULD ROCKS We mend Out zitentty itent antagonim6 tike 4titt tack's when the watet,6aZt puzhez oven them. They hoed themzetvez back and tizten with detachment, without taging ot binding themzetvez weak broom ttying. We ate wotking to pet4ect the tough 6ibte o6 tockz hotding out thoughtz again4t each othet we ate dizcoveting most tock6 ate 4aLeib.e.e. Rozatyn Taytot Pettett she is waiting. sometimes, as she lies on the divan with her eyes closed, letting the sun lick her eyelids, she feels that she is not of this planet, that she was born elsewhere in the whole of the universe & was placed here purposely by some domineering &Iduthoritarian force. she -is physically weary & tense, and even when the most immediate physical agonies have temporarily vanished, she is left with a numbed, aching mind. she is drugged, groggy, filled with an interminable exhaustion that even keeping her eyelids propped open is an accomplishment. though her mind is often churning with ideas she cannot bring herself to the strain of writing with the small. portableunderwood on the desk. she reaches, hungrily, for a fountain pen, and hastily scrawls a few passages a day before her mind again wanders, and she gazes out the window for several moments. often she will find that she 4 has spent the entire morning with her eyes out the window writing lain aside, pen still in hand. Aid she continues to wait. AIN CAROL AULD ires 1 08,04111ft eirgvaoe.SerVIIPp "46 glO If you set your mind to mending what was broken in the past and you have some expectations that the glue will hold at last, there is mote than wishful dreaming in the skill of pottery for the odds are all against you in a human lottery. Only if the wish is mutual and the pieces seem to fit can you come together gently just to try the strength of it But have-no expectations that the mend will be secure, or the reasons for the joining have the patience to endure. For the more we know of loving The less we lean to trust when the heart has once been broken the blood congeals like rust. GERT BEADLE. wad the fireplace embers had no prayers to last the winter, the coals disappeared in October. the room sat silent, abandoned, suspended. a corner rocker, unswaying, attracting dust like rust on an old Ford wagon, fingered the carpet for warmth, frost-bit. Viola Goderre she took the leap from the back porch step, scraped her knees, tore her palms, left her flesh on the concrete's face. VIOLA GODERRE Northei.n PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �111 1-- ; AT MAKE WOMEN... DISAPPEAR -- _automatically denied equal status. And in employment practises, only in recent years has an effort been 9 made to eliminate sexist labels from :job titles. Newspapers now have changed their job listings from the segregated ---=-"help Wanted--Male" and "Help WantedFemale" to a single, non-segregated list. instead of saying, "if the student practices this exercise, he can learn it., you can say, "If studer practice this exercise, 'they can learn it." Finally, once we have included both females and males in our language, we should remember to treat them equally. Instead of saying, "Henry Harris is an up-and- Yet gender-free job titles can make coming lawyer and his wife is a a difference. When the Los Angeles striking brunette ", we can say,"Th( City Council approved a plan to abolish 'Harrises are an attractive couple. Henry is a handsome b the titles of "policeman" and is striking brunette "policewoman" replacing them with the Harrises are highly r --classification, police officer women their tields. Anr.is on the force became eligible for promusician; and Henry i motions to ranks for which they had coming lawyer". been ineligible in the past. Equal treatment sh As the little girl in the nursery accorded to women of school noticed, "man" is one of the Consider a headline t most overworked nouns in the English a few year's ago, "Wr language. It is used to mean a Becomes Mayoe'. This person, worker, member, agent, canbeen the first woman mem1 .cratrzca.v.--N .,', ... ',Ng W ..... didate, representative, voter, even `' -- ''' _A willawkIEAMMAt to the local City Cou astronaut. Consider the legislator. irsImInv aVoit"."-".;taiARNIC,V1Mk ae, when she became mayor He is a man of the people. To prove a "writer's wife ". that he is the best man for the job, ARTICLE BY ALMA GRAHAM, reprinted from In 1976, The NEW Y he takes his case to the man in the REDBOOK MAGAZINE, March 1977. dated its manual of s street. He is champion of the working cautioning writers th man. He speaks up for the little The Ontario Status of Women Council to women we should av man. He remembers the forgotten man. thinks language is important. Sex phrases that seem to stereotyping is deeply engrained in And she believes in the principle Times speaks with a p "One man, one vote." our day-to-day language. And while voice". But despite t If we agree to stop overworking there are those who scoff and make front page story that the word "man ", what other words are poor jokes about "personhole covers", porting on a study of we going to use in its place? The the OSWC views the misuse of language come, cited statistic cardinal rule is simple: Be inclusive. as a major obstacle in the attainment ried retiree - and Firs When referring to the human species, of total equality for women. If, as any indication that we can say people, human beings or children grow older, they hear only retirees might have h men and women. For "mankind' we can of policemen then they learn to think Wives, Ladies. Gir substitute humankind, humanity or of police officers in male terms. property. Someone fra the human race. "Primitive man" can Society assigns roles to its members ite. An innocent. Not be changed to primitive people; "prethrough language--we are what people been defined as some historic men" can become pre-historic say we are. than a lady and some human beings; "mans" conquest of All of us must develop a greater than a girl; she has space' can be the human conquest of awareness of the implications of fickle and foolish, s space. sexist language in all forms of comficial and, above all Where job titles are concerned, munication. language the qualitie the major rule is: Be specific. strength, courage, wi Name the occupation by the work perand self-reliance-hav formed, not by the gender of the exclusively to the ma worker. "Mailmen", "firemen", and What is sexist lehguage? It's lanno wonder that until "cameramen" are mail carriers, guage that excludes women or gives word "woman" was avoi fire fighters and camera operators. unequal treatment to women and men. it were something bad A "workman" is a worker, a "newsman" It's language that tells a woman that "girl" is like callin is a reporter, a "foreman" is a she is two things. She is a man and "boy"--it makes the a supervisor and a "watchman" is a she is not a man. If a woman is swept ant and immature. guard. off a ship into the water, the cry Now increasing num Whether a male or female does the is "man overboard." If she is killed are showing a new pri job shouldn't affect the title. Ina hit and run driver, the charge by adulthood. They do no stead of using the terms "steward" is "manslaughter". But if she encounters "called "honey" or "d and "stewardess", we should use the visible or invisible signs that say grocers or bank telle inclusive term flight attendant; "Man wanted' or "Men Only" (under the ly know them. They do and instead of saying "maid' or 'Ontario Human Rights Act, visible be called an "old mai "janitor', we can specify whether signs give her the legal right to are single or a "hous we want a house or office cleaner complain)- she knows that the exclusion are not. They are not or a building superintendant or does not apply to plants or animals "gals", "wives", "lad custodian, or inanimate objects but to female "fair sex". They are But the pronoun is the real probhuman beings. beginning to be happy lem. How do we avoid referring to While watching a film in nursery fact. the unknown singular subject as school on primitive people, a three"he"? Our language needs a common year-old girl was told that "man pronoun but none of the various invented tools" and "man discovered ones suggested has yet shown signs fire ". Later she asked her mother, Outcries against s of gaining acceptance. The likeliest "Mommy, weren't there any women in are often dismissed as candidate is already in the language those days2" of paranoid feminist at least on the level of informal A very good question, and one that surprising. Half the po speech. This is the quasi-singular prompped her mother to do some thinkthe male half, feels p "they", as in "Everybody will wear ing about just how unfair to women. table with the English what they want to wear." Often you the English language is. After all, its popular pronouns. A can reword a sentence to avoid a if all human beings are constantly singular pronoun altogether. Thus, referred to as "men", then a woman is MANKIND --( n4. it,icez. ....,.. ' ,,..7, .i.5,..! L - r . % - MA.mmmarW"WM5 LANGUAGE STEREOTY See next Pa Northern Woman J PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �mornimmiliiiimi _...mi.. 62ipp.11,111,1......immiii........_ L r. 01,z.2 A164.1.11111 TE LA NI Alt?::". as is in their favour. But the language is hardly sacred, (as is demonstrated each day in the way most people use it), so why not let women state their case? form, the In its least offensive English language can be annoying to women. Consider the business woman. Each day she opens mail addressed to her yet starting with the words "Dear Sir". Consider the working woman who happens to be married. Regardless of the prestige of her position, most legal documents will presumptuously refer to her as "his wife". For example, the contract, deed or whatever might read:"This is to state that Joe Smith, Electrician and Mary Mack-Smith his wife...." and so on. The fact is that broadly circulated literature uses the pronoun "he' when referring Now as acceptable as this to people. may be in the grammar text books, think that it is safe to say that most I women feel excluded by the English language, for as hard as we try, it to conceptualis very, very difficult ize ourselves as "he'. Even if this is not an irritation of which we are conscious, consider what the years of hearing "he" has done to alter our psyches. The words themselves are not the real issue. It is the social mentality that they imply that is so frustrating to those who are battling against the limiting effects of sex role stereo- IT HELPS TO RAISE AWARENESS IF WE OPENLY OBJECT TO '3 PEOPLE WHO SAY HE. socialization, the educational system is still ridden with it. Even though there are dedicated groups working against sex-role stereotyping, the problem persists. Often the main contingent of these groups are teachers typing. radically opposedto who can't be too Probably the most offensive example the system which employs them. of discrimination-by-exclusion is And even when the schools have been contained in the United Nations declar- purged of all material and attitudes ation of the International Year of the that stereotype the individual, there The pronouns "he ", "his" and Child. is still war to be waged against the "hint' are used approximately 26 media which continues to promote the times throughout the document which worst aspects of the human personality addresses itself to children and their in the name of entertainment. Now when one considers the rights. In its least harmful form, sexist lofty aims and objectives of IYC in language reflects a mere failure to the area of human rights,rone would think about the language and the way think that the time could have been that we have been taught to speak it. taken to draft a declaration that refers At its worst, the language bears to children in the plural, that is, testimony to a tension between the both the girl child and the boy child. sexes. It demonstrates that women Language happens to be an extremely are inferior, dirty, promiscuous important factor influencing the way creatures who embody all that is we come to see ourselves and our place ignoble, that they have no visible or significant place in our culture, in the scheme of things. and that they are doomed to remain invisible. Certainly this is no small As hard as we may try to shield matter. our children from role-oriented r omen gainst iolence Last October several women got together and began discussing the basis of a conference to bring women together to discuss something of It was vital importance to them. determined that violence against and abuse of women is probebly the, most National Assistor of Rape Crisis Centres from Montreal, Trudy Don, Interval House Worker from Toronto and Leah Cohen Co-author of a book on the subject of sexual harrassment on the job, gave informative talks on their various areas of expertise. barbaric and insidious thing in our The conference got underway Frisociety because the victims are inday evening with a keynote speech by Seven months visible and helpless. Helen Lafontaine on the various later on the weekend of May 18, 19 forms of violence, particularly and 20 at Confederation College subtle violence towards women in the conference finally happened Canadian Society. giving those who attended a new As a media expert for a Women!s awareness, a sense of sadness tinged Consulting firm, Helen argued that with a small hope that as women continue the solution to the more obscene to struggle for a better status forms of violence towards women, in all respects, blights like violi.e. pornographic magazines and ence against women will begin to films, is more restrictive legisladisappear. The following is an tion. She said that much of the approximation of what the weekend pornography today violates women's conference was about: basic human rights and would not be tolerated by an ethnic or racial group if it were aimed specifically The Women Against Violence ConIt is violence because at them. ference at Confederation College it is insulting and perpetuates a May 18, 19 and 20 attracted approxstereotype that will continue to imately 75 women from Thunder Bay prevent women from achieving their and the region. The four keynote full potential as human beings. speakers, Helen Lafontaine, a media Advertising, explained Helen, reexpert from Toronto, Joanie Vance, flects blantant discrimination against and prejudices towards women, particularly in business publications which promote office equipment on the basis of women's sexual endowments and basic incompetence. Furthermore, she stated, the existing rape laws which result in very few actual convictions point to a kind of a condoning attitude in society towards acts of violence directed at women. The lack of effectlegal provisions for battered ive women seeking protection also points to a kind of approval of violence towards women in society. In a slide presehtation, Ms. Lafontaine illustrated the more subtle, but nevertheless effective forms of advertising which exploits the image of women, confining them to menial and trivial roles. Enter the RingAround-The Collar-Syndrome. She also showed advertising that more openly advocates violent Northern Woman Journal, page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �abuse of women. The trend is especially apparent in contemporary album covers--i.e. women bound and gagged and chained. The all-pervasive media must be reackoned with. It must be acknowledged, she said, as the power it is, and the affect it has upon us. The media is currently so powerful that we can never be sure that our every day actions are selfmotivated or the result of subtle messages from the media. "By adolescence the average child has witnessed 13,000 deaths on television without really learning ,what death really is and means. find that very frightening," said Ms. Lafontaine. A general solution to the problem of violence against women, particularly in the media, are individual protests directed at advertisers, record companies etc. She said that the protest of a Toronto Women's Group against the performance of a rock band called the BATTERED WIVES resulted in a loss of revenues to the performers. I JOANIE VANCE TRUDY DON As a result of her experience as a staff worker at Toronto's Interval House for battered women, Trudy Don has developed a very down to earth approach to the problem of abuse between spouses. She said that she first became invol ved with battered women several years ago when she and several other women decided to open some kind of refuge shelter to deal with a problem that they felt must certainly exist. "We struck upon a genuine need. We hadn't really realized what a strong need there was until the home was opened. It had suddenly come out into the open because there was an outlet." Currently the home, which is designed to accomodate 25 people harbours anywhere from 28 to 30- people each night. And there is even a greater demand for , am forced to make a "Often times decision between a woman who is a victin of emotional abuse and has been contemplating leaving and a woman whose very life is threatened if she stays in her home one more night. The choice I is clear." Joanie Vance, Montreal based National Assistor of Rape Crisis Centres in Canada spoke of the misconceptions that surround the problem of rape. She urged women to realize that rape can happen to any woman. "I used to think that rape couldn't The women sheltered at interval house are given sanctuary. "If their husbands come looking for them and they don't want to see them, they don't have to. We will deal with him. A worker will accompany a woman back to her home to collect the belongings she has left happen to me'; she said. " behind." It is easy to believe that it can only happen to certain kinds of women and that the rapist is a kind of monster who lives in an alley way, rather than just an average man that one might pass on the street." She described the rapist as falling into one of three categories. The psychoPathic rapist, she said, makes up such a small percentage that it is hardly an issue. The "John Wayne" type of rapist, she said, is usually a man who cannot relate well to women and places them in categories, 1,e. "good women" and "bad women'!. The good women are usually people directly involved in his life, like his mother, sisters, wife and daughters. The bad women are the other women he meets in public and social situations. "He would probably justify raping a woman he sees in a bar by saying that she deserved it. He really doesn't see what he does as wrong, but merely as giving these women what they deserve," she explained. The third type of rapist is the most common. He is the person with whom you might go out on a date. "This man's problem is that he has to prove his masculinity," said Ms. Vance. "He is reinforcing a role that he is taught by socialization that he should live up to. He often does not believe that a woman who says no, means no because he thinks he is expected to try something and that a refusal is really just a postponement of consent. "Also this type of man may feel that if he spends money on a woman that she is indebted to him for sexual favours.' She concluded by saying that it is important for women to realize these forms of socialization work and to make sure that when she says "no" that she is clearly understood to mean no and not "maybd'. LEAH COHEN space. Emphasis is placed upon allowing the woman in crisis to make her own decisions. "If a woman decides to return to what may be a potentially dangerous situation then we must respect her decision. " Ms. Don feel that many battered and abused women tolerate their circumstances because their alternatives are so bleak. "To go from your own home to a dingy apartment and welfare is more than some women can face particularly when they consider the impact of the transition upon the children." She says because it is so difficult for women to gain economic independance, they often stay at interval house as long as several months before they get on their feet. Ms. Don feels that the impulse towards violence originates in childhood when the child is taught to deal with anger through violence either by example of a father who abuses the mother or by a parent who abuses the child. "We are not taught how to be parents and we are not taught how to fight fair. For many people, the only way to deal with their own anger and frustration is to strike out physically." She stresses that we must respect the rights of all individuals and truly realize that no person has the right to exercise violence against another person. Until our own violent impulses are confronted on an individual level the problem will persist. In the meantime, we must work towards a better socio-economic status for women which will reduce their dependancy and confinement in a destructive situaticn. Leah Cohen, Co-author of SECRET OPPRESSIONS: SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ON THE JOB, outlined a history of case studies of women in various social classes and occupations who have experienced sexual harassment and coercian. She began by describing a case that occurred at the turn of the century in Toronto in which a household domestic shot her employer in self defence and was acquitted on the basis of a medical examination which verified her "purity". She talked about office workers both married and single, harrassed by their employers to the extent that they either quit because of their discomfort or were fired for failing to come across. Waitresses, women in academia and professional occupations who have had their personal success jeopardized because of sexual pol-:itics are quite a few in number. She emphasized that few women are exempt from the possibility of sexual harassment. A REDBOOK readership survey conducted several years ago indicated that out of 8000 respondents, 82% had experienced some form of harassment. Sexual harrassment is often very difficult to prosecute because so few women are willing to withstand the humiliation of bringing the case to trial, and the chance of permanently damaging their employment record. Ms. Cohen did make several suggestions on how to avoid sexual harrassment but qualified them by saying that they don't always succeed. 1) Attempt to dress in an unmistakeably business-like manner. Avoid dress and make-up that might be considered "provocative. Although this may not succeed in deterring the harasser, it often adds to a woman's credibility should she decide to prosecute. 2) Avoid after hours social situations in which alcohol is consumed. A male co-worker might loose his inhibitions and make advances which could permanently damage working realtions. Do not ask for special favours from male co-workers and in turn, do not do special favours for male coworkers which could later be used 3) cont'd to page 14 Northern Woman Journal, page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �fat and women My friend Joan is a compulsive eater. She diets relentlessly, joins peer support groups to lose weight, has an expensive membership at a fitness spa, and has even had injections to assist in speedq weight loss. Joan is not what most people would call fat, but because her objective is to be extremely thin, she sees herself as a fat person. She likens her problem to that of an alcoholic. Things will be going along smoothly, she will be succeeding with her diet and then something happens. In a fit of despair she will sit alone in her apartment and gorge herself on peanut butter, eaten from the jar with a She becomes ill. She regards spoon. her actions .as a statement of self Ahd although she hates her hate. impulse to over eat and agonizes with guilt after one of her "binges" there it a kind of triumph mixed with the despair in her voice when she says that she couldn't possibly become involved with a man in her current "fat" condition for the thought of anyone touching her gross 120 lb. body mortifies her. Joan is not an unusual example of the way many women feel about their bodies. Eating and fat have become a symptom of a larger emotional frustration, and are even a way of avoiding the confrontation with that frustration and disagreement of what is expected of them as women. Weightwatchers, Tops, Self help groups to lose weight. Although both men and women have trouble combating the problem of being over-weight, it is not unreasonable to say that weight loss and dieting are more often the preoccupation and even obsession of Magazines for women are never women. at a loss for something to print when it comes to the subject of dieting or the improvement of our bodies. Each month the covers of the most establshe women's magazines boast some new mirac diet or a new angle on the business of weight loss.. What does it all mean?? What are the social and ultimatelq political implications of the fat obsession in North America. The following collection of article: reprinted from the Washington based feminist tabloid OFF OUR BACKS explore a number of perspectives on the fat and thin obsessions and what they mean in terms of the way we feel about ourselves and out position in society IS IT II FEMINIST ISSUE? REPRINTED from OFF OUR BACKS, vol. 4, number 4, April 1979, washington, d.c. OVEREATING The consequences of eating--overeating, undereating, compulsive dieting and intense awareness of thiness-affect women differently than men. Women are less accepting of their bodies, view their bodies more as ornaments, see food as a reward, are more conscious of food and handle other peoples1 food more often. recently watched a table of men and women eat dinner and then desert. The men all had sumptuous ice cream also sundaes; the women nothing. recently listened in on a conversation between two thin women about their eating. One woman said she did all the right things during the day--no butter, one-half a bagel, rarely a potatoe, no fried foods--but at night she went crazy and ate all night. At a clinic for eating disorders a woman who worked there said that obese men would come in and ask her and other women for a date while the fat women would walk with their heads hanging I I down low. Eating problems for women today have some parallels to the problem of hysterical fainting and illness among upperclass Victorian women. Both bring attention to women, reinforce the idea of being out of control undisciplined, passive, eliminate or reduce sexual contact, and give women a strange control over other people. As one of the reviews says, eating for women is as much a consequence of our oppression as women as heroin addiction is of racism in the ghetto Women who want help with compulsive eating or dieting should be able to get it. They should not have to wait for the oppression of women to end, but what is missing is an understanding of its root.causes. Some groups like Overeater's Anonymous, composed almost entirely of women, at least don't say that women are weak, gluttonous undesirables. battle women put themselves through They flake the guilty burden off the to extinguish their pain with food, women and say that overeaters are The group has helped many feel that powerless in the face of the obsession. they are not alone with the problem A higher power--God, the group, or that few non-compulsive people undo anything else--is needed to help constand, but what is needed are femin trol the obsession. The focus is the food-support groups for women whose obsession, not thin looks. But they eating bothers them. Even those who have no analysis of why women eat try to control eating need to examil and the idea of telling women that their feelings about fatness and eat they are powerless reinforces too ing as do all women. much the idea of feminine passivity_ -mammw 4 by t.d. and ignores the enormously strong On the practical level, the compulsive eater must learn about her eating patterns, learn how to distinguish between mouth hunger and stomach hunger and finally attempt to eat only out of stomach hunger It is importas much as possible. ant to recognize your body's signal! about when to eat, what to eat and Once you have how much to eat. learned to accept your own body, yol can trust yourself to make these important decisions about eating. Any women interested in forming a group to discuss the issue and trying some of these techniques, pleas call Miriam at 345-7802. A local view by Miriam Ketonen Fat is a Feminist Issue offers some interesting techniques to deal with compulsive eating. Other books on weight loss tend to make the fat person feel that she is not normal and does not react normally to food, so that for her entire life she must be continuously policing herself around food. This book, however, takes the approach that the compulsive eater must learn to view herself as a normal person so that she can learn to eat like a normal person. There is an emphasis on demystifying the fantasies associated with fat and thin, as well as the practical aspect of learning new ways to approach food and hunger. The new angle REVIEWS of the book FAT IS A FEMINIST ISSUE by Susie Orbach. Paddington Press, 8.95 hardback. In 1970, Susie Orbach and some 40 other women jammed into a room at the Alternate U. in New York City to explore their own patterns of compulsive eating and their selfimages using the techniques of women's consciousness raising groups. After gaining an insight into her own problem with compulsive eating, Orbach then went on to train as a therapist and to run groups on selfimage and compulsive eating. This book is based on her own experiences and those of the women she worked with. This book is available in paperback at local bookstores. As a person who has struggled with found her this problem myself, insights helpful and liberating. came across ideas that struck like lightening into some aspects of my own seemingly inexplicable behavior around food. So what's a feminist issue about fat? Orbach states,"the fact that over-eating is overwhelmingly a woman's problem suggests that it has something to do with the experience of being female in our society." Con pulsive eating is defined by her and the woman she worked with as a group of behaviors that includes: eating when you are not physically hungry; feeling out of control aroun food, submerged by either dieting or I I CONT'D Northern Woman Journal, page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �TAKE OFF UNWANTED WEIGHT TODAY! ationship between mothers and daughters. "A tragic reprecussion of women's cool salads in This Terrific inferior social position is that in For aybe-Tor-You,, thQ,transmitting of culture from one summer generation to the next, the mother Peel Off Pounds While Eating What You Like has the dreadful job of preparing on the New. University Diet her own daughter to accept a life EATING IS OKAY! that is built upon second class citizenship. It is in the learning How to Keep Your Face Young-Looking of gender identity--that is, what For Your Health: Winter Medifacts s your body aging it means to be a girl and then a you are? & A Brand-New Pocket Diet Guide aster thanedical woman in this world--that we find test our place in society," a role that AMAZING BIOTONICS: 6-SECOND EXERCISES is fraught for women with ambiVilence. THAT TRIM YOUR BODY Orbach states that many compulsive A Cookbook of eaters and self-starvers report E LAST CHANCE LOW-CAL DISHESfeeling their mothers expressed ennew medical ET Rovahrtiortory G. approach to weight loss ormous ambivalence about the daughter's OUTRAGEOUSLY GOOD! existence. Hardly surprising since their own political and economic roles have been so restricted. The mother-daughter relationship is one of the most unexamined areas to grips with themselves as women." gorging; spending a good deal of time in psychoanalytic writing. worrying a bou t food or fatness; scouring These women felt that they would not Lots has been said about sons and be taken seriously by co-workers if the latest diet for vital information; mothers. The reason for this lies, they allowed themselves to be seen as feeling awful about yourself as somein the patriarchal therto my mind, one who is out of control; and, feeling women. To rise in the male system they apy itself. You don't analyze the paid by sacrificing a part of themawful about your body. roots of oppression if you are the selves. All of these are terrible feelings oppressor. Rather you further obWhat Orbach's book focuses on beto have. Compulsive eating is a scure that oppression in order to sides her feminist perspective in unvery, very painful activity. Presumderstanding patterns of compulsive eat- maintain and consolidate your own ably we all want to be thin. Or, as ing is not dieting , but rather break- power. Most medicine has operated she asks, do we? What is there about oppressively against both women's the social position of women that leads ing the addictive relationship that minds and their bodies... compulsive eaters have to food.She them to respond to it by getting fat? Nancy Friday's book My Mother/ sees in a short chapter on anorexia This book shows in example after Myself and others are beginning nervosa, or self-starvation, that example, what indeed there is in to take steps that only the women's this is like the flip-side of comour western patriarchal society that movement could set the climate for pulsive eating...compulsive noncan produce this response. One of taking, towards examining this primal eating. The same intense preoccupatthe most prevalent themes that runs Fat is a Feminist Issue ions with body size and food dominates ,relationship. through the book is that many fat the thoughts and a /ts of the woman. has much to say in this area. From women equate being thin with being Like compulsive eating anorexia nera position of sympathetic sistersexual. Their experience has often vosa is almost exclusively a disorder hood we need to understand what those been that they must deny their own of women. The compulsively thin woman forces are which have been oppressexuality in order to be seen as a also denies her own sexuality. Feel' sing our mothers. "As long as a patperson. To expose their sexuality ing powerless, she attempts to take means that others will deny their riachal culture demands that women control over one aspect of her life personhood." So fat covers them, rebring up their daughters to accept an Inferior social position, the mother's --her intake of food and body size. moves them from the sexual marketHer menses stop and her body returns job will be fraught with tension and place. to a pre-puberty parody of thiness. Repeatedly Orbach emphasizes the confusion which are often made manifest Orbach asks, "...what are the way in which patriarchal society in the way mothers and daughter interbasic assumptions in our society denies women access to knowledge of act over the subject of food." that women with eating disorders are and pleasure in their own bodies. challenging ?...If this is a psychoIt is destructive, addictive, painOur bodies are used to market every logical state that affects women, thing. But at the same time, only ful relationship to the food that what is an appropriate social rescertain types of bodies ( and the many women have that this book explores. ponse? Must not treatment include style changes) are seen as most deNot so we can be magically thin, but so recognition of the social factors sirable. We are taught implicitly and that we can reclaim power over our lives that lead women to compulsive eatexplicitly that how we appear is and find real pleasure in feeding our ing and anorexia nervosa?" She then critical for success in society as bodies. Ideas and guidelines for individ goes on to the heart of the feminist a woman. We are, in fact, products uals and group self-help work are inanalysis of the problem: to be marketed on the basis of apcluded. It's a fine book exploring "...modern western societies place pearance. In this society, when that an area of considerable concern to definite expectations and prohibwomen. It is also an area that product is fat, it is unacceptable, hope itions upon women's activities. Our bodies have been colonized in other feminist writers will explore Women are expected to be petite, further. Out energies must move from a political and economic sense by demure, giving, passive, receptive male capitalist society. So it is no in the home and above all, attractbeing tied to responding self-destructwonder that we sometimes find them ive. Women are discouraged from ively to the pressures of male-capto be unruly and in a constant and being active, assertive, competitconfused state of rebellion. italist patriarchy to creating ourive, large and above all, unatSo getting fat as a method of selves, our worlds. But while we are tractive. To be unattractive is opting out of the whole sexual scene obsessed with food and our body image not to be a woman. In the case of is not so crazy and destructive a it's hard to have energy free for this compulsive eating, some women's response as one might at first think. task. strategy for dealing with these Orbach is not at all advocating straight jacketed stereotypes is to staying fat, but rather understanding become large, to have bulk in the what is in it for women so we can world; to become large to compenchoose consciously and not compul1. We believe that fat people are fully sate for always giving out; to besively how we wish to be. entitled to human respect and recognicome large to avoid packaged sexualSuch a reponse (getting fat to tion. ity. For the compulsive eater, food avoid sexuality) is not that differ2. We are angry at the mistreatment by carries enormous symbolic meanings ent from the reponse of 25 top commercial and sexist interests. These that reflect hhe problem that womlevel management women studied in have exploited our bodies as objects of en face in dealing with an opThe Managerial Woman , By Margaret ridicule, thereby creating an immensely pressive social role." Hennig, except that they acted perprofitable market selling the false Tied to this analysis is another haps less unconsciously. During the promise of avoidance of, or relief from theme that recurs frequentfirst ten years of their managerial car- parallel that ridicule. ly throughout this book as well as in eers all 25 acted, dressed, and behaved other recent ones by women: the relin ways which "avoided having to come light Timing Is E.,..er Ann IN4 ATING IS OKAY! I MANIFESTO CONT'D Northern Wornw:)., p-ouna 1 , ,page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �3. We see our struggle as allied with gical procedures, apetite suppressants, the struggles of other oppressed groups, drugs and gadgetry such as wraps and against classism, racism, sexism, ageism, "reducing machines". We demand that they capitalism, imperialism, and the like, take full responsibility for their 4. We demand equal rights for fat people false claims, acknowledge that their products are harmful to public health in all aspects of life. as oromised in (our country's Bill of Human Rights)... and publish long-term studies proving any statistical efficacy of their proWe demand equal access to goods and services in the public domain, and an duct. We make this demand knowing that end to discrimination against us in areas over 990 of all weight loss programs, of employment, education, public facili- when evaluated over a 5 year period ties and health services. fail utterly and also knowing the 5. We single out as our special enemies extreme, proven harmfulness of repeatthe so called "reducing" industries. ed large changes in weight. These include diet clubs, reducing salons,6 We repudiate the mystified "science" which falsely claims that we are unfit. fat farms, diet doctors, diet books, diet foods and food supplements, sur- It has both caused and upheld discrimination against us, in collusion with the financial interests of insurance companies, the fashion and garment industries, the food and drug establishments. 7. We refuse to be subjected to the interests of our enemies. We fully intend to reclaim power over our bodies and lives. We commit ourselves to pursue these goals together. FAT PEOPLE OF THE WORLD, UNITE! YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE! For more information write Fat Underg round, P.O. Box 5621, Santa Monica California, CA 90405 ANOREXIA NERVOSA Anorexia effects one out of every more satisfying than the mind-boggling two hundred high school and college messages handed women on the subject women. Although about 10 percent of of being "one's own person." There is these women used to die from the disa parallel to anorexia nervosa in the ease, the mortality rate is decreasing way that some women turn to marriage. due to the earlier detection. The Many believe that marriage is a way purpose behind the anorexic's selfof gaining independence from their imposed starvation is not the painful family as well as social integration suicide that sometimes occurs, but is when in fact it usually provides another a truly desperate attempt attempt at dependency. finding a self-respecting identity All of this is very painful to write. by exerting some control have never put most of this down on over a larger situation (their life) in paper before, it is.embarassing, which they feel no basic sense of powand ugly and more than would like er. to admit, self-hating. When confrontThe ideal of thinness in this culture evokes not only acceptance, it ed by the gynecologist whom gone to also symbolizes one of the only ways concerned by non-existent menses, that women can attain power. The link about my self-imposed starvation, I, between social stature and thiness like most anorexics, denied everything. is both real and imagined. Its real When he accused me of trying to kill myself, because fat people are discriminated got angry because knew that wasn't it at all. My weight had against; its imaginary because the been dropping for two years, my first thin, delicate image of femininity and role. Anorexia Nervosa causes us to only increases a persons sense of examine the way in which women are able two years of college. Although had always known that ineffectuality. Ironically, anorexia to gain some sense of self-respect wanted to be a writer, is full of contradictions and just as was in college studying in their lives. Women are disproportdestructive as the feminine stereoionately concerned with pleasing others; pre-med hoping that this achievement type. we rely heavily upon others to validate might finally prove me worthy of some recognition from my father, our sense of self-worth and frequentTraditional (mostly male) psychowanted more than anything in the world to analytic theory has tended to stress ly devote our lives to fufilling the the fear of "oral impregnation" and have my father's praise and therefore feminine role rather than viewing his caring; but suggested that the anorexic woman, ourselves as individual persons. also wanted my own who, in refusing to accept her feminThe triggers which lead a woman to be.1 ife and all the possibilities that ine role, rejects her own body and come addicted to not eating in much the lay ahead. It was too confusing. sexuality. But truly, anorexics are same way a compulsive eater is addicted had spent most of my growing years women who understand all too clearly to food, are not fully known. Frequent- trying hard to please an all too what their role should be. ly, anorexia comes at a time when a wom- unpleasbale man. Seven years ago, also knew all the things that was diagnosed an's internal desires and needs clash did not want from adult womanhood as having anorexia nervosa. Looking with the external expectations of famand at my 79 pound body one didn't have knew very little about what the ily and culture. Society's unattainable to be too perceptive to gather that repercussions of rejecting them were. and superficial standards for women's something was wrong. My weight loss had ever appearance and behavior create a pressure The only sense of power felt in my life up until that point, began long before it was labelled. At cooker effect in young women. Developfirst it was gradual, soon though had been the power of my sexuality. was ing breasts and hips is horrifying to frantic with not eating at the same time most young women who have been taught that c on thinking of food constantly--the food being a boy is equivalent to being effectthat would not let myself put in my ive. The rigid control of eating habits mouth. stopped menstruating, took is a desperate attempt to gain self-conlaxitives, forced myself to vomit trol of one's body and be self-directed. by sticking my finger down my throat Although undocumented, most young if ate a bit more than allotted women experience some sort of crisis myself. weighed myself daily and at the realization that the development would not allow myself to eat that day of a female figure puts an end to most if weighed one ounce over what possibilities. Some women run away from had weighed the day before. never home, others react by going for all the allowed myself any rest. woke up at trapping of femininity, therefore trying five in the morning to exercise and ran to prove that they can still be effective laps around the block after meals. at something (even if it is at only being became so thin that it hurt to lie a woman). down. lost all interest in being At the same time that anorexia is seen sexual and remained celebate for the as a struggle for independance, it is 14 months that was at my thinnest. also a plea to remain dependant. For an Anorexia is a condition which like adult woman, independance only means compulisve eating is a direct relation trading in one form of dependence for to the expectations places on women From the Addiction Research Foundation another and frequently the retreat into in this society concerning our identity an androgynous, child-like state is far Women and Alcohol I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I vd I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Northern Woman Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The power of denying or rewarding men knew the falseness with my body. of this power and wanted no part of it anymore. As my body grew more childwithdrew in a world filled with like, would run my fingers over my food. naked body feeling for the familiar bones was safe from the world which meant had wanted no part of. felt that waspositively no idea of how thin my hair stopped growing and became was constipated and burped brittle, constantly during my waking hours put myself from the anxious paces through. Once, while waiting in a line I I I I I I I I I I had to be as a felt between who wanted to be. woman and who gethered the strength to go home and hadn't seen in visit my father(who a year and a half) to tell him that was not going to be a doctor. None of this is clear-cut or simple The anorexics isolation and individual sense of craziness are as bad as the physiological effects themselves. know that anorexia is, like many Yet other female manifestations, a desperate reaction to the predicament of womenhood. wendy stevens I I in a drug store, the tightness in my body caused my throat to close in on my and as my face turned blue, the could Pharmicist ran to my aid. Yet confide my situation to no one. While women in the women's movement can find confirmation.in the impossibility of women's 'role by talking to one another, anorexics struggle in increasing isolation. was lucky to have been referred to a woman therapist who after hearing my story affirmed that was reacting to a very real predicament. She helped= me deal with the discrepancies felt I I I I I I I I I THE $350. REGISTRATION FEE SYNDROME ELITISM THAT KILLS OUR UNITY Women have always had someone else usually men--doing their talking for them what they want and need. The only difference today is that other women who may be no more qualified are doing it. During the National Action Committee on The Status of Women annual meeting and conference in Ottawa in March, a number of women--mostly from low income groups- were excluded because they had not preBut bureaucratic rules are registered. not the only things that keep many women out of organizations like NAC. In fact many of the strategies and tactics adopted by women's groups from rape crisis centres to status of women councils are exclusive. The National Action Committee has opted for establishment politics, playing the game with traditional lobbying tactics. What equipment do you need to play First and foremost you can't the game? be intimidated by power figures--police, politicians, bureaucrats, even teachers. Secondly, you have to speak the same, learned language. And you need a knowledge of the protocol used in legislative Reprinted from UPSTREAM, Vol. 3, No. 5, May, 1979. leged women are taking it upon themselves to speak for those women who are feeling more than anyone else the burden of our current economic crisis. "Don't worry, we'll make sure your concerns are heard," they say, and in.workshops decide just what it is poor women, immigrant women, Indian women want. We have seen women leave NAC conferences filled with bitterness because they felt the things they wanted to discuss were blocked and shunted aside by "parliamentarians" using rules of order they did not understand. We have heard women talk about how "stupid" they felt because they could not follow discussions which they had initiated. P,rhaps the worst thing is talking to women who wanted badly to attend a conference but could not afford the registration fee. We do not have a solution to circles. offer to this problem right now, but We believe that these skills are here are some suggestions for dismost readily available to women who cussions: women's organizations have had the privilege of higher educshould consider a wide range of ation--not just university, but finishstrategies from lobbying to radical, ing high school--to women who have the direct action; an examination of how time to meet with the authorities and our common concerns the money to dress in the latest, up when it comes to class and race (Spare time, sophisticated fashions. differences; are we prepared to by the way, most often comes with salsupport each other even though we aried'jobs where you have some individual differ in our choices of tactics? responsibility. To get that kind of job, Even if all women did have the skills a post-secondary education is likely necessary for establishment politics, would that route lead to the solutions necessary.) Electing a strategy that demands we seek? Or, is that a strategy these skills often results in the chosen by women who have vested exclusion, by their own choice or not, interest in the status quo; who do of those women who have always been not want to change the system but forgotten--poor women, immigrants, expand it so that it incorporates Indians, and blue collar workers. them? We cannot expect women who have This is the first time in two and lived as the ultimate victims of a half years that UPSTREAM has been capitalist and patriarchal power to truly critical of any aspect of the be comfortable meeting with the very women's movement. We have felt the people who wield that power. We canneed in the past to criticize but not expect women who have not had the have held back for fear of our critopportunity to complete secondary or icism being used against the movement post-secondary education to be prepared or causing rifts within the movement for grandiose phrases and bureaucratic itself. With the NAC conference, jargon. And most important, we must we felt the problems were too serious not expect women who have learned that We cannot expect to put to ignore. to survive you take what you can get forth a united front when the actions when you can get it, to check that of some women are causing resentment it's all right with everyone else first. in other women. If we decide we want to play the We believe it is imperative that help an open discussion on the direction game, we have to make sure we of the women's movement in Canada all women learn those skills because begin. Please share your reactions they know what they want and have and ideas with us. definite ideas about how to get it. in "We felt that understanding what But, what seems to be happening organizations like NAC is that privihappened in the movement necessitated a critical examination of ideas, actions and their consequences for women. Some would see in this the danger of factionalism or betraying unity in the movement. We looked at m:triences and saw that uni our r did not --Feminist Revolution by Redstockings Let us try, in Canada, to make history without repeating its mistake WOMEN'S CENTRE AT THE FESTIVAL We Need Workers: The Summer Solstice Festival coming up June 22, 23 and 24 will be a first for Thunder Bay in the area of large scale festivals. Women's Centre plans to participate by setting up a food booth. Grace and June Cryderman have been commissioned to make some 500 dozen perogies and cabbage rolls which we will sell at the Solstice Festival on Saturday and Sunday. But...we need workers! Experts in the food vending business inform us that the booth will require five workers simultaneously to prepare food, and serve the customers. Women Centre could stand to make over a thousand dollars to go to its survival fund if the expected crowds attend the festival. What we are asking is that if you can spare any time either before, during or after the festival to assist with setting up, operation of the booth and cleaning up, we would very much like to hear from you. Also if you have a truck that could be used at some time during the weekend or prior to the festival to transport things to the site, we would very much appreciate it if you would come forward. Just a few hours of your time towards this venture is equivalent to a big fat financial donation to Women's Centre. Please give us a call....at 345-5841. Ask for Elaine. Northern Woman Journal, page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �CONFERENCE cont'd to obligate the person, or be interpreted as a sign of interest in the person. 4)If you suspect that a situation is developing in which you may be sexually confronted, try to make friends with the family of the man. One woman discovered that asking the man about his wife and children when he started making sexual advances, successfully curtailed the situation from going any further. The problem of sexual harrassment exists because women are seldom in positions of power, because they need their jobs and because they are often afraid, humiliated, or overwhelmed with a feeling of powerlessness when they become victims of sexual harrassment. RESOLUTIONS Also a part of the conference were a number of workshops in the areas of rape, battered women, and subtle violence. The resolution that came out of the conference are as follows: BE IT RESOLVED THAT personnel tr in family dispute counselling be attached to the Thunder Bay Police Department and that all appropriate authorities be approached concerning the implementation of this program. IT RESOLVED that a 24 hour crisis line be established for battered women in Thunder Bay and be it further resolved that pressure be brought to bear on the 3 levels of government for permanent funding for all support services for all battered women. BE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the law be clarified and if necessary, changed so that police officers will have the authority and responsibility to lay assault charges against the abusive spouse thereby eliminating the need for the abused spouse to establish charges. with cases on behalf of the woman by acting as laison between the Human Rights Commission, employers, the law, unions, affirmative action programs and c) by making available resource people to speak on this subject in schools, libraries and encouraging Confederation College Assertiveness Training Program to incorporate ways of handling these assaults for working women. That the new government of Canada be urged to introduce a bill addres-sing itself to rape and sexual assault changes, immediately after election. Further: we reccommend that the government be urged to incorporate some aspects of the Law Reform Commission Report 10, as well as, reccommnedations from Women's Groups/ Organizations as well as, Rape Crisis Centres. That a component_ of rape and its origins be included in the sex education or family studies curriculum for students beginning in grade 7 and that resource persons from Rape Crisis Centres and/or Women's Centres be utilized in developing and implementing this component, and c) that the services or Rape Crisis and/or Women's Centre Resource people be made available to train teachers on teacher development days for a fee. That the persons convicted of sexual assault receive compulsory and humane (non-physical) rehabilitation, with direct involvement of Rape Crisis or Women's Centres expertise. BE IT RESOLVED that when there is evidence of sexual contact against any persons under 14 years of age that someone be appointed to give evidence and be the representative in court on behalf of the child, in lieu of having the child appear in court. We resolve that Rape and Sexual Assault Crimes be incorporated under p art 6 as a sub-section of the criminal code entitled "Offences against the person and reputation." Further that the common assault premise "no one willingly can consent to be harmed or violated' should be sonsistent with offenses of a sexual nature and/ or that consent be codifi,ed. --- Be it resolved that the conduct and sexual history of the complainant under the "Evidence Act" cannot go to the issue of credibility. NOTE: THese resolutions as they appear here are in their roughest form. Each resolution will go back to the appropriate committee for rewording and clarification before it becomes official BE IT RESOLVED THAT using the national, provincial and local resources of Rape Crisis Centres, programs for dealing effectively with inter-familial or extra-familial sexual abuse of children be developed and implemented in hospitals, social services, child welfare services, and police and legal institutions; and that the emphasis be placed on the rights and health needs of the child rather than on the preservation of the nuclear family unit. BE IT RESOLVED that we urge the Attorney General of Ontario to introduce legislation specifically designed to give the peace officer the authority to remove the violent spouse from the home in a potentially harmful situation. That the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre be a place for help, information and education on sexual harassment on the job by a) working with the Rape and Sexual Assualt Centre in the consciousness raising of law enforcement officials to realize that this crime is as serious as rape, extortion and b) by giving support to the victim and acting as a place where grievances can be brought confidentially and if necessary work Northern Woman Journal[ page 14 , PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �worker and was maturing some, but because it was a business and demanded speed from the workers; she was let SILENT SUCCESS We are all familiar with the untold hardships of women--our friends, our relatives, women around us, trying to make their way in a society that still does not provide equal opportunity for women in many areas. The following is a story about a woman who faced even greater hardship because she is handicapped. Deaf through a infant illness, her mother, who wishes to remain anonymous tells her daughter's story of growing up both deaf and female. Lynn is deaf--well almost. She has 15% hearing in one ear and none in the other. She does not have enough hearing to listen'to another person speak. What she hears well are vibrations. Other than that she relies 'upon lipreading or the written word. She became"deaf' when she was 3 months old. She had a virus infection in the back of her head. Her temperature shot up to 105 degrees and stayed there for five days. There was an epidemic of flu in the hospital so we kept her home. When the illness subsided, she was limp and unable to cry. She just whimpered. Up until she was 6 monthd old, she could not hold her head up, or sit up. She had very bad balance and was not able to walk without falling until she was 18 months old. At the time we di d not know that she was deaf, only that she had been sick and and we spoiled her badly. Because she was unable to hear, she seemed to insist upon having someone that she knew in her sight at all times. Finally when the loos 2 i years old and still not talking, made an appointment with a doctor who informed me that she was almost stone deaf. She had her tonsils and adnoids removed in hopes of improving her hearing. It cleared the passages, but didn't make much difference in terms of understanding or learning. Because she was handicapped, her pampered her and did father and everything for her. In doing so, we added to the handicap, others that she did not need. We made her dependant upon us, instead of teaching her to rely upon herself; protected her instead of letting her stand up for herself and fight her own battles. Her hearing was impaired and we proceeded to impair her emotionally as well. She grew up and when it came time to go to school, we sent her to kindergarten at'a regular public school. The teacher was kind and was able to leave her after 3 days at school on her own. She learned to be separted from me and to trust another person. She also learned three new words, "Wait a minute." She was always wanting attention from the teacher but the teacher had other children to deal with sb that the words "Wait a minute' were repeated all year long until she learned to lipread and repeat verbally something that sounded like "Wait a minute'. She was 6 years old by now and could now articulate words like "mommy", "daddy", "baby", "drink', etc., probably about 15 -20 words I I I in all. She went to speech therapy at this time until doctors, educators, and a minister finally convinced us that we were hurting her by keeping her home in Thunder Bay and not allowing her to attend the Ontario School for the Deaf. This school was almost 1,000 miles away in Bellville and it would require that she live there from September through until Christmas (when she would return for the holidays) and then from Christmas until the summer vacation. My husband, because he loved her so much and could not be sure of how strangers would treat her, did not want to let her go. But her overcame his reluctance and arrangements were made for her to attend school in Bellville. She started school in January of 1958 when the new junior school was opened. Anxious to see her again, we wrote the principal asking if Lynn could come home for the Easter holiday. The reply was "yes" that she could be accompanied by a teacher as far as Sudbury but that she would have to met there. In Belville they had little idea of how far it was from SUdbury to Thunder Bay. With the financial help of the parents of other children attending the school, made two return trips to Sudbury by train and I brought 6 deaf children to spend the Easter holiday with their families. The day Lynn arrived home, it was clear that the dull-eyed expressionl'ess, doll-faced child we had sent away had returned to us reborn. A whole new life had been opened up to her and she now had a beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. She had finally found others like herself and was not sitting isolated in a room full of people moving their mouths at one another. She began to learn sign langauge and could "talk" to her friends, in a different way. Although the school at that time taught lip-reading oral and written language, the children taught each other sign , language. As time went on, Lynn began to express reluctance when it came time to return to school, but we were adament that her education was important. At home she was treated as a guest and we continued to spoil her. which caused some resentment among her other brothers and sisters. When she was 19 years old, Lynn graduated from school with a certificate of merit. She came home and a whole new type of education began. She had to find a job. At the Tee Kay factory she passed a frustratling part of one year. She was not an experienced worker and was pressured by a quote to be met. She was finally let go. This was hard for her. Because we had treated her with special attention, she expected this same treatment from others and was angry and depressed when they didn't. She was unemployed for a While and very lonely. There weren't many other deaf people her age. She finally got another position in the laundry section of a dry cleaning business. She was a good go. Again with "Nothing to dot", she began seeking out friends.Because she was deaf and very vulnerable, she was easily spotted as an easy mark. She was spending all of her money and getting into trouble. She wouldn't listen to us. We were just spoiled sports trying to prevent her from having a "good time" Ofcourse having a good time involved things that were harmful to her personal development. She finally got a job at a home for for the aged where she is still employed after six years. We were warned that people might try to abuse her by giving her all the dirty work in addition to her own work. We were instructed that if she complained at home, we were to report it. Three weeks passed and she began _ complaining of overwork. She was upset but thought that perhaps it was just her. When called her boss, she was wonderful about it and said that she was aware of the situation and that she planned to deal with it by giving her a written schedule to follow. She was not responsible to carry out orders given by co-workers. Ihis woman was extremely understanding of Lynn's situation and called the employees in one by one to insist that they respect Lynn's handicap and give her a chance to learn her job. She is now happy in her employment. In 1975 she married. He learned sign language and "talked' to her. They seemed to love each other very much. But not long after, he decided to quit his job while she supported them both and sometimes his friends and paid for their entertainment. She was so afraid of losing him that she closed her eyes to what was wrong and to try and please him went along with it. Her health and work suffered. I I She became pregnant and was overjoyed because she was realizing her dream of having a loving family--a husband who loved her, a home--and a baby that they woOd love together. She had a miscarraige in her 5th month. We tried to calm her down the best we could but her husband's resentment towards us was increasing and we tried not to interfere. It was then that her marriage began falling apart. She tried harder to please her husband and keep him and eventually she got pregnant again. But the novelty of married life had all but worn off for her husband who was tired of having a deaf wife who couldn't talk to him or hear him. She coaxed him to stay but he was out most of the time. She miscarried again.He came to the hospital to announce a separation and took Lynn home for a rest. She convinced him one last time to return but it didn't last long and soon we got a call from a neighbour saying that Lynn was in the hosptial in a very disturbed state.After a rest period and a time on medication she dicided to go it on her own. For a time it was OK, but as a lonely person who wanted love and attention, she was an easy mark for unscrupulous I people. She met someone very much like her husband who abused her while she paid . cont'd next page Northern Woman Journal page 15, PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �FEMINIST CONNECTIONS: REPRINTED from UPSTREAM, May 1979. "Footbinding was a political which reflected and institution COUNSELLING perpetuated the inferiority of women; footbinding cemented women to a certain sphere, with a certain functionwomen were sexual objects and breeders." (from Woman Hating, by Andrea Dworkin) Have you been watching shoe styles for women lately? Have you tried to find a pair of plain, well built, reasonable priced shoes? Or have you decided that high heels look and feel great, despite the "opposition?" Are you in fact wearing them? Maybe its old age, but consider shoes to be a kind of political barometer I for women. Meaning that when shoes become more and more skimpy and pointy, and as heels become higher and by Helen Levine Western women think of Chinese footbinding as a form of mediaeval torture. It was) but we in turn tend not to recognize the mediaeval torture in our midst, in the form of shoes for women that deny us firmly on the gro-und, from being in charge of our bodies and the space we stand on. This whole question of footwear hit whether women at any particular time me last fall when I was looking for a pair are going to cave in to fashion blackmail, or consciously fight back: by boycotting of plain rubber boots. For rainy days. the product; by deciding that fashion can be fun, but not when it's ruinous to feet and backs; by blasting the manufacturers. Shoes, think, are one grim form of I social control over women. And they have a history, foot binding being the most obvious example. Foot binding kept women "in their place" in pre- The kind of boots that have been around for eons of time. My search took me into several local shoe stores, only to discover that such practical items were not available. The stores were overflowing with expensive, stylized, and uncomfortable looking winter boots, and frail, highheeled, dressy shoes. It took a trip to a basement shoe liberation China, properly restricted, department in Toronto to locate my current boots. They weren't exactly a hobbled painfully all their lives, in the name of delicacy, sensuality, great buy. The only pair that fit had steel toes, Orange Steel Toes! I bought those ridiculous boots in desperation and am men. symbolize my demand for comfort and subdued and contained. Women helplessness, in the name of pleasing viable for business by maintaining the "home and children beautiful, and the body beautiful." (It's all a cruel hoaxmost women live close to or below the man's income.) Trained to doubt our The politics of women's footwear:back to binding regarding how we are supposed to live The other part of the barometer is consumers. We keep domestic markets poverty line, and/or are dependent on a narrower, they're sending a messge and not act, to be more precise. among other things, for the role of FOR CHANGE comfort, freedom, and health, shoes that keep us from having our two feet planted and think and act-or how not to think In the hazardous structure of the nuclear family, women are destined, now quite attached to them. They own value and our own good judgement, many of us try desperately to conform to male-defined standards of beauty and consumption. Incuding shoes. Shoes seem: to epitomize convenience, my refusal to be bound. Think of what shoes are like for men. Though fashion ' influences male footwear to some extent, by and large men's shoes are made to be sturdy, comfortable, and planted firmly on the ground. Like trousers, men's shoes provide the maximum in freedom, convenience, and practicality. It's no accident. If men are to control the world, make the decisions, run industry, government, the professions-and women-they certainly need their feet particularly vicious form makeup, advertising, fashion, pills (birth control, tranquillizers, etc.), and the connection between billion-dollar industries and women's oppression becomes remarkably clear. Just in case I come across as a total killjoy, let me add that I think dressing up, and making up, and looking special can sometimes be fun and feel good, for women and men. But not in our daily lives and not at the expense of our comfort, freedom, and in the long term, well shod. Consider, for example, which sex owns and controls shoe manufacturing, which sex shapes and defines women's tastes and "needs" in footwear. Shoes of course are only one blatant example of how women's lives are controlled by profits and men. In a way, "Pain is an essenCal part of the grooming process, and that is not is simply another illustration of how women are held in contempt. Who else to put on frail stilts, but people who are primarily decorative objects to be seen straightening or curling one's hair- it and used? Women are taught to collude in such definitions of fashion and beauty, but let's make sure we keep the blame where it really belongs. health. Don't kid yourself. The shoes you buy or wear are political! accidental. Plucking the eyebrows, shaving under the arms, wearing a girdle, learning to walk in high-heeled shoes, having one's nose fixed, these things hurt. The pain, of course, teaches an important lesson: no price is too great, no process too repulsive, no operation too painful for the woman who would be beautiful." (Andrea Dworkin again) continued from page 15 his way. He moved in with her.He began selling all of her furniture including a television set that we had helped her get a few months before at a very good price. She loved TV and spent many evenings after a hard days work watching the pictures even though she couldn't hear the words. While we were away on our first vacation together in 30 years, this man sold everything that he could. The landlord became suspicious, especially because the people hanging around the place and the damage, such as broken windows, being done. He,contacted the police who discovered drugs on the premises. Because Lynn was the one paying rent, she was arrested too, and spent a night in jail. She appeared in court many times subsequently and paid S1.500. in legal fees to a defence lawyer who eventually helped her clear her name of any charges. She returned to our home and has since come a long way, improving all the time. We have established some house rules for her to follow which she now willingly accepts. We wanted to help her only when she was ready to help herself and asked for our assistance. We encouraged her to get in touch with other deaf people and to re-establish friendships with those who had other interests than going to bars. became more involved in doing things with her, going swimming or to visit friends. People around her have noticed the change now that she has become more confident and aware of her personal worth. Her w ork has improved. She is well-groomed, happy and confident looking. She is teaching an evening class in sign language who respect and admire her very much. She has found her place. I Once again she has sparkling eyes and a beautiful smiling face. She is able to work at being a happy healthy person. She wants to share her good feeling with others. She is aware that there will still be down periods in her life, but has come to trust those who really care for her to help her through. She is 27 now. She looks to the future with hope and confidence. She would like someday to find someone with whom to share her life, but in the meantime is content, happy, busy, working, helping people and just living. the CO-OP BOOKSHOP and RECORD CENTRE Excellent selection of Canadian literature, classics. film books, science fiction, crafts, poetry, many unusual Mies. Best folk, ethnic and blues selection in town. Open till 8 each day and all day Sunday 182 8. Algoma Street._ On campus every Thursday beside the Main dieted' phoe 345-8812 r rERE IS Will PEOPLE ARE SAY/NG ABOUT Women's Place Printing "GREAT!" VA QUALITY JOB...QUI AND INEXPENSIVE!" Brochures Booklets Pamphlets Newsletters No order too small 316 BAY ST. Northern a of consumerism foisted on women. Add Pho^e 3145-7802 .7an Journal, page 16 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �ei* third 1111//11=11111Mille INSIDE: WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE: Enrsombre troilism dem dime 220 a 3 day conference in Thunder Bay that resulted in thinking about some of the options available to victims of abuse. See centre spread IS FAT A FEMINIST ISSUE? Several writers analyze the politics of fatness and thiness and the way it relates to the feminine psyche. page 10 WORDS THAT MAKE WOMEN DISAPPEAR The conspiracy of the English language to ignore women page 7 RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. Return Postage Guaranteed 411111=111111111111111111111111111 YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: illOrgortt Voinan 316 &LgiCeeff., taiittiVer a,bd (Six B vats) ILO vat,' S.5° gusunisir or Ittirtiditifoti. CL1 'a °nal:ions, treefic IC kideltieS. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 5 No 3 Description An account of the resource Vol. 5, no. 3 (June-July 1979) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Famine Population growth & food scarcity Irish potato famine Cabin fever & depression for women in Northern winters Northern Women’s Centre resource library Northern Women’s Credit Union Supermarket boycott for surge in food pricing Comics Assault & battered women Poetry Androcentrism/sexism in language Stereotyping in language Women against violence Eating disorders & compulsive eating Fatphobia Fatness & feminism Anorexia Nervosa Elitism Women’s conference event summary Deafness Politics of women’s footwear Chinese foot binding Authors/Contributors: Gert Beadle Monika McNabb Carol Auld Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Viola Goderre Redstockings Helen Levine Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-06 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2759/1979_Vol_5_No_4.pdf f7dd73105c6e0ecb4b4bd07b0b153db9 PDF Text Text orAtt. AUGUST-SEPT., 1979 VOL .5, NO.4 750' onan Jour-0.r Photos courtesy of the THUNDER BAY HISTORICAL MUSEUM 50 YERRS PERSON!! THUNDER BAY'S MAYORS (top left) CATHERINE SEPPALA elected mayor of Fort Wiiliam in 1951. (top right) EUNICE WISHART became a Port Arthur councillor in 1939 (bottom) DUSTY MILLER elected mayor in the fall and installed in December 1978 4, ,to - 4) ,4 1-* 4.41 z PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �FIFTY YEARS OF PERSONHOOD WILL BE COMMEMORATED BY REGIONAL WOMEN This fall, Thunder Bay women will British North America Act. While in the minds of most women there never notice an unusual billboard on Memorexisted much doubt about whether or ial Avenue inviting them to share in not they were persons, legal minds3 the celebration of 50 years as"perfound this point highly contentious sons." Historically speaking, it is until that day in October 1929 when indeed something to celebrate, for Lord Chancellor Sankey, reading the just 50 years ago, women were not opinion of the highest tribunal in considered persons under the British the British Empire, concluded that North America Act, This lack of status iwomen are "persons" in t?2e eyes of helped to keep women from being the law and hence entitled to be appointed to the Canadian Senate, ummoned to the Canadian senate° among other things. To celebrate the victory of Judge Women, under the common law in 1867, Emily Murphy and her colleagues in were under every conceivable form of 1929, a group of local women are planlegal incapcity and definitely barred ning a celebration to take place the from public functions. How then could evening of October 18 at Confederation ii be possible to suppose that the drafters College. of the B.N.A. Act had meant to include Part of the celebration will be women' a publicity campaign alerting women There is a famous photograph of Lord to the significance of 1979. The Sankey at Temple Bar on October 18,1929 commemoration will consist actual on his way to deliver the important of a wine and cheese party at the "persons" decision. Preceded by the heavy College beginning at 7 pm on October mace of office in full court regalia the 18. stern Lord Chancellor looks as though pre= The evening's program will consist pared to pass a death sentence upon some of a display comprised of material poor scoundrel , rather than to read a from the Canadian Archives, photodecision which would bring joy and a new To commemorate the Person Case, graphs depicting women created by sense of dignity to thousands of women to be celebrated in Thunder Bay local and Canadian photographers, in the senior dominion." on its Anniversary, October 18, and exhibits put on by interested the National Action Committee on women's groups. The Status of Women issued this In the spirit that Canada was Kam Theatre Lab will perform a seal. intended by the Commonwealth to be play based on the historical details a place of growth and expansion, the Case. From 9 to 10 of the Person firmative; and that women are eligible Judges of the Supreme Court appm coffee and cake will be served. to be summoned and become members proved the amendment to the constitAdmission will be 1.25 per person, of the Senate 6f Canada. ution, aware that in this context, There will be a cash bar and the no policy or constitution could be event will be open to the entire exempt from change. public. Added to their decision was the fact the word "person" was used in Taken from an ambiguous manner throughout the Catherine Cleverdon's Woman Suffrage Movement Act which only occasionally specified "The Person Case is the name in Canada, University of Toronto "male persons" where that was the commonly used to designate the valPress, 1950. This book is available intention. Hence the Supreme Court iant contest waged by Judge Emily through the Lakehead University LibMurphy and her associates from Alberta ruled as follows: It rary and Women's Centre Resource LibTheir Lordships have come to to prove that women are eligible for rary for anyone who would like to the conclusion that the word persons appointment to the Canadian Senate. read further on THE PERSON CASE includes members of the male and fename is derived from the fact The THE HISTORY that eligibility hinged upon the legal interpretation of the word "person" as found in section 24 of the male sex, and that therefore the question propounded by the GovernorGeneral must be answered in the af- WOULD YOU VOTE FEIN INIST? That is what the Feminist Party of Canada wants to know. WHY BUILD A NEW POLITICAL PARTY INSTEAD OF INCREASING THE NUMBERS OF WOMEN WITHIN THE EXISTING PARTIES? Because, says the Feminist Party, women elected from within these male dominated power structures usually end up denying the roots from which they came. At the moment of victory, most women shake off their political debts to other women. In the struggle to retain credibility within thar male context, they walk alone. The only, way a woman can maintain her feminist beliefs while in office, the Feminist Party concludes, is when she is shielded by a feminist party structure. EMPHASIS ON WOMEN'S MORAL ROLE: Women's full participation in the political arena will bring a new direction to government in general, Feminist Party advocates maintain. "The vision women will contribute to politics is the same vision we have always been dependant upon to bring to our more traditional spheres. In the family we have provided a moral base; in the wider world we have constantly struggled to hum anize our environment... "Moral values, social relationships women have taken responsibility for all that which renders communities more fully human. If politics is the process through which society safeguards the humanity of its members, then women belong in politics; and if politics is not such a process, then clearly women are needed to make it so." At its first meeting held June 15 in Toronto, the Feminist Party admitted that theirs is a formidable task: turning vision into policy and policy into strategy. Troublesome questions have been raised. How can you expect women with only gender in common to take unified action and overcome the years and allegiances of ideological differences? For the interim committee of the Feminist Party, the choice is clear. They advance the idea that a feminist party is "the only method that could be truly representative of women's needs and desire for change FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FEMINIST PARTY CONTACT: The Feminist Party of Canada, 122 Hilton Ave., Toronto, Ont. . reprinted from KINES!S. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITOR& time is ripe to join, and keep in FEMINIST PARTY IS BORN, reads touch with the early developmental the headline in the Toronto SUN stages of a party that could have following a meeting June 10 to which an impact. 600 women and a smattering of men turned out. Write to: While still in the formative, FEMINIST PARTY OF CANADA PART! pre-constitution stages, the FemFEMINISTE DU CANADA inist party of Canada is a thing to P.O. Box 5717, Toronto Ont M5W 1A0 1 welcome because it is the first Send your NAME, ADDRESS, attempt of women to introduce TELEPHONE and state whether or not 'the most momentous poltics existyou are interested in receiving the ing (i.e. feminism) into the formal newsletter, becoming a contact for political, system of this country. the Party in your area or purchase At present,the party is cona Party membership at $5 ($1 for fined to Toronto and the immediate seniors, single parents, students and While this might appear to area. people on welfare. some to be an indication of where Remember other hopiess battles the Party's sympathies and concerns that have been won. may lie, we must give it time to prepare a constitution and mandate to share with the rest of the country. Webave waited this long for something of this nature to emerge and must be prepared A RESOUNDING THUNDER CLAP to the to wait a while longer until mat- Thunder Bay's Women's Fastball League formerly CNRAA Women's Fastball erial is available to provide a ( basis for those interested in League) who will take their place among the Feminist Party outside of Tor- those recorded in the GUINESS WORLD onto to start their own chapter. BOOK OF RECORDS as the only group to It is, as the Feminist party play 60 hours of non-stop fastball founders say it is--crippling in the world to date, Beginning June for feminists to have to carry 22,_the women played non-stop at Chapple on their political work as if the Ball Park until 9 pm, Sunday June established parties provided a 24. Women suitable element for it. Last June the League played for currently hold a meagre six of 52 hours but had that record broken one hundred twenty five seats in twice in the next month. Prior to the provincial legislature and their 60 hour performance, the record eleven of two hundred and eighty stood at 54 hours. two in the federal. The women / who should be proud of For those who find the concept their endurance represent 18 teams from of a feminist party appealing, the . THUNDERCLAP GMT'S GOSPEL the Thunder Bay Women's Fastball League. Ellen Deschutter---Mayottes Donna Berini--Mayottes, Connii Larabee, Forresters, Richelle Nicolette--Forresters, Diane Dysievic--Leisure Lanes, Terry Bannon--Mission, Sharon Halworth-College Park Variety, Debbi Svienson-Hornettes, Rosemary Sieminiuk--Hornettes, Susan Nemec--Mayottes, Sharon Giertuga--Mayottes, Aileen Kramer- Forresters, Ruth Pervais--Mission, Evette Legarde--Mission, Laurie Smith- Forresters, Shelley Hobbs--Hornettes, Judy Walimaa--Hornettes, Becky McMartin--College Park. The only damper on the event was the the almost nonexistent public support, which the League relies upon to raise oney for a charity, which this year was the Kidney Foundation of Canada. THUNDERBOLT (a devastating one) to the men who saw fit to disqualify single parent students from being eligible for Ont. student loans. An especially fierce bolt to director of this province's student awards branch,who justified a now rescinded policy of limiting the amount of money that single parent students could request from the federal government in the following manner: "This (the amount of money, available to the single parent students through the Federal Government) presented a problem in that when these large amounts of money came into the familytenefit's recipients' hands, some of them had never seen that much money before and spent it without really any thought being given to the consequences of paying it back. Not really a Requiem, but almost subscribers because we operate from It's been almost four years since a negative energy source. I first expressed myself in the 2. We can meet the situation face JOURNAL and my affection for it has to face and decide that this paper increas ed along with my anxiety as has served its putpose and regretto what will become of it when we fully fold it up. OR face up to the question: Where does 3.We could, if we had imagination, th e NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL stand arrange to turn this paper over to in a priority list of energy projects a collection of women not necesthat is even now spreading the energies sary connected to the centre, women dangerously thin. who are perhaps plugged into creatThere is a question in my mind as ivity rather than the heavy message, to the desirability of women emotionbut nevertheless would find room for ally involved in the heavy subjects for some of our input. We could of rape and battering, attempting continue to subsidize this paper to produce a balanced, informative under the arrangement that the and creative feminist paper that name remain the same and that the appeals to our strengths not our feminist priciples not be violated. weaknesses. We have been fortunate It would have to be for a set perto have Elaine Lynch for the past iod with a possibility of renewal, year. I am sure you have noticed a but as a project it should, it rising general quality. Unfortunately seems to me, be a challenge any her term is ended with this paper and generally already number of groups could sieze. because her format was The question of losing control set by the centre collective, she too is one that every feminist group must have felt some constraint on her has to deal with. The last UPSTREAM, own creativity. It is my experience a feminist newpaper originating that when purist philosophy meets in Ottawa reported on a leadership creativity, the scale tips with the conference and quoted a delegate power. as saying that she felt obliged We have three options, it seems to serve on projects that did not to me. interest her because she believed 1. We can force ourselves to conthat only she could keep the theory tinue a paper that does little on the rails. I commend for her credit to us and provides little honesty in admitting that she in the way of inspiration to the thinks this way, but I tee' sorrow at its lack of realistic evaluation of her place in the general movement. It is a common mistake to suppose that the changing of society begins and ends and is nourished in between as a ,academic exercise. My perspective is a working class one. I am not now nor have I ever been in tune with repetitious female laments. I strongly believe we're too well put together up here in the North to lend ourselves to the role of victim. Millions of women in the third world have a right to make this claim; they have no one to turn to. We have each other, and if we weren't so preoccupied with proving we are different, we could do marvels. The history of the Journal began with a socialist message in the day when the message was not popular. It evolved into the women's struggle quite naturally. It is my contention that it is time to evolve again, this time to true diversity, combining thought from both and adding a more imaginative and wider range of the arts. It is time we left the cloister and joined the human family. If you the subscriber have any thoughts on this, please feel free to submit your opinion. In the meantime, this may be my last GOSPEL, in which case....It was fun and good to know you... Northern Woman Journal, page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �new blood ill WANTED: A GROUP OF WOMEN WHO ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AND COMMITTED TO THE IDEA OF PRODUCING A FEMINIST NEWSPAPER. THE NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL IS SEEKING PEOPLE WHO ARE PREPARED TO MAKE A COMMITTMENT TO PRODUCING A PAPER ONE EVERY TWO MONTHS. THEY WOULD BE GIVEN COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE FORMAT AND EDITORIAL CONTENT. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NO WAGES TO PAID FOR SUCH A PROJECT, THE JOURNALtS EXPENSES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE PAID BY NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE. PRODUCING A PAPER HAS A GREAT DEAL TO OFFER IN TERMS OF ACQUIRING SOME TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IN LAY-OUT AND DESIGN AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF ALL ASPECTS OF PRODUCING A TABLOID NEWSPAPER. IT IS ALSO A GOOD CHANCE TO EXPRESS PERSONAL CREATIVITY, POLITICAL VIEWS. ETC. 1WE OFFER THE UNLIMITED THE PAPER IN RETURN FOR SIX TIMES A YEAR, IT IS BY ALL MEANS BE HANDLED USE OF EXISTING FACILITIES AND COMPLETE CONTROL OF A SOLID COMMITTMENT. BECAUSE THE JOURNAL COMES OUT NOT A PARTICULARLY TIME CONSUMING EFFORT, AND COULD AS A SPARE TIME INTEREST. Established circulation and mailing system, and a good chance to attrack to more subscribers. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY...THERE WILL BE PEOPLE AROUND TO PROVIDE ADVICE OR INSTRUCTION ...LEARN AS YOU GO. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED INDIVIDUALLY, OR AS A GROUP, PLEASE COME FORWARD AS WE HOPE' TO ENTRUST THE PAPER INTO THE HANDS OF OTHERS FOR THE OCTOBERNOVEMBER 1979 ISSUE. DROP INTO WOMEN"S CENTRE AT 316 BAY STREET OR CALL 345-5841 for further information. ern Woman Journal operated at a loss of 840.92 an average of $70. per month. For the first six months of 1979, the loss has averaged $53.00 per month, an improvement, but a long way from realizing our long term goal of being able to have enough revenue to pay one staff person. The staff person that we have now is paid by WOMEN SHARING a Canada Works Project. This payrent ends in W\ugust. Statement of Loss for Northern Woman Journal for the 6 month period ending June 30, 1979 NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL: Sales Advertising 572.04 60.00 Cost of Printing 687.23 Supplies and Postage 162.48 Telephone 101.70 TOTAL EXPENSES 951.41 NET LOSS $319.00 TOTAL REVENUE 632.04 For this reason we have decided that it is perhaps time for a infiusion of new enthusiasm that will improve the overall situation. For the year ending in 1978, the North- BETTERS Dear Editor: lam am going to tell you something unbelievable; the story of the end of the Employment Services for Immigrant Women, an needed and productive agency. In February 1978, ESIW opened its doors to the public. Since that time we have increased our clientele at the rate of tenfold each month.. In May of this year, ESIW had 1200 registered clients; a tally which exlcudes numerous calls and casual referrals. We have had a successful placement rate of 25%. Manpower, with a staff 500 time greater than ESIW has a placement rate of less than 20%. Manpower has on the average, 130,000 clients tin one month, and their client staff ratio is only 9 to 1. ESIW, on the other hand has a client to staff ratio of 300 to 1. The need for employment services for Immigrant women is indisputable. The efficiency and dedication of the ESIW staff is clearly demonstrated. Despite this, the Employment Services for Immigrant Women is being forced to close because of government cutbacks. ESIW was originally funded by Canada Works but since Manpower has removed women from the list of priorities,we were advised that our agency's funding would not be approved. With this realization we turned to other public and private funding sources. But agency after agency closed their doors to us, telling us that with out mandate we should be funded by Manpower. We mustn't stand by while our agencies fall prey to government cutbacks one by one. We must band together and make our voices heard. Sincerely yours, CATHERINE KO, Project Manager ESIW, Toronto, Ontario SOLICITING MANUSCRIPTS For an anthology on WOMEN WRITING ABOUT THE ART OF WOMEN WRITING. Essays, short fiction, novel excerpts, journal entries, and poetry. Previously published or unpublished works. Can relate either symbolically or literally to the experience of woman as a writer. DEADLINE: January 15,1980. A self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany manuscript. SEND TO: Cathryn Diane Miller, 4615 Filmore St., Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 15213. Northern Woman Journal, page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PORNOGRAPHY EROTICA Reprinted from KINESIS, VANCOUVER STATUS OF WOMEN, April-May, 1979 The wisdom to know the difference .6111123411371.17717,.../.1. BY JILLIAN RIDINGTON AND BARB FINDLAY INTRODUCTION: JILLIAN RIDINGTON Recently, I was looking at a card on display in my neighbourhood giftstore. It showed two women from the waist up, both nude, the head of each resting on the shoulder of the other, the arms and flowing hair of both forming a supportive circle. A set of coiffured and girdled matrons stood behind me. One said, "Disgusting--that stuff shouldn't be where decent people have to see it." They left, sniffing. At the recent National Action Committee on the Status of Women conference a workshop on pronography was held. Lorenne Clark the moderator, brought with her a collection of material confiscated by the Ontario Provincial Police being held as evidence in an obscenity trial. The material was placed on a table set up outside the and the panelists workshop room took turns guarding it. I had seen such stuff before. Like most women, my first reaction to it had been, "Oh my God, I didn't know it was that bad." One of the first "hardcore" things I saw showed a woman's buttocks. A cane was inserted in her rectum, a male hand held a cigarette to the skin of her thigh. On bad nights, it is the stuff of my nightmares. And exposure has not created immunity. My gut reaction to pictures of women in nipple presses (devices which encircle the nipple and force it erect, pressure can be increased by means of strings and laces at the will of the "operator"), women in spanking harnesses, women being whipped, beaten or spanked raw in the name of "titillation", women's genitals being penetrated by fists or foraged by animals (usually pigs), and to pictures of children displaying immature genitals or performing sex acts on adults was and is nausea and disgust. When I lotilk at the ads"in the back of the mags", soliciting orders for harnesses, nipple presses, paddles, whips and other tools with which to torture women, I feel great anger as well. While I was guarding the NAC table, a woman picked up a magazine called, I believe, Lollitots."oh, this one isn't too bad," she said. "No violence, just naked kids." I agreed with her; compared to the bondage and degradation which filled the other magazines, the contents of Lollitots seemed relatively innocuous, one step removed from photographs found in many a family album The kid's legs are spread a bit wider, the angle of their bodies is more one of display, their expressions are not those of innocence but of premature knowledge. All things difficult to define, and impossible to legislate. But the child models were definitely exploited. Their young bodies had been captured and sold for purposes of titillation. They were being peddled as images to masturbate by. These photo- graphers were pimps, making money off their flesh. In all of the confiscated material, an imbalance of power was implicit or explicit. What was being depicted was not consensual sex between equals. Unlike the gift card I admired, their content is pornographic, not erotic. At the present time, the confiscated material is unlawful, and the card is not. But the current Criminal Code does not always clearly differentiate between material that feminists would find acceptable and unacceptable. Were the card to show the entire bodies of the women and were their activities more explicitly sexual, the card would not be sold in Canada--at least not in a neighbourhood card shop. The present law fails to distinguish between erotica and pornography. Casablanca Records and Film Works. Magazine ad for the punk rock group Kiss' album "Love and Kisses." The woman appears to be a willing and passive participant in a gang attack. This interaction is labeled "love and kisses," implying affection. EROTICA AND PORNOGRAPHY: CELEBRATION AND DEGRADATION: Erotica is the depiction of the sexual expression of love(from the Greek, "eros", meaning sexual love). It shows or describes sexual activity which is loving, non-coercive and joyful. It celebrates the sexuality which makes us uniquely human; the ability to communicate emotion, express love and break down barriers between individuals through the sharing of sexual intimacy. Pornography erally means, "writing about prostitution;"its roots are in the Greek word "porne" (prostitute) and "graph" (drawn or written). The concept that women are sexual commodities is integral to the meaning of pronography. "Obsecene" comes from the Latin word meaning "dirty, containing filth". It is because we have denied the nature of human sexuality, particu larly female sexuality--that porno-, graphy and erotica have been confused and both labelled "obscene". The free expression of feamle sexuality threatens a patriarchal structure, particularly as it is embodied in the family. While more trustworthy forms of birth control have to some extent freed women from being labelled "promiscuous" or "adulterous", many people, including those influenced by current rightwing backlashstill condemn any sexual expression that is outside of marriage and mot The sexual freedom of women--far intended for procreation. more than of men--threatens the nuclear family, still seen as the backbone of western culture. Though the majority of people no longer live in two-patent, single breadwinner homes, it is important to a society that sees itself as patrilineal to maintain the myth that we do. If we do not understand and express the clear and present difference, between erotica and pronography, In reality gang rapes are instead vicious, brutal and traumatic events for the victim." we may find ourselves alligned with those who seek to deny us our control of our bodies by denying us the right to abortion and sexual choice, FUNCTION OF PRONOGRPAHY Erotica celebrates our humanity and s exuality. Pronography denies and denigrates both. Pornography has been described as hate literature against women. While this definition cannot be applied to all of the pornography which concerns us, it is a useful way of examining sado-masochistic pornography. If male members of any visible minority group were depicted as being tortured, burned, or beated few people while bound or shackled, w ould argue that the publication of such materials did not "violate community standards". We understand that material which objectifies and dehumanizes people because of race, colour or ethnic origin, dehumanizes us all. We call it "hate literature" because it teaches hate, teaches that outward physical characteristics determine value as a person. White becomes equalled with "good" black, or yellow or red becomes "bad".Externals become all, and feelings, thought, abilities, behavior-qualties which distinguish all of us as human species and each of us as individuals--are rendered invalid. It is no accident that many of the children that are features in "kiddie porn" publications are non-white, "third world" children. Accoeding to Butta Stovling, they are chosen becaus "it is easier to exploit or abuse Asian children". Northern Woman Journal, page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �porn-, por'no-. From Greek porne, prostitute (prob. from pernemi, sell, as captives) ... por-nog'ra-phy, n. 1. Description of prostitutes and of Prostitution ... 2. The expression or suggestion of the obscene in speaking, writing, etc.; licentious art or literature. e-rot'ic, a. Of or pertaining to passionate love or sexual desire; suggested by or treating of love; amorous; amatory... .n. 1. Lit. An amatory composition, especially in poetry. 2. sing. orpl. A theory or science of love. -from "Funk & Wagnalls New Standard Dictionary of the English Language." True--and perhaps not only economically easier. Most purchasers of pornography are middle-aged, married white men. Young non-white people are not like them and therefore easier to objectify. Such objectification h,as always been used in wars to make our enemies less human and therefore easier to violate and kill. We "gooked" the Vietnamese, "Japped" our Asian enemy in World War 11 (and interned those Canadians who shared Japanese heritage, though we let Canadians of German and Italian (white) origin go free. As Andrea Dworkin says, "Genocide begins, howin the conviction ever improbably that classes of biological distinction indisputably sanction social and political discrimination." Simone de Beauvior taught us long ago that women have been made objects in a society ruled by men. Pornography focusses on and exploits those characteristics which made us "other" and denies those parts of us which are common to all human beings. It reduces us to breasts, buttocks and genetalia--tits, ass and cunt--to be used and abused. Worse, it integrates that message with another, the message that sex and violence are linked. The lesson taught by all hard-core pornography is that men's pleasure comes from inflicting pain and women's from feeling it. Its logical consequence is "snuff movies", the ultimate pornography made in South America where, as the publicity says "life is cheap", and shown in major cities of the US and in Toronto. Snuff movies feature the (apparently) actual disembowelment and killing of the woman, as part of the sex acts. They are the most blatant example of woman hating and the confusion of sexuality with aggression. Robin Morgan has said, "Pornography is the theory and rape the practise". Maorgan is right, though perhaps she does not go far enough. Pornography explicates and condones all forms of woman abuse. It justifies wife battering and rape in marriage by stating that sex partners are appropriate victims of violence. It is a form of pimping for it depicts womn as sexual commodities and derives profit from their bodies. It contributes to sexual harassment on the street and on the job by reducing women to breasts and buttocks. It condones incestuous molestation. of children by showing such relationships as normal and desirable. Its relationship to rape is obvious. By showing a world where sex and violence are equated, pornography makes all the sexual relationships it depicts and inspires a form of rape.' (There are two ways of seeing women) Only "chaste" women are good and deserving of male protection. Women who are sexual beings' are evil unless controlled and made passive, obedient and acquiescent. In order to be categorized so simplistically, we must be seen to exist only to serve as vehicles for the realization of men's sexual desires. Pornography teaches that we are fair game, that we really like to be brutalized and raped. "Let's kiss and make up," says the wife batterer whose victim is suffering ruptured , untold generations, women's clitorises have been torn from them., their outer genetalia severed then crudely clamped together with thorns in order to assure female chastity and ensure natrilineage in polygamous , society. In China for millenia, girl children suffered the pain and crippling foot-binding, a practise which destroyed the mobility of the female children when they were six or seven years of age, forcing them to walk on the outside of the toes which had been bent under the foot. It was believed that binding the feet deepened the vagina and created new folds within it, thus increasing the pleaure of the male. Women were literally sec sexual prisoners. In the western countires the most cruel example of woman abuse was the extermination of nine million "witches" over six centuries, (most of whom were women who defied male control) in Europe RCA Records, Album cover for Nelson Slater's "Wild Angel. ' and America. We have had out ribs remChain used is like a bit for a horse which is being broken in. oved to produce desirably thin waists worn girdles and high heels to force kidneys from his kicks;. our flesh and our feet into attractive "Did you enjoy it," sneers the cop forms. And what about the women and at the rape victim. "I'm black and Blue from the Rolling Stones and I love children who model for pornography? Their torture does not appear to it," screams.the billboard. "Jump on be simulated. Nor is it for the sexual it," directs another album cover, the partner that men buy the products message flashed across the scarlet taradvertised in the back of the magazine. get of a woman's crotch, Today's pronography reinforces One of the premises of pornography is that we are natural masochists, the same ideologies as clitoredectomies "controlled in our feeling and thought and foot binding. It mystifies and by the idea of being completely and corrupts the nature of true sexuality unconditionally subject to the will and enjoins that women must suffer of a person of the opposite sex; of to give men pleasure. "All she needs bein g treated by this person as (if is a good fuck"--or a slap, or a whip. he were) a master, humiliated and Pornography creates two mutually Exabused." clusive or mutually understandable In sado-masochistic fantasies, or castes of people. It leaves no room for practise, there is no possibility of love or communication or understanding eqaality between the sexes. Men and across the wall it builds between the women are enemies by nature, engaged sexes. It glorifies power and dominance, in a continuous war of the sexes. over women, over other non-human creaSacher-Masoch, after whom the theory tures and over the earth itself. The of masochism was named, writes, "Woman as nature has created her and as man at equation of sex with violence opposes the sharing of experience,,the effort present raised her, is his enemy... to communicate, the gentle integration she can only be his slave or his desthat is the basis of sexual bonding-pot, but never his companion...." and of living in a world that is not Sado-masochistic fanatasy and practise destroyed by the human presence. are not about sex; in Sacher-Masoch's In that it sanctions violence awork, and in that of many of his followgainst those less powerful and labels wers, no genital contact need take place. acts of desecration as "manly" and The fantasies are about power, domination, breaking of will, victimization negates the acts of tenderness and com= passion by categorizing them as effemiand victory. nate and therefore undesirable in half Though our socialization may indeed t the human population, it denigrates cause some of us to feel ashamed of a all humankind.This view of power is our sexuality to the point where we fantasize about being overcome in order consistent with an ideology which exploits the world--including the physto remove the guilt we have been taught to associate with sexual feeling, ical world--through power. It is not merely coincidental that rape of the few women would seek the reality of a women of a country is a traditional sado-masochistic relationship. Most of part of the spoils of a war, an affirmaus have known physical pain; often it Lion of the victor's conquest of the has been: inflicted by those who were men who would "rightfully" have sexual supposed to love and protect us. We rights to the women. that it is not pleasant, not sexual But egalitarian relationships are but simply painful. But in a society only difficult,not impossible. They in which women have less power than would be less difficult in a context men, and where those who profess where propaganda for coercive relatto love us are often our violators, ionships was not prevalent. All such we may have little chance to escape propaganda is not pornographic: such pain. themes dominate the mainstream media. The infliction of pain on women to make us conform to male sexual desires is not new. In Africa, for 11 Northern Woman Journal, page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �the power within our own country. While propaganda, and all men who have not we know that feminists are a relatively denied their ability to feel compasunheard group, our opinions have been sion as well as passion must see the asked and our suggestions incorporfallacy in the catharsis arguement. ated in proposed legislation. On many issues, feminists and civil start with it. Debra Lewis and Lorenne Clark both libertarians are in accord. But the THE MYTH OF CATHARISIS were asked to present briefs on pornissue of restriction of pornographic There is an alternate view which ography to the parliamentary commitmaterials is one that separates those sees pornography as serving a positive of us who see pronogrpahy as a contra- tee on Justice and Legal Affairs, in function, and claims that it provides March 1978. Though the ammendments an outlet for male sexuality which acts vention of the civil rights of women proposed a few months later did not from those who see censorship of poras a safety valve, thus decreasing sex correspend closely to their recom -nography as limiting the rights to crimes against women. mendations, the influence of their The theory seems to be based on thes e freedom of another individual, group presentation was obvious. or community. premises: that men naturally equate We cannot accept that it is not We have laws against assault and sex and violence; that men must have a within our power to make our views "anti noise" civic by-laws. We have sexual outlet in which women are vicheard. To accept our powerlessness laws wh ich restrict the publication timized; and that lacking such an is to accept the message that pornoand dissemination of hate literature. outlet in pornography, they will seek graphy tries to imprint on us and on And there are existing laws against women victims on which to stake their men who are the other half of our obscenity. Censorship in many forms "violent lust". species: -- that women are natural exists. Some old and short -term studies victims, objects to be acted upon, Without consorship of any kind, we which showed a decrease in reported rather than people participating in could find nipple presses, spanking rape in Scandanavian countries after the process of defining their world. obscenity laws were made more "liberal" harnesses and paddles on sale'in (a local department store). We could have To accept that it is impossible to are usually cited. The theory seems define pornography is to acept that our eyes assualted by depictions of invalid on several counts. The "eviwe too are unable to distinguish women and children being sexually dence" does not state what proportion between pornography and erotica. coerced as we' passed every bookstore of the material subjects were exposed or patronized our neighbourhood dairy to was actually pornogrpahic, and store. Pornography offends women. It what proportion simply erotic. It does creates a climate in which the freedom not express the long term effects of for women to walk unmolested and to Censorship laws--or laws regardpornography on children brought up form relationships without fear of viing obscenity--do exist and no in a culture where pornography is olation is impeded. The question is doubt will continue to do so. The pervasive and available without age not one of freedom versus liberty, but restriction, as is now the case in new government... will probably of whose freedom, ours or the pornogradraft new legislation, as the LibSweden. phers???Some feminists--particularly Nor does it distinguish between erlas did in the last two sessions feminists actively working in socialof parliament. Proposals for change actual and reported incidence of rape; ist politics, have given other valid are included in bills C-51 and C-21. perhaps an effect of the increased resons for taking an anti-censorship availability was to create a climate Like the ammendments regarding prostitution they died on the order stance. in which the credibility of awoman reporting rape became even more suspaper. Section 159 of the Criminal Code pect, or in which women felt that of Canada, which has been in effect they would be considered "poor sports" since July 6, 1959 states: if they reported. The catharsis theory Cynthia Flimod (PRIORITIES, January does not explain why killers like 1979) raises two issues: that it may 1)Everyone who commits and offence Charles Manson and David Berkowitz prove impossible to come up with a defwho (Son of Sam) collected stacks of hardinition concerning material we do not a)Makes, prints, publishes, districore pornography, nor why pornography want controlled; and that the present butes, circulates, or has in his is used to "cure" homosexuals and governments would enforce any legislation posession for the purpose of pubconvert them to "normal" heterosexual in ways untenable to us. In an lication, distribution or circulatrelationships. accompanying article, Hilda Thomas ion any obscene written matter, picThe catharsis theory seems based notes that censors have been tradition ture, model or phonograph record or on a view of human sexuality which ally anti-women; censorship laws have other thing whatsoever,... denigrates men and women alike. It been used to control women rather than says that appropriate male repsonse to relieve our oppression. 2)Everyone who commits an offence who is to be turned on by material deAll their points are worth considerknowingly, without lawful justificapicting women being violated and ing. Certainly we know that when "comtion or excuse, maimed. munity standards" are cited as critereon While it is ture that many (if for judging obscenity, it is not a fema) Sells, exposes to public view or not most) North American men are inist community that the judges are rehas in his possession for such a ferring to. Yet Thomas' and Flood's purpose any abscene written matter, socialized to equate the violation positions seem to lack the distiction p'_ture, model, phonograph record or of women with sexual pleasure, there between erotica and pornography. We other thing whatsoever, is no solid evidence that is biologicdon't think that they really want instrually based. Sex is a basic human need, ments of torture to be universally avail- A) No person shall be convicted of as is hunger; but the forms in which able. It seems certain that most women an offence under this section if he such needs are fufilled are culturally don't. And we cannot wait for the social- establishes that the public good determined. Foods are considered edist-feminist millenium to come. As avid- was served by the acts that are alible in some cultures and detestable ly as we might wish its advent, we are leged to constitute the offence and in others; forms of sexual expresliving our lives within the constraints that the acts alleged did not extend sion are 'normal' in some cultures and that exist for us now. beyond what served the public good. and 'deviant' elsewhere. The equation We do not advocate legislation as the of violence with male sexual arousal panacea; we favour legislation that is ideologically based; pornography For the purposes of this secwould ban only the most extreme and 4) is both a product and a perpetrator vilent forms of pornography; the snuff tion it is a question of law whether of that same ideology. Pornogrpahy movies, the animal-woman intercourse an act served the public good and contributes to a climate in which onthe images of small childwhether there is evidence that the pictures going generations- of males are ren with large penises in their mouths. act alleged went beyond what served taught that degradation rather than Such laws would be combined with the public good, but it is a question love is the appropriate form of sexother tactics combined to increase of fact whether the acts did or did ual expression. But behavior that is public awareness and decrease the pronot extend beyond what served the learned must not be confused with infitability of pornography. Our attack public good. stinct. All women who have loved and "on pornographers would be double pronged. shared non-coercive sexual joy with For the purpose of this section To agree totally with Thomas and Flood 5) a male partner, or know the trusting the motives of the accused are irwould leave us feeling hopeless and love of a male child too young to relevant.... helpleSs, totally alienated from have been affected by woman-hating But pornography is the most outrageous and outraging sexist propaganda; the fight for non-sexist material must The Law Censors , Northern Woman Journal, page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PORNOGRAPHY 6) For the purposes of this act, any publication a dominant characteristic of which is the undue exploitation of sex, or of sex and any one or more of the following subjects, namely, crime, horror, cruelty and violence shall be deemed to be obscene who do make legislation to reflectour interests if we do not make our position clear and known. Debra Lewis, Vancouver Status of Women legal researcher, has made suggestions for re-defining 'obscenity'. Lewis states," We want a law based on new standards which would entrench the physical and sexual autonomy of Bill C-51, the omnibus bill introduced 'women and children within the law. in parliament in May, 1978, and its Such a law should be based on the successor, Bill C-21, introduced to following principles in establishing the next session of parliament in November 1978, would have been amended a definition of obscene material: subsection (8) of section 159 and 1) That the material displays or added another subsection (9) to condones the actual or implied use define 'child'. of physical force or coercian against Clause 18 of Bills C-51 and C-21 another individual. (they are identical in all but date) states; Subsection 159 (8) of the 2) That the material depicts or said act is repealed and the folconddnes sexual contact between lowing is substituted therefore: adults and children. restrict children's rights to selfexpression. Nor is all material which is "sexually suggestive" to an adult necessarily sexual to the child engaging in the activity. While we deplore those who make profits of children's bodies, we feel that banning material which simply shows naked children with no coercive features or adult-child contact implicit or explicit in the depiction would create more problems than it might eliminate. It might for example prohibit the publication of pictures showing family scenes at Wreck Beach. In dealing with material that is offensive but not covered by the suggested definitions the use of other methods described below may be preferable. Pornography exists because our 3) That the material exploits, for (8) For the purposes of this act a society provides a context where men commercial purposes, the sexual actmatter of thing is obscene where feel a need for it. To eliminate ivity of children. a)Dominant characteristic of the it completely reuqires fundamental matter or thing is the undue exploitsocial change, the creation of a "Lewis suggestions have great merit ation of sex, coercive sex, violence, non-sexist egalatarian society and and would serve well to explain and crime, horror, cruelty, or the undue a society where women would not be define the changes we would propose. degradation of the human person; or victimized emotionally or financilThey would remove the emphasis on ly so that models for pornography sex which, while less explicit in w ould become unavaliable. b)The matter or thing unduly depicts Bills C-21 and C51 than in the present Feminists are working in many ways a totally or partially nude child legislation, still seems focal. to achieve that goal,; the harder (i)engaged or participating in an It is not sex, but the association we work the more we understand that act or simulated act of coercive of sex with violence which is truly the realization will not be accomplishsexuality, masturbation, sexual inter'obscene'. We feel that the replaceed soon. But pornography also exists course, gross indecency, buggery or ments of subsections (8) and (9) because there is a profit to be made bqastiality, or with the following words would proii) unduly displaying any part of from it. (Hard-core "porn" magazines, hibit the material that is objectioncover priced at $15-$25 in their his or her anatomy in A. sexually able to women, while permitting the country of origin, sell for $30-50 suggestive manner. free-flow of erotica and educational on the Canadian market). material. While we work on the fundamental (9) In this section, a 'child' means (8)For the purposes of this act, a changes, we also work on more solsomeone who is or appears to be bematter of thing is obscene where utions. By decreasing the profits low the age of 16. a) a dominant characteristic of the of the pornographers and distributors, we may be able to reduce the flow The proposed ammendments were criticized matter or thing is coercive sex, violence, crime, horror or cruelty. of degrading material. These tactics by feminists, and rightly so. The b)the matter or thing unduly depicts may be applied not just to hard-core most important criticism was that the a totally or partially nude! child material, sold under the counter, but proposal failed to distinguish between magazines(like HUSTLER) and films pornography and erotica. It was felt by i) engaged or participating in an act or simulated act of coercive Lewis, for example that "the law and other material which can be offensexuality, masturbation, sexual sive but is not illiegal. We can boyremains primarily ori6nted around sexintercourse, gross indecency, bugcott stores that handle offensive ual factors and subjective judgement gery or beastiality. on what is or what is not immoral." material, magazines and newspapers that carry ads for material, and The terms were neither clear nor nar(9) For the purposes of this section, products that advertise in offensive row enough to ensure the exclusion coercive sex means: magazines. of truly pornographic material while a) the implicit or explicit associWe can picket and leaflet movie houses permitting the distribution of erotic ation or force or violence with sexshowing smut films, and bookstores material primarily aimed at women, ual activity or carrying material degrading to women. information on women's bodies and b) non-consensual sexual activity. Again, our numbers must be strong; their particular medical problems, propsective clients should have to and explicit sex educational material.. Subsection 159 (9) as proposed in Bills deliberately walk through our lines Despite dissatisfaction with present C21 and C51 would become section to get to their sources. and proposed legislation, feminists 159(10). In this section a 'child' We know that most of the hard-core in Canada (like US feminists) have weans someone who is or appears to pornography is published in the US been reluctant to attempt suggesting be below the age of 16. or in Scandinavia. We do not know who wording which would reflect their owns and controls these publishers concerns. We have not includea any specific and producers. Since most Canadian At a major national conference held mention of material depicting children corporations are afilliates or subin San Francisco in November 1978, in "sexually suggestive ways". Adultsidiaries of larger US corporations feminists agreed only to "work to child sexual contact is by nature co(this holds true for crime syndicates eliminate all images of women being ercive sexual contact, since an imbalance as well as General Foods) knowledge bound, raped, tortured and murdered of power is inherent in such relationships of the sources and the connections, for sexual stimulation." Material obviously designed to exploit if any to Canadian interests could The NAC workshop put forward two children's sexuality would be covered be useful. We could then boycott afresolutions: "that the government by Subsection 8 (b). filiates, confront the Canadina conmake funds available for longitudinal We do not believe that the question tacts and ask for their cooperation research on the casual connection beof whether a child is "unduly display -' qn eliminating offensive amterial tween pornography and violence against ing any portion of his or her anatomy (and publish an account of our efforts women"; and that there be a moratorium in a sexually suggestive manner" is if they refuse). on amendments to existing legislation one that can be determined by law. Defeating pornographers will require until such research was complete. Since we believe that children dedication and comitment. But if we Moderator Lorenne Clark stated, have a right to freedom of sexual exif we do not try, if we do not define "We are not in the business of pression and it is the exploitation needs and devise and follow a drafting legislation." of their sexuality which is abhorent, unified strategy to see them met, we We disagree with this perspective, we hesitate to recommend the adoption cannot balme others when material believing that we cannot expect those offends and oppresses us. of legislation which might be used to Northern Woman Journal, page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MEDIA: TEE UNDERPLAYED by Helen Lafontaine There are a lot of people in society that do not understand that there is anything wrong with the way that women are depicted in the media. And even if they begin to come to a little bit of consciousness about it, they don't really understand that how women are depicted in the media will affect them on the job, in their lives, in their homes and on the streets late at night. think we need a tremendous amount of consciousness about these particular issues and guess for me it's always been to try and do some educating about it. I've always believed that media has been the most powerful influence on lives in this century think it it is hard to realize that just a few hundred years ago, there were no such things as books. Now we: have television, radios, newspapers, billboards, movies and store windows. mention store windows because this was reading the Tormorning when onto GLODE AND MAIL, there was a large picture in it of the window of CREED'S department store. Now don't know what your nicest, most expensive, most splendiforous store is in Thunder Bay, but in Toronto, guess the most expensive store in the whole world has to be CREEDS. It is elegance. You pay $50 for the box, $200. for the label and then you pay for whatever it is you bought I I I I I I I there. Well, this particular window was a display for bathing suits and it featured a number of mannequins who were bound and gagged and tied to posts and coral and to other things that you would find on beaches... and they were being attacked by crabs. Now the point of all this is that JAWS is playing in town again and the designer of the window, whom spoke to this morning on the phone said that he wanted to be original. He wanted it to be CLAWS---get Claws/Jaws-He was very upset that called him and he said that depressed him--apart from how much that he had depressed me--and he said that it was rather late in his career for him to feel that he had to defend himself. And wasn't it sad that people were so narrow minded that they just couldn't understand a-good I I I joke. really found it sad that hard to laugh seeing piCtures of women bound and gagged and being attacked by anything. see that all the time in Toronto newspaper movie advertisements, and probably you do too. There not the kind of movies that you would necessarily want to take your children guess more than anything to and said that his display looked else, like the porno movie ads....And he didn't think that was the right image for CREEDS, and neither did I. I I I I I But the point of this whole story is that the designer thought it was a joke, He thought it was kind of cute. In fact, he said to me that one of the women mannequins in the window wasn't even tied up and that perhaps she was the one who tied all the other women up... this is the verbatim conversation. The point is, if that is the nicest store in all of Toronto, and certainly the most expensive, and this is the type of advertising that they're able to do now in their great big display windows, ther think we have to realize that the kind of things that used to be confined to certain kinds of bookstores, and adult game stores and certain kind of dirty movies that old men went to in their raincoats,has now all moved out onto beautiful Bloor street in downtown Toronto. We really have to be aware that It is OK. This kind of thing is not only OK in the places where it used to be confined, but it is OK anywhere, just anywhere and that is very, very dangerous. would like to talk to And so, you about violence, and then I'd like to give you some facts about think we can the media, and then tie it all together. I'd like to give you a definition of violence. This comes from the ROYAL COMMISSION ON VIOLENCE IN THE COMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY--the Lamarsh Commission. We made a presentation to it on how women were depicted in the media and they consequently sent us some very interesting stuff material. First: violence is action that intrudes painfully into the physcial, psychological or social well-being of persons, or groups. Violence or it's effects may range from the triv;. ial to the catastrophic. It may be obvious or subtle. It may arise naturally or by human design. Violence may take place against persons or property. It may be real or symbolmay be ic. It may be sudden or it gradual. think that all of these ways of defining and describing violence have happened to women. The Commission also goes into the nature of media violence; violence television, depEcted in films sound print or live performance is not necessarily'the same as violence in real life. Things not violent in reality may be violent in their portrayal. Violence depicted in the media may reach large numbers of people where real violence may not. I Such blatant public that coercive, violen1 pleasurable. I I I , And the interesting thing about that is ,that when it happens that way and does affect large numbers of people, then sometimes, some people feel that other people actually go out and do those things;, and sometimes learn literally to do those things themselves. They collected a lot of evidence about that during the Lamarsh Comission. There was a BBC production in which they were going to cover the subject of suicide. think they were actually begged not to film in the subways of London and ofcourse they did, and it was shown and then a few days later a number of people had managed to coma mit suicide in front of the various subway trains in London. You always read in the paper about children trying things that they saw on television with incredibly catastrophic results....children hanging themselves children shooting themselves. Some I children were trying something frc a movi e called THE DEERHUNTER. Apparently, in THE DEERHUNTER then was a Russian roulette scene, and so some kids tried it and one of is now dead. There is the Robert Poulin case in Ottawa. A couple of summers agc a boy of 17 killed a girl of 16, burned her and the room and then went to school and killed a few me students and ultimately killed hir self. When the police investigate( they found in his room, 300 pictui of women who were bound and gagger thir and handcuffed. They found, 16 sets of handcuffs and numerous orders for mail order rifles that you can just write away for in th country. Who knows? Who can prove on a one to one bagis whether the impetus for him doing the things did came from the kind of literati that he was able to get a hold of Now...would anybody act that m W ould only a few people act that way or does it really matter?Even if one person acts that way...it evidence of the tremendous impact 1 I I media. want to give you a few inter' ing figures about media. First of all, did you know that there are more TV sets in this country than flushing toilets. Ninety six perci of our homes have one or more teli vision sets. Ninety percent have flushing toilets. It is more impo to us to have TV. These people who have TV--you everyone else--are watching an average of 13 hours per week of televi sion. As a country we own something like fifteen million ra We listen approximately 3.4 hours per gay, each of us. think in 1975 they collected some figures on this. There were in 1975, 87 million dollars spent on records, 200 million dollars on movies and more than 24 millio comic books were sold. Something like 84 % of the people have a newspaper come into their homes everyday. I'm just trying to poi out just how involved we are with I I I media. I'm going to try and show you just how very much we are influen Northern Woman Journal, page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �posed to relate to one another, guess it is important to look at all of this from the context of feminism, if you will. It is important to look at it in the way that women concerned about women's issues look at it. Many of you are probably aware that what we believe about ourselves, what people tell us about ourselves, is ultimately what we come to believe. If you have taken courses in psychology at university or community college, we learn that it is a message that we learned a very long time ago. If someone tells you often enough how you are, eventually that is how you will be. If someone tells some one that they are a rotten person for twenty years, you will have a rotten person. If you tell someone that she is a victim for 20 years, she will be a victim. And then there is no use getting angry with her and asking why didn't she defend herself in the incidence of say a rape. We still have problems with the police, trying to persuade them not to show a film that tells women that it will be much better for them if they are raped, to go along with it and even sort of praise the man and then they won't who serves her family tang for breakfast. They don't care. They are very careful in figuring out their market and who should buy what they are trying to 'sell to us at a level at which we respond to them--even if we say we don't--even if we say we never look at ads, even if we say that there are certain things we wouldn't buy because they offend us so much, there is another product by that same company that you buy without even knowing it. It is a very, very good business and we support it 100%. And they know us. think that is what mean about educating ourselves. IF we can't read media, then we really don't have ourselves anymore. If we ,can't figure out what it is that they are trying to say to us, what kinc of message they are trying to give us, what kind of people they are telling us to be, then we really have nothing of ourselves anymore. If we just give ourselves over to it, then we are.really controlled. don't think people like to think of themselves that way, but am suggesting to you that we are controlled a lot more than we know. It starts really when we are very small and continues be hurt. And that way it 1%4111 all be all through our lives. fine. Now, that is not true. And What our textbooks say to our secondly...if she wants to prosecute kids, what our highschool English in court texts say to them, what we see in she is not bruised enough and beaten enough magazines directed to teenage women, to have a case in court. And when what we see in magazines like Chatyou think of the other side of that, elaine and Redbook and McCalls, that when you have to carry enough tell us what kind of housewives we bruises on your body before someone should be, what we see in business thinks you have a case in court, then magazines, what the billboards have that is a pretty funny thing too. on them, what we see the record So how is it that media affects jackets depicting---Has anybody looked us? believe it's because it tells at the record jackets lately--the us who we are. It tells us what we really funky rock albums? You wi111 should be. It tells us how we find it very hard to find one that should act. It tells us every single doesn't have some woman tied to something that .pwe need to know about thing, bound to something. don't how to behave in the Canadian society know what it is about tieing women's of 1979. hands, but this year tieing women Along with all those facts and up is the big thing. It is the in figures gave you, it's important things to do and it is everywhere. And to realize that 26 billion dollars so this whole business of media comes was spent on advertising last year. at us from just about every direction How many rape crisis centres, interin life and from just about every direc val houses, and Nellies etc. could tion of our society. It is always with' we have in this world with 26 billion us and in some ways that you aren't dollars? But we know enough to realeven aware of. think that I've said ize that if somebody is going to this, but cannot stress enough to spend 26 billion dollars, they have you how important it is: THE MEDIA IS a good reason for it. They want to VERY POWERFUL. influence you; they want you to do There is no point in pretending that something. They want you to go out it isn't. It isn't that we are giving and spend your money. Nobody undertoo much emphasis to this, we don't stands psychology better and what aive _it nearly enough. makes people tick than the people (When we come to talk about legiswho work in advertising and that is absolutely terrifying. The majority lation and censorship) everyone is supof these people don't have a parposed to be against censorship, but ticular amount of conscience about some of the ads see are hate literatit. ure. We have laws against hate literaThey would not spend 26 billion ture in this country and nobody calls dollars on something that doesn't them censorship. We say in this country work. It makes you buy because it that it is morally wrong and further fufills a fantasy, feeds an anxiety to that, it is illegal to incite vioor makes you do something for some lence against groups of people. We say reason that you are not even aware that t is wrong to show croups of of, some reason that is probably people in situations that are degrading very subliminal--otherwise you to them. We say that it is illegal and would not spend the money. And every immoral to spread hate literature in sJngle cent of that money is acour country. think that those kinds counted for and they are advertising of violent movies and billboards and all the time to different groups of record jackets are hate literature. The people. So, the people that bring other kinds of violence are much more you the ring-around the-collar subtle. It would be very hard to say commercial, which believe is a very that a picture of a little pop-up doll subtle form of violence against womdepicting a young girl's ultimate goal en, also bring you the very liberated MO LS: commercial about the executive woman ! ays reinforce the idea is acceptable and even by it and this is what mean about educating ourselves about what media does to our consciousness. don't know if any of you have seen the book THE EARLY WINDOW, but it talks about the impact of television on children. It says that children I I spend more time in front of the television than in the classroom. Before a child is fifteen in this country, he or she will have seen on television, 13,000 murders. Almost 84% of all television programming involves violence.And we think that that is just fine. Nobody is saying too much about it.. We've been more concerned with sex on television. The kind of violence on television is very very strange. There are subtle and blatant forms of violence but television violence is strange. You shoot somebody, they fall down and that's death. Well, that isn't what death is like at all. In television it is not messy, it is not painful, there is no suffering. There are just thirteen thousand people being killed in front of the eyes of children before they are 13 years old. think that is absolutely amazing. don't know why we aren't more And concerned about it. When you look at women in television and you look at women in movies--I know movies are changing a little bit in the recent years and we are getting into some fairly strong characters--but for almost ten years we have seen some very macho films, in which friendships were only between men. Women were only there as little sexual assets. No movie was complete without its obligatory gang bang, or at least a rape. Even SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER--almost any kind of movie deals with incredible violence against women; always women are victims. Very rarely do they fight back and defend themselves. In fact, in some of the is about movies, the whole myth if you know rape is inevitable, then you are supposed to relax and enjoy it. This is what we see in movies, is what we are told about ourselves. This is what boys and girls are told about the way men and women are supI I I I I I I I I I I I i I I Northern Woman Journal, page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �as Miss Universe in a school textbook is violence or hate literature. It think would be pushing things. But that we have to be aware that we are teaching kids at a very early age to have certain expectations of themselves and then when they get older they get to reap the benefits of those expecthink that by the time you tations. get to th e really wonderful hard core pornography and violence that that is hate literature and we shouldn't be at all embarassed about asking our legislators to do something about it. really think that it is imAnd portant for us to have fights with civil liberties groups who say "NO we age taking away the freedom of think it is a red herring speech. am asking you to think about it and don't see the difference betoo. tween this kind of depection of women and some other kinds of depictions of violence against other groups of people --depictions that we have already outlawed in this country. We have not extedded it to women because it's only women and women are the ones who really have to fight back about these kinds of things and try to persuade the people who make the laws and who do hopefully set some kind of standards in our communities I I I I I I that we are very serious about this. honestly believe that abusive billboards, movies and record jackthink ets help women to be abused. it helps rape to happen. It helps incidents of wife and child battering. Because it makes it OK. It puts it on a billboard, it puts it in a store's display window and what it is saying is that it is quite all right and that there is not a thing wrong with it. "See how all right it is. don't We have it everywhere." And think that there is any doubt that that all the things we are concerned about are on the increase. Rape is on the increase, or maybe the reports are more frequent--but wife battering, child abuse and the sexual abuse of children are definitely on the increase. If any of you haven't seen the magazines that depict 3 and 4 year olds having intercourse with adult men, then you haven't really lived. And there is no law against that. And most of those children are girl children. It doesn't make it any better if it is a boy child, it's just that it so happens that the victim in most cases happens to be a I I I girl. We are living in a society that doesn't mind brutalizing women, whether ring it's subtle put-downs like around- the -collar in the stupid WHISK commercials of the cleaning woman who hasn't got nice enough legs or enough cleavage to get a new broom, or whether it's "I'm Black and Blue love for the Rolling Stones and it!"---all of it is violence. Sexual harassment on the job is an enormous,problem. When Rebook did a survey of its readership, more than 80% of the women that responded said that they had personally experienced sexual harassment on the job and we're only just beginning to talk about this. We really need to do something about it. When you are working and you can't afford to quit or you are going to school and you don't think that you are going to get a grade because your professor wants to go to bed with you, or you are supporting your children Subtle media putdowns: You may not believe it, says 'a male lab technician in a recent Playtex commercial, "but we know more about bras than you do. and you have to do what the boss says or get fired, then you are victim and it is very difficult to something about it if you are not a free agent. You can t just walk out. A lot of women do, but it is very difficult to get help and a lot of people won't even acknowledge that it is happening or some of the others think that it them to change and get them to listen to us. There is a new commission set up in Ottawa which is going to look at advertising in Canada for the first time and try to come up with some reasonable standards for it. If that happens, we ought to be in touch with those people and let them know what we think, why we feel the way that we do and is OK. what w e know from our experience. We Because we are walking down the ought to maintain a very close association street at night, it's OK to get with those kinds of people. raped. If you didn;t have a nice We ought to try and influence media dress on, and you weren't 17 years old have women it is more important old, then it wouldn't have happened to in media and in advertising, in teleto you. You should have stayed home vision and in management, in programand locked your door. But, how many ming and in writing and acting so that rapes happen at home or how many rapes finally we are going to have some imhappen to women who are 87 years old pact on content. It is violence against and no one in years has accused them' women in the school textbooks that parof wearing cute little tight skirts?? ents can do something about. There are a It doesn't matter. Violence against lot of actions people can take. women is condoned in our society and If you are concerned about wifethe reason that we know it is is because beating rape and sexial harassment our media says that it is OK. And once on the job, youi have to be very inmedia gives it its stamp of approval, formed about all the ways that society it is really OK. That is why we have condones this kind of activity and you to work at understanding the media and have to find ways to fight back, because how it affects us, and finally, how it is impossibilt to do anything about we can come LID with actions to get it otherwise. , This ad insults everyone if you can't ban them 0 I Northern Woman Journal, page 10 To date there has been one meeting of women interested in forming a Media Action Committee aimed at monitoring the media and making our voices heard by advertisers, agencies, and government monitoring committees. June 27, it was decided by 8 On women who attended a meeting at women's centre, that they would draft several form letters appropraite to the various kinds of media, to distribute to women interested in making their objection known to the people responsible for producing and airing or publishing, advertising that is offensive to women. Because Advertisers are the last to be convinced tha more realistic portraya in media would be bette to by the public, it was ided that the Committee earch the existence of v monitoring committees an and determine their poli W the media. changing to have imput into any cerned with legislation the media. If you are intereste ticipating in a committ actively observe the me pare briefs to be prese influential legislative tact Miriam at 345-5841 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �ra er, I'd et a tow it riot 1Vood fron A tom s We ALL live in AT I KDICAN Do-rtik The whole issue of nuclear energy is one which has been taken up by feminists across Canada and the United States. The new Feminist Party of Canada plan to use it as one of their major campaign issues. The Feminist Anti-Nuclear Task Force in Washington D.C. has prepared the following statement to show that energy is a feminist A demonstrator with a very good reason along. these disasters to happen. But women pay the price. Who will compensate us for our forced job loss and our evacuation expenses? How can we put a price on damage to our reproductive potential? Who will foot the bill issue... when women must support the ill and the dying as a result of a nuclear No studies adequately assess the disaster? Women must force those health effects of radiation on present and future populations. Medical sciresponsible to be accountable for their destruction. ence lacks even the knowledge to deEnergy is a feminist issue. Women fine and monitor populations at risk. In the face of inadequate safety conhave been caretakers and nurturers for centuries. trols and inadequate evacuation plans, Thus we know the crucial women bear the final burden of fleeing link between survival and the regenwith our families from a nuclear horror. erative, nurturing use of all our reWe who bear ultimate responsibility sources. We also know that the exploitation and domination of Mother for the health and well-being of our Earth reflects and perpetuates the children, ourselves, and our families, must halt the lethal threat of radiviolent exploitation to which women ourselves are subjected. ation and nuclear destruction. Myth, language and history make this clear. The nuclear industry is exempt We must end the nuclear threat before it from financial responsibility in the event of a nuclear disaster. Women becomes the ultimate violent att. We do not control the nuclear industry call on women worldwide to resist, with which produces the disasters, nor do our rage, our hearts, and our actions, this final threat to our survival. we control the government which allows There's a road about 12 miles outside of Atikokan that has seen a lot of changes in the past few weeks. This is the road that goes into Forsberg Lake. For many years the people of Atikokan have used the road to get into some of their favourite fishing and blueberry picking spots. But in early July if became private property --the property of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. For a private citizen it is virtually impossible to close a road. No matter how much property you own, you are not allowed to deny public access. But AECL managed to have the road to Forsberg Lake and their drill site closed almost overnight. A citizen of Atikokan requested and received permission to use the road on Saturday July 14 for a picnic with an unspecified number of friends. The Citizens' Committee Studying Nuclear Waste was also well prepared. One member had obtained a prospector's license and on Tuesday, July 10 had 'staked a mining claim which included approximately 600 feet of the "private" road. On Saturday corning, the 30 vehicles which arrived were met by one OPP officer. He had been informed that permission had been revoked and was there to inform the demonstrators that it was an "arrestable offence" to enter the road. After a short conference, the group decided to ignore the NO TRESPASSING signs and walk to the drill site. The OPP officer didn't move as 75 people carrying picnic bas- tiA This piece of technology is the drill that will determine whether or not the land is fit to accomodate nuclear waste. kets and picket signs reading SPLIT WOOD NOT ATOMS and I'D RATHER GET MY GLOW FROM SATISFACTION headed up the road. At the drill site things were pretty quiet. Drilling had not yet begun and the two AECL employees who were there remained in their trailer wearing their white hard hats and taking a few pictures. After some general milling around, the Atikokan group read letters of support from Jim Foulds and various anti-nuclear groups. Across the drill site were hung copies of the petition which over 1,600 Atikokan residents had signed. The demands were made, yet again, for open public hearings into the issue of nuclear waste and that the test drilling be carried out by an independent research group. Meanwhile, back at the corner, there was some prospecting going on. People holding certificates for Mammot Mining Company were busy working their claim--in the middle of the road. The demonstrators returning to their cars crossed a small creek which now ran ac across the road. AECL road nuggets were being sold. The day had been a pleasant one but there was a general feeling of frustration. It was kind of an anticlimax as, once again, there was noone there to listen. Its a common problem here in Northern Ontario. But it's not over yet. The Citizens' Committee Studying Nuclear Waste is meeting to discuss future strategie If you're concerned about this issue, or would like more information about nuclear energy and nuclear waste, contact the Citizens' committee at their office on Miles Street at 623-4501. Northern Woman Journal, page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �north I enclose some poems you might find a use for. I have been thinking of what to say of my experience of life in the North and came to the conclusion that this is the best way to express some of my feelings. I hope you like them and can use them. My own story can be told in one paragraph. My children are grown-up and at university. I cannot retrain here in Pickle Lake as there are no facilities, therefore I cannot get a job, and there are very few jobs available anyway, I am secretary of the Recreation Committee of Pickle Lake and keep myself busy with my own interests, but get very fed up at times with the lack of facilities and the restrictions of such a small population. I occasionally think of leaving Pickle Lake and establishing myself elsewhere, but am very happily married and attached to my husband. Tres difficile! I cannot say too strongly, I think you have all (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STUDY under the auspices of the NWO International Women's Decade Council) been doing much needed work in making so plain the quality of life of the women in the North. Before we came to Canada, we spent twenty years in the copper belt of Zambia, in Central Africa. Northern Rhodesia as it was when we went out there, is a one-industry country-copper mining. There were two companies there...As the mines are all in the bush, the companies had built lovely townships with every facility one could want, including Little Theatres for the amateur actors. As a result, the people were happy and stayed a long time. Ofcourse, the the companies were very ri&h as the copper deposits are vast. We are very surpirsed to find that Canada is so behind African mining companies in these policies. Things are changing here as many companies are becoming more progressive, but not all. It takes time. ELIZABETH ROBERTSON BORLAND POEMS BY ELJIMBETH Wild Flowers He came from a world strange to me, A world of high mountains And deep bush, A world of bear cubs rolling in the Sunshine, Of wolves howling in the icy dark, Heard from a warm bed. He told me of the salmon Racing, leaping, flying, Up the rivers To spawn, and die. Of the bald-headed eagles, And the black raven, whose racous cry, Becomes a bell in the Springtime; And the humming-birds Who drink the nectar of the Lovely wild flowers of the North. I dreamed of the mountains, Rising sheer from the seat. I dreamed of the mists rolling in From across the ocean, I dreamed of the home I could Give him, And of his children. What children we would have Strong of limb, Sturdy, Wild and free, like The wild things of The North. The Swallows It seems so long ago the swallows gathered, Strung like blue beads On the power lines; Gathered for the long flight towards Summer And warmth. They tested their wings, their flying formations, Spread like a shower Of rain blown by wind; Blue rain swirling skyward towards Freedom And escape. Like those of the swallows, my fledglings have flown. Last year they flew With the swallows; Flew southward to find life's fullness, Among Other people. I wished that I too had wings, the power to fly, Fly on the wind Like the swallows, To find a life of fulfillment, A life Of my own. But now with the spring, the swallows are returning, Bringing summer and The flowers of summer. What have you seen, as you followed the stars, And I waited Alone? Now We have those dream children, Two boys and a Dark-haired little girl; Delight of my heart! They run free among the Wild flowers; Wild flowers themselves Flowers of such a wild love. They are strong, and they hear music, The music of the mountain streams Draining from the glaciers, From the heights above Into the fjord below. They smell the fragrance of Air like wine, White wine with Heady bouquet. They tumble like the bear cubs In the sunshine, Run like the wolves In the rain, Singing, Shouting, For joy: Such a gift my Love Gave to me! But now my wild creatures Must be tamed. They must learn the music of Anotherworld; My world. So much it has to offer, So many treasures to give. But so far away! Northern Woman Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �songs My Northern Love Where do I go from here? ROBERTSON BORLAND, Pickle Lake Ontario I I I I I hate him! hate this place! have no part in it am dying a slow death, am witnessing the death of Me, I am witnessing the death Of my love. It hurts! Oh! How it hurts! Why did I marry him? Why did I leave my home To go out into the wild world Of Adventure, The glittering world of False Promise? I left my home; so snug So safe, so warm. I left my mother crying, My father sorrowing, My sisters weeping, My brothers sad. Why? I remember he was so strong, He was so beautiful, So passionate, So kind. I remember he was shining And I loved him. How I loved him! He seemed like a knight stepped from The pages of Poetry, From the Court of King Arthur, Dreamed of by Tennyson, And me. My Prince, Come to wake me with his kiss, His touch, His touch! Longing The beavers are preparing their Cosy den, The bears feast on blueberries And wild honey, For the long sleep ahead, A sleep full of dreaming, Dreaming of summers too soon gone. Yesterday I saw the wild geese, Winging toward the South, The slow beat of their wings Warning of winter's approach. Today there are flakes of snow Drifting in the clear air, Settling on the bright yellow leaves On the silver birches, Falling into the shining waters below. But how I long for The harsh music of city streets, To hear the busy mind of the city Hum with activity, To feel the city's throbbing heart Again throb in mine! Here is stillness, Silence; After a while, Loneliness. He told me of his love, His love for the harsh world, The harsh world created by men For strong men, Men who seek the earth's treasures Coper and Iron, Silver and Gold; Who seek these treasures in Strange Places, Who brave dangers and fight hard To win their prize To achieve their goal. As he spoke I could see the Modern Odysseus, The Jason of the present day, Hercules labouring again at His gigantic tasks. How do I convince my wild Love Of my need? How make him see that life isn't only The wide horizon and The empty sky; Empty, yet full of the Soaring Eagle, Soul-mate to my Love? I hate him! I hate this place! I have no part in it But tonight, in the soft light Of evening, In the gently warmth Of his smile, In the excitement of his touch, I will love him. Where do I go from here? Northern Woman Journal, page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MOTHERS ON BUDGETS STILL PLUCKY OPPONENTS of WELFARE SPIRIT-KILL Mothers on Budget is an organization that has been around Thunder Bay since May, 1972. Like all volunteer organizations aimed at coping with certain unsatisfactory aspects of our social system, the group has had its radical and complacent periods. Right now, in spite of the problems they face, MOB is attempting to mean' more things to more people in Thunder Bay. On July 19 MOB held a coffee house at Ogden Community School, which is at present their headquartThe 5 active and 4 relatively ers. active members meet once weekly to regulate the numerous purposes and objectives The problem that MOB is having is getting into an office space that they can call their own five days a week. They want a sense of permanence, a telephone, ana a place for people to drop in. Although they were recently considered by Community and Social Services for a contract of services grant, they and so remain at were refused Ogden School, getting moved around when various spaces are required by other groups. There is also a problem of membership. MOB gets calls from women on welfare who would very in and see what much like to drop about. But often they it is all have small children and no car. The MOB members, are without cars also. The following is a list of their present purpose and objectives: --To generally assist families of low income, particularly those receiving welfare benefits, to cope with economics and social problems. --To provide a social milieu for families of low income. --To provide a forum through which people of low income can co-' operate to improve their economic and social position. --To provide a medium through which low income people can voice their opinion and through which social action can be initiated in response to social inequities. --To educate and inform people of low income of resources which are available to them. - -To receive household item and articles of clothing to be distrIbuted at a minimal cost to persons , For Further information on MOB call Janet Knowles at MOB has served as a general dropin place where mothers can bring their children, 345-0465. Doctor liable:ignored abortion request The Alberta Supreme Court recently held a doctor liable for failing to help his patient find access to legal, abortion in Edmonton. The doctor had argued that he only had admitting privileges at at hospitals without Therapeutic Abortion Committees. But the Court said that the doctor's legal duty was to refer the patient to physcians with admitting privileges at hospitals where there were Committees. Therefore a doctor who refuses to refer a patient entitled to abortion to a physician or agency able to help could be in violation of her/his legal duty. Further, hospitals themselves have duties to patients and may not be able to excuse a violation of those duties by saying they have decided not to set up a Therapeutic Abortion Committee. In other words, hospitals cannot voluntary disable themselves from meeting their patients' health needs. Anyone for test cases? Reprinted from Upstream, June 1979. Sweden bans spanking ehildren STOCKHOLMreligious (AP) A new law that forright". bids parentsThe from beating new law prohibits "any act spanking,which, cuffing otherwise fororthe purpose harmof publishing ing theircauses children takes in injury the child effect physical Sweden in July,, 1979, but some or pain, even if the disturbance, is parents are about It it.is meant to inmildnot andhappy passing." One father questioned, said he clude psychological punishment, but thought spanking was good for childlegal experts have criticized the ren, and wording a spokesman for as the small on this too vague. Maranata religious sect said frankly: The new ban does nor carry any "We will specific go underground if we However, have punishment. ordinary to but wecriminal will continue to exercise law allows sentences of up to our natural ten rights." years for serious cases and up Swedentowill themilder first ones. two become years in country with such a law, adopting it in the International Year of thg, Child. The law is a new step in a long process aimed at protecting children's rights here. A children's Ombudsmen said that an emergency phone watch for youngsters already A short quiz on women & art exists. by Liberal DONNA PHOENIX When the minority government introduced the bill to ban HOW spanking many Canadian women painters can parents from last March, you name? Justice Minister Sven Romanus said it means "our society has HOW many women artistsview do you know? taken an increasingly negative of beating or spanking as a means HOWupmany are internationally known? of bringing children. There has been no organized long been successful oppositionHOWto the have law, women but reactions from jurists, lawmakers and parents in fine art? has been mixed. Most critical thethat new women law were DID you of know were barred spokemen for fromthe life Maranata drawingsect, classes a (nude models) group of about who split until 300 the people 19th century? from the Pentecostal Church in the WHAT physical are the reasons for our success 1960s.It sees chastisement by parentsinasfine a natural means of corart? rection and an "ethical, moral and WHY have many women painters/sculptors in need. been excluded from many ART HISTORY ---To conduct activities both soccourses? For example, in the entire ial and commercial, necessary to "CIVILIZATION" series did you hear Centre three wonderful achieve Women's our objectives or see any work done by women? days at the Summer Solstice Festival Summer Solstice at Loch Lomond June with 22,23,and --To enter into contract per- 24. The idea to set up a food booth sons, companies, agencies, or govwhich sold perogies, cabbage rolls ermental departments for performance and coffee was both for the purpose of services compatible with our of fund raising and to particpate objectives. in something that we hope will become a strong annual tradition. Grace and June Cryderman are to be commended for weeks spent preparing the food a and their long hot hours in the kitchen that weekend. Also, all of the volunteers who gave any form of assistance are heartily thanked. Although we turned a profit of $300. (rather disappointing)--we're just that much wiser and will eb there again next year. have asked myself these questions Please join me in this quest for answers in the second APPRECIATING WOMEN ARTISTS course at Confederation College starting September 26. Our art herstory has and will continue to be another strong statement in woman's struggle to become her own I person. We are challenged to take pride in the art work of women from the middle ages to the present. My research has only just begun. Anyone who is interested or has further information are welcome to contact me through Women's Centre. urnal, page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT Fall Programs For Women Women's Programs offers a variety of learning experiences which are designed to meet YOUR needs; whether you are working at home, whether you are single, married or have been married; whether you have an educational background or not; whether you are 19 or 90. Come and join us; learn and grow. ZW 019 99 EFFECTIVE SPEAKING FOR WOMEN This course introduces women to some of the skills and techniques which make effective soeakino a reality. Learn to: Speak with confidence Think clearly Increase your vocabulary Write effectively 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 25 to Nov. 27. FEE $30.00 Room 278 ZW 017 99 WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR Women's Programs is pleased to be able to offer this five-week "Women Know Your Car" course in response to the success of the spring pilot program. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the basic procedures of car maintenance and to acquaint them with the general operation and function of the modern car, station wagon or 'h ton. 7-10 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. FEE $15.00 ZW 002 WOMEN IN THE WILDERNESS 99 Would you like to develop your skills and confidence outdoors in the company of other women, who like yourself need just a "nudge" to change their whole outlook on outdoor living? What would it be like to pack your own backpack or canoe and head out on your own, or with others, assured of your ability to not only survive but, comfortably enjoy yourself outdoors? Experience the wilderness ... it's great. This course will resolve your fears and stumbling blocks, teach basic skills, give information on proper equipment and food and to introduce you to other women who know themselves in the wilderness. You will . FEE $20.00 Room 282 disability? 4. What are the pros and cons of life annuity? In addition money management, a look at successful spending, saving and investment will be explored. Come and learn, it's your money. 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, Oct. 10 to Nov. 14. FEE $20.00 Room 278 ZW 018 99 OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE the exact course of action that would be best for them. The program offers women a chance to consider the various opportunities for change. 1:15-3:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 26 to Nov. 28. FEE $5.00 Room 327 GS 026 99 INTRODUCTION TO CLEAR COMMUNICATION PART I: ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING A course which now can also be taken as a credit Assertiveness Training An organized learning experience which will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills to examine processes of change in society regarding the status of women. For further information regarding this course, please call Women's Programs at 577-5751 Ext. 353. 7-10 pm Wednesdays Sept. 12 to Dec 12 . FEE $35.00 INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS Have you been thinking of getting back into the world A special program designed for women at home who are looking for a change in direction. Perhaps they wish to enter the area of paid employment or return to school or become involved in voluntary community work but are having difficulty identifying provides of paid employment: Have you been thinking of some of the more "unusual" jobs that might be available? If so, this could be the course for you. Manpower is sponsoring through Confederation College, an 8-week course for people who wish to seek employment in areas generally regarded as restricted to members of the "opposite sex". This course is designed to help students: 1. Assess their own skills; 2. Determine their own skills; 3. Develop job search techniques; 4. Provide four-weeks onthe-job training. The student will choose, with help from the instructor, where this training will take place. The next course will begin in October. For information call: 577-5751 Ext. 353. To register contact your local Canada Manpower Employment counsellor at 344-6601 or 623-2731. the job and in the community. 7-10 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 27 to Nov. 29. FEE $25.00 Room 282 HU 120 CANADIAN WOMEN WRITERS . one which seeks out women's work. Through a visual presentation utilizing 360 unique slides featuring the exceptional abilities of women artists from the early middle ages to the 20th Century, students will be introduced to the long-ignored perspectives of women in art. 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 26 to Nov. 21. 3. When do you need insurance both life and WOMEN, SOCIETY AND CHANGE confident, to set priorities and goals and to negotiate honestly for the things she wants ... at home, on the 99 . planning? 2. Is R.R.S.P. really for you? 99 SY 112 student with the skills necessary to become self- FEE $30.00 Room 282 WOMEN IN ART A new kind of art history 99 FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMEN A six-week course which will serve as an introduction to the subject of Financial Planning. The course will address itself to such questions as: 1. What are the four corner stones of financial elective, have the opportunity to progress at your own pace to an optional overnight camp and/or a solo. Join us to discover yourself. 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 25 to Nov. 20. ZW 010 ZW 011 99 A credit elective course which focuses 'on the contributions of contemporary Canadian women . writers. Exciting authors such as Atwood, Laurence, Engel along with others will be read and discussed. 7-10 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 10 to Dec. 17. FEE $35.00 Room 327 ZX 085 99 WOMEN TOWARD MANAGEMENT One or more of the topics which may be addressed: 1. Development of administrative skills 2. How to increase your effectiveness 3. Developing your mangement potential 4. The effective management of stress and relationships. 8:30 am. - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Oct. 2 to Oct. 4. FEE $200.00 Room 381 IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: WOMEN'S PROGRAMS, CONFEDERATION COLLEGE, 577-5751 Extension 353 REGISTRATION: at Shuniah Building, EVENING REGISTRATION: Wednesday, August 15th 4:30-6:30 p.m. Confederation College Wednesday, August 29th 6:00-8:00 p.m. 8:30a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday, September 6th 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 16 to Monday, September 117, 1979 SENIOR CITIZENS AGE 60 OR OVER, UPON PROOF OF AGE MAY REGISTER FOR ANY SUBJECT AT THE COLLEGE FOR A TUITION FEE OF $5.00 PLUS ANY LABORATORY FEE. REFUND OF FEES WILL ONLY BE MADE SHOULD INSUFFICIENT ENROLLMENT FORCE CANCELLATION OF SUBJECT, Northern Woman. Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Carob Paola ird thBulk Eno:mhos boiler* Plot crab duo dome 220 RETURN TO: INSIDE WHAT is the difference between pornography and erotica and what can we do to curtail the production of the page 4 former THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. SPECIAL FEATURE: Poems by Elizabeth THUNDER BAY P, ONT. Robertson. Borland; ,the voice of a women braving the isolation of Pickle Return Postage Guaranteed Lake, Ontario. page 12 NUCLEAR waste disposal: our part of the fight to keep it out of the area. page 11 HELEN LAFONTAINE on media page 8 YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE E YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. ust pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. bscribe: e illorgitrn `Not-Tutti 316 &-4reffr,, bd. aw" x suss) o vas- ,so ati.sisulire v itt.dittruifon. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 5 No 4 Description An account of the resource Vol. 5, no. 4 (Aug-Sept 1979) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: 50 years of personhood The Persons Case Feminist Party of Canada Feminist newspaper production NWJ Financial statement Jan-Jun 1979 Letters to the editor Pornography & erotica (“and the wisdom to know the difference”) Censorship laws & pornography Function of pornography Consequences of pornography Media representation of women Nuclear energy Poetry Mothers on Budgets (Thunder Bay org.) Doctor liable for ignored abortion request (Edmonton) Sweden bans spanking children Summer solstice at the women’s Programs for women Confederation College Authors/Contributors: Gert Beadle Katherine Ko (letter to the editor, Toronto) Jillian Ridington Barb Findlay Helen Lafontaine Elizabth Robertson Borland Donna Phoenix Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-08 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2760/1979_Vol_5_No_6.pdf 97c05d189780a10ce858ab42d2e8a8fb PDF Text Text orilon VoCume 5 750" -*Mit 6 NOV./ DEC. 1979 oman Jour-tied INSIDE: WOMEN & POVERTY WOMEN ARE PERSONS COMEN ARE PERS 01S WOMEN ARE PERSONS ? Heather Bishop FEMINIST SINGER sudbury conference A NORTHERN WOMEN'S GATHERING PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Northern Women Builds Morale and Momentum Gathering of Report on The Northern Woman's Conference Sudbury, November 3rd & 4th by Gert Beadle It has been brought sharply to our attention that the unique quality of all that it means to be a Northern woman operates not only west and north of us but extends without variation as far East as North Bay. The Conference of Northern Women, hosted for two consecutive years by Sudbury women, is a rousing example of what happens when west goes east, but not too far east, and find they have never left the family. The Celebration, and at no time did I feel it was not a celebration of our potential to change what was seen as the common threat to us all, isolation, and its attending injustices formed a cohesive base for collective determination to challenge both personally and politically that comforting thought held by the bureaucracy that we are powerless. Delegates from Northwestern Ontario arriving by train and plane were comfortably bedded down in the President Hotel, and invited to shed travel weariness in the Friday night hospitality room, hosted by the North Bay Women's Centre. The contingent from Thunder Bay, eleven in number, with three resource persons, two delegates, and the Saturday morning entertainment troop now known as "The Common Woman Players", had the double advantage of meeting those we knew west of us and those we came to know east of us on the evening before the sessions began. Saturday morning, approximately 200 women and a man or two met in the Sheridan auditorium of the Sudbury Secondary School to hear opening remarks and greetings from Debbie Knuff, the chairperson of the standing committee, and to be entertained by a 40 minute production of "Letters to the Sisterhood" from Northwestern great joy and relief received a standing ovation. A solid two days of work shops ensued in which resource persons conducted seven on each subject Women and Economic Development in Single Industry Resource Communities, Native Women, Francophone Women, Unemployed Women in the North, Violence against Women (A Northern Pertrue the women of the north are spective), Isolation - and made it smart, too smart to wall themselves possible for everyone to attend each off in little cliques and claquea to workshop. If there was a fault to push their private ego trips. The find it has to be with the time allotted that could not equate with the ap- wives of the Sudbury mine strikers were a consolidating force epitomipetite of concerns expressed. This zing that gutsy spirit we know so well. was plainly manifested in the SunWhen they linked arms and sang Bread day attendance which held to the and Roses at the luncheon on Sunday. last minute of the conference. Our It was like liberation all over again. own resource people, Lisa Bengston, They hosted the coffee house on SatSandra Steinhouse and Julie Fels, urday night and we were treated to a who conducted the Northern Develo, program in both French and English. ment workshops were exhausted but It's not the first time I've been pleased at the interest. sorry I'm unilingual and I'm sure it It is impossible to record all won't be the last. The Francophone the work shops and those very abla women's workshop on sexist language persons who conducted them. I car in test books was a vivid reminder of only quote one woman who was att(nding her first conference of women, Continued on page 5 who said wonderingly,"My God, th y're all so smart". Yes, Virginia, it s WE NEED PLAN OF ACTION WE NEED AN ORIENTATION TO UNITE US Women, who make up more thar half the population, are being denic 1 their fundamental rights. In northern communities, we face an even grea' ar lack of jobs and social services, which only intensifies our oppression. And the recent cutbacks are wiping out the little that we had. Many women's groups have sprung up to organize our fightback, groups like the "Wives Supporting the Strike", who brought many new women into the struggle, when they joined with their husbands against Inco. Ontario. It was the general opinion that the production set a mood and a climate that pervaded the conference to its end. The letters from Atikokan, Pickle Lake, MacDiarmid, and Thunder Bay were read by, Gert Beadle, Noreen Lavoie, Sandra Steinhouse, Leni Untinen and Mollie Lesperence from MacDiarmid, with Monika McNabb doing the introduction. Marg Lanchok sang her originally composed songs, each one as a component of the preceding letter. The "No, No" song as an ending, a collaboration of Marg and Gert, was a rouser and we have evidence that it will be sung by many women's groups at future meetings. Other songs were the Atikokan song, The Wabigoon Song, Isolation and Your Leaving. The production, to our At this second NOWC, we should not only have a beneficial sharing of our experiences, we should also develop a clear direction for the future. Women across the country are rising. Through struggle, they have just won the right to a job at Stelco in Hamilton, for the first time in 15 years. In Saskatchewan, our sisters have recently formed their own organization "Saskatchewan Working Women", with a clear set of goals and a program for action. We in NOWC are part of this growing trend. Take Up the Struggle Against Our Oppression *Organize active opposition to health, education and social service cuts through petitions, pickets, demonstrations. *Fight for jobs by putting pressure on local companies, and fighting the reduction of jobs in the public sector, which hits many women. *Demand women's rights on the job, such as equal pay for equal work. *Fight for adequate parent controlled, government funded daycare. *Take up local compaigns against the sexist stereotyping in the schools, starting with the demand to monitor the books used. *In all these areas special attention must be paid to the situation of Native and Francophone women, such as the right to services in their own language, and education that meets their particular needs. Credited to Women helping Women Sudbury Continued on page 5 Northern Woman Journal, page 1 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �-lo`C4t% concept of feminism (in the collective sense) and possess an energetic enthusiasm which seems to tie the whole thing together. And last but not least, are our closet writers, who as a result of this paper, are choosing to "come out". All in all the challenge of putting out this paper has been exciting and inspir= ing for all involved. EDITOR& Dear Readers:The Northern Woman's Journal is A new feminist collective alive! This collective has been formed. has been meeting every week for the past two months. It is the first time for us to both work together collectively, as well as This put out a feminist paper. issue of the Northern Woman is the result. We are a small collective Three comprised of ten women. people are presently on the editorial board, three people are doing proof-reading, typing and layout, two people are in charge of distribution and finance. Several of the collective in addition to the above tasks, have contributed articles for this issue. Our experience in the women's movement varies among each individual. A few of us have been active in feminist activities for many years while a couple of us have recently recovered from the 1975 'feminist Remember 1975? What burn-out'. did they call that year....ah yes... YEAR OF THE WOMAN. That was the year that the government was going to help us gain all that equality. Well we know better! Those of us who have once again become active through this paper are perhaps a bit rusty but a hell of a lot more determined. Others in our collective are relatively new to the time I don't suppose there was in history when one was more inclined to say with a certain bravado, "My life is my own". Women, in particular, whose lives have never been their own in general terms, are now speaking of "taking my life in my own hands", a happy state that somehow we have always seen as a male prerogative. Man the hunter is also man the hunted, and his life, with very few exceptions is no more in his hands than ours is. The sad and devastating truth is we are mainly in the hands of each other and the difference in those hands is the difference that social conditioning has defined as 'male' and 'female'. We are both in the hands of that great beast called the system that has legislated to him the right to control and plainly has left us little room to protest. His right to challenge the system.is established, our right to challenge him not yet a made case. Historically speaking, we have a fine record of some women who challenged both him and his system which is not disputed and properly known as a patriarchal system. Feminists have recognized this challenge properly as political. Society has designed a cage which, for lack of a better name, they have termed 'marriage', for these two combatants and blessed it to produce even more.future combatants. Man, who has a builtin role to oppose the system which controls him now finds himself beset on both sides, to seize control on the one hand and to maintain control on the other. His success at both challenges term, him socially as having:manly' attributes. Northern Woman Journal, page 2 COMMENT - Our goal is to have as much original material as possible. Further we will attempt to solidify the concept and ideals of feminism through our articles. To do this, we must learn how to give and receive constructive criticism among our own collective as well as with our contributors and readers. We realize the need to establish a political base (a solid foundation) on which to build our paper. To do this we will need your help in the form of feedback both supportive and critical. We have chosen not to seek any form of government funding. All our workers are presently volunteer. Any contributions to aid us financially will be greatly appreciated. many letters of support and encouragement for the continuing of this We look forward to working paper. together with you. To all who have made this paper possible including you our readers, a very happy and healthy northern winter. For 1980 we wish you all strength and determination mixed with sensitivity and love for all beings. Thank you The Editorial Board Donna Phoenix Margaret Phillips Estella Howard Vieoz expneued in the Non -therm Woman Joutna do not necezzaAity teitect the vie-& ************************************ s oi the catective f,! *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? ;t: Our thanks to all our contributors for this issue. We will do our best to give you helpful criticism and encourage you to continue writing. If your material did not get published in this issue of the Journal, we will attempt to share our reasons with you. TAKING BACK OUR Our thanks to our readers for the To woman has been given the role of creating the illusion that he is up to the task. Her deference to him is an indication that he has not failed at least half of his God-given mission. Her capacity to endure his fumbling progress has created the actress, the resigned and patient female who sees through the charade and who sometimes has profited in a material way for not telling what she knows. It is sometimes said that love is a woman's business, and love demands a certain blindness of intellect, a single-mindedness of purpose that we have been persuaded to believe will one day pay off. It will indeed, not only change the character of the antagonist but will in time remould us with its leavening power. We have not understood that love is not a man's business, he has other business which supercedes it and he relegates it to an off-hour recreational device for replenishing his shrivelling ego. I call this man a ten percenter and I fail to see how the man-centred female pouring her heart into this imbalance can do more than reveal herself to be of nuisance value. Into the imbalance come children, deluged by the unused portion now called mother-love and well on the way to perpetuating the myth that the world revolves around them. Sons in the role of father, daughters in the image of mother. Children leave. Fortunate ones have been fed and clothed, educated and loved and we are reluctant to give up this free exchange of abundant caring for the ten percent now dwindling under the stress of man's dou-- PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION *- :,:*********************************** LIVES by Gert ble pressure to control both fate and his responsibility to be the head of his home. This is the winter of our discontent, we have either been sufficiently persuaded that we are no more of use to anyone or the seeds of rebellion begin to sprout, the sprouting is painful. There is anger at our failure to build a life support structure to take up the slack. We have emotion and creativity to spend, we have energy and capabilities no longer needed in the empty nest. The volunteer sector sucks us up like flies to flypaper but it is to the woman's movement that the aware and vocal woman turns, the hungry woman who seeks to establish herself as a person in her own right. Our younger sisters who debate the questions before the fact in their own lives, have need of those with after-the-fact experience and wisdom, for we have been there and without malice or self pity we know their logic is sound, their analysis correct. The pressures to accept and submit to a diminished role will not abate: it can only intensify as we struggle to break out of set patterns. For the woman who has paid her dues in the old game and deals herself into the cause for her own sex, it is a time of renewal and growth and one of hope as well, as we see indications that men, - some men - are also repudiating the roles that history has consigned to them. These men constitute a new brotherhood and will experience the same pressures to return to the old role as we do - the question is, will they hold and grow. We hope so. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �LETTERS Dear People: Some thoughts in response to your plea for ideas re continuation of the Journal. I liked some of Audrey Anderson's suggestions in the Oct-Nov issue especially the idea of a regional paper with contacts in each community sending information in for publication. As someone who subscribes to NWJ from afar precisely to find out what is happening with women in northwestern Ontario, this would suit my needs as reader. However, from personal experience I know that setting up a 'decentralized' system of community contacts can bog down for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that someone still has to produce the actual newspaper after receiving all the news. A committee of the Women's Equal Rights Association in Prince George, B.C., called the Northern Women's Network, have recently received a small amount of funding from Secretary of State to publish a small newsletter. They have contacts in many of the small northern B.C. towns, and have allowed for phone costs etc. in their budget so they can get the news in. The rest of the grant covers paper, postage, printing etc. The newsletter, called ASPEN, is nowhere near as large as your Journal, but it appears to be working as a publication that serves the immediate communication needs of the towns and groups. I guess you have to figure out whom you are serving with your present paper, whether or not you want to serve those people, how to change so as to re- excite people (workers) and draw new women in. Don't be afraid to go small for awhile, it may be a creative alternative. Also, as hard as this may sound - people communicate when they need to, and if this NWJ dies away, perhaps another communication link will sift to the surface in a while that will meet the needs of those who want it. Meanwhile here's a small donation to help the cause. Sincerely, Diana Ellis Vancouver, B.C. P.S. I would really like to hear about the quality of life research that was being undertaken with women in your area. We are nearly finished some research on the effect of the construction of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline on women in the Yukon and North B.C. and will send a copy of the report soon. Dear Journal People: What is the matter? Don't you know how important you are to us? Sometimes I think that we women have spent so many days of our lives placating the males and smoothing the turbulent waters in our various maleoriented relationships that we have quite forgotten or lost the art of doing any of the same for one another. Wherever there is growth, change and new innovative thinking there must always be a certain amount of dissention. Perhaps if we could think through the problems and fling ourselves with as much energy into making things work out well for ourselves and our female friends as we have in the past (and present) for a meeting Friends, you really knocked me off guard. Here I thought I was attending a meeting that would slot each person for a particular assignment. I thought for sure I would just observe the procedure like a behavioural scientist. I even came to the meeting with a notion that I would be a curly-headed, bespectacled stranger. I expected to offer the occasional timid suggestion but only if I didn't have a scratchy voice. I did not have much time to feel left out. After my sketchy, clumsy introduction, I realized I was more than initiated, I was feeling part if not all of the emotions charging up inside us all. Damn it people, such raw honesty. I haven't discussed any issues more vital than my shopping list. I'm out of practice, rusty. My feminist leanings have been stuffed into ,cushion covers and naturally I've dusted off and flicked away anger or any healthy soul-searching. Everywhere around me, friends and acquaintences have settled into a set routine. I don't keep proper hours. I am becoming a neighbourhood pest. I'm suggesting to some of my friends that keeping house and feeding baby might be fine right now but later they will have a gut feeling that somehow, somewhere, they missed the great variety life has to offer. Lately, I haven't been asked over for coffee. I began to think that I was ungrateful. I have my health, I think.I have a fine husband and a loving mut of a dog. My well-meaning friends think I'm acting like a whirlwind because I'm frustrated. I haven't been in a 'family way'. I have been kept at a distance. No one wants me to rock the boat. It has been light years away since a friend has really opened up, showing our male acquaintances, we would clearly see the way. I certainly look forward to receiving my next copy of the Journal and am enclosing more poetry. Love and Luck, Violet Winegarden. Vancouver, B.C. P.S. There are seven of us down here who do indeed rely on the Journal. Only two of us are subscribers but as you well know... those of us in the low income nonsense must subscribe. to only one or two women's journals and pass them on and pass them on .... Dear Madam: A "Thunderbolt" to the designers and manufacturers of the new shoes for women -- high heels which are not only dangerous on our Northern stretts and sidewalks, but also will end Tr permanent disfigurement as the women grow older. A "Thunderbolt" to the m4 n who wish to disfigure women and m .ke them servile. En:losed also find a Xeroxed copy from :he book The Unfashionable Humar Body by Bernard Rudofsky (Doulleday Co. c. 1947.) which illus. trat(s how the body was made to conform painfully or otherwise, to some ne's idea of beauty. C n this article be used for further ng women's rights? 1 Lank you. Yours sincerely, Claire Cikall)___ Thunder Bay. hoT vulnerable she can be, asking for help. I have suddenly grown proud, not wishing to weep on anyone's shoulders. Naturally I was not prepared for women even more intense than I ever could be. I understand how important it is to reach a common meeting ground regarding the journal and each individual involved. The feminist issues should never be abandoned. I'm still searching for a dictionary definition of a feminist. Let me say that it is the healthy emotions that should never die. Don't ever hide anger or sweep it under the rug because it will explode inside of you instead of on the outside where it counts. Don't be afraid of losing your guts because you'll find them again. Just don't lose your perspictive. Just don't lose your mind. Thanks for waking me up. I was beginning to think that women could not reach this plateau of conversation with each other. My other friends made me look twice at myself so I spent money I couldn't afford trying to find out what was wrong. Now I know that searching for the ingredients of inner peace is part of growing up. Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Northern Woman Journal, page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE A news column to keep our readers up to date on women's issues - national, international, and local. Day care rates in the city have steadily climbed; at present the minimum rate is $180 for one. child per month. Subsidies are available for those with very little or no income., However, low income working women, unable to pay the full cost and ineligible for a subsidy, are turning to the old solution of private babysitting arrangements. Thunder Bay's Day Care Centres are faced with the problem of empty place The city, which administers the provincial subsidies under provincial guidelines, will not provide subsidies for a new centre while existing day care is underutilized. Director Barbara Elliot describes the centre as a "different kind of day care". It will utilize a home model, with living room, dining room and kitchen and try to provide "a family atmosphere with the same discovery learning experiences." The centre, called "The Children and Family Centre" will try to encourage the parents to take a part. As well, it will serve as a field placement for Early Childhood Education students at the College. Native Women's Crisis Centre Opens "Beendigan", It translates to "come in" from the Ojibway language. Beendigan, a crisis centre for Native women opened its doors at 239 N. Syndicate St. on November 5, with an official opening slated for after the New Year. Originated by the local chapter of the Ontario Native Women's Association, the centre has its own board of directors, a co-ordinator and three full time staff members. Open twenty-four hours a day, the centre is geared to serve Native women and their children in crisis situations "Money is still a problem", according to spokeswoman Bev Saborin. "We hope everyone will continue to support our fund-raising efforts. College Daycare not for Students The long awaited Confederation College Day Care Centre is finally opening its doors after the New Year. but will likely be little used by students because of the high cost. The rate for all users will start at $200 a month for one child. Students and staff members who may be eligible for a provincial day care subsidy will not be allowed to use the subsidy at this new centre but must pay full price. The situation at the College Day Care Centre is tied in with the Provincial day care situation, now in a state of crisis after gradually worsening during the past three years. In Thunder Bay, credit must be given to May Sutton and the Northwestern Ontario International Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council for their vigorous endeavor to have this law changed. Benefits to continue OTTAWA (CP - Legislation to continue survivor's benefits to widows and widowers between the ages of 60 and 65 was giVen royal assent and became Jaw Thursday. A New Class of Canadian Victims Hyacinth Burnett may be deported. Her husband sponsored her as a landed immigrant but now he has changed his mind. H. Burnett is a member of a new class of Canadian women victims. What happens to an immigrant woman when her husband decides he doesn't want to sponsor her any more? H. Burnett married her husband, a landed immigrant, three years ago in Breast Cancer Li N The rate of breast cancer, long the leading cancer-killer of women, has increased again according to the American Cancer Society in its' annual report "Cancer Facts and Figures". A new born girl now faces one chance in eleven of developing breast cancer during her lifetime compared with the previous figure of one in thirteen. Lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. The amendments to the Old Age Security Act, passed by the Senate on third reading earlier in the day, affect some 5,000 people who have lost their pensioner spouses. Earlier legisration provided for survivor's benefits to end six months after the death of a 'spouse receiving the old-age pension. The amendments allow payments of up to $300 a month to continue until the surviving spouse reaches the age of 65. Assent to the bill was given by Mr. Jusice Willard Z. Estey, deputy to Gov.-Gen. Ed Schreyer December 1976. They immediately moved to Toronto and Mr. Burnett applied to sponsor his wife. Two years later immigration officials had not made a decision on the application but by this time Mr. Burnett had changed his mind. In April, 1978, the couple separated. Mrs. Burnett, now eligible for deportation, has not been able to enforce a $45 a week order of support for her two year old child, Denise. The Association of Immigrant Lawyers has said that the government should deal with the question of whether sponsorship can be withdrawn. In one case, according to lawyer Carter Hoppe of the Association of Immigrant Lawyers, a Jamaican-born woman was married to a Canadian citizen who, while they were living together, withdrew his sponsorship without even telling her. "The threat of withdrawal of sponsorship is often a weapon in marital dispute", he said. He accuses Immigration officials of "gleefully accepting" withdrawals of sponsorship. LA LECHE LEAGUE to help encourage good mothering through breastfeeding. Includes a lending library, books on childbirth child care and breastfeeding as well as telephone help. Contact: Pat - 767-7275 or Tiina - 577-5261 or phone Northern Women's Centre for further contacts. 1711110)141:0134513. A Thunderbolt to Radio Shack for refusing to bargain in good faith with its union. 85% of the employees of Radio Shack's Barrie warehouse are women. When these workers sought to organize to fight lack of job security, low pay, inconsiderate treatment and favoritism, and hazardous lifting conditions, Radio Shack attempted to stop the process by intimidating the unionists. Five were fired (two were later reinstated by court order); others were harassed. As a result, 40% of those originally signed up no longer work for Radio Shack. The women have been on strike since August 9th and still the company continues to stall, uses the courts to hassle the union, etc. Until this strike is settled, give these workers your support by boycotting Radio Shack, by encouraging others to do so and by letting your Radio Shack store know where you stand. BEENDIGEN a native women's crisis home - for women and children. Also provide individual counselling, follow-up and referrals Contact: Dori Pelletier - 622-5101 Northern Woman Journal, page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The plenary also supported unanimously letters to the Ontario Government, with copies to opposition leaders protesting the racist slurs aimed at the Italian community by Ed Havrock, member from Timiskaming. The women from that community wished to have it known that he did not speak for his constituents in this ill-advised and habitual mouthingoff at minorities. They collectively felt he should be severely reprimanded by the Premier and the Gathering of Northern Women continued from page 1. the double oppression of both church and state, but their numbers at the conference is an exciting forcast for northern sisterhood. The plenerary supported a move to lobby the provincial government to support health and social programs in the north by Wintario in the short run; to keep the pressure on changes House. in the rape and sexual assault legislation now planned; to bring March 8th, International Woman's Day, to We Need a Plan of Action the consciousness of all small towns continued from page 1. in the north; and to make the 1980 conference a working conference to Co-ordinate the Work We Do in Each produce resolutions. City, Around these Goals Monika McNabb addressed the plen*A liason committee made up of indiary on the Northern Woman Journal viduals and representatives from as a tool in a continuing struggle groups, should be established that against our isolation from each other. From the response we have every reawould: son to believe both our input and *Help co-ordinate the research, our distribution will profit by exeducation and activities of the tending our coverage as far as North different groups. Bay. A truly regional women's paper *Plan campaigns on these demands is one we have all striven for, a trufor northern women. ly human document dedicated to the *Establish links with the labour spirit of the northern woman in both movement and other groups to take up common issues. For example, victory and defeat, a source of information not generally found in the the Canadian Union of Public Empapirs of the day and a bond of assoployees (CUPE) has adopted a plan ciation that works for consolidation of action that includes estabof effort. To Debbie Knuff and Donna lishing committees with :ommunity Plater and all their fine co-workers, groups, to fight the cutbacks. our gratitude and delight for a conference well planned and warmly hosted, see you next year some place. Immediately, the Focus ,f the Work of the .NOWC Should Be: *The fight for better szvices for women and in general, aid opposition to the cutbacks. *The Holding of March E (IWD) meetings in each northern regioi , *Building unity with ti ! labour movement, and other groups VANCOUVER WOMEN IN FOCUS SOCIETY Women In Focus is a non-profit feminist women's video/film production and distribution center. At present we are working to expand our videotape distribution library. We would like to hear from both individual women producers and women's groups who have or are working on videotapes which they would like to distribute. At present, Women In Focus has 38 women-produced videotapes on women's issues and their lives. These tapes are for rent/sale. A catalogue is available upon request. For more information, contact: This leaflet was discussed and written up by a numb !r of women from Sudbury, so that th( se proposals could be discussed :a the workshops and in the plenary. UPCOMING Women in Focus Production and Distribution Center, #6 - 45 Kingsway, Vancouver B.C., V5T 3H7 Canada ISSUE WOMEN & HEALTH CONTRIBUTIONS WANTED! We are interested in hearing about birth control, hysterectomy, pregnancy and birthing, physicians, mastectomy, abortion, pregnancy in the older woman and any other aspect of women's health. If you would like to share your personal experiences with other women please write us at: THE NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL 316 BAY STREET, THUNDER BAY 'P', ONTARIO P7B 1S1 Northern Woman Journal, page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �OW On October 16, 1929, women were considered 'persons' under the British North America Act. Fifty years later, women are still treated less than equally. IF WOMEN ARE How come we don't get equal pay for work of equal value? How come we're called the secondary labour force? How come we lose our credit rating when we get married? How come the work we do for PERSONS How come we're on trial when we How come we're not in the history books? get raped? How come so few reported rapes How come they call us chick, baby and broad? end up in convictions? How come we can't walk down the How come we're expected to cripple and mutilate our bodies with street at night in Thunder Bay with- tight clothes, high-heeled shoes, out being afraid? make-up and razors? How come the devaluation of our minimum wage so closely resembles the work we do in the home for nothing? OW How come we have to fake orgasms? bodies is the central theme of pornography and it sells so well? How come the majority of the elderly poor are women? asked to dance? are abused for acting as though we have the freedom of other persons? How come 11/4 million women in this country are poor? How come we're blamed when we How come we have to wait to be How come they give us tranHow come we get fired when we quillizers and shock treatments when How come women still go to we display healthy anger? complain about sexual harassment in the work place? Minneapolis for abortions? How come house work isn't work? How come we don't have control of our bodies in deciding whether or How come our work is only re- not to have abortions? cognized if we bring in a paycheque? How come the Port Arthur Clinic How come when we stay at home isn't unionized? with our children, they call us nonworking mothers? How come the sale of cancer-causing makeup, medication, and feminine hygiene products is still on the rise? Miss or Mrs."? dence of breast cancer is on the rise? working mothers we can't get daycare? How come we do not have thermography in Thunder Bay yet the inci- How come when we want to be now come we're asked "Is that How come we have to lie about How come Native women aren't our age, our weight and our hair colour? persons? How come unnecessary hysterectomies are performed? "Man and his Society"? are depicted as stereotypes without any real identity beyond that of a How come, unlike male-related diseases, birth control research is How come women in advertisements How come we only hear about How come we still use male-de- controlled by the pharmaceutical fined standards to determine when companies? a women is successful? @3#*#$ consumer!!!? How come we could write a book on all of this and never come to the How come doctors do episiotomies as a matter of course? How come doctors give women drugs during birthing? How come we hold down two jobs: end? one inside the home and one outside? How come we're last hired and first fired? Some of the 'how comes' were taken from Upstream Oct./Nov. 1979. Others were written by Rosalyn Taylor Perrett. Northern Woman Journal, page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN AND POVERTY Most Canadian women become poor at some Point in their lives The Facts st Canadian women become poor at e point in their lives", This is a conclusion reached by National Council of Welfare in ir recent report on Women and This report is important erty. ause, while other reports have mined the disadvantaged situatof certain categories of women g. single parents, elderly en), or have studied categories poverty (e.g. urban, rural). en and Poverty is a study which lyzes the relationship between By and poverty in Canada. nting out that the fact of poverty Canada is mainly a female nomenon the report challenges y poverty myths and t "(women's) poverty is rarely result of controllable circumnces, and it is seldom the oute of extraordinary misfortune. most cases, women are poor because erty is a natural consequence of role they are still expected to y in our society", Socialization women to expect to be financially ed for by their husbands, and to ume responsibility for child care home-making; improper training paid jobs; lack of access to l-paying employment and advancet opportunities; job ghettoizan; sex-role stereotyping at home at school; inadequate legislan in terms of family law; insuffent support for separated and an inadequate and orced women iliating welfare system; lack pension plan provisions; lack of ld care services - are reasons for en's poverty that are examined ; the report. Although indicating the difficulty obtaining information about poor en (there "is an apparently wideead belief among statisticians t wives do not exist") the report compiled impressive (and A total of ressing) statistics. 19,000 adult Canadian women - one of every six - live below the erty line. Three out of every 66% of e poor adults are women. ows over 65 are poor. Less than in four widows get regular efits from husband's pensions. ows and other formerly married en are most likely to be poor - 54% live below the poverty line. "If a single parent woman has a fulltime job, her chances of having at least minimally adequate income are almost as good as those of a married woman living with her husband. If her only sources of income are a former husband or the government however, she will almost certainly be destitute" What must be done Numerically the largest number'of poor women are married - almost 500,000 married women ir Canada live in poor two-spouse fami ies. One startling statistic - w' ich should lay to rest some myths bout why women work - is the fac: that 51% more two-spouse famine; would be poor if wives did not 1A)rk outside the home. (In Ontario that percentage raises to 65%) The Council, which s an advisory body to the federal Mi, ister of Health and Welfare, di ects its recommendations to tho e areas that require government int rvention. Both long range and sF rt-term solutions to "strength ,11 the financial position of womer are put forward. Because wom( i's poverty is often linked to th ir having children, the Council believes that government assistance to parents, in the form of an increased refundable child tax credit, is necessary, Funds for this tax credit could be freed up if the Income Tax Act was amended to eliminate tax exemptions for dependant children. The report also recommends that "welfare rates should be at least equal to Statistics Canada's poverty lines and adequate income supplementation programs should be available to all working pooH'. Support for senior citizens is recommended in that the "government should increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement without delay to make it at least equal to Statistics Canada poverty line for urban areas" Long term solutions centre on the need for government to ensure equality for women in education, in the labour market and in marriage. While these changes have been advocated by women's groups for years, they are nonetheless, well articulated and bear repeating. The report calls to take measures th demeaning portrayal television and adve will eradicate sex textbooks and other Sensitization sessi students and counse for, as are school so that all childre home economics and Affirmative action a better representa among school admini recommended. To achieve equal market, the report pay for work of equ tion must be enforc better enforcement that prohibits disc job advertisements, promotions and work needed. The report affirmative action with a rigorous ana staff and practices with the developmen ation of concrete h training strategies timetables, rates o expected completion is advocated for "m workers to better f responsibilities as larger subsidies fo and new labour legi provide parental le for either parents following the child regular paid leaves leaves) when parent to care for sick chi The Council beli "provinces should c to make spouses fina Reform of family la enforcement of main and the establishme family courts, is r Pension legislation "child care drop out provide pension cov who leave the labou for young children The report conclu governments vigorous stop the damaging e stereotyping in sch to reform family la employment policies ing women's positio market, to give more care and other assis and to improve incom programs for disadva there is no reason future generations women will be any le poverty." Copies of the Wom report can be obtai National Council of Brooke Claxton Build Ottawa, Ontario Northern Wo PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HEATHER BISHOP Performer, Singer , Painter, Carpenter, Feminist ... the concert by Gert Beadle Once again the Little Finn Hall presents itself as the place where one can still have an evening of excellent entertainment for a reasonable fee. A Sunday evening concert with William Roberts as M.C. played to a full house of enthusiastic music lovers. It is refreshing to see the balance of male and female entertainers given more than lip service by the producers of these concerts and all the more so because of the quality of both visiting artist and local talent. Our own Anne Merlin and Joyce Michalchuk opened the program with rousing harmony. Lovely energy from both. Heather Bishop is a performer as well as songstress and she took us on a merry ride through the bars and "Kau did you miginatty get into down the streets, thumbing her nose muzie" at the girl watchers, suffering along with the victims of intemperate thirst and charming us utterly with a chilWell, I started, like most young dren's song about alligators. A powergirls, on the piano - took lessons ful voice with wide ranging scale, for ten years - and then became a piano she sings blues or tender love songs teacher. I was about 16 or 17 when I with equal ease. A solid evening of picked up the guitar. And then a woentertainment: Thank-you Heather and man friend of mine started a women's band in Regina in 1971 or '72. They continue to show the way with music needed a singer, so I sort of got and song to our mutual benefit. this whole role foisted on me. I became the guitar player and singer and treAttgniptt."11A0:1107010:1.trarite:terlitZT:110: played keyboards. I was with the band for a couple of years. We were called Walpurgis Night, which is the night when the witches got together and celebrated in song and dance. It's really a neat notion behind the name. There were some really great women in the band, who I still play music with. My bass player is from that band. She played on my album and whenever I need a bass player - or can afford a bass Heather Bishop was in town last player - I hire her. Another woman from month for a standing room only conthe band is in school in Edmonton takcert at the Little Finn Hall. She ing jazz guitar - becoming a jazz guidelighted the audience with her tarist - which is really exciting. strong voice and the range of her I was with the band for a couple of material - from the blues to chilyears. When it split up I moved to dren's songs to humorous material. Winnipeg and started to do some work After the concert, we spent two to as a solo musician. About two years three hours with Heather and her ago, I became a professional musician manager, Joan Miller. The conversathat is, I began to make money from tion moved from music to feminism to it and pay a few bills. I guess it's housebuilding. (Heather and Joan have been about a year now that music has just finished building their own been my major source of income. Ever house in the country with the help of since the album came out, I've been Heather's father and a group of women on the road quite a bit. I pretty well friends.) It is a treat to talk with made that decision after I invested Heather. The strength and the humor money in the album. If I was going to that comes through on stage, is even do the thing, then I was going to have more apparent in conversation. I wish to get out on the road and flog it. we could print the entire interview, There were no two ways about it. I had but space and cost considerations to tour to sell the thing - and if won't allow it. The following is a you're going to tour, you've got to condensed version of the conversation make enough money to live on. You that took place. Present were Heather, can't be tied to any kind of job at Joan, Estella Howard, Helen Halet, all and tour at the same time. Since and Liz Martin. the album came out, I've been on the road a good two- thirds of the time. speaking with Heather "You came up with the money io& the tecoltd younzeti?" What happened was I began to be approached by fellows in the business who would come up to me and say - hey, I want to produce this record of yours and I'll do this and this. It's a really big hype business, you know. quite terrible in that respect. They freaked me out quite a bit, because they had all these ideas about what they were going to do with me. I knew that I didn't have the experience in the studio to deal with them at that point. I knew if I went into the studio with one of those guys, that he would have his way with me because I didn't know what I was talking about. One of the big trips that gets laid on you about making a record is - WHO is going to produce it?,I think producers are getting into a star trip all by themselves. They want to produce a record that has their name all over it, so that someone can listen to it and recognize their work. At some point the musician must get lost in that process. I don't think it's all that healthy. I want to give them credit for what they do, but tome, a producer should be a facilitator. Anyways, the other thing that happened was that my audience began asking for an album. So, we sat down and decided - okay, it's time for an album, but let's do it ourselves. I had some money saved, I borrowed some more. "Mete did you itecoltd?" I used Kollassal Studios in Winnipeg. It's only an 8 track and most people will tell you that you can't record an album on 8 tracks; that you have to have at least sixteen. But I think my record is proof that you can. You need a good technician, someone who can really make those 8 tracks work for you because they aren't very many. Normally , Northern Woman Journal, page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �if you were recording on 16 or 24 tracks, you'd put 5 tracks on the drums alone and then you get a real good drum sound. With 8 tracks, all you can afford to give the drums are two. So, you're constantly battling to get a good drum sound outof those two tracks. But you can get into such little picky things, you know. Only musicians are going to notice a lot of those things. Your audience is not. And so, you have to keep weighing those things back and forth. I mean who are you selling the record to? You're not selling it to as many musicians as you are to just "plain, ordinary people". You should be trying to produce something that they're going to like. When you get into the studio, you're under a lot of pressure. It's costing anywhere from $30 to $150 per hour for that time. So, your musicians have to be good. They have to be able to work under pressure and lay down stuff that's correct and has lots of punch to it. And that takes practise, you know. You can't just walk in and do that. I hired as many women as I could women that I've worked with before and that I wanted to get into the studio so that they would be learning as well as me. Hopefully, as time goes on and I record more records, there will be more and more women who have the skills to do it. Apart from these women I already knew I wanted to use - I looked for people thatwere both really good at what they did and that I thought I could work with. All the men that worked on my album were didn't balk at dojust great-they ing anything. my records under my arm and I could go to all the stores and put my records in. Joan: Heather's really well organized. Yeah, working for the government trained me to.be well organized. That's really an asset. Other musicians I've met who've been in the business since they were 18, have never learned any administrative skills. I was a business manager for a year and did bookkeeping, so I can do that. Also, I have a fabulous manager, which really makes a big difference. I think it's an error in a business sense, the way distribution companies work. I've just now turned over distribution to Joan, who is my manager. She knows where I'm going to be and when. So it's really easy for her to keep on top of it and have records in the stores in the places where I play. I'd rather give her the money than a distribution company who won't even move my record. The record came out at the end of February and we've just gotten our third pressing of a thousand. We're doing really well compared to other musicians I've talked to who made their own records. "You said dating the concert that you don't tike gaying in bait's. Do you an to expand on that?" Well, in a business sense, I think it's wise to stay away from bars. If people can get in and drink and see you for free - then when you try and put on a concert, which is a much better situation to really affect people emotional"Ti someone came acing now and said ly with the music - they're not going they'd pay Aot zne next kecokd, to come. There's a real problem of ovdo you ieet that you've gained e, erexposure. We make a conscious effort no ugh expekience to stand up to the to not play somewhere more than 'x' 'experts', the pnoduceks?" times a year, depending on the size of the community or whatever. You've got to keep yourself underexposed almost, Well, now I feel like I want to in order to draw enough people to make make all my records myself. First of it worthwhile. all, because I have total control over Also, the sound is terrible in bars what comes out. And secondly, because like the inside of a rainbarrel. And the record business is just getting people don't usually go to hear the enso bizarre. By the time everybody tertainment. My music depends on peogets a piece of you, there's nothing ple hearing my lyrics, being affected left. And as soon as you sign a conby my stage presentation and movements. tract with anyone you're completely I use a lot of different things to try tied up. The way the record companand reach people emotionally. But yr,u ies work is they figure you might be get into a bar and all of that's out potentially 'hot stuff' and so they the window. I might as well sing any sign you up. But they decide when old song - make it fast, snappy and they want to use you. They could hold hot. I'd have to get rid of all the they'll even you for two years before criteria I use as a musician, if I release a thing that you do. And then want to play bars. depending on how much money they deBut beyond the business things, I cide to put into promotion - that's just think it's really hard for wogoing to determine how well you're men in bars. Bars, to me, with the going to do, or not do. In my opinexception of women's bars, are comion, it leaves the musician out and pletely men's places. I know a couple it leaves the audience out. You just of women who play bars and the shit get railroaded with whatever they want they go through is unbelievable. Perthe current hit to be at that time... sonally, I don't go to bars unless I think there's an act I really want to see. that we can bypass all of that. If I have to play bars, I'm getting We distribute the record ourselves, out of the business. There has to be We were originally going to go to a dissome other way to.feed yourself. tribution company - a Canadian distriBut I've got advantages over the bution company. But I found from talkmale performers - the fact that I can ing to other musicians that they were do the women's circuit. actually having a harder time of it than I was. We'd go on tour together and hit say, Saskatoon, and there "flow Lange a tate does the suppont wouldn't be any of their records in you get itom the women's commumWes the stores. And so, they'd lost out on ptay in youk music?" a whole bunch of sales. But I'd have Initially, it wasn't so large but initially, it wasn't an issue. When I decided to be a solo musician, I went through a lot of personal anguish because I couldn't be a musician without being who I am - which meant I had to be a feminist and I had to be a lesbian. I couldn't sing songs about loving my man - I just couldn't. The real breakthrough for me was the Regina Folk Festival about 2 or 3 years ago. It was the first time I actually did it, went out and did a set with a couple of lesbian tunes. I was scared shitless - I didn't know how people were going to deal with it. I got a standing ovation and I was really blown away. And so, I felt real encouraged by that. I really try ly when I present 'touchy' issues, to present them in a way that people have to understand, that people can relate to. Either it's funny so people have to laugh at themselves, or I'll slip a song in about two-thirds of the way through. By that time somebody's just grooving; they think I'm great, - and then they find out I'm a lesbian. So they have to deal with that emotion. It happens to men and women. It puts dealing with the problem where it belongs, which is on their shoulder. I think that works really well. I don't do it in a threatening way. "Do you get ieedback itom men about your, music?" Yes, I do, a lot. A lot more than I thought I would. And it has always been positive and supportive. It always catches me by surprise when people come up and they've been moved by the music ... I have some of the nices encounters with total strangers. I can raise issues, make people thi; about them, get the ball rolling; confront an issue and it can change peopl, whether it's an issue of racism or fem. inism or lesbianism or whatever. The reaction I've gotten has sure been 'proof of the pudding' of that to me. It's a great treat for me when I ge to play to an all women's audience, yo, know. I love it. The women's community has become 50% of what I do. But I als, like playing to audiences like tonight I would never opt to play the women's circuit only. Again for political reasons. Why convert the converted? I thi it's important for women like me, for political people like me, to stay in the mainstream. You're a good enough musician that people want to come and hear your music and then there's all the other stuff. I want to keep doing that. "Is potiticizing though you& music important to you then?" Well, I want to be a good musician but yeah, I don't think I could do it if I wasn't trying to have a certain number of political songs, to raise is sues. Yeah, I make a conscious effort to do that as much as I can. continued on page 10 Northern Woman Journal, page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Heather Bishop interview continued from page 9 "Doez youn ma-tuttat change. when you son women' z audiencez?" peay .Maybe a little bit, not a lot. Most of my songs, even if they aren't expl citly lesbian, are certainly not heterosexual. But, I don't think of myself as a lesbian all the time, I'm a woman, I'm a feminist, and the person I share my life with is a woman. When I'm on the 'stage I'll make a conscious lesbian statement or song or something because I want to make people deal with that idea. I put it there and make them look at it. But I certainly don't run around living my life, feeling always like I'M A LESBIAN: Professionally, I can do that. I can be a .lesbian that people can look at and decide that I don't wear leather jackets and ride a motorcycle or whatever their particular image of lesbians is. In my private life, I don't have to do that. I can just be who I am. "Whete do you want to go wLth muzic?" yowl. Well, it's important for me to make a good word for you here. a living and by going to the States I can double my record sales within a year. become intetezted in the We've begun to get offers"Hay fromdid theyou women's Mies, which -1.4 circuit in the States. Distribution com- cettainey not knaun Lt6 album. tack o6 zexizt tyAicz?" panies have approached us6o)t. for the There's a whole network of independent women distributors. I've gone through I was So, 13, I saw this lady on T.V Ladyslipper, which is one"When of those. playing piano It's starting to get spread around in and singing and she blew me away..I discovered that she was the States, which is a nice surprise. And so, I began.at that But it means we've got toNina get Simone. down there age to collect everything of hers that and start touring. I could get my hands on. And I listener to her all these years and just really got into the blues. In some ways, I 'you ate zuppotting youtzet6 Pram youit hard to figure out, I mean enough muzic and zo, obviourty, guess there it is up who with country and western wank bon a woman musician you -In grow Canada doezn't want to pt ay bates and ?" polkas and things, but blues you just never heard. I really like the blues but it is hard to get material that I can cirdo. Although some songs you Oh yeah, because of the women's do just a little bit of a word cuit. In some ways I havecan a lot of adhere and there and make them vantages over some of thechange male musicians. a songfor that doesn't have a sex I get a lot of gigs that either they can't, preference one thing. And another thing is that beeither song that I can sing as a cause a lot of pressure has comea to lesbian, or a song that doesn't have bear on the people who run folk festia sex vals, to hire women - they havepreference to scram- and so everyone can relate to it. Which I think is a good ble and hire women. That's a danger-s to treat music. I don't want to ous thing to say becauseway I don't think my music and have it so that I get hired just because take I'm aall woman. lesbians can relate to it. I thinl I think I'm a good enoughonly performer. that's just as bad. There is no reason why they shouldn't hire me. But, thank God for that pressure or they wouldn't. And, thank God you witite any o6 yowl. matmiat?" that women like Sandi are"Do now taking festivals over, because it's a matter of course that she's going to try to Very little. I just don't have the ge t women. time. I want to make time. That was one of the ideas behind moving to the "Do you tike playing eta-country. tit /a z?" I'm kind of a perfectionist and so it's really important for me to be very good at what I'm doing. Like "Eezidez being a muzician, youlte a I now have a vocal teacher who is Oh yeah, I do. I like catpenten. festivals aYou've built your aon just fabulous. I'm training with her lot because you can leachhowse a lotinof the count/Lg. You're atzo a and I think. I'll be with her as long people that maybe wouldn't you vety 6ine paintm I wonder hae you as she lives. T feel that anyone who were otherwise. Also, I get to see oth6ind a balance ?" 'sings is crazy not to have vocal er performers. It's a really lonely -. training. business in some senses. You travel My teacher's name is Alicia Sea around, you play, you get soActually, sick of I was making more money born. She's a beautiful woman. I as a You painter, yourself and your own voice. never than as a musician, up can't describe how good she is- There until So, a year get to see another performer. the ago. I was painting a are only two people .inCanada with her lot. I haven't painted in over a year folk festival is like a hig feast of training. It's called belle canto and now, which. I'm very sorry to say. But that your - you get to meet some ofyour herit means. that you aon't deal with I've been so busy on the road and oes. And if you're into singing polivoice like you're a soprano or an alto building this new house. The house tool tical music, the festivals are a really or whatever. All of us have the abilevery ounce of energy we had. I want goodsimchance to reach a lot of people. ity to have a complete range. You to get back into painting now. And a good place for making contacts, ply have, to learn to use your.body, I made a conscious decision. I detoo. which is your instrument, correctly. cided that if you're going to be a Youoccan line up your winter's work. I went to her with a range of an musician, you have to be on the road. You know, your festival and Fargo's tave and a half. She.had me singing I'm not getting any younger and the were three and a half octaves within twothe two most outstanding festilials older I get the harder it gets. And in terms of hiring more women performers. months. painters, for the most part, don't really have a chance to do very well Joan: SheYeah, wantsshe's her to sing opera. gorgeous. Her students with their work until they're 60 years are her whole life. Anyways, ques"Rent the y? Wt. Aare that ass zomething tackold and have this horrendous body of tion was - where I want ing to go inwith out my 6eztivae- not at att a weli work. It takes a long time for people music. I'm really into becoming batanced anumb et o6 mate and 6emate pet to give you credit for the work that good musician. 6onmetz. 81t out pnobtem Waz that we you've done. didn't know wheite to go to find good Joan: Getting back to piano. And so, I figure I'll just keep women pet6otmeltz." painting. It's something I'll always Yeah, composing on piano, playing do. But music- well, I either have to more piano. It's great for blues.,I shit or get off the pot. I've got to want to make a living for us, to supThat's a problem. I get back and do it now while I can still stand traport ourselves from the music. I'd forth across this country and I meet velling that much and sleeping on like to make more records, good reall these women, that say, Sandi floors and hotels and that sort of cords. doesn't have an opportunity to get to thing. Because I'm not going to be I don't have any big know. ideas.They'll My am- come and jam with me at able to do it when I'm 40 or 50. bitions are for perfection rather and I'll see of they're a workshop I go on the road and work my ass than making it 'big', whatever that to play at a festival. good enough off for maybe two weeks, and then I means. I'll usually jump on those women right can go home and put it away for a litaway and say - okay, are you intertle while do the painting, whatever. ested in doing this for a living? BeI think I've given up time from my cause you are, let's get down to "Do you zee it az impottant toif play painting to do my music. But then, if in the Staten? Iz that zomething brass tacks. You've got to do this, I can make a living at music, it gives that haz to happen in- yout tatter? this, and this, and contact this perme time to paint. It's better than Northern Woman Journal, son pageand 10 that person, and I'll put in working in an office. By Liz Martin. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WORDS WE LIVED BY... The following is excerpted from the Ladies' Guide, a popular reference book of the 1890s. EFFECTS OF SOLITARY VICE IN GIRLS The victim of this evil habit is cer- tain to suffer sooner or later the penalty which nature invariably inflicts upon those who transgress her laws. Every law of nature is enforced by an inexorable penalty. This is emphatically true respect- ing the laws which relate to the sexual organs. Wide observation has convinced us that a great many of the backaches, side-aches, and other aches and pains of which girls complain, are attributable to this injurious habit. Much of the nervousness, hysteria, neuralgia, and general The expression of the eyes. The dull, Unnatural boldness in a little lusterless eye, surrounded by dark ring, tells the tale of sin. girl. If she has previously beena retal weakness and inactivity. of the heart, hysserved, this is just ground for Palpitations the St. Vitus's teria, nervousness, suspicion of secret vice. dance, epilepipv, and incontinence A forward or loose manner in of urine, giving rise to wetting the company with little boys. Girls bed. addicted to this habit are guilty of HOW TO CURE VICIOUS HABITS the most wanton conduct. The habit of self-pollution is one Languor and lassitude. In a girl who has possessed a markedwhich de- when thoroughly established, is N1g4T44!, )..e. by no means easily broken. The victim of this most *Ste terrible vice is held in the most ab- .47'6 1 ject slavery, the iron fetters of habit daily closing the prisoner LADIES' GUIDE more and more tightly in their grasp. The effect is to weaken the moral sense perhaps more rapidly than any other vice, until there is HEALTH left in the child's character AND DISEASE. little to which an appeal can be made. worthlessness of girls originates in this cause alone. The period of puberty is one at 614 pailenhcod, which thousands of girls break By J. H KELLOGG. IA Ilifehced, The mother should first carefully set before the child the exceeding sinfulness of the habit, its ID down in health. The constitution, already weakened by a debilitatg -ee of activity and energy, this in;4-, debasing vice. is not prepared -should give rise to-ea-rnest-solic" for the strain, and the poor victim drops into a premature grave.tude on the part of the mother for the physical and moral condition SIGNS OF SELF-ABUSE IN GIRLS of her child. Mothers should always be on the _ An unnatural appetite. Somealert to detect the first evidences of times children will show an excesthis vice in their daughters, since sive fondness for mustard, peplater nothing but almighty power vinegar, and spices. Little its seems competent to loosen per, girls who are very fond of cloves grasp. The only positive evidence are likely to he depraved in other is detection of the child in the act; respects. should be A suspected child loathsomeness and vileness, and the horrible consequences which follow in its wake. But in most ases, the evil is not so easily mastered. The little girl should be kept under constant observation every moment of her waking hours. Care should be taken that the child dges not feign sleep for the purpose of gaining an opportunity to avoid observation. It is much more difficult to cure this soul-destroying vice in girls than in boys. They are seldom as ready to confess their guilt as are boys, and then are less easily influenced by a portrayal of its ter- The presence of leukorrhoea. watched under all circumstances Self-abuse occasions a frequently with unceasing vigilance. recurring congestion of the parts, [ But] aside from positive evitogether with the mechanical irri- rible consequences. Sleepless vigidence, there are other signs which laqce must be coupled with the tation accompanying the habit. may lead to the discovery of posiUlceration about the roots of the most persevering patience. tive evidence. In obstinate cases, severe means nails. This especially affects one A marked change iv disposition. must be adopted. We were once or both of the first two fingers of When a girl who has been truthobliged after every other measure ful, happy, obliging, gentle, the andhand, the irritation of the fingers being occasioned by the acrid had failed, to perform a surgif-al confiding, becomes peevish, irritaoperation [clitoridectomy] before ble, morose, and disobedient,vaginal she discharge. we were able to break the habit in Biting the fingernails. The irriis under the influence of some foul tation of the 41-igers, which gives the case of a girl of eight or ten blight. Loss of memory and loss ofrise the to the habit of biting nails, grows out of the irritable condilove for study. The nervous forces tio.-},of the nails mentioned above. are weakened, giving place to men- years who had become addicted to the vice to a most extraordinary degree. Northern Woman Journal, page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Northern Women's Credit Union LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3. Dear Editors: I was astounded to read in the Northern Women's Credit Union newsletter that the board will be recommending a by-law change allowing all male members of the shareholders' families to become members of the credit union. The reason cited for the proposed change is that the credit union has been guilty of controvening the by-laws of the N.W.C.U. by allowing male children to become members. Surely if that is the only reason, the simplest and most reasonable approach would be to recind that privilege. I joined the N.W.C.U. because it was just that, a women's credit union. I thought I saw, at last, a financial institution that would put a little financial control into the hands of women - an institution that would give women an opportunity to help other women in an area where there is precious little help to be had elsewhere. I believe that if men are allowed to become full members of the women's credit union it will fail in its primary function, that of making loans available to women and in particular, those women most in need. A woman with an income of over $14,000 does not encounter the problems that she once did in borrowing money, but the woman whose income falls short of that figure still has great difficulty, if she succeeds at all. I think it a reasonable assumption that if men are allowed to join the credit union they will eventually sit on the Loan Committee (as well as on the board - policy making). One can easily conceive of a situation in which a man earning $19,000 and a woman earning $9,000 each make loan applications. In a tight money situation, need one wonder which applicant would be successful? Possibly, the board members are more concerned with the fresh surge of money they see emanating from the pockets of prospective male members, and are more concerned with economics than ideology. This being the case, aren't we, the shareholders, entitled to be informed of the real reasoning behind their decision? If, on the other hand, the by-law decision was arrived at as casually-as the newsletter would suggest, perhaps the board should take some time to consider the ramifications of their proposed new by-law. Should economics supercede ideology as the main criterion for the existence of the N.W.C.U., I would feel obligated to withdraw my support by closing my account. Distressed Shareholder, Ann McColl. MAY ALLOW MALE MEMBERS Just recently I sat down to read my copy of the Northern Woman's Credit Union's newsletter. Under the title Annual Meeting the following was stated:"The next annual meeting has been set for February 21st and there are a couple of issues coming up that we would like to bring to your attention at this time. We have been allowing male children to become members of the Credit Union and it has come to our attention that this contravenes the By-Laws of the Northern Women's Credit The Board will be recommUnion. ending (emphasis the writers) a By-Law change that would allow all male members in your family to become members of this Credit Union': For the past week I have been considering this recommendation and have been discussing the same. When the Credit Union first began three years ago I was completely opposed to the policy of Not allowing men but in the last six months my attitude and/or politics on this issue has changed. Why did I change my view in one direction and the board change theirs in another (assuming of course that they supported the I find this original intent). very confusing so I have attempted to put together a list of questions that I have asked both myself and other women. I hope that these questions will stimulate discussion so that when you attend the annual meeting you will feel that the issue has been well thought out and your decision-an intelligent one. Do you feel that by not allowing male membership that we are practicing the same discrimination that men have forced on women in the past (and continue presently)? 1. A 3. Why was the Women's Credit Union established? 4. Are you concerned changes would happen or attitudes towards members on the board about what in ,emphasis and women with male and committees? 5. Do you feel that the Women's Credit Union has met the needs of women in this community? 6. Do you feel that the Credit Union can be economically successful with an all woman membership and, has it thus far been successful? 7. Did you join the Women's Credit Union because it was specifically created for the needs of women? 8. If the original bylaws intent was to have a woman only membership, why at this time does the board recommend a bylaw change to include male members of families? 9. How is family to be defined? 10. If this by-law is changed, will the bond of association (i.e. original intent) be changed? 11. Would single males be allowed to join? 12.Since men have a greater earning power is it possible that they would have a greater borrowing power? 13. Would the Women's Credit Union continue to be a Women's Credit Union if the boards recommendation is passed? An inquiry was made to the former treasurer manager who said that at the time of her.leaving the Credit Union, there were no male children with Member accounts. The ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations had made it clear to her that women could open TRUST accounts only for their male children. There are probably many more question that you could ask yourself and other members of the Credit Union. COME TO THE MEETING PREPARED! by Estella Howard Do you feel that the exclusion 2. of men was the main reason for the establishment of the women's credit union? REPRINTED FROM BROADSIDE, VOL.1, NO.2 We've probably all winced at the commercials on TV in which a man tells us- oh so sweetly and with such conviction- how he's designed just the right bra for us. If I hear the expression "lift and separate" one more time, cross my heart, I'll choke. Let's put the show on the other foot so to speak: there is no way on this earth, even if I wished, that I could design or sell jockstraps. Men would laugh themselves silly! What's more, they'd have a perfect right. Now, let's add a recent newspaper appointment notice: "Marc Dupere, Vice-President of Sales of Canadelle Inc., makers of WonderBra... is pleased to announce the appointment of Howard Pfeiffer as National Sales Manager. Mr. Pfeiffer has had ectensive experience with (wait for it!)... WonderBra (sorry to lift your expectations)..." Altogether, doesn't it make a terrifi picture? Just think of all these men devoting their lives to designing and selling something about which they know absolutely zilch. This support we can do without. HB Northern Woman Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HER SMILE k c.t lk- le- 17) ie& MUSIC My being is totally immersed; Pulled along by the invisible waves I float on a tide of melody Now stormy, Now calm, Now crashing in the alcoves of my brain, Now clear and cool and comforting. Caught in a current of arpeggios, I am hurled through rapids of ecstasy Whirling, I wish to be her friend; her intelligence poise caring posture instant smile draws ... but leaves me wanting I wish to be her friend; yet an unspoken rebuff is felt 111 in the radiant, polite smile in the impersonal depths, as quiet waters in a closed sea I wish to be her friend; sensing her isolation, -! sorrows, needs, insights -becoming chilled in her crystal-sparkling smile Diving, Breathlessly, delightfully lost In a lyrical rapture of the deep! I wish to be her friend; but the veiled green eyes, the sensitive face breaking into that shining armour, is the door firmly closing For one fleeting moment My soul is freed from its prison Skipping, Soaring, Gleefully cavorting about me, Like a ray of sunlight dancing in the mist! My eyes watch from within their empty shell, As my body surrenders to the eddying rhythm Spinning 'round, Pulled under; Only to find myself once again Gently rocked in a sleepy lagoon, Lulled on a soothing sea of sound! Sharon Olsen Silence catch the motion of carousels turning, touch the shadows of beach fires burning, hear the call on the shore of the lake lone scavenger searching, crying out for a mate. feel the stillness of night with relief from the day, count the stars in the sky as they revolve on their way. chanting waves lullaby the sea comforting sounds floating for free. I wish to be her friend; then as I stand on the periphery of her sightlessness her smile, dazzling as sun out of clouds, as light in sudden darkness, leaves only emptiness. Lily Hooper Gmb Snow Dance On this late day lost in winter a stillness rings with waiting for the trees outside my window have started their snow dance Pendulum pacing, they sway this way, then that, this way then that, Unceasingly miming the crows walk. Charcoal shadows pretending to be birds warm their feet on chimney pots They huddle furtively fidgetting while the green faced trees swing on.... Provocatively defying the barometer the weathervanes cheerful choice, my own yearning for warm rain.... they do the disco hustle. Tomorrow this town will wear white for the trees outside my window have started their snow dance violet winegarden thcoolness of sand e relieved of its warmth now feeling the dew damp in the hand. see the moon and catch its glow lighting the sea as her essence flows, darkness is mine until the dawn, silence is mine, love the sound. POETRY - i Viola Goderre Northern Woman Journal, page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Women's Centre PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION SNACKS AND CONVERSATION OUR ENTERTAINMENT SAY THE SOOTHSAYERSevaluation WILL BE "THEcopy watermarked COMMON WOMEN PLAYERS". of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT Winter Programs for Women Women's Programs offers a variety of learning experiences which are designed to meet YOUR needs; whether you are working at home, whether you are single, married or have been married; whether you have an educational background or not; whether you are 19 or 90. Come and join us; learn and grow. ZW 010 99 WOMEN IN ART A new kind of art history - one which seeks out women's work. Through a visual presentation utilizing 360 unique slides featuring the exceptional abilities of women artists from the early middle ages to the 20th Century, students will be introduced to long-ignored perspectives of women in art. 7-9 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to March 12th $20.00 Room 346 FEE: 225 99 SOCIOLOGY OF SEX ROLES GS A credit elective sociology course which examines our socialization processes in terms of sex roles and reviews the assumptions and stereotypes based on sex. The participants of this course will be introduced to the subject of sex roles from a sociological perspective. Through the utilization of various teaching methods the students will come to understand the process of sex typing and sex role development. This experience should lead students to become more aware of the extent and effects of the socialization process. 7-10 pm, Thursdays, January 17th to March 20th $25.00 Room 282 FEE: SY 112 99 WOMEN, SOCIETY & CHANGE This course is offered as a credit elective. It is an organized learning experience which will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills to examine processes of change in society regarding the status of women. Times and Dates to be Announced FEE: $25.00 INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS Have you been thinking of getting back into the world of paid employment? Haveiyou been thinking of some of the more "unusual" jobs that might be available? If so, this could be the course for you. Canada Employment is sponsoring, through Confederation College, an 8-week course for people who wish to seek employment in areas generally regarded as restricted to members of the "opposite se'. This course is designed to help students: 1. Assess their own skills; 2. Determine their own skills; 3. Develop job search techniques; 4. Provide -four weeks on-the-job training. The student will choose, with the help of the instructor, where training will take place. The next course will begin in January. For information call 475-6353. To register contact your local Canada Employment Counsellor at 344-6601 or 623-2731. ZW 021 99 PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR This seminar, sponsored by the Women Teachers' Federation, is open to the public, and consists of: Friday, April 18th (7 pm) - Keynote Speaker on Career Development; Saturday, April 19th (8:30 am - 3 pm) - Workshops on Personal Development. For further information call 475-6232. 7-10 on Friday, April 18th; 8:30 am - 3 pm on Saturday, April 19th FEE: $10.00 (includes lunch) GS 219 99 WOMEN MAKE MOVIE Can you recall one film you have seen that was directed by a woman? The most popular image of the great director is male. But women have been directing films since 1896. For a refreshing change, view over 35 films made by women. Included are feature, short documentary, and animated films. WOMEN MAKE MOVIES is for everyone. It offers prize-winning international cinema to encourage a critical interest in the influence of women on filmmaking. Some of the titles include Lina Wertmuller's LOVE AND ANARCHY and A NIGHT FULL OF RAIN, Shirley MacLaines' THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY: A CHINA MEMOIR, Judy Collins' ANTONIA: PORTRAIT OF THE WOMAN, Barbara Kopple's HARLAN COUNTY, U.S.A., and Claudis Weill's GIRLFRIENDS. 7-10 pm, Mondays, January 14th to April 21st FEE: $35.00 Room 262 ZW 017 99 WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR Women's Programs is pleased to be able to offer this 5 week WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR Course in response to the success of the spring pilot program. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the basic procedures of car maintenance and to acquaint them with the general operation and function of the modern car. station waaon. or 1/2"tefr.' 7-10 pm, Mondays, January 14th to February 11th FEE: $15.00 ZW 019 00 EFFECTIVE SPEAKING FOR WOMEN This course introduces women to some of the skills and techniques which make effective speaking a reality. speak with confidence; think clearly; increase Learn to: your vocabulary; write effectively. Come and join us, learn and grow. 7-10 pm, Tuesdays, January 15th to March 18th FEE: $30.00 Room 333 ZW 018 99 OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE A special program designed for women at home who are looking for a change in direction. Perhaps they wish to enter the area of paid employment or return to school or become involved in voluntary community work but are having difficulty identifying the exact course of action that would be best for them. The program offers women a chance to consider the various opportunities for change. 1:15 - 3:15 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to March 19th FEE: $5.00 FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMEN ZW 011 99 A 6 week course which will serve as an introduction to the subject of financial planning. The course will ad1. What are the four dress itself to such questions as: corner stones of financial planning? 2. Is R.R.S.P. 3. When do you need both life and disreally for you? ability 4. What are the pros and cons of life annuity? In addition, money management, a look at successful spending, saving and investment will be explored. Come and learn, it's your money. 7-10 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to February 20th $20.00 Room 278 FEE: WOMEN'S PROGRAMS, CONFEDERATION COLLEGE, 475-6232 Senior Citizens age 60 or over, upon proof of age may register for any subject at the College for a tuition fee of $5.00 plus any laboratory fee. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: -REFUND OF FEES WILL BE MADE SHOULD INSUFFICIENT ENROLLMENT FORCE CANCELLATION' OF SUBJECT. Northern Woman Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT Winter Programs for Women Women's Programs offers a variety of learning experiences which are designed to meet YOUR needs; whether you are working at home, whether you are single, married or have been married; whether you have an educational background or not; whether you are 19 or 90. Come and join us; learn and grow. ZW 010 99 WOMEN IN ART A new kind of art history - one which seeks out women's work. Through a visual presentation utilizing 360 unique slides featuring the exceptional abilities of women artists from the early middle ages to the 20th Century, students will be introduced to long-ignored perspectives of women in art. 7-9 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to March 12th $20.00 Room 346 FEE: 225 99 SOCIOLOGY OF SEX ROLES A credit elective sociology course which examines our socialization processes in terms of sex roles and reviews the assumptions and stereotypes based on sex. The participants of this course will be introduced to the subject of sex roles from a sociological perspective. Through the utilization of various teaching methods the students will come to understand the process of sex typing and sex role development. This experience should lead students to become more aware of the extent and effects of the socialization process. 7-10 pm, Thursdays, January 17th to March 20th Room 282 $25.00 FEE: GS SY 112 99 WOMEN, SOCIETY & CHANGE This course is offered as a credit elective. It is an organized learning experience which will provide the students with the necessary knowledge and skills to examine processes of change in society regarding the status of women. Times and Dates to be Announced FEE: $25.00 INTRODUCTION TO NON-TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS Have you been thinking of getting back into the world of paid employment? Havelyou been thinking of some of the more "unusual" jobs that might be available? If so, this could be the course for you. Canada Employment is sponsoring, through Confederation College, an 8-week course for people who wish to seek employment in areas generally regarded as restricted to members of the "opposite sex". This course is designed to help students: 1. Assess their own skills; 2. Determine their own skills; 3. Develop job search techniques; 4. Provide lour weeks on-the-job train ing. The student will choose, with the help of the instructor, where training will take place. The next course will begin in January. For information call 475-6353. To register contact your local Canada Employment Counsellor at 344-6601 or 623-2731. ZW 021 99 PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR This seminar, sponsored by the Women Teachers' Federation, is open to the public, and consists of: Friday, April 18th (7 pm) - Keynote Speaker on Career Development; Saturday, April 19th (8:30 am - 3 pm) - Workshops on Personal Development. For further information call 475-6232. 7-10 on Friday, April 18th; 8:30 am - 3 pm on Saturday, April 19th $10.00 (includes lunch) FEE: GS 219 99 WOMEN MAKE MOVIE Can you recall one film you have seen that was directed by a woman? The most popular image of the great director is male. But women have been directing films since 1896. For a refreshing change, view over 35 films made by women. Included are feature, short documentary, and animated films. WOMEN MAKE MOVIES is for everyone. It offers prize-winning international cinema to encourage a critical interest in the influence of women on filmmaking. Some of the titles include Lina Wertmuller's LOVE AND ANARCHY and A NIGHT FULL OF RAIN, Shirley MacA CHINA MEMOIR, Laines' THE OTHER HALF OF THE SKY: PORTRAIT OF THE WOMAN, Barbara Judy Collins' ANTONIA: Kopple's HARLAN COUNTY, U.S.A., and Claudis Weill's GIRLFRIENDS. 7-10 pm, Mondays, January 14th to April 21st $35.00 Room 262 FEE: ZW 017 99 WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR Women's Programs is pleased to be able to offer this 5 week WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR Course in response to the success of the spring pilot program. The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the basic procedures of car maintenance and to acquaint them with the general cttinn wannn nnpratinn Pnr1 fmnrtinn of thp mndorn or 1/2 ton. 7-10 pm, Mondays, January 14th to February 11th FEE: $15.00 ZW 019 00 EFFECTIVE SPEAKING FOR WOMEN This course introduces women to some of the skills and techniques which make effective speaking a reality. speak with confidence; think clearly; increase Learn to: your vocabulary; write effectively. Come and join us, learn and grow. 7-10 pm, Tuesdays, January 15th to March 18th $30.00 Room 333 FEE: ZW 018 99 OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE A special program designed for women at home who are looking for a change in direction. Perhaps they wish to enter the area of paid employment or return to school or become involved in voluntary community work but are having difficulty identifying the exact course of action that would be best for them. The program offers women a chance to consider the various opportunities for change. 1:15 - 3:15 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to March 19th FEE: $5.00 ZW 011 99 FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMEN A 6 week course which will serve as an introduction to the subject of financial planning. The course will ad1. What are the four dress itself to such questions as: 2. Is R.R.S.P. planning? corner stones of financial 3. When do you need both life and disreally for you? and cons of life annuity? ability 4. What are the pros In addition, money management, a look at successful spending, saving and investment will be explored. Come and learn, it's your money. 7-10 pm, Wednesdays, January 16th to February 20th $20.00 Room 278 FEE: WOMEN'S PROGRAMS, CONFEDERATION COLLEGE, 475-6232 Senior Citizens age 60 or over, upon proof of age may register for any subject at the College for a tuition fee of $5.00 plus any laboratory fee. IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: REFUND OF FEES WILL BE MADE SHOULD INSUFFICIENT ENROLLMENT FORCE CANCELLATION OF SUBJECT. Northern Woman Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Coma MN* Goma hut BMW Ps. No Eluk Ennombro third trobierhe doss dare 220 RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. The NORTHERN (OMAN JOURNAL pu.ba6hed zix tAlmeis a years by the NoAtheAn (Abrneniz Centite. CORKERS ON THIS ISSUE ARE: Joan Eaibil, Gent Feadte, Heten Hata, E6tetee Howattd, Wande Hunt, Noreen Lavoie, li,ionika McNabb, MaAgcutet Phiteio, Donna Phoenix, Roatyn Taytoit. Petot.ett, Rthna Return Postage Guaranteed 411111111111111111111111111111111111, YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 5 No 6 Description An account of the resource Vol. 5. No. 6 (Nov-Dec 1979) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Women & Poverty Topics include: Northern Woman’s Conference (Sudbury, Nov 1979) Northern women’s unique lived experiences Isolation of Northern women Solidarity of northern women needed New feminist collective at NWJ (10 women) Letters to the editor Northern women’s networking Opening of Native Women’s Crisis Centre - Beendigan Confederation College daycare opens Immigrant women in Canada face deportation Breast cancer Legislation passed to continue survivor’s benefits for widows & widowers Women in Focus Society (Vancouver BC) Call for submissions for next issue - Women & health Women & poverty Musician spotlight: Heather Bishop Women & music Northern Women’s Credit Union may allow male members Poetry Women’s Centre Christmas party Winter programs for women Confederation College Authors/Contributors: Gert Beadle Women Helping Women (Sudbury) Donna Phoenix Margaret Phillips Estella Howard Diana Ellis (Letter to the editor, Vancouver BC) Violet Winegarden (Letter to the editor, Vancouver BC) Claire Cikalik (Letter to the editor, Thunder Bay) Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Ann McColl Sharon Olsen Lily Hooper Viola Goderre Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-11 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2761/1980_Vol_6_No_1.pdf 0567e6eafd93226a6e39783b567a210b PDF Text Text ANNIMIIMMIN ortinion VO CUM 750" A it Mt 6 Voman Journar Janwany/Febuaty 1980 HEALTH CHILDBIRTH DES BIRTH CONTROL MASTECTOMY HORMONES ABORTION caduceus: symbol of rebirth and energy PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WHAT IS FEMINIST olb COUNSELLING? Feminist counselling deals with sexism at the heaA of its rationale, with the clear implication that services planned, designed and often delivered by men in authoritative positions, have frequently done incalculable harm to women. The question is how to offer women something other than the sexist, chemical, adjustment oriented service that passes for help something instead involving mutual assistance, support, and a new 'vision of the possible'... Many of the ingredients that go into feminist counselling are not But given professionalism in new. the 20th century, with its emphasis on pathology, on a sexist double standard of normalcy for men and women, and on turning the victim of oppression into the problem -- some of the old truths need to be learned anew. One of the questions to be asked is counselling by whom, with whom and with what purposes in mind? In a sexist society, by women counsellors, I would say. Not all women qualify because many have clearly adopted the values of a male-dominated society; but women with life experience, commitment, and skills. The order is NOT accidental -- women who recognize sexism and its personal and political consequences, and are actively seeking change for themselves and others from this perspective. There are a few exceptional men who qualify as helping people for women, but by and large, their record as helpers of women has been a dismal failure. IT'S NOT JUST GOOD COUNSELLING Iam often asked, 'Isn't feminist counselling just good counselling?' My answer is a firm no. Feminist counselling is intrinsically different and these are some of the differences I have identified: I call myself a feminist counsellor to state my own position clearly. A consumer looking for help has a right to know the bias or the ideology of the practitioner, clearly and explicitly. All practitioners have a bias, consciously or unconsciously, and potential consumers should have some personal information before they begin to use the helper. A first session usually has to do with sharing information about one another. I need to know what the problem is and if I can help; the consumer needs to be free to ask how I work, to explore my attitudes and experience, to check out such facts as she may deem important -- If I have children, if I have worked inside and/or outside the home, if I am divorced, etc. There is no neutral ground here, just two people exploring whether one can help the other. Does feminist counselling mean imposing an ideology on others? I think not. For me, it means sharing my experience and my view of women's place in the world when it seems relevant, when it pertains to the consumer's life struggles, or when aspects of my own life may be helpful regarding the issue at hand. Consumers of feminist counselling may or may not move into or out of the women's movement, into or out of politics, into or out of marriage -- that is a personal decision to be made with full knowledge of costs and benefits, and with the advantage in feminist counselling of not having oppressive societal norms reinforced about what women should or should not be. A feminist counsellor uses her own life experience; her sorrow and joys, her traumas and learning if relevant to the consumer's life situation. It is a peer kind of relationship. The sharing helps to demystify the counsellor as omnipotent professional and to truly universalize, in a visisble and concrete way, the struggle of human beings to survive and to change. No formal assessment, diagnosis or treatment is involved. One central assumption of feminist counselling is that 'individuals' problems are not viewed as individual pathology, but as a manifestation of social dis-organization. It is understood that chronic responses of guilt, self-blame and depression are built into the societal structure of a woman's life. This approach does not deny the validity of one woman's personal pain and her need to express that individual hurt as she chooses to or needs to; but the roots of her fear and pain and anger are recognized, and then in time, may be translated into some from of personal and/or political action -7- from passive, helpless pain to active, hopeful struggle, from dependent acceptance to independent asertion, at whatever level and whatever pace the person chooses or can handle. A recognition of the need for achievement and involvement in society at large. Though men verbally glorify women's roles in the home, they seldom wish to exchange Women, on the other had, often need and want the ego and self esteem that comes of work of achievement beyond the home, in the public sphere. Being somebody's wife or somebody's girlfriend or somebody's mother negates a woman's ego. Hans Selye has recognized that universal and basic human need to care for the self -- men recognize it for themselves -- women are not supposed to have it. A feminist counsellor will recognize this basic human need in women and encourage its development. Fees are geared to income. No OHIP coverage and a current maximum of $15.00, or free. It is not a highly commercial undertaking. People usually meet in an informal, quiet and personalized setting. It takes away from the usual institutional aura that helps make.people feel abnormal and sick. Most often it significantly reduces the psychological distance and barrier created by desks in sterile offices. An underlying assumption of feminist counselling is that women have strength, potential, and the will to change their situations, especially in concert with other women. It is recognized that many women suffer frc that curse of minority groups, low self-esteem, and that this reflects societal distortions perpetrated on people. Certainly women do not need male, sexist, authority figures to reinforce their low self-esteem. We need other women and society in general to recognize and reinforce our strengths, to nurture our confidence. WOMEN NEED NURTURING, TOO Women often have difficulty in truly acknowledging, to self and .others, the depth of our sense of inadequacy in this patriarchal society Trained to pretence, we need help from feminist counselling in asserting our mix of strength and weakness as part of each human existence. Feminist counselling recognizes that women are especially deprived of nurturance. Traditionally, we do the nurturing, the entertaining, the nursing, the appointment keeping, the understanding, the child care, the worrying that is all part of the sex role stereotype. The fact is that woman need 'wives' -- meaning reverse nurturing. Instead of helping a womai to accept the nurturant role, the counsellor helps her, and sometimes a family, to recognize her central and essential needs as a person. The consumer is not seen as adjunct to family, but as separate person, in relationship to others in her world. There is an absence of jargon, of professional mystification or mechanistic techniques used with the consumer. There is a presence of simplicity, clarity and sharing, with the simple acknowledgement that the consumer, at this point in time, needs help. It may be the provider who'at some other point in time has been or will be the consumer and this is made explicit. A feminist counsellor knows a woman's loneliness in a personal and political sense. She understands, as men cannot, the risks involved in staying in a nuclear family or leaving, in being a single parent with children, in being on welfare, or in continued on page 15 Northern Woman Journal, page 1 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITORlit near Readers:This is the second issue of the Northern Woman to be put out by her newly formed collective. It is also the first paper for 1980. The collective is very busy both studying feminist issues as well as soliciting articles and writing for the Northern Woman. The major focus for this paper is Women and Health. Our intent, through these health articles, many of which are personal experiences, is to begin a process of women sharing sharing our concerns, our anger, our fears - and through this sharing obtain the strength to take control of our bodies, our minds, our health, our environment. The issues are broad and the implications far-reaching. Women, when dealing with their bodies and their health must realize that they are facing patriarchy at its worst. Male myths about the female body, the female psyche, have subjected women to mistreatment that we can no longer ignore. The medical profession and the drug industry is COMMENT the What is the spirit of optimism that keeps us believing in the process of change? Is it an integral part of a creative personality, is it a learned art, or is it in fact something deeper than hope, wiser than reality, and I harder to come by than pessimism? believe it has at its roots an appreciation and love for life itself. That person has taken the life support that nature enfolds before us daily as a changing growing medium in which seeds planted, sprout and grow and flower, and realizes that when the seed leaves our hand other forces come into play that determine its ultimate destiny will continue to sow without any loss of faith in the process. Our security is grounded in the process, the human element not withstanding. It is when we take our eyes off the process and become impatient for the harvest that we begin to question, not the potency of the seed so much as the kind of flower it produces and the ultimate worth of the crop. Because we have come late into our destiny of sowers and reapers, no soil has been cultivated for us, no seed bed has been laid. On the contrary, other seeds choke the landscape -the seeds of sexism, of competition, of hierarchy,of patriarchy, of intolerance and fear. And all of this flourishes in the weeds of mythology. The new seed therefore must be high potency and of the quality that will take hold in the poorest of soil and fight for its own existence among those professionally sown fields that have, until now, yielded a harvest of oppression for all women and many, if not most men. Since this seed has sprung from the deepest source of woman's consciousness and conviction, since its base is lifegiving and lifeenergizing, it ties in with the natural life force of creativity in evolution. It is when we have established our own faith in the seed we sow, when we have gleaned out all the hybrid qualities of past sowings, when we are prepared to confront the mythology to a powerful force which claims to own a body of knowledge that the average lay person is unable to comprehend. To do this they have convinced the general population that our untrained minds are not prepared to deal with the many complex problems of our bodies. Women must question the existing system -- a system that centres on curing illness, rather than on promoting wellness. In this system, which forces us to rely upon hospitals and doctors, drugs and drug companies, the victims are more than often women. The documented evidence of the damage to women grows every day. We are shocked and distressed by the thousands of thalidomide babies, and the millions of women who were given the drug DES. We roar for the thousands of women who have become sterile from the use of male-oriented birth control, as well as dozens of other severe problems. We rage at the control the phallotechnicians have over our reproductive power. They have taken birth, a celebration of life and turned it into a medical/surgical procedure and have done this with great pride. In earlier times healing was a traditionally female domain female lay healers operated within a network of information sharing and mutual support. With the onset of modern medicine - male doctors have hoarded knowledge, restricting access to an exclusive minority. They have created in scientific and medical knowledge, a valuable and limited commodity to be traded on, the marketplace. The wisdom of women is growing and thus our power is increasing. We must not allow the destruction of our minds and bodies to continue. It is crucial that women take responsibility and reclaim our rights/knowledge. The few articles in this journal only scratch the surface of this important subject but we hope they will cause women to question and learn and be strengthened. In Sisterhood and Strength, the Northern Woman Journal Collective. EDITORIAL POLICY The Northern Woman Journal edits articles for length and clarity. If you do not want your article edited, please indicate this and leave us a phone number where we can reach you. see& of liberation by Gert Beadle make room for the new seed that the confidence must be transferred to the process. The process of evolution is a changing, moving cycle, a magic hoop, if you will, from seed to structure, to blossom and to seed. The seeds of change are as diverse as the seeds of suppression of change, for each sows from circumstance and capacity and out of self-interest. It is only when that self-interest is seen as a shared interest, within the context of a movement that seeks change from all oppressions that reduce humanity to mere numbers in a power-oriented society, that we begin to see the magnitude of the task and the resolution it calls This larger picture deserves no for. more than a cursory glance and that to encourage us by how widespread is the field for the world sowers. With the need established and the seed in the making, we turn again in full confidence to the sowing. As we relinquish old axioms, we are content not to reap what we sow, for we sow for the future with full confidence that the eventual harvest will bring its own reward. There is no glory to the sower other than joy and delight in the process which bonds us in common pursuit of an ethic and ideal. All forces for change are relevant and each one disrupts the seed bed of oppression by its particular seed. The environmentalists, the equal pay, the socialists, are all movements that seek to humanize. All creativity in or out of the arts serves to break up that heavy soil fertilized by bullshit and propaganda so that we may sow the magic seed of liberation. We sow for the sisterhood, the whole sisterhood, with the brotherhood in mind. As the rain falls on the just and the unjust so shall our seed fall on stony or fertile ground. For we shall not pursue it or seek to harvest it for we are the sowers and part of the process. Does anyone dare to doubt that a single seed of com- passion cannot survive in a field of indifference? On the contrary, it can blossom and be all that more remarkable in that sterile setting. Optimism is the first requirement for the sowers. For they are grounded in the life cycle they live, in the process they know, the capacity of the seed to break cement if need be. Every other consideration is secondary. The true sower looks first to the seed keeping in mind the need of the spirit for beauty and warmth and laughter as well as the political realities of change. The diversity occurs within the sower, for some will sow from the spir it, while others sow from the mind. Neither is complete without the other, but it is well to remember that optimism is a natural ingredient of the spirit and has a leavening quality on the mind not yet persuaded to trust the process. THUNDERCLAP To two new excellent feminist publications. -Broadside, P.O. Box 494, Station P, Toronto, Ontario Their next issue will be Volume 1, Issue 4. Individual subscriptions are 10 issues for $8.00. Healthsharing, a quarterly publican by Women Healthsharing, Box 230, Station M, Toronto. Individual subscriptions are $5.00. Next issue will be Volume 1, Number 2. THUNDERBOLT To the Secretary of State for not making available a permanent position for Women's Programs in the Thunder Bay office. Northern Woman Journal, page optimization 2 PDF compression, OCR, web using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UTTERS Dear Friends: Six months ago I moved from the Dryden area to beautiful B.C. and although I did not notify you of my move, I felt the N. Woman would follow me here via the Dryden Post Office. I know that I had renewed my subscription for the '79 year. Could you check your files and if everything works out OK ... would you please send me the last 4 issues or so for my own library and to share with friends and good women of the Kelowna Status of Womyn and the Okanagan Womyn's Coalition both of which I am becoming very involved in. I have been able to remain connected to the happenings, progress and creativeness of the womyn of Northwestern Ontario through a friend receiving the paper here in Kelowna. I have read the N.W. since its beginnings and its pages have nourished the mind and lifted the spirits of this growing feminist. I was so happy personally and for the women it reaches, that you were all able to keep it together and through, I'm sure a terrible struggle,X7our last issue was, I feel, one of your best. I respect and love the warmth and wiseness of Gert Beadle so much. I am looking forward to this year's issues and link our two locations with sincerest wishes, as the women's movement gathers strength and momentum, promising an exciting new decade of opportunity and adversities to be overcome, for continued support and success for the Northern Woman. Kathy Gunderson, Kelowna, B.C. Dear Women: This letter of greeting and best wishes for a 'far-reaching' 1980 is overdue. I do not want to lose touch with the Northern Woman Journal and the women I met because of it. Even though I was only part of two meetings, I was inspired and excited by the energy and camaraderie I felt from all of you. I hope this new year provides many opportunities for making others aware of women and their world, and of the Journal. Enclosed are two contributions, one is monetary and one from my pen. Cheers and warm wishes of encouragement in all the projects you undertake. My best to Gert, who introduced me to the Journal only four months ago. Sincerely, Joyce Thierry. Dear Editor: In response to the "Thunderbolt" column that appeared in the OctoberNovember issue of the Northern Woman, you may be pleased to note that the philosophy of the Lakehead District R.C.S.S. Board has been revised to read as follows: "The purpose of the Catholic School is to provide Catholic students with the best educational programme possible within a Christian atmosphere, that they might achieve a fuller life by learning the purpose and the means of building a better world for their fellow man and themselves here on earth -- and thus pursue their ultimate end which is union with God, their Father, in eternity." We would like to assure you and your readers that in its original form the philosophy was in no way intended "to deny the existence of female students". We assumed that the masculine wording would be taken in the generic sense and understood to include children of both genders Your striking Thunderbolt revealed a fault in our assumption. We feel that the revised Board statement is an improvement over the original and we trust that the words "fellow man" will be found acceptable in their synonymity with the phrase Good News! BROADSIDE I am a feminist paper addict. Each month I digest every word of Womanspeak and seldom find anything to really disagree with. Yet I felt a nagging sense of claustrophobia, of no new ground broken, to move us into an evaluation of the difference a feminist perspective brings to any given subject. A feeling that each paper has substituted set patterns of thought over a diversity of feminist opinion that clearly indicated the scope of individual thinking. Broadside, the newest feminist paper out of Toronto, is breaking that pattern and I cannot help but express my joy at the boldness and imagination that has created it. It has both breadth and depth, but what is even more compelling is a strong ethical principle that shines through its pages. It is passionate without compromising it is politically by Gert correct without being dogmatic: it debunks without malice and it informs without creating divisions of interests as priority subjects. What it does for me, is deal with the present -- with the knowledge of the past as base and with the future in mind. The patriarchal world, from thought to structure, is under review and should be, by both men and women. What better way to look at the entire scope than to read thoughtful and well-written evaluations of every patriarchal decision that affects our lives and to draw that comparison from a feminist perspective. Somewhere along the line, we who have lived under a malignant persuasion, have rebelled at still more persuasion to replace the old persuasions. It is such a pleasuretto arrive at anew understanding through our own intelligence. It is with that thought in mind that I urge women to subscribe to and read Broadside -published by Broadside Communications Ltd., P.O. Box 494, Station P, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T1 "kindred human beings". Thank you for your enlightening column. Sincerely, Joan E. Powell Communications Officer Comment The "rules" that govern the "correct" use of a language have much in common with other social rules. They are not immutable, ordained to last forever; they evolved to meet social needs, and they are sensitive to social change. The question is, how do you know when to abandon a word or phrase or grammatical rule that is still cited by language authorities as correct? We think the answer depends on a simple test: does the term or usage contribute to clarity and accuracy, or does it fudge them? credit "Words And Women" New Language in New Times by Casey Miller and Kate Swift To the Lakehead District R.C.S.S. We are of the opinion that the use of "fellow man" could be better clarified by the word "humankind or human beings. Editors Board: WOMAN HEAL THYSELF Although much of our history as healers has been obliterated, evidence exists that women practised surgery it the Stone and Bronze Ages. Women were the main healers throughout Europe in the Middle Ages and had much knowledge about herbs, midwifery, folk remedies, and intuitive healing. On settling in North America, women combined their knowledge with that of native Americans, and continue to practise as healers until scientifi discoveries and the advent of industrialization made health care a profitable enterprise. Legislation was enacted to bar lay healers from practising; medical schools admitting women, non-whites, and workingclass people were systematically closed. What women had once done lovingly for free or for barter became a marketable commodity. As part of the struggle to gain control over our bodies and our lives, we are reclaiming our history as healers, and the knowledge that is rightfully ours. credit Vancouver Women's Health Collective, 1980 Women & Health Wall Calendar Northern Woman Journal, page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE A news column to keep our readers up to date on women's issues - national, international and local. by Joan Baril Continuing Deportations of Women By the time you read this Hyacinth Burnett will have been deported. Her crime? Separating from her husband who at one time sponsored her in Canada but later changed his mind. Ms. Burnett will take with her to Jamaica her two year old child, a Canadian citizen. The immigration order expelling Ms. Burnett was the most restrictive type that can be served. Ms. Burnett's supporters hoped that she would be served with a departure notice rather than a deportation order. This would mean she could apply to eventually return. As well, due to the press coverage of her case, sympathetic readers had sent enough money in donations to purchase the airline ticket to make a departure order possible. In spite of this, the Immigration department served her with the more restrictive notice of deportation. Ms. Burnett spent three years in Canada as a sponsored immigrant awaiting Immigrant status which never came. Once served with the deportation notice she is caught in a bizarre bureaucratic Catch 22, for now she can only apply for Landed Immigrant status in Jamaica, her country of origin. Her chances of being accepted are just about nil, her lawyers state. In a related case, Donna Murray, who has been in Canada for three years is also slated for deportation because she separated from her husband. But, in this instance, her husband did not withdraw his sponsorship and has stated he wants to continue as her sponsor in order to keep their child in Canada. However, Immigration has taken the position that the sponsorship was granted to the wife on the basis of cohabitation; since the couple do not live together, the wife is eligible for deportation. Mr. and Ms. Murray's child is a Canadian citizen and Ms. Murray has a steady wellpaying job. Sponsored immigrants and especially wives, are in a very precarious position. They may wait years to acquire landed immigrant status which gives them some protection. In the meantime they dare not leave their husbands. Surely the Canadian Government can do something to mitigate the cruelties of our new Immigration Act Anti - Feminism A recent tour of the mid U.S.A. confirms reports of the increasing strength of a right-wing anti-feminist backlash. Recently, a powerful coalition of heavily funded right-wing groups such as Right to Life, The Eagle Forum, Mormon Church, Family America, F.L.A.G. (Family, Life, America, God), Moral Majority and the National Christian Action Coalition have combined to fight the passage of the Equal Rights Ammendment. Not all these groups are women's organizations but all use women as spokespersons for the anti-feminist cause. Appropriating to themselves the label "pro-family", these groups claim to be defending the rights of the family against government interference. Their basic principles include 1. against equal rights legislation 2. against feminism in all its forms 3. against legalization of abortion 4. against sex-education in the schools 5. against access to contraceptives by teens 6. against working mothers and government-sponsored day care 7. for anti-homosexual legislation At present, an alliance of 150 such groups led by the National Profamily Coalition is forming plans to dominate President Carter's Conference on the Family which is slated for this summer. They are working hard to elect a majority of delegates and control the resolutions. In Canada, a similiar organization, Renaissance International has become more visible during the February federal elections. In the past this group have made themselves a nuisance to small town Southern Ontario school boards because of their habit of scanning high school literature texts looking for naughty passages and then demanding that some of Canada's greatest novels (including Margaret Laurence's The Diviners) be removed from the shelves. This year however, with the endorsement of the Evangelical Fellowship and the Catholic Registrar and a $150,000 plus budget, Renaissance took ads in major Canadian newspapers during the election campaign in order to encourage voters to choose candidates who support the Renaissance platform. Their policy statement is a hodge-podge of paranoia and applepie cliches but the anti-feminism is never far.from the surface in, for example, the resolution which calls for protection of "the rights of the majority from the destructive intent of the anti-family militants". It is easy to dismiss the Renaissance crusade for "Faith, Freedom and the Family", but historically, American right-wing moral crusades have spawned Canadian imitators who have played a detrimental role in Canadian society. Cancer Experiment on Canadian Women Do you remember the days of the routine X-ray at Thunder Bay's T.B. chest X-ray clinics? The routine X-ray of pregnant women? The X-rav machine in Eaton's footware department to check the fit of your shoe? The days of the indiscriminate X-ray are over (we hope) because there is no doubt -1. no one should be exposed to X-ray unless there is a pressing medical reason. 2. Radiation can cause cancer over the long term. 3. Radiation is cumulative. However, there is no doubt that many Canadians over 30 have received much radiation over their lifetimes. Perhaps you also remember the American National Cancer Institute's program of 8 years ago which gave breast X-rays (mammograms) to hundreds of American women in order to diagnose Cancer. The study was stopped for women under 50 after a public flurry of medical accusations claiming it was dangerous and causing more cancer than it was detecting. Also this experiment or "program", as the National Cancer Institute prefers to term it had no control group and so was not scientifically viable. However, the National Cancer Institute of Canada has now embarked on a similiar venture in this country. It is calling on Canadian women to volunteer for mammograms. It wants 9,000 subjects between the ages of 40 and 50 to submit themselves to X-rays at a lower dosage than that used in the discredited American study. A control group will practice breast examination during the 5 year period of the study. The purpose is to discover the best screening method to reduce cancer deaths. Opposition to this experiment emerged as soon as it was announced. Chief opponent is Dr. Irwin Bross, director of biostatistics at the Roswell Park Memorial Institute in Buffalo, Now York. He believes the risk from the X-rays will outweigh any diagnostic benefits. "Fewer than one woman in 10,000 can benefit from the screening (in the under 50 age group); about one woman in 10 is likely to suffer some harm from the repeated X-rays". The Toronto Board of Health, wants the consent forms the women will sign to warn them very clearly of the risk of cancer they face. Welcome to the Struggle Welcome to the struggle and best wishes to Shirley Stevens, the new Supervisor of Women's Programs at the Confederation College Women's Centre. One of Shirley's first projects is to organize, in conjunction with the Women Teacher's Federation, a seminar titled "Personal Growth and Development" slated for April 18 and 19, 1980. Also a vote of thanks from The Northern Woman goes to Mary Fedorchuk, the former supervisor, for her enthusiastic feminism and her hard work in organizing numerous courses, conferences and workshops for local women. Woman Journal, PDFNorthern compression, OCR, page web4optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �the DES story by Louise Nichols The woman's movement has had an incredible effect on the way women approach the health care system. No longer passive consumers, women are learning how their bodies work, demanding information, finding out about alternatives, confronting patronizing and sexist attitudes, and asking lots of questions. One of the important questions for many women however, those born from the late forties to about 1971, is one they should be asking their mothers. In the last five years or so, there has been some media exposure of the discovery of a rare type of vaginal cancer in young women whose mothers took the synthetic estrogen DES (diethylstilbestrol) during their early pregnancies. First used in a study of 632 women in Massachusetts in 1943, DES was thought to be effective in treating threatened miscarriage, enabling the woman to continue her pregnancy to term. It was subsequently used to treat an estimated six million women in the US., Canada, Australia, Mexico, Belgium, France, and Britain. The story of DES is truly astounding. The earliest studies, despite the claim that the researchers felt it could be effective in maintaining pregnancy threatened by miscarriage, were undertaken on women who were having normal pregnancies; none of the women were informed that they were receiving DES -- some recall being told they were being given "vitamins". A subsequent study in Chicago in 1952, comparing a group of women receiving DES and a control group receiving a placebo (an inactive substance), showed that not only did the DES group not have healthier pregnancies, but that twice as many DES mothers had miscarriages as the control group; they also had more high blood pressure and smaller babies than the mothers receiving 0.acebos. Another study in New Orleans confirmed these results. So as early as 1952 it had been shown that there was no value to using DES in pregnancy. It had also been proven as early as 1940 that DES caused cancer in mice. But DES continued to be used until 1971 to treat pregnant women, exposing a possible 25 to 30 thousand women per year and their fetuses to a hormone which by 1969 was clearly proven to be carcinogenic in humans.** ** For a full account of the story of DES - including why it took so long to stop doctors and the drug companies from promoting its use in pregnancy, I highly recommend the book "Women and the Crisis in Sex Hormones" by Barbara Seaman, available at the Co-op Bookshop and the Northern Women's Centre Library. But be prepared to become very angry as you read. This book also goes into, in more detail than I have space for, the various treatments and followups for those women who are found to have cancer or abnormalities of vaginal and cervical tissue. It is also one of the best information sources on birth control and menopause that I have found - important reading for all women. In 1966, a doctor in Boston diagnosed a case of adenocarcinoma in a 15 year old girl. In the next three years he found six similiar cases in women aged fifteen to twenty-two. He conducted a careful search and finally made the connection - all the mothers of the women had taken DES during their pregnancies. Since then there have been over 250 cases of vaginal cancer, the youngest in a 7 year old girl, the oldest in a 29 year old women. All their mothers received DES during the first 18 weeks of pregnancy. Adenocarcinoma is a previously rare type of vaginal cancer that occurs in glandular tissue (adeno = gland, carcinoma = cancer). The normal vagina has no glandular tissue; DES interferes with the formation of normal genital tissue of the fetus. Up to 90% of DES daughters have glandular tissue (adenosis) in their vaginas, and a small percentage of these have cancer of this glandular tissue. It is not known whether presence of the adenosis is a signal of a precancerous state. Incidentally, it has been found that male children exposed to DES in utero are also showing effects. There is a higher incidence in these males of undescended testicles, semen abnormalities, and possible sterility. Now - assuming that you've talked to your mother, and that she took DES during her pregnancy with you, and that she was told what it really was - what should you do from here? There is a very specific examination procedure that must be followed in checking DES daughters - anything less is not good enough. Because the adenosis and/or cancerous cells of the vagina are not visible to the naked eye, a special instrument called a colposcope is used. This is in essence a kind of magnifying instrument specifically designed for microscopically examining the vagina and cervix, and will show up, any areas of abnormality. A regular pap test, while excellent for detecting abnormal changes of the cervix, will miss such changes in the vagina. Colposcopic examination is necessary. In addition, many doctors also use an iodine stain solution to paint the vagina and cervix, since any adenosis does not pick up the stain and can thus be distinguished from normal tissue. If no adenosis or abnormalities are found, a careful colposcopic examination yearly should be sufficient, along with a yearly ilhp test. Fortunately, Thunder Bay has recently acquired a, colposcope, and a local gynecologist is able to perform this procedure. If adenosis is present, many doctors feel that conservative management by frequent re-examination is all that is necessary; others feel that any abnormal tissue should be cauterized or biopsied. In any case, it would be safest to find a doctor who is a DES specialist to follow through any treatment - this is no time to trust in the family doctor or any old gynecologist. Since this adenocarcinoma is being found in such young women, checkups should begin by age 14, or earlier if any symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or bloodstained discharge between periods are present. And the mothers should be aware that there is suggestion of a slightly higher risk of breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus in women who have taken DES; this makes it imperative for them to have regular gynecological exams, and to learn and practise monthly breast self-examination. There is some encouraging news. It seems that many cases of adenosis heal themselves gradually with time. But there are also other considerations for DES daughters, whether they have normal checkups or not. It seems clear that no DES daughter should further expose herself to hormones in the form of birth control pills, post-menopausal estrogen replacement therapy, the "morning after pill" (which may be DES:), or the hormones used to dry up milk after birth when the woman doesn't wish to breastfeed. And the IUD could further complicate the chronic cervix inflammation many DES daughters have. On the other hand, the contraceptive jellies used with the diaphragm seem to have a healing effect on adenosis, because of their acidifying effect. So there is available a non-harmful method of birth control which can actually be beneficial. Finding out that you are a DES daughter, or that you have taken DES yourself, is a frightening thing. But it is important that you become informed about the problem so you can be sure you will get proper care. Knowledge helps you to deal with fear. I am a DES daughter. If anyone would like more information, or needs to talk to someone about her own situation, or needs to.know where to go for a check-up, I can be contacted through this paper. Woman Journal, page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of Northern CVISION PDFCompressor �BREAST CALMER TREATMEIT A TIME FOR CHORE One Woman's Experience with Breast Cancer - as told to Rosalyn Taylor Perrett I couldn't help admiring this woman who sat across from me, giving these events in a way that made clear the underlying issues. She was not afraid to talk about her mastectomy, this made me less afraid of listening. No one likes to feel their mortality, but. somehow, just talking to her, I felt a person could go through it all and still survive. On January 6, I went to my doctor for a routine pap test. I had just recently acquired a woman doctor. Part of the visit included a thorough breast examination. The doctor did not seem alarmed by anything she felt but told me that my breasts felt lumpy. The information from this check up prompted me to examine my breasts myself when I was at home. I was surprised when I discovered a single lump a little smaller than a dime. It was palpable but I couldn't feel under it. I was told to wait till my next menstrual period and the doctor felt the lump too. An appointment was made for me to have a mammography. Five days passed before I heard the results. My doctor phoned, and told me that there was an indiscrete lesion and a biopsy would have to be done. I sensed concern in the doctor's voice which made me feel shocked and numb at . the thought of having cancer. Until this time there had been only a distant possibility. My doctor referred me to a surgeon. Two months had already gone by, it was now March 8th. During this time, I did a lot of reading. I read articles I found myself or were given to me by other women. Equipped with more knowledge, I asked quite a few questions regarding the biopsy and breast cancer treatments. The information I had acquired lead me to believe that there were other treatments besides a mastectomy. I asked the surgeon if I had to sign the consent form before I had the biopsy. I did not want to give permission to have a mastectomy right after the biopsy if the lump turned out to be malignant. He told me that if I didn't sign the consent form I would be released from the hospital and it would mean that the operating room would have to be booked again, so there was a time factor involved. He also said, however, that a few days difference wouldn't put me in any danger. I had exercised my choice to have the biopsy and operation in two stages -unknown to me before I read that you have a right to do this. I entered the hospital on March 11th for the biopsy. I did not hear the results straight away as I had expected. I was discharged from the hospital on ,the 13th, still not knowing the results. Two more days passed without any news. Finally, I decided to call the lab, I knew a doctor there so I asked for him. I was told the doctor hadn't made it to work because of the heavy snow storm. Almost a week had passed before the surgeon phoned me with the results. He told me that they had found 30 microscopic cancer cells that were mainly confined to the lump with just a few outside. The articles and the books I had read, led me to believe I was a candidate for a lumpectomy (removal of the malignant lump) rather than a mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). The surgeon told me that my treatment would be a modified radical mastectomy (removal of the breast, and lymph glands in the axilla but leaving the chest muscles). I had more questions at this time as I wanted the surgeon to confirm to me that a modified radical mastectomy was the only safe treatment. When he didn't confirm that there was no other choices or assure me that his treatment would give me a better chance for survival, I began to be confused by the treatments I had read about. I was in an extremely anxious state at this time. I asked him if he would consider removing just the lump. When he said no, I asked him if he knew any other surgeons who would. He told me to phone any other physician I wanted to. continued on page 14 Breast selfexamination Sit or stand in front of your mirror, with your arms relaxed at your sides, and examine your breasts carefully for any changes in size and shape. Look for any puckering or dimpling of the skin, and for any discharge or changes in the nipples. Raise both your arms over your head,' and look for exactly the same things. See if there's been any change since you last examined your breasts. Lie on your bed, put a pillow or a bath towel under your left shoulder and your left hand under your head. (From this Step through Step 8, you should feel for a lump or thickening. With the fingers of your right hand held together flat, press gently but firmly with small circular motions to feel the inner, upper quarter of your left breast, starting at your breast-bone and going outward toward the nipple line. Also feel the area around the nipple. With the same gentle pressure, feel the lower inner part of your breast. Incidentally, in this Area you will feel a ridge of firm tissue of flesh. Don't be alarmed. This is perfectly normal. Now bring your left arm down to your side, and still using the flat part of your fingers, feel under your armpit. Use the same gentle pressure to feel the upper, outer quarter of your breast from the nipple line to where your arm is resting. And finally, feel the lower outer section of your breast, going from the outer part to the nipple. Repeat the entire procedure on the right breast. Your own doctor may want you to use a slightly different method of examination. Ask him/her to teach you that method. Examine your breasts every month, just after your period. Be sure to continue these checkups after your change of life. If you find a lump or thickening leave it alone until you see your doctor. Don't be frightened. Most breast lumps or changes are not cancer, but only your doctor can tell. Woman Journal, PDFNorthern compression, OCR,page web6 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �breast cancer cont'd When I called another surgeon,,described the lump and asked this surgeon how he would go about treatment, he asked me who my- doctor was. I told him and he said, "Listen young lady, do what your doctor says". The day before the operation was scheduled, the surgeon suggested that I come in and have a talk. I decided to bring a friend. I was beginning to doubt there really was any other form of safe treatment when the surgeon hadn't responded the way I hoped he would respond. He discounted any less radical treatments without reassuring me that this treatment would give me any better chance for survival. I took a friend so she could also hear the surgeon's attitude, and hear him say that there was only one safe treatment - the modified radical mastectomy. This was not what we heard. We heard a surgeon who said his time was being wasted by all of these questions. I felt I had antagonized him by what he perhaps thought was a challenge to his treatment. His anger surfaced and left me stunned. I had only seen him when he was calm and patient. He found out that I had gone 'over his head' by calling the lab to find out what the results of the biopsy were. He hadn't known me long as a patient and as I was new to this clinic, there was only a short medical history. He took everything too personally. He thought it was a thing about the breast. He gave me the impression that he thought I was a victim of the 'Hollywood Syndrome', where women's breasts are worshipped as part of their sexuality and their desirability. I was too upset to try to convince him that my concern was for breast cancer treatment and not just for the loss of a breast. I was not reassured by comments like, "If it was my wife or daughter, this is the treatment I would recommend." He failed to recognize that I, as a reasonably intelligent 'patient', needed to have him dispute the many documentations such as that from Dr. Ray Lawson of Montreal who states, "radical operations are completely unjustified -- the survival rate from lumpectomies is as good". He dismissed this physician and others who felt the same way as 'impertinent radical thinkers'. I left his office so upset that my friend had to assist me. I was booked for surgery. I didn't feel that it was the only treatment available but I wasn't prepared to go elsewhere. I was now so dependent on this surgeon, I was afraid he would ask me to find another surgeon. I was admitted the next day. To my relief, when he visited me before the operation he was his calm gentle self and no mention of the previous visit was made. It was more than three months since I had initially discovered the lump. After the operation there was a normal amount of post-operative discomfort which lasted about three days. While I was still in the hospital I had therapy arm raises to regain a loss of movement. In the hospital the pain I felt was tolerable. Visits from people I cared for did a lot to help my recovery. A heart warming visit came from an older woman I didn't even know. She had travelled across town by bus after being shut "AS LONG AS THE MEDICAL PROFESSION IS MALE DOMINATED -- THE TREATMENT OF FEMALE DISEASES IS GOING TO BE AFFECTED BY MALE ATTITUDES." in most of the winter, showing herself as a living example of someone who had breast cancer 30 years ago and survived. It is now four years since I had a modified radical mastectomy. There were no further treatments, except routine examinations. There were no complications. Having one breast is still incidental to my concern about treatment for breast cancer. As I faithfully examine the other breast there is still the dread at finding a lump, dread because the treatment has not changed to my knowledge. As long as the medical profession is male-dominated and women are treated by men, the treatment of female diseases is going to be affected by male attitudes. Women need to be more responsible for their health. Frequent breast self-examinations are necessary even though it is one of the hardest things to routinely do. Fear makes us not want to find something there. If you find something do not delay seeing a doctor. Do not be content to be a passive recipient of whatever treatment is recommended. "Radical mastectomy is categorized as a non-discretionary operation, which means that the woman, unless she discusses it thoroughly with her physician beforehand, does not make the final decision regarding removal of her breast or the possible alternatives of partial mastectomy or other treatments." (From About Face - Towards a Positive Image of Women and Health). Read about breast cancer and become more knowledgeable. Demand to die cuss the treatment in a direct and realistic manner. Don't be intimidatec by a sexist patronizing attitude or suggestions that you are taking up their valuable time. Ask questions about treatment, screening methods, your own physician's attitudes on breast cancer treatments. Learn what i available in Thunder Bay. This is all very much easier to write than to do I realize. I don't feel I had much of a say in my treatment but if all women challenge the health care system, then hopefully we can change attitudes and influence the need for better detection methods and different, less radical treatments. Since relating my experience witl breast cancer to Rosalyn I have done more reading, talked to my "new" doctc talked to a woman who had a friend whc had a lumpectomy in Toronto, and made a few phone calls regarding detection continued on page 14 HORMONES so much for miracles? by Gert Beadle My personal experience with hormones for menopausal distress began as I neared fifty. After having a hysterectomy at thirty-four for fibroids, I had, it seemed to me, a never-ending condition of hcit flushes, nervous exhaustion and continuous nausea. I was employed full time as an R.N.A. and although I am an energetic person mentally, I found myself struggling to maintain that posture physically. When it was suggested to me by a doctor that hormones might solve some of my problems, and I was assured that a refusal at the time of my surgery was no longer a factor, I gratefully began to take 1.25 Premarin in the prescribed dosage. Hormones at this time were enjoying a period of approval by some I was, for instance, medical men. given a book to read on its magic powers. Good for the bones, good for the nerves, an elixor of life. If it couldn't save your marriage, it would go a long way to making your husband happy. So I was prepared for a miracle and it seemed to happen. The difference in my physical wellbeing was spectacular. I ran cool, energy returned, mental stress and nausea abated. I was told once starting that I would probably have to take them all my life and at the time I felt it was . small price to pay for this new a health, but no one told me what the consequences of going off them would be. After taking them for fifteen yew I felt that they were contributing to fluid retention, which had become a problem. At the same time I became more aware of the dangers inherent in birth control pills, and so, without consultation with the medical authorities, I took my last pill and said, "That's all". The results of this decision were catastrophic. I went into shock of withdrawal and was delivered to Emergency without body temperature and cyanosed I had begun to perspire in the morning in no ordinary way and throughout the day continued to try t( soak up the perspiration with towels, but by 7 o'clock I was flaking out an was sure I was having a heart attack. I am now taking o.625 Premarin which is equivalent to half of my former prescription and have gradually cut the need to 2 weeks out of 4 but I was reminded just this last month that to cut it further is to revive all the old symptoms of hot flushing and depression. At sixty-four, I have come to the realization that I may well have to take them as long as I live, regardless of any other symptom, continued on page 14 Northern Woman Journal, page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �CHILDBIRTH : I parative study done by Valmoi HoweElkins in her book "The Rights of the Pregnant Parent" supports this statement. SEE CHART by Estelle Howard Unable to sleep telly huge & round you turn I turn. nxious to meet you little friend. Whispered promises in the night If you be a woman we will teach each other. Strength. If you be a man we will teach each other. Gentleness. At the age of 32 I became pregnant. I felt ready for this life adventure - ready to share my space with a My body felt healthy and child. strong and my energy level was high. The first steps I took in my pregnancy were to begin reading progressive birthing books and to seek out a doctor who would share my ideas/ideals. From the very beginning of my pregnancy I was committed to a gentle birth and was determined not to compromise. Because a midwife was not available for reasons I will discuss further in this article, I felt my only choice was a hospital birth. I had been involved in the Woman's Movement for.many years and, with the support of a gentle man, strong women and my feminist analysis I felt quite prepared for the attitudes/treatment that I would receive. It was not easy however, and often I found myself being both humiliated and intimidated In sharing my experiences by doctors. with other women I've discovered that they too had felt/experienced much the same. We agreed that childbirth, a natural process, a WOMAN POWER had been forced away from us and had been replaced by a male power structure designed to control (through our oppression)both our bodies and minds. The conclusion we came to was that the exploitation of women on the examining table, in the labour room and on the delivery table is one of North America's greatest crimes. If women do not know their rights or if they do but are not prepared to fight for them, then one of the most common rapes of women will probably take It is my hope and intention place. that the following ideas and experiences will encourage women to further readings (knowledge being one form of power) and help in giving women courage and strength to stand up for their WOMAN RIGHTS. Finally, I hope that my struggle in the search for a respectful doctor, and my fight for recognition of my being will be viewed as the struggle of all women. OUR BIRTH Our birth took place in Thunder Bay at McKellar Hospital. Our birth was a hospital natural birth. It was natural in that my labour was not induced, I was not administered drugs, I was not shaven nor given an episiotomy. My child was allowed a partial Leboyer (gentle) birth and, I was allowed to spend ten to fifteen minutes with him before he was whisked away for hospital processing. After this processing was complete (a space of time during which I felt incredible panic) He was returned to me where he remained until my discharge. Prior to our birth, I had arranged with my doctor to leave the hospital with my child within twenty-four hours - which I did. Since our birth took place in a hospital setting (which is designed and set up for the sick) there were compromises that I had to make. Despite the sterile atmosphere and the paternalistic attitude and rigid rule of the institution, my birth was the most profound and joyful experience of my life. I was supported by a dear friend, a sensitive nurse and a progressive doctor (as progressive as a doctor can be within such a power structure). A large part of my joy was the pride and strength that I felt in being able to determine (within a hospital setting) our birth. At the same time, however, I was conscious of a sense of rage within me (for the millions of women who are denied such feelings and) towards the medical profession who has convinced so many women that they "have only our best interests in mind". POLITICS OF MEDICINE We constantly hear of the great achievements that have been made in modern medicine. Medicine has become a highly skilled technology with technicians trained to carry it out. Aswith any technology, and in particular, male technology with its profit-oriented mentality, the human aspect has very little value especially if the human In the introin question is a woman. duction of this article I referred to the rape of women. When I speak of rape I speak of acts of violence. Medical/surgical procedures that are unnecessary are violent acts. Most women are so intimidated by their physicians, and so vulnerable at the time of birth, that they are often powerless to protest. This is especially true when they are told that the life of their child is a stake. Some examples of such acts of violence INDUCED LABOUR Induced labour is the act of rupturing the amniotic membrane or the administration of a simulated hormone 'oxytocin' given either orally or intravenously. The purpose is to stimulate and/or accelerate uterine contractions. This procedure should only be used when there is danger to the health of the mother/child. Examples of some situations where this procedure may be necessary are: with toxemia women RH women with dangerously high antibodies Still birth Diabetic women Head of the fetus growing too large to pass through the pelvic area. Women should be aware however, that it is common practice to induce women who have gone two weeks past their due date (due date being calculated from the time of the last period and not from the time of conIt is also common practception). ice of many doctors to induce women for the physician's convenience i.e. so as not to interfere with vacation plans of the doctor or to avoid late night delivery - How about .a doctor who receives great pleasure out of inducing women so as to be the Papa Stork of the new years baby every year? LABOUR CAN BE DANGEROUS and is not something to be taken lightly. If the membranes have been punctured and your child is not born within twenty -four hours the risk of a caesarean section is very high. In normal labour the membranes usually rupture in second stage labour thus cushioning the fetal skull during contractions. Without such cushioning the pressure on the child's head can cause a decrease in blood to the child which results in a decrease of oxygen to the brain and a greater chance of blood vessels rupturing under the baby's skin. The hormone 'oxytocin' causes the labour contractions to be unnaturally strong which can cause disalignment of the child's parietal bones and the possibility of the umbilical cord becomming compressed thus shutting off oxygen to the child. If the child is born premature because of unnecessary induction 'hyline membrane' disease can be the result. Infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births) are: - Labour induction Drugs Episiotomy Forcep delivery Separation of parent/child I do not deny that there are exceptional cases where the above medical procedures are necessary for the life of the mother/child but the extensive use of such practices can only be viewed a child/mother abuse. A com- Women prepared for birth less Obstetrical medication Forceps deliveries Inductions Episiotomy more Caesarean Section PDF Northern compression, OCR, web Woman Journal, page 8optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �claiming Our Power Most of'all,the control over your labour is taken from you and you are often rendered helpless. As a result the possibility of administered drugs is highly increased. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOCTOR TO INDUCE YOUR LABOUR UNLESS THE REASONS ARE MEDICAL. DO NOT ACCEPT THAT YOUR CHILD IS GROWING TOO LARGE TO PASS THROUGH YOUR PELVIC AREA WITHOUT HAVING AN ULTRA SOUND SCAN DONE. The ultra sound scan can determine the size of your child's skull and there is no known danger to this procedure. OBSTETRICAL MEDICATION - "DRUGS" There are so many drugs on the market that it would be impossible for the writer to list them all but you can be sure that the drug industry is making millions of dollars over our prone bodies. Five common drugs used on women are:- nembutal - a sedative used to reduce anxiety seconal - a hypnotic used to induce sleep - a tranquilizer used to valium relieve tension demoral - an analgesic used to eliminate pain epidural analgesic- injected into the lower back where all sensation ceases from the waist on down. or any combination of the above and many many more. Drugs are used in approximately 85% of all hospital births and most often administered without informing the woman of the possible side effects WHY? Doctors state that they want to help us - that they hate to see us go through such unnecessary pain. If this is the medical reason thenWhy do most doctors not encourage mothers to attend childbirth classes? Why are not free childbirth classes available to all women? Why are there no midwives available to assist the woman who is alone during her labour? Is it that drugs are more economical? Is it an attempt to control a process that the physician in fact fears? DRUGS CAN BE DANGEROUS and their side effects disasterous. For the child there is the possibility of oxygen deprivation causing the child to require resuscitation and, the effect of the drug on the child can U.S. 18.5 HOLLAND 11.4 less than 50% more than 80% 85% 2-5% 60% 5% 15-20% 5% 80% 15-20% 8% 2% The sucking last for several weeks. action of the child is decreased which is a special problem for the nursing mother. The fetal heart rate can also be decreased. Some studies point out that a decrease in learning development for up to one month is caused by drugs. As far as the mother is concerned, CONTROL OF HER LABOUR IS TAKEN AWAY causing he; in many instances, to be alienated from her body and the birth of her child. If the woman is drugged, often the ability to push out her baby is decreased to the point where episiotomy and forceps are necessary (both of which will be discussed in this article). The greatest loss to the drugged mother is the inability to participate fully in an experience that is uniquely hers, often leaving her with an extreme sense of failure. in the delivery room. As far as weakness in the perineum in later life, there are specific exercises that every responsible doctor should know and be prepared to teach the woman which would eliminate such problems. Loss of sexual enjoyment is an interesting approach. One can only conclude that the medical profession (whom over 90% are male) are more concerned about the loss of men's sexual enjoyment and not the woman. This is a sexist myth and a gross Every woman that I spoke deception. with who did not have an episiotomy felt no loss of sexual enjoyment nor (for all you male doctors) did their mates. Women should be aware that most doctors in Thunder Bay perform episiotomies as a matter of course i.e. whether you need one or not DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PHYSICIAN TO AD-. MINISTER ANY DRUGS WITHOUT A FULL EXPLANATION OF THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. DO NOT ALLOW YOUR PHYSICIAN TO ADMINISTER ANY DRUGS IF A MEDICAL REASON IS NOT GIVEN. MAKE SURE THAT YOU EITHER ATTEND CHILDBIRTH CLASSES OR READ BOOKS ON CHILDBIRTH BREATHING TECHNIQUES. BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A FRIEND WHO WILL ASSIST YOU BOTH DURING THE LABOUR AND BIRTH. EPITIOTOMY An episiotomy is a surgical procedure which involves the cutting of the perineum which is the area between the vaginal opening and There are two types of the anus. incisions: - 1) midline - which is a straight cut which is dangerous in terms of damage to the anus and 2) midline & directed laterally i.e. away from the anus - which is safer in terms of not damaging the anus and the more common procedure. The repair involves the stitching of four layers of tissue: the vagina the muscle (levator ani) subcutaneour fascia (tissue directly under the skin) and the skin itself. This surgical procedure is conducted routinely by most doctors i.e. over 80% of all women. Doctors justify the use of episiototy in the following way: 1. to prevent tearing 2. to prevent neurological damage to the baby from lengthy delivery 3. to prevent weakness of the perineum in later life 4. to prevent the possible loss of sexual enjoyment. In the first two instances there may be the exceptional case where an episiotomy will in fact be necessary but in the last two cases this is highly unlikely. Professional midwives and progressive doctors state that tearing should not occur'(or very slightly, if at all) if the perineum is given proper support during the delivery. Since episiotomies speed up the delivery process, women must be conscious of the possibility of some doctors being more concerned with their time spent EPISIOTOMY CAN BE DANGEROUS - It is not only a very painful experience for the woman but often takes a long time to heal. Some women have reported a numbness in this area for up Some women experienced a to a year. fear of sexual intercourse after this In this operation was performed. instance I feel it important to site a few women's experiences with episiotomy:"When I requested no episiotomy my doctor stated that I would end up with a huge baggy vagina...I changed doctors "When I requested no episiotomy, my doctor warned that I would end up with a huge gaping vagina - like all those European women who come into his office". "He then proceeded to express his sorrow for their poor, unsatisfied husbands". "One woman after this act of violence was performed, watched the doctor make a tight little circle with his fingers for her mate to see - an illustration of a nice tight job...just for him". "As a student nurse I watched the doctor perform an episiotomy and then turn to four young male interns and say - come feel this - just like a virgin, nice and tight. all four men then proceded to insert their fingers into the women's vagina to confirm this gross sexist statement" DO NOT ALLOW YOUR DOCTOR TO PERFORM AN EPISIOTOMY FOR A NON MEDICAL REASON. continued on page 12 Northern Woman Journal, page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �KRAMER VS. KRAMER by Susan G. Cole reprinted from Broadside A fitting way to enter the eighties; the movie that best portrays the impact of the seventies; the first objective account of a failed marriage and the struggle for custody of the child; a movie with no villains; New York Critics award winner for best movie of 1979. Wouldn't it be terrific if Kramer vs. Kramer were everything it's been cracked up to be? The movie is a hit, a popular specimen of our mainstream culture and a film that tackles issues that have been near and dear to the heart of the women's movement. I wanted Kramer vs. Kramer to be great because everybody is seeing it, and because "definitive" anythings tend to make me nervous. The themes of the movie promise either an enormously valuable film or one whose impact could be downright dangerous. As unaccustomed as I am to sitting on the fence I have to confess that Kramer vs. Kramer is a lot of both. The movie written by Robert Benton (The Late Show, Bonnie and Clyde) is about Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) whose wife Joanna (Meryl Streep suddenly leaves him with their sevenyear old child Billy (Justin Henry) whom Ted doesn't know from a hole in the ground. He has been too busy gunning for the top at his advertising agency. As the movie tuns its course, Ted learns why Joanna left him and discovers that there exists the possibility of a loving relationship between him and his son. After a seventeen month absence, Joanna returns to get custody of her child. Hence the title, Kramer vs. Kramer. The claim that Kramer vs. Kramer is an objective account of the situation should be dispelled immediately. It is curious that so many reviewers (dare I say it, mostly male) have celebrated the movie's evenhandedness. The film is written so that when the scene finally drifts to the courtroom we get the uneasy feeling that we have been diddled by a screen writer who wants us to want Ted Kramer to win. This should hardly be the case in a movie that supposedly has no villains, but Benton gets us where he wants us through a variety of plot devices, some more obvious than others. To begin with, the film is about Ted's relationship with his son. We never see Joanna with Billy except for a brief moment at the beginning when Joanna tells her son that she loves him just minutes before she walks out the door. It is an evocative scene but it certainly does not give us a vivid sense of the connection between mother and child: after, all Billy is asleep, and the scene runs for perhaps two minutes. In court, Ted testifies passionately to the ability of men to bring up children. He argues that women are not the only ones who know how to nurture. He's right of course, in the political and theoretical sense, and naturally, we believe him because we've seen him take care of Billy through three quarters of the movie. But while it is important that these progressive sentiments be expressed to the movie-going public it is not necessary to play them off against the platitudes poor Joanna is forced to convey. Her husband made her feel worthless and consequently she felt incapable of being his wife and bringing up their child. After seventeen months she realizes that her problem was a lack of self-image and, having pulled herself together, she wants her son back. This is a plausible situation that Benton turns hackneyed by filling Joanna's mouth with material that's pretty hard to swallow. She rambles on about "finding herself" through "therapy" in California for heaven's sake. Ultimately she comes across as an indulged neurotic, spewing cliches that are more apt to make the viewer cringe than be sympathetic. And if the director of Kramer vs. Kramer expects us to accept Joanna's plight in spite of that embarassing rigamarole and in spite of the fact that Mom disappears in the first five minutes of the movie, the least he could have done was cast a sympatico actress in the role of the absent mother. Instead we are confronted with the chilly presence of Meryl Streep who is really not the accessible and believable type the character should have been. While standing in the window of a restaurant watching her son before she tells Ted that she is seeking custody, Joanna actually appears sinister. Really, when faced with a choice between the endearing Dustin Hoffman finally discovering how to prepare French toast and the fickle and mysterious Streep, Hoffman is bound to win our hearts hands down. The clearest sense of Ted's transformation is seen through the eyes of the proverbial downstairs neighbour Margaret (played by Jane Alexander). We are led to believe that Margaret has been doing a little consciousness raising with Joanna just before she walks out. Ted whines about the conspiracy as he confronts Margaret just after he's left -- shades of the wounded male syndrome bemoaned as the worst fallout of the women's movement. But Margaret changes her tune as she watches Ted get to know his son and as they commiserate over their shared lot (she has just been left with two children). This could conceivably happen. But Benton gets carried away with Margaret's changing loyalties as Ted's attorney props Margaret on the stand where she sings the praises of Ted's childrearing abilities. There is something slightly sleazy about all this. Surely Ted ought to have the child: he even has his wife's one-time champion (perhaps even the instigator of the separation) and a "women's libber" on his side. Here is one of the most miserable misuses of a relationship between two women ever to grace the plot of what is supposedly an intelligent script. And when Margaret chooses to take some time in court to plead with Joanna to change her mind and let Ted keep the child, you know that either Benton is on a manipulative kick or he doesn't have the slightest notion of how two women would deal with each other in such a case. Hasn't Benton ever heard of the telephone? It's the most likely instru- ment Margaret would have used to perform with Sturm and Drang for the judg By now, we've been worked up to the point that we think Ted ought to get custody. This is not entirely a sensible point of view. It presupposes that seventeen months of parenting makes one a better parent than six years of childrearing -- easy enough to assume when seventeen months of parenting takes up 75 minutes of film while six years of the same is depicted nowhere. And when you think about it, Ted hasn't become a "better parent," he has simply become human. He has developed a relationship with his only child, an achievement that ought not to be lionized, but seen as something fathers should do as a matter of course. The judge rules in Joanna's favour, as would most judges in cases where single mothers were vying for custody of children with single fathers (except, of course, if the mother were a lesbian). The custody of children is one of the few cases where women are given the advantage, so there's something irritating about the fact that Kramer vs. Kramer uses what little power we have against us. Had the film done more with the character of Joanna, we would appreciate Ted's dilemma as more than an attempt to strip Joanna of what appears to be the only power that she has. But even if Ted's heroism is exaggerated, Kramer vs. Kramer is an important movie. It makes vivid one of the conundrums that face male breadwinners -- the conflict between family responsibilitie§-aTt& ccirrolm-* ate career. Ted receives no support from office colleagues who find his commitment to Billy incomprehensible and his lack of interest in company politics equally mystifying. When a corporate buddy tries to engage Ted in the latest "who did what to whom" gossip on the company grapevine and Ted just can't take the time because he has to pick up Billy at school, we know Ted is on the way out. Ted was not born a bad parent, he's had his life's blood sucked out of him by a competitive business, and the advertising business is one of the most cut-throat around. It may be that continued on page 15 Northern Woman Journal, page optimization 10 PDF compression, OCR, web using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BIRTH CONTROL ONE WOMAN 'S BATTLE When I was a child, I was told my genitals were my privates. When I found what I thought was a red hotwater bottle with a hose attached -that was private. It belonged to my mother, not to be touched. When I -played with another little girl behind a closed door, tickling each other, my mother screamed at us never to do that again. I feel part of feminism is to make the private public, to become comfortable with our bodies, to feel good about being female, proud of our anatomy and how it grows and changes. Sex is not a dirty word. Where have the taboos come from? Perhaps from fear of the unknown. I have not completely convinced myself that the primary reason I married 13 years ago was to have sex, The fear of pregnancy limits my peace of mind even now. This brings us to the subject of choice. I did not have adequate sex education or any birth control information. In 1966, a month before my wedding, I commenced 1 mg. dose of birth control pills (.5 mg, is now the normal dosage). The results were nausea and a grey-green colour which convinced my mother and her friends that I was already pregnant. I continued with the birth control pill for almost 2 years and each menstrual cycle was started with a headache, nausea and vomiting. Following the birth of my child, I nursed for 7 months with no knowledge that I could have gotten pregnant again, even though I did not menstruate. Fortunately I did not. CHILDBIRTH BY CHOICE CARAL'S PHILOSOPHY by Donna Phoenix For a short time I went on the pill again to dry up my milk and then had a Lippes Loop inserted (an I.U.D.). The loop was effective but caused increased blood flow and clotting until I was fearful I had miscarried. Upon examination it was found to have moved out of my cervix and it was removed by my doctor. Great -- no more bleeding, but fear of pregnancy again. It was replaced by a Dalcan shield, another I.U.D., and that in turn was discarded when my husband got a vasectomy. You might suppose my worries were over but a separation occurred and all the old fears resurfaced. An accident which left a condom inside my vagina after his climax found me subjecting my body to a week-long intake of stilbestrolifor fear I might get pregnant, since this was one time I didn't use foam as well. Surviving that disaster, I went for the copper7 I.U.D., which I used without complaint for two years. In the period I abstained from 'sexual intercourse, I felt in control of my own body and was totally without fear. Liberated from the I.U.D., I now use a diaphragm with foam successfully and have for over two years. I have bonded again with the understanding that birth control is a shared responsibility. Birth control information has only been legal in Canada since 1969. Has there really been a lot of progress in 11 years? Is sex still a dirty word? I feel every woman should have the right to choose whether she wants to have children and when. I am a member of C.A.R.A.L., the Canadian ASsociation for the Repeal of the Abortion . Law. CARAL calls for repeal of Canada's abortion law (section 251 of the Criminal Code), so that abortion becomes a matter to be decided by a woman and her doctor. We support provincial action to ensure universal access to safe, legal abortion across the country. We support and encourage the wide availability of contraceptive information and materials, and comprehensive programmes of contraceptive and sex education, as the only effective means of reducing the need for abortion. The word 'pro-abortion' is often used mistakenly or dishonestly to describe the pro-chioce view that a woman in consultation with her doctor should be permitted to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. This is in fact neither a pro- nor antiabortion position, but simply an affirmation that women facing unplanned pregnancy whould be free to choose either way. Many people believe that there would be no need for abortion if all couples used contraceptives except when they desired pregnancy. It is true that if reliable family planning information, education and services were universally available, the number of unwanted pregnancies could be significantly reduced. However, failures can occur with all current method: of contraception, and even responsible users of effective methods may occasionally find themselves faced with unwanted pregnancies. What is Childbirth by Choice? Briefly, childbirth by choice means freedom of choice in planning one's family. It means a woman should not be pressured to bear a child against her will, CARAL believes that women should have the freedom to choose whether or not to continue an unplanned, undesired pregnancy. ABORTION ALTERNATIVES Prior to 1969, abortion was illegal in Canada. In that year, an amendment to section 251 of the Criminal Code made abortion legal under the following conditions. 1. A legal therapeutic abortion must be performed in an approved, accredited hospital. 2. All applications for abortions must go for review before a hospital Therapeutic Abortion committee which must consist of at least three members, all of whom must be qualified medical practitioners. 3. A majority of this committee must state in writing that "in its opinion, the continuation of the pregnancy would or would be likely to endanger the life or health of the mother". 4. The abortion must be performed by a qualified medical practitioner other than a member of the committee. Therapeutic abortion committees exist in only one-fifth of Canadian hospitals. In Northern Ontario only 8 hospitals have committees; the PortArthur General Hospital and McKellar General (also in Thunder Bay), Dryden General Hospital, Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, Kirkland Lake District Hospital in Kirkland Lake, Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane, North Bay Civic and Sudbury Memorial Hospitals Provided a woman has access to one of these hospitals, she must still have her application passed by its committee. Whether or not this occurs, is dependent on her circumstances and the way 'health' is interpreted by the committee to which she applies. Some therapeutic abortion committees consider a woman's emotional health as well as her physical health -- but there is no guarantee. Women wishing to terminate an unwanted pregnancy are very much at the mercy of the committee's interpretation of the law. No right of appeal is allowed when a woman's application is denied. Even if a. hospital has a Therapeutic Abortion Committee, it is not required to grant or perform any abortions and indeed, some do not. Procedure If a woman's pregnancy test is positive and she has decided that it is a pregnancy she does not want to continue, she seeks referral to a gynecologist who performs abortions. He will reconfirm the pregnandy by pelvic examination. Then an application is submitted to the therapeutic abortion committee and if the application is passed, hospital space is booked. Actual abortion procedures differ PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation from one hospital to another but early abortions are often done by D and C as day surgery. Although it is possible to use only a local anaesthetic, a general anaesthetic is used and women are not given a choice. Pre or post-abortion counselling is not routinely available. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic shuffle with the Therapeutic Abortion Committee may cause a delay which is undesirable for both the physical and emotional well-being of the woman. The Badgley Report on the Operation of the Abortion Law found that after a pregnancy has been confirmed, an average of 8 weeks passes until the induced abortion is done. The Meadowbrook Women's Clinic in Minneapolis provides an alternative for women seeking abortions. This clinic ..."is a free-standing medical facility whose function is to provide abortion services in a nonjudgemental, medically safe atmosphere." The philosophy of Meadowbrook is that every woman has the right to free choice, competent care and confidentiality. Appointments can be booked from Monday to Saturday (except Wednesday) by calling the clinic at 612-925-4640. continued on page 14 Northern WomanPDFCompressor Journal, page 11 copy of CVISION �FORCEPS: A MALE INVENTION Forceps are large crossed metal spoons which usually have holes in the centers to grasp the baby's head and pull the child out. The use of forceps has greatly increased with the increase of technology in medicine. Forcep deliveries are not uncommon with women who have been drugged and are unable to push their babies out naturally. Initially forceps were used to speed up the delivery processanother method of controlling the birth process. Forceps should only be used in extreme cases where the baby is unable to emerge naturally. Forceps can be extremely painful to the child and the possibility of neurological damage is increased. Of course if forceps are used the chances of an episiotomy is greatly increased. FIND OUT YOUR DOCTORS FEELINGS ON THE USE OF FORCEPS AND WHY AND WHEN THEY MIGHT BE USED. FIND OUT ALSO WHAT PREPARATIONS YOU COULD MAKE TO AVOID OR LESSEN THE POSSIBILITY OF USE. CHILD PARENT SEPARATION Child parent separation is a very common approach. Women are not encouraged to keep their child with them they are in fact discouraged. It is not uncommon for a mother to stand outside the room where her child is, separated by a glass wall and watch her baby cry. Often she feels too intimidated to ask for her baby. If the woman requests rooming in for her and her child she receives very little emotional or physical support. I spent a whole night alone with my child and the only support offered was to take my child away to the nursery. DO NOT ALLOW THE DOCTORS OR NURSES TO KEEP YOU FROM YOUR CHILD. IF POSSIBLE REQUEST ROOMING IN. POLITICS OF CONTROL Up to this point I have only spoken of the actual birth process, yet the humilation of women often begins in the early visits to the doctor. The processing is quick and efficient. A quick examination (time is money you know), a blood tes t, date set for delivery, date set for your next appointment...then "that's it, woman until next month". Oh yes, the doctor may ask you if you have any questions. One of several things may happen here: 1. You may not know what to expect because you have very little knowledge of hospital procedure during and after birth. Often you believe you can trust your doctor to do only what is best for you. 2. You have all kinds of questions but the doctor seems so rushed that you don't feel you have the right to take up her/his time. 3. You feel so intimidated that you become afraid to question. 4. You ask questions for which you receive quick, impersonal, limited answers BUT if you have been reading progressive books on birthing and you ask related questions or worse yet make relevant suggestions then you may experience a cold hostility which is often masked by a paternalistic smile. A smile that says "Now, now dear, we know what is best for you". If you insist, then the doctor may put up the protective screen of professionalism and speak to you of hospital procedure - of which he/she too has no say. Politically speaking it is called passing the proverbial buck. This approach is designed to stop women from pursuing the subject and happens more often than we realize. Believe me, they can do this so completely because they hold that much physical and psychological power over us. 5. In the exceptional case you may find a doctor who is willing to listen to you - a doctor who respects your ideas and decisions and offers you support - a doctor who is not threatened by your questions. Such progressive doctors are difficult to find but once discovered the word spreads quickly. IF YOU KNOW OF SUCH A DOCTOR THE NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTER WOULD APPRECIATE THE NAME AND NUMBER SO AS TO ADD TO OUR LIST OF REFERRALS. P.S. OUR LIST IS VERY SHORT1 Of all the women to whom I spoke; not one received any nutritional informat ion, not one received a reading list of progressive birth books, not one was told of specific birth exercises not one was told about the use/non use of drugs, not one was told about labour and what to expect, very few were adv ised about birth classes. , Most women in Canada do not have an alternative to hospital birth because the medical profession has done a good job in eliminating legalized midwifery. The history of this crime against women goes back many centuries to when women healers and midwives were tortured and burned alive as witches. It is estimated that these number in the millions. Women, who were the only healers centuries ago, were feared and hated for their knowledge. They were replaced by the professional doctor and schools were set up to train such doctors (from which women were excluded). Such schools and doctors were from the upper classes only and it was the upper and middle class that they represented and served. Their roots have been and continue to be deeply embedded in the church and state and it is those values and norms that they perpetuate. As such, the medical profession is one of the greatest oppressors of women. Child birth, a natural process has been turned into a surgical procedure and most women have been convinced that this is the only safe way. Doctors/ tecnnicians have become obsessed with what could go wrong. Just in case you tear we will give you an episiotomy. Just in case you get too tired during your labour we will give you a little something to help you along. Just in case your baby may be over- due we will induce your labour - the list goes on and on. Because of thi obsession, physicians force women to participate/submit to their paranoia Many women continue seeing doctors with whom they are dissatisfied for much the same reasons as women continue seeing men with whom they are dissatisfied - they lack alternative or have been so beaten psychological that they give up their personal power. For those of us (and the numbers increase every day) who have not given up the stmagle and who receiv, encouragement and support from our sisters and brothers, there is a much higher chance of regaining power and reclaiming our birth. MIDWIFERY Midwifery is an alternative. Birthing centers are an alternative. At the time of writing this article a conferenee of midwives is taking place. The purpose of this conference is to educate the public and to organize midwives in an effort to legalize this proud profession of women. A midwife from Thunder Bay attended this conference and in our next issue the Northern Woman will feature the results of this conference and the results. Primitive woman had fewer birth complications because she was strong from physical work, wore less restrictive clothing & did not live on a diet of processed and chemically flavoured foods. For women today it is crucial to be strong and healt both before and during her pregnancy _,..fttooseAtowa~goliaidimegeossimum., TO AVOID COMPLICATION AND TO KEEP YOURSELF STRONG AND HEALTHY I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A FEW IDEAS WITH YOU. WHAT YOU CAN DO If birth classes are available, take one, if not read books on birth exercises and breathing techniques. Exercise every day - pre natal yoga is wonderful - so is swimming. Do not take drugs for nausea, instead eat less meat products and increase your intake of fresh fruits and natural yogurt. Drink Raspberry tea every day - it is known to help you during your labour and is also high in calcium. A large tablespoon Molassas every day iron nice and high or eliminating the of Blackstrap will keep your thus decreasing need for iron pil For constipation molasses or fresh yogurt are very effective. A great drink to have every day: - Mix together 1.cup of yogurt 2 cups of orange juice (unsweetened) 1-4 tbs of nutritutional yeast (star with one tbs and increase slowly ove a month or so) 2-4 tbs fresh wheat germ 1 banana Blend together in a blender and have a few glasses throughout the day. This is a glass of love for both you and your child. Read everything you can get your han continued on page 15 Northern Woman Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �KRAMER VS. KRAMER by Susan G. Cole reprinted from Broadside A fitting way to enter the eighties; the movie that best portrays the impact of the seventies; the first objective account of a failed marriage and the struggle for custody of the child; a movie with no villains; New York Critics award winner for best movie of 1979. Wouldn't it be terrific if Kramer vs. Kramer were everything it's been cracked up to be? The movie is a hit, a popular specimen of our mainstream culture and a film that tackles issues that have been near and dear to the heart of the women's movement. I wanted Kramer vs. Kramer to be great because everybody is seeing it, and because "definitive" anythings tend to make me nervous. The themes of the movie promise either an enormously valuable film. or one whose impact could be downright dangerous. As unaccustomed as I am to sitting on the fence I have to confess that Kramer vs. Kramer is a lot of both. The movie written by Robert Benton (The Late Show, Bonnie and Clyde) is about Ted Kramer (Dustin Hoffman) whose wife Joanna (Meryl Streep suddenly leaves him with their sevenyear old child Billy (Justin Henry) whom Ted doesn't know from a hole in the ground. He has been too busy gunning for the top at his advertising agency. As the movie tuns its course, Ted learns why Joanna left him and discovers that there exists the possibility of a loving relationship between him and his son. After a seventeen month absence, Joanna returns to get custody of her child. Hence the title, Kramer vs. Kramer. The claim that Kramer vs. Kramer is an objective account of the situation should be dispelled immediately. It is curious that so many reviewers (dare I say it, mostly male) have celebrated the movie's evenhandedness. The film is written so that when the scene finally drifts to the courtroom we get the uneasy feeling that we have been diddled by a screen writer who wants us to want Ted Kramer to win. This should hardly be the case in a movie that supposedly has no villains, but Benton gets us where he wants us through a variety of plot devices, some more obvious than others. To begin with, the film is about Ted's relationship with his son. We never see Joanna with Billy except for a brief moment at the beginning when Joanna tells her son that she loves him just minutes before she walks out the door. It is an evocative scene but it certainly does not give us a vivid sense of the connection between mother and child: after, all Billy is asleep, and the scene runs for perhaps two minutes. In court, Ted testifies passionately to the ability of men to bring up children. He argues that women are not the only ones who know how to nurture. He's right of course, in the political and theoretical sense, and naturally, we believe him because we've seen him take care of Billy through three quarters of the movie. But while it is important that these progressive sentiments be expressed to the movie-going public it is not necessary to play them off against the platitudes poor Joanna is forced to convey. Her husband made her feel worthless and consequently she felt incapable of being his wife and bringing up their child. After seventeen months she realizes that her problem was a lack of self-image and, having pulled herself together, she wants her son back. This is a plausible situation that Benton turns hackneyed by filling Joanna's mouth with material that's pretty hard to swallow. She rambles on about "finding herself" through "therapy" in California for heaven's sake. Ultimately she comes across as an indulged neurotic, spewing cliches that are more apt to make the viewer cringe than be sympathetic. And if the director of Kramer vs. Kramer expects us to accept Joanna's plight in spite of that embarassing rigamarole and in spite of the fact that Mom disappears in the first five minutes of the movie, the least he could have done was cast a sympatico actress in the role of the absent mother. Instead we are confronted with the chilly presence of Meryl Streep who is really not the accessible and believable type the character should have been. While standing in the window of a restaurant watching her son before she tells Ted that she is seeking custody, Joanna actually appears sinister. Really, when faced with a choice between the endearing Dustin Hoffman finally discovering how to prepare French toast and the fickle and mysterious Streep, Hoffman is bound to win our hearts hands down. The clearest sense of Ted's transformation is seen through the eyes of the proverbial downstairs neighbour Margaret (played by Jane Alexander). We are led to believe that Margaret has been doing a little consciousness raising with Joanna just before she walks out. Ted whines about the conspiracy as he confronts Margaret just after he's left -- shades of the wounded male syndrome bemoaned as the worst fallout of the women's movement. But Margaret changes her tune as she watches Ted get to know his son and as they commiserate over their shared lot (she has just been left with two children). This could conceivably happen. But Benton gets carried away with Margaret's changing loyalties as Ted's attorney props Margaret on the stand where she sings the praises of Ted's childrearing abilities. There is something slightly sleazy about all this. Surely Ted ought to have the child: he even has his wife's one-time champion (perhaps even the instigator of the separation) and a "women's libber" on his side. Here is one of the most miserable misuses of a relationship between two women ever to grace the plot of what is supposedly an intelligent script. And when Margaret chooses to take some time in court to plead with Joanna to change her mind and let Ted keep the child, you know that either Benton is on a manipulative kick or he doesn't have the slightest notion of how two women would deal with each other in such a case. Hasn't Benton ever heard of the telephone? It's the most likely instru- ment Margaret would have used to perform with Sturm and Drang for the judg By now, we've been worked up to the point that we think Ted ought to get custody. This is not entirely a sensible point of view. It presupposes that seventeen months of parenting makes one a better parent than six years of childrearing -- easy enough to assume when seventeen months of parenting takes up 75 minutes of film while six years of the same is depicted nowhere. And when you think about it, Ted hasn't become a "better parent," he has simply become human. He has developed a relationship with his only child, an achievement that ought not to be lionized, but seen as something fathers should do as a matter of course. The judge rules in Joanna's favour, as would most judges in cases where single mothers were vying for custody of children with single fathers (except, of course, if the mother were a lesbian). The custody of children is one of the few cases where women are given the advantage, so there's something irritating about the fact that Kramer vs. Kramer uses what little power we have against us. Had the film done more with the character of Joanna, we would appreciate Ted's dilemma as more than an attempt to strip Joanna of what appears to be the only power that she has. But even if Ted's heroism is exaggerated, Kramer vs. Kramer is an important movie. It makes vivid one of the conundrums that face male breadwinners -- the conflict between family r espons ib ilitier-aTitetrefrar-t- ate career. Ted receives no support from office colleagues who find his commitment to Billy incomprehensible and his lack of interest in company politics equally mystifying. When a corporate buddy tries to engage Ted in the latest "who did what to whom" gossip on the company grapevine and Ted just can't take the time because he has to pick up Billy at school, we know Ted is on the way out. Ted was not born a bad parent, he's had his life's blood sucked out of him by a competitive business, and the advertising business is one of the most cut-throat around. It may be that continued on page 15 Northern Woman Journal, page optimization 10 PDF compression, OCR, web using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �BIRTH CONTROL ONE WOMAN 'S BATTLE When I was a child, I was told my genitals were my privates. When I found what I thought was a red hotwater bottle with a hose attached -that was private. It belonged to my mother, not to be touched. When I layed with another little girl behind a closed door, tickling each other, my mother screamed at us never to do that again. I feel part of feminism is to make the private public, to become comfortable with our bodies, to feel good about being female, proud of our anatomy and how it grows and changes. Sex is not a dirty word. Where have the taboos come from? Perhaps from fear of the unknown. I have not completely convinced myself that the primary reason I married 13 years ago was to have sex, The fear of pregnancy limits my peace of mind even now. This brings us to the subject of choice. I did not have adequate sex education or any birth control information. In 1966, a month before my wedding, I commenced 1 mg. dose of birth control pills (.5 mg is now the normal dosage). The results were nausea and a grey-green colour which convinced my mother and her friends that I was already pregnant. I continued with the birth control pill for almost 2 years and each menstrual cycle was started with a headache, nausea and vomiting. Following the birth of my child, I nursed for 7 months with no knowledge that I could have gotten pregnant again, even though I did not menstruate. Fortunately I did not. -. CHILDBIRTH BY CHOICE CABAL'S PHILOSOPHY by Donna Phoenix For a short time I went on the pill again to dry up my milk and then had a Lippes Loop inserted (an I.U.D.). The loop was effective but caused increased blood flow and clotting until I was fearful I had miscarried. Upon examination it was found to have moved out of my cervix and it was removed by my doctor. Great -- no more bleeding, but fear of pregnancy again. It was replaced by a Dalcan shield, another I.U.D., and that in turn was discarded when my husband got a vasectomy. You might suppose my worries were over but a separation occurred and all the old fears resurfaced. An accident which left a condom inside my vagina after his climax found me subjecting my body to a week-long intake of stilbestroldfor fear I might get pregnant, since this was one time I didn't use foam as well. Surviving that disaster, I went for the copper7 I.U.D., which I used without complaint for two years. In the period I abstained from sexual intercourse, I felt in control of my own body and was totally without fear. Liberated from the I.U.D., I now use a diaphragm with foam successfully and have for over two years. I have bonded again with the understanding that birth control is a shared responsibility. Birth control information has only been legal in Canada since 1969. Has there really been a lot of progress in 11 years? Is sex still a dirty word? I feel every woman should have the right to choose whether she wants to have children and when. I am a member of C.A.R.A.L., the Canadian Agsociation for the Repeal of the Abortion . Law. CABAL calls for repeal of Canada's abortion law (section 251 of the Criminal Code), so that abortion becomes a matter to be decided by a woman and her doctor. We support provincial action to ensure universal access to safe, legal abortion across the country. We support and encourage the wide availability of contraceptive information and materials, and comprehensive programmes of contraceptive and sex education, as the only effective means of reducing the need for abortion. The word 'pro-abortion' is often used mistakenly or dishonestly to describe the pro-chioce view that a woman in consultation with her doctor should be permitted to choose whether or not to continue a pregnancy. This is in fact neither a pro- nor antiabortion position, but simply an affirmation that women facing unplanned pregnancy whould be free to choose either way. Many people believe that there would be no need for abortion if all couples used contraceptives except when they desired pregnancy. It is true that if reliable family planning information, education and services were universally available, the number of unwanted pregnancies could be significantly reduced. However, failures can occur with all current methods of contraception, and even responsible users of effective methods may occasionally find themselves faced with unwanted pregnancies. What is Childbirth by Choice? Briefly, childbirth by choice means freedom of choice in planning one's family. It means a woman should not be pressured to bear a child against her will. CABAL believes that women should have the freedom to choose whether or not to continue an unplanned, undesired pregnancy. ABORTION ALTERNATIVES Prior to 1969, abortion was illegal in Canada. In that year, an amendment to section 251 of the Criminal Code made abortion legal under the following conditions. 1. A legal therapeutic abortion must be performed in an approved, accredited hospital. 2. All applications for abortions must go for review before a hospital Therapeutic Abortion committee which must consist of at least three members, all of whom must be qualified medical practitioners. 3. A majority of this committee must state in writing that "in its opinion, the continuation of the pregnancy would or would be likely to endanger the life or health of the mother". 4. The abortion must be performed by a qualified medical practitioner other than a member of the committee. Therapeutic abortion committees exist in only one-fifth of Canadian hospitals. In Northern Ontario only 8 hospitals have committees; the PortArthur General Hospital and McKellar General (also in Thunder Bay), Dryden General Hospital, Lake of the Woods District Hospital in Kenora, Kirkland Lake District Hospital in Kirkland Lake, Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane, North Bay Civic and Sudbury Memorial Hospitals Provided a woman has access to one of these hospitals, she must still have her application passed by its committee. Whether or not this occurs, is dependent on her circumstances and the way 'health' is interpreted by the committee to which she applies. Some therapeutic abortion committees consider a woman's emotional health as well as her physical health -- but there is no guarantee. Women wishing to terminate an unwanted pregnancy are very much at the mercy of the committee's interpretation of the law. No right of appeal is allowed when a woman's application is denied. Even if a hospital has a Therapeutic Abortion Committee, it is not required to grant or perform any abortions and indeed, some do not. Procedure If a woman's pregnancy test is positive and she has decided that it is a pregnancy she does not want to continue, she seeks referral to a gynecologist who performs abortions. He will reconfirm the pregnandy by pelvic examination. Then an application is submitted to the therapeutic abortion committee and if the application is passed, hospital space is booked. Actual abortion procedures differ PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation from one hospital to another but early abortions are often done by D and C as day surgery. Although it is possible to use only a local anaesthetic, a general anaesthetic is used and women are not given a choice. Pre or post-abortion counselling is not routinely available. Unfortunately, the bureaucratic shuffle with the Therapeutic Abortion Committee may cause a delay which is undesirable for both the physical and emotional well-being of the woman. The Badgley Report on the Operation of the Abortion Law found that after a pregnancy has been confirmed, an average of 8 weeks passes until the induced abortion is done. The Meadowbrook Women's Clinic in Minneapolis provides an alternative for women seeking abortions. This clinic ..."is a free-standing medical facility whose function is to provide abortion services in a nonjudgemental, medically safe atmosphere." The philosophy of Meadowbrook is that every woman has the right to free choice, competent care and confidentiality. Appointments can be booked from Monday to Saturday (except Wednesday) by calling the clinic at 612-925-4640. continued on page 14 copy of CVISION Northern WomanPDFCompressor Journal, page 11 �FORCEPS: A MALE INVENTION Forceps are large crossed metal spoons which usually have holes in the centers to grasp the baby's head The use of and pull the child out. forceps has greatly increased with the increase of technology in medicine. Forcep deliveries are not uncommon with women who have been drugged and are unable to push their babies out Initially forceps were naturally. used to speed up the delivery processanother method of controlling the birth process. Forceps should only be used in extreme cases where the baby is unable to emerge naturally. Forceps can be extremely painful to the child and the possibility of neurological damage is increased. Of course if forceps are used the chances of an episiotomy is greatly increased. FIND OUT YOUR DOCTORS FEELINGS ON THE USE OF FORCEPS AND WHY AND WHEN THEY MIGHT BE USED. FIND OUT ALSO WHAT PREPARATIONS YOU COULD MAKE TO AVOID OR LESSEN THE POSSIBILITY OF USE. 4. You ask questions for which you receive quick, impersonal, limited answers BUT if you have been reading progressive books on birthing and you ask related questions or worse yet make relevant suggestions then you may experience a cold hostility which is often masked by a paternalistic smile. A smile that says "Now, now dear, we know what is best for you". If you insist, then the doctor may put up the protective screen of professionalism and speak to you of hospital procedure - of which he/she Politically speaking too has no say. it is called passing the proverbial This approach is designed to buck. stop women from pursuing the subject and happens more often than we realBelieve me, they can do this ize. so completely because they hold that much physical and psychological power over us. 5. In the exceptional case you may find a doctor who is willing to listen to you - a doctor who respects your ideas and decisions and offers you support - a doctor who is not threatSuch proened by your questions. gressive doctors are difficult to find but once discovered the word spreads quickly. IF YOU KNOW OF SUCH A DOCTOR THE NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTER WOULD APPRECIATE THE NAME AND NUMBER SO AS TO ADD TO OUR LIST OF REFERRALS. P.S. OUR LIST IS VERY SHORT1 Of all the women to whom I spoke; not one received any nutritional inform- CHILD PARENT SEPARATION ation, Child parent separation is a very common approach. Women are not encouraged to keep their child with them they are in fact discouraged. It is not uncommon for a mother to stand outside the room where her child is, separated by a glass wall Often she and watch her baby cry. feel6 too intimidated to ask for her If the woman requests rooming baby. in for her and her child she receives very little emotional or physical I spent a whole night alone support. with my child and the only support offered was to take my child away to the nursery. not one received a reading list of progressive birth books, not one was told of specific birth exercises not one was told about the use/non use of drugs, not one was told about labour and what to expect, very few were adv ised about birth classes. DO NOT ALLOW THE DOCTORS OR NURSES TO KEEP YOU FROM YOUR CHILD. IF POSSIBLE REQUEST ROOMING IN. POLITICS OF CONTROL Up to this point I have only spoken of the actual birth process, yet the humilation of women often begins in the early visits to the doctor. The processing is quick and efficient. A quick examination (time is money you know), a blood tes t, date set for delivery, date set for your next appointment...then "that's it, woman until next month". Oh yes, the doctor may ask you if you have any questions. One of several things may happen here: 1. You may not know what to expect because you have very little knowledge of hospital procedure during and after birth. Often you believe you can trust your doctor to do only what is best for you. 2. You have all kinds of questions but the doctor seems so rushed that you don't feel you have the right to take up her/his time. 3. You feel so intimidated that you become afraid to question. , Most women in Canada do not have an alternative to hospital birth because the medical profession has done a good job in eliminating legalized The history of this midwifery. crime against women goes back many centuries to when women healers and midwives were tortured and burned alive as witches. It is estimated that these number in the millions. Women, who were the only healers centuries ago, were feared and hated for their knowledge. They were replaced by the professional doctor and schools were set up to train such doctors (from which women were excluded). Such schools and doctors were from the upper classes only and it was the upper and middle class that they represented and served. Their roots have been and continue to be deeply embedded in the church and state and it is those values and norms that they perpetuate. As such, the medical profession is one of the greatest oppressors of women. Child birth, a natural process has been turned into a surgical procedure and most women have been convinced that this is the only safe way. Doctors/ tecnnicians have become obsessed with what could go wrong. Just in case you tear we will give you an episiotomy. Just in case you get too tired during your labour we will give you a little something to help you along. Just in case your baby may be over- due we will induce your labour - the list goes on and on. Because of thi obsession, physicians force women to participate/submit to their paranoia Many women continue seeing doctors with whom they are dissatisfied for much the same reasons as women continue seeing men with whom they are dissatisfied - they lack alternative or have been so beaten psychological that they give up their personal power. For those of us (and the numbers increase every day) who have not given up the st-r-rmgle and who receiv encouragement and support from our sisters and brothers, there is a much higher chance of regaining power and reclaiming our birth. MIDWIFERY Midwifery is an alternative. Birthing centers are an alternative. At the time of writing this article a conferenee of midwives is taking The purpose of this conplace. ference is to educate the public anc to organize midwives in an effort tc legalize this proud profession of women. A midwife from Thunder Bay attended this conference and in our next issue the Northern Woman will feature the results of this conference and the results. Primitive woman had fewer birth complications because she was strong from physical work, wore less restrictive clothing & did not live on a diet of processed and chemically flavoured foods. For women today it is crucial to be strong and healt both before and during her pregnancy TO AVOID COMPLICATION AND TO KEEP YOURSELF STRONG AND HEALTHY I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE A FEW IDEAS WITH YOU. WHAT YOU CAN DO If birth classes are available, take if not read books on birth one, exercises and breathing techniques. Exercise every day - pre natal yoga is wonderful - so is swimming. Do not take drugs for nausea, instead eat less meat products and increase your intake of fresh fruits and natural yogurt. Drink Raspberry tea every day - it is known to help you during your labour and is also high in calcium. A large tablespoon Molasses every day iron nice and high or eliminating the of Blackstrap will keep your thus decreasing need for iron pi: For constipation molasses or fresh yogurt are very effective. A great drink to have every day: - Mix together 1.cup of yogurt 2 cups of orange juice (unsweetened: 1-4 tbs of nutritutional yeast (sta.] with one tbs and increase slowly ov( a month or so) 2-4 tbs fresh wheat germ 1 banana Blend together in a blender and hav( a few glasses throughout the day. This is a glass of love for both yoi and your child. Read everything you can get your hal continued on page 15 Northern Woman Journal, page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �POETRY A TRUE FRIEND Our friendship evolved from a shared dislike for our mutually awkward legs. We were a shelter from expected perils in a predictable high school world; boys were given only passing acknowledgement and wary of our aloofness, tried harder to be the things we hated. one does not forget that the sky is blue its brilliance cannot be erased love too does not die its memory simply fades like a flower but the essence of the flower is everlasting all that we sense all that we feel is our reality when that reality changes it is not a different reality just a different composition of the same picture We grew up when I was afraid of being left behind I changed first leaving for the west: She stayed home hiding restlessness behind light words.. While I (she accused) went looking for a husband, calculating my progress on a thread of dates. by jill a. higgins from Riverside Promise She's moved now with a man she loves and I'm left to think of time and how it pushes the leaves to settle in different places making friendship almost transient. fingertips span reaching forth for a handclasp, seeking warmth of a lover's embrace, Yet there is always a reaching out picking up where we left off. Still keeping a sacred corner in a world of broken chairs. denied by a 'conflict imposed by a false pride, rejecting true feelings by anger's defeat. by Rosalyn Taylor Perrett "I %Oa 114 AV 4o1i fr. by Viola Goderre pgea is Ow tio 4viceatit, oa toir4b MP "L'i rit - MANITOU She knelt from within caught among branching cliffs. Shaded ripples over grey, dark mirror glass reflects her entrusted. Quarry jabs of slabbered rock Press her knees. Moss, vine veil and kindle her sights. Drops sing leaf and stone, float on whirling breezes. Skittered trickles fall dropped into painted pool. All through calm, shared suns day of pondered heat. Jenny, I fly with the sparrows and share sleep in a nest hollowed out from ragged shores, gathering flowers and honey to scent my room. Perhaps someday to be traded' of for a banded ring, leaving behind my poetry and dreams are only thoughts If I could, I would take me away to times that might have heard your song and written mine. Joyce Thierry by Karin Banerd Northern Woman Journal, page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Abortion continued from page 11 After hours a recording will give information and the 24-hour emergency number. Women should have a positive pregnancy test before being scheduled at the clinic. The actual appointment will take about four or five hours. After checking in, filling in appropriate forms and undergoing lab tests, a medical history is taken by a nurse and she reconfirms the pregnancy by pelvic examination. The woman then has the opportunity to speak with a counsellor, who provides information about birth control and aftercare. The actual abortion procedure, which takes between five and ten minutes, is performed by a gynecologist, with the counsellor present to explain each step. Some discomfort is normally experienced. This has been described as being like "severe menstrual cramping". Up to 14 weeks L.M.P. (the number of weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period) vacuum aspiration is used. For second trimester abortions, either D and C or prostaglandin procedures are performed at Mt. Sinai Hospital; prostaglandin abortions require a minimum of an overnight stay. Fees vary from $185 (U.S.) (12 weeks L.M.P.) to $300 (20 weeks L.M.P.). When requesting reimbursement from OHIP, a woman may be asked to produce either of the following: 1. certification of a Therapeutic Abortion Committee in Canada 2. Certification by at least two qualified physicians (not including the physician performing the abortion) who confirm danger to the patient's life or health. Further information about Meadowbrook Women's Clinic may be obtained from the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre, or by calling the Clinic (612)925-4640) or by writing Suite E510, 6490 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, Minn. 55426. Hormones, cont'd from page 7 they encourage, such as fluid retention. The questions I ask myself are these. 1. Had I not taken them, would the cycle of discomfort have come to an end in a short time and made them unnecessary? 2. How much did my needing to work for financial reasons pressure me into the decision?? 3. How much of my battle with weight gain do I owe this magic pill? 4. How much blood pressure and fluid retension? 5. If I had known what I know now, would I have made the same decision? I have learned since that having had a hysterectomy some of the danger inherent in the pill is not a threat to me, but we ought to know more about chemical imbalance and the withdrawal that accompanies what we often think of as common medication. It is not in my nature to be dependent and hormones are one dependence I have had to settle for. One plus that I have granted the pill is that I shall be a pensioner before my hair turns grey. VAGINAL SPONGES: THE INSIDE STORY by Barbara MacKay from the Toronto Clarion Dec 79 - Jan 80 I feel like I'm always the last person to hear about neat stuff like this. But for the rest of you who haven't heard, there is an alternative to. tampons. It's called a sponge. Many tampons are advertised as "safe, hygienic, sterilized and comfortable". But the ads say nothing about ecology or expense. Even tampons safety has been questioned by various women's groups. There have been rumours of carcinogens, and although this has not been proven, you can bet there are lots of other chemicals like bleaches and deodorizers in most tampons. However, we may never know for sure, as those great gods of the tampon are keeping pretty mum as to exactly what goes into the making of one. The sponge, on the other hand, is portable, comfortable, ecologically sound, inexpensive and natural. Unbleached, natural sea sponges, also known as Mediterranean sea sponges, are best because they have the smallest holes and therefore greater absorbency. (Although a woman at Upstream says she has been using a polyurethane sponge for over a year with no ill effects.) Natural sponges can be purchased in a variety of places: Natural body and bath shops, art stores, ceramic stores, and the occasional natural foods store, or you can mail order sponges being marketed especially as tampons. Sponges should be washed before use to get rid of salt, sand and other sea stuff that they may contain. You can boil them to sterilize, but this isn't really necessary. And if you boil them for more than ten minutes, they will shrink and become hard. Breast Cancer, cont'd from page 6 methods in Thunder Bay. I was trying to determine if treatment and detection had changed much in four years. I began to form assumptiomthat were very upsetting and I had to stop. However, I do intend to make more inquiries and will have more on this subject in the next issue of the Northern Woman. The subject of breast cancer will become less fearful the more it is If there are women who discussed. have had a mastectomy, or any women interested in the subject, I can be reached through the Northern Women's Centre, 345-7802. Vinegar may be added to the wash water for a natural rinse, as it does not alter the natural Ph balance of the vagina (unlike most soaps). °the/ substances which are safe for sponge rinses are lemon juice, limewater, acigel, K-Y jelly, peroxide (10% solution), or chlorophyll. The size of the sponge depends on you. I have heard suggestions from the size of a small egg to the size of a lemon. To insert your sponge, wring out its excess water and pat it dry. You can fold it into a smaller piece if you want. Some women also sew a piece of dental floss (waxed or unwaxed not specified) to the sponge to make removal easier. Sponges are soft and comfortable and not difficult to remove. Wash and/or rinse and reinsert. After your cycle you should wash the sponge thoroughl: You can also use any of the solution! mentioned above for a rinse. Let the sponge dry in the open air for at least a few days before storing unti the next month. A writer at Upstream suggests hanging it in a clean cloth bag to let the air circulate around it. Unbleached, natural sponges last several months before deteriorating. Reinserting or changing your sponge in public washrooms may be a problem for some women. I carry a spare in a small film canister, because I haven't yet summoned the courage to rinse it in a public washroom sink. But the film canister is air tight so it's not a good idea for long term storage. Another method for public washroom changing is to wring the sponge into the toilet before reinserting it, although this is a bit messy. I can't wait until the next time I go camping without a box of Tampax strapped to my back. Just me and my sponge, from sea to me. the CO-OP BOOKSHOP and RECORD CENTRE Excellent selection of Canadian literature, political, film, women's literature, science fiction and craft books. Many unusual titles. Best folk, thnic and blues selection in town. 10% Discount to Members 182 S. Algoma St. "P" Phone:345-8912 Open til' 8 Mon.-Sat. FAIT AND YEAST SORRY: Salt and Yeast, a book of selected poems by Gert Beadle, with illustrations by Sirpa Bishop. Now only $3.50 The Northern Woman Journal Collective wishes to apologize for using the Northern Woman's Credit Union logo in the last issue without their permission. To order call 345-7802 or write 316 Bay Street, Ontario P7B 1S1 Thunder Bay Woman Journal, page optimization 14 PDF Northern compression, OCR, web using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �What is Feminist Counselling? continued from page 1 a job ghetto. A feminist counsellor knows well the isolation of women, one from the other, with husband or male friend often the main point of reference. She recognizes a woman's need for a network of support and services, not traditionally provided by society, but beginning to emerge from the women's movement. A feminist counsellor usually finds it most helpful to work collectively, both at a personal and/or political level. Women learn from one another, from sharing lives they have been taught to keep private, from finding new ways of tackling the struggle. The feminist counsellor may have been a member of a consciousness raising group and/or other women's action groups herself. Her helping thus derives from relevant personal experience as well as work outside the home or narrowly defined political action. A feminist counsellor shares information and knowledge with the consumer, recognizing it may be vital in dealing with the problem at hand, e.g., WOW, a handbook for women on welfare. Literature relevant to women's particular needs is often most helpful and usually well known to the feminist counsellor. There is an understanding underlying recognition that knowledge is power, and must be shared. The feminist counsellor knows the newly developing, everchanging services for women in the community. She knows them from the inside as part of the women's movement. So instead, for example, of referring a woman to 'Manpower', she may refer her to a Woman's Career Counselling Service. It is often a personal referral to known people in Women's Centres, C.R. Groups, Interval Houses, Women's Studies Courses, Women's Career Counselling, Rape Crisis Centres, etc. Assertiveness training is sometimes used by feminist counsellors to help women recognize and lay claim to their civil and personal rights. Worffen are traditionally taught to submit and conform, not to demand and protest, so confidence and assertion must grow in a central way if things are to change. Roleplaying is one interesting form of assertiveness training and can deal with past or current situations, large and small. Such situations as demanding time and quality care from a doctor, re-arranging domestic chores with one's mate, laying claim to equal pay for work of equal value, joining a union, working out a relationship with mother, father, or child, etc. Women are the most numerous users of health and social service programs, This is no accident, given the stunted growth patterns and life experience that women are slotted into. If social work is to effectively facilitate personal and/or social change for women, it must begin to seriously address the double standard of employment, health, parenting and most other aspects of women's lives. Childbirth continued from page 9 But most of all, dear mother, be strong and have a gentle and joyful birth. For further information, I can be contacted through the Northern Woman's Centre. IMPORTANT BOOKS TO READ Birth Without Violence by Fredrick Leboyer The rights of the Pregnant Parent by Valmoi-Howe Elkins Immaculate Deception - by Suzanne Arms Lets have Healthy Children - by Adele Davis Women Can Wait - Childbirth After Thirty - by Terri Schultz Of Woman Born - by Adrienne Rich Witches, Midwives and Nurses History of Women Healers - by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deidre English Pre-natal Yoga - by Jeannine O'Brien Medvin The Handbook of Alternatives to Chemical Medicine - by Mildred Jackson M.D./ Terri Teague. Complaints & Disorders - Sexual Politics of Sickness - by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deidre English There are many many more - these are only a few favourites. All of the above books can be purchased at the Thunder Bay Co-op If they Bookshop on Algoma Street. are not in stock their staff and volunteers will be pleased to order them for you. Kramer vs. Kramer continued from page 10 competitive business has no place for family men, and as long as company policy demands 12 hours a day, not including the round of drinks with the boss that follows'a hard day's work, we may be faced with a society of fatherless children. It is one of the movie's key points and it's eloquently expressed. Even the flaws in the film are lined with silver. As unbalanced as is the court scene, it is still an accurate depiction of how ugly a custody case can get. Tel and Joanna still care for each other but are forced to hire mudslinging attorneys to perform what is surely some of the dirtiest work available. As abused as is the character of Margaret, it is heartening to see a platonic relationship develop between adults of the opposite sex. None of this tacky "let's hop into the kip" nonsense that would have reduced the tone of the entire exercise. And as much as the relationship between father and son is used to bias the audience in favour of Ted, I couldn't help but feel that if it moved mothers to nudge their husbands with the message to get on the case with their children, then Kramer vs. Kramer is not a wasted effort. If the public views Kramer vs. Kramer passively without sifting the material, questioning the assumptions and staying wary of the writer's viewpoint (the movie is about and by men), then the film is almost dangerous. If you take your personal understanding of the world into the film with you, you'll notice how Ted and Joanna glance at each other when Joanna is questioned about Ted's sexual fidelity and recognize that look of shared experience. Some of the details in this movie are breathtaking. Whether the audience is picking up on them depends on how successful the 70's were at making people aware of the entire business of personal relationships. If we've emerged from a decade that really raised consciousness and that moved people to keep their critical faculties intact, then Kramer vs. Kramer is a perfectly acceptable way to roll into the 80's. TRANSFORMATIONS: classes in Self-healing WOMEN ONLY: March 22 Sat., 7:30 - 10 p.m. March 23 Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. suggested donation $30 Northern Women's Centre 316 Bay Street Using the Oriental concept of the Five Transformations begin to understand how your body/mind functions in relationship to the food you eat, your own activities and the Seasons. That is what feminist counselling, in a beginning way, is all about. --excerpted from "Feminist Counselling; A Look at New Possibilities", by Helen Levine, Carlton University, School of Social Work; Canadian Assn. of Social Workers magazine, '76 and Beyond (Sept.) Given by KAREN AND LEAH, trained Shiatsu therapists in Self-healing for the past five years: authors of the forthcoming book, Transformations: A Circle Story For further information, Karen and Leah, Dieu Donnee Farm, R.R.#1, Kaministiquia, POT 1X0 Northern Woman Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �14 Cowie Piot NolIM Coady ihe NORTHERN VAN JOURNAL Lo pubU)shed Bulk Emmen, Odwd Noitthe troMone dem dime t,i_rneis a yeair_ by the 013men' o Centre. CORKERS ON THIS ISSUE GERE: Joan &ALE, CJc t Feadte, Helen 220 Hata, E-tee.tel-fcwaA.d, Ann McCoU, Noreen Lavoie, Abnika McNabb, Pattganet RETURN TO: PhLUipz, Donna Phoenix, Rozatyn THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. Tay lot PeAfLeytt, Wilma Seeteit Return Postage Guaranteed 4111111111111111111111111111111P YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) 345-5841. We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: onationtr Cie-Q.61U fry_ k/c/e1.6&" PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 6 No 1 Description An account of the resource Vol. 6, No. 1 (Jan-Feb 1980) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Health Topics include: Feminist counselling Women need nurturing too Letters to the editor Feminist Newspaper Broadside Feminist Newspaper Women Healthsharing Herstory: Women in healthcare/healing Continuing deportation of immigrant women Cancer experiment on Candian women Anti-feminist backlash Synthetic estrogen (DES) Breast cancer treatments Breast self-examinations (diagrams incl.) Male domination of medical profession Synthetic hormone effects Childbirth Induced labour Politics of medicine Infant mortality rate Kramer v. Kramer (article reprinted from Broadside) CARAL’s philosophy on childbirth (by choice) Birth Control Abortion alternatives Forceps: a male invention Midwifery Child-parent separation in hospital post-birth Politics of control during childbirth Poetry Vaginal sponges Feminist health book list Self-healing classes @ Northern Women’s Centre Authors/contributors: Gert Beadle Joan E. Powell (letter to the editor) Joyce Thierry (letter to the editor) Kathy Gunderson (letter to the editor, Kelowna BC) Joan Baril Lousie Nichols Estelle Howard Susan G. Cole (article reprinted from Broadside) Donna Phoenix Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Viola Goderre Jill A. Higgins Karin Banerd Joyce Tierry Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-01 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2762/1980_Vol_6_No_2.pdf 563c185102ff2b5f1f047fa7a171efa0 PDF Text Text ortiRern NA: rum 0 6 4firut 2 MAR/APR 1980 750/ Woman jou:mar THUNDER BAY Ontario midwifery mastectomy women in trades nac sex._harassment PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Midwifery : a labour of love "OM IN IR I= MI I= ,u ,t,,,.,.,,, IP I A\.0 \r%1 M1e1wKe assisti n February, 1980 an International Conference for Midwifery was held in ancouver, B.C. Over 300 people, one third of whom where midwives, attended from North America and Europe. The purpose of the conference was to join together women who were concerned with improving birthing possibilities in Canada; and the central focus of discussion was the necessity of legalizing the midwife and recognizing the role in healthy birthing. In During the two days of presentations, the speakers included mothers, lay midwives, nurse midwives, an economist, a doctor, an author of midwife heritage and a gynocologist who teachThough all es midwifery in Holland. presentations were different perspectives of midwifery, there was unanimous agreement that it was time to give the power and respect of birthing back to the mothers and the midwives. The Doctor from Holland agreed that interference is what causes many complicatirs in births. Modern European countries have a remarkable lower rate of deaths and cuttings in births than in Canada and, they all have midwives attending the majority of births. One A.M.A. doctor said he had learned a great deal about birthing from the nurse midwives and that the medical association would look into the possibility of establishing a registry for midwives. But these wheels of bureauocracy grind slowly and people were anxious to work now for legalOne result of the conference ization. was the forming of a midwife organization to fight for the legalization and recognition of midwifery in B.C. The midwives in B.C. are the most organized in Canada. They are presenting birthing issues in the media and are lobbying for legalization, hoping that if B.C. legalizes midwifery, other provinces will follow. The B.C. nursing association has endorsed their cause. They have some support from the medical, community but also i\MOilaraIn (3 raBi)00fifi,n9n)707 woman :n ch11dbi,th. Woodcut: Scilvio Mercurio 1721. a great deal of opposition from them. Some of their strongest support comes from women who have had to endure hospital birth procedures even in a healthy birth. One midwife who attended this conferBarbara is ence is Barbara Kemeny. 26 years old and has been a midwife She trained for the past eight years. in a University hospital in Germany and continued working there with hospital and home births, delivering Now that she resover 1,000 babies. ides in Thunder Bay she is legally unable to continue in her profession. Once the child was born she supervised the expulsion of the placenta, tied off the umbilical cord and cared for the mother and infant during recovery. She based her work on the idea of permitting the birth to unfold with little or no interference. During the 1500 and 1600's leaders of Christianity linked the midwives with the witches and proclaimed them demons of the church. The atrocities.. committed to ensure the elimination of the women healers often left a village with only one woman. Through these extensive burnings continued over centuries, the babies continued The following is a conversation between' to be born and the women continued Barbara Kemeny and interviewer Melissa to secretly teach each other the Tefft. The answers on this interview birthing process. are not direct quotes given by Barbara. We collaborated in the writing to make With the rise of medical schools and the english as clear as possible. medical technology, doctors made Further in this article will be a themselves available to deal with direct account of Barbara's home complications of delivery. With the birth in her very own words. invention of forceps in the 1720's, the midwife/doctor debate began as to who was to have control over attendFortunately, in the ing births. mid 1800's in Europe the importance of the midwife was finally recognized. Training became subsidized by the For most North Americans midwifery government and midwifery was now is a very unfamiliar concept. Would part of the medical profession. The you describe your work and the hermidwives maintained control as overitage of being a midwife in Europe? seers of the births and doctors were called in only for pathology or a In Germany the midwife has mainvery high risk birth. Such high tained her tradition for hundreds risks and/or pathology were exceptShe is first of all a of years. ions and not expectations. She is educated in and reswoman. ponsible for the physiology of pregToday in Germany because of the nancy, birth, and post natal care of technology and urbanization the In the old the mother and child. midwive's connection with the commdays, birthing was an accepted part unity has changed, but she still of life and the midwives were delivers most of the babies in healers and highly respected members hospitals and at home. The doctors of the town. They knew everyone in are available for crisis situations town and were usually on the council. but the midwife still makes the They would travel great distances Legally a doctor cannot decisions. for births and stay for a while even examine, much less operate on So afterwards to help the family. a birthing mother except in the the midwives role was one of support presence and with the approval of and reassurance to a natural process. the midwife. cont'd page 8 so the midwives role was one of support and reassurance NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL page 1 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �..s.!PI.A444R4I1'14411 SETTERS etc Dear Sisters, I've been meaning to write you for some time now but have been busy You getting settled here in B.C. will find enclosed our January Newsletter and a Feminist Booklist. trust you will find both very You will also, no informative. doubt find reprints of your own To keep articles from the Journal. the network strong across Canada, it is so necessary to keep in touch Feel free to use any of this way. our articles for reprint in your Journal as well. As a member of the Decade Coordinating Council in enjoyed my subDryden, Ontario, scription to the Journal; now as a new resident of B.C., I've brought and shared the Journal with the They were quite impreswomen here. sed with the professional look and content of the Journal, to say the least, and would like to continue My own subscripreceiving copies. tion is up, and due to my current possibly financial situation, could send you our newsletters in return It might be for the Journals? advantageous for your group to make copies of the Booklist and distribute them to the Decade Council, It is so importcity library etc. ant for women to have access to the kinds of books listed in the Feminist Booklist. As usual, you people are doing a wonderful job with the Journal, as the women here in Kelowna would agree. There are often many exceptional articles in the Vancouver Kinesis and if you aren't already receiving copies, and/or articles, would you be interested in doing so? will close for now and continue looking forward to the next Journal. I I I I In sisterhood Love & Laughter Barb J. Halliday Dear Friends: As a reader of the Northern Woman Journal I would hope you would be concerned at the intention of C.B.C. to drop the Ombudsman from its future I have been so impressed programing. by the sincerity and directness of Kathleen Ruff on the Sun. nite program. I feel as women we should assert some pressure on the Canadian Broadcasting System to support her continuing struggle on behalf of those caught up in the bureaucratic meatgrinder. I have already made my protest in a personal letter to the C.B.C. and hope you will encourage other women to do the same. Sincerely Nora Feldon Heather Bishop Concert Feminist Singer-Songwriter, Heather Bishop will be performing at the Ukranian Labour Temple, Ogden Street May 25th, 1980 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $4.50 advance, $5.00 door, and are available at the Co-Op Bookshop. To the staff of the Northern Woman: As a former student at Lakehead very much enjoyed University, reading your little paper. Your work is quite a service to Unfortthe women of Thunder Bay. unately we don't have a women's am aware of at newspaper (that least) in London or even on campus would be delighted at Western. if you could send me the Northern Who knows, it might provide Woman. much needed inspiration! I I I Sincerely, Rachel Smeijers Huron College Library London, Ontario Dear friends, just finished reading your Jan/Feb issue and was well pleased to find so much really good information concerning women's was particularly health. excited by the article on vaginal sponges and am anxious to try one I I speakers, films etc slated for Thursday nights at Centre A Northern Women's Centre general memliership meeting was held April 7, 1980, ably chaired by Lewy Smith. The members present expressed their desires to have the Centre involved in more activities, programing and outreach that would bring renewed interest and participation from women in the community. Programing has been scheduled on a monthly basis which will include a monthly business meeting that will take place on the FIRST Thursday of The remaining Thursday each month. evenings have been allocated for speakers, films workshops etc., starting at 7:30p.m. The business meetings are open to ALL women. For more details regarding Thursday evening activities phone the Centre at 345-7802. raffle out. Susan Craddock Saskatoon, Saskatchewan NORTH Ct TERN ONTARIO UOPEN'S CENTRE 1st prize hand knit Icceandic woot puttovu 2nd prize white wool. V- neck vat Draw to be held June 3, 1980 at 1:00.pm, 316 Bay Street, Thunder Bay SUPPORT YOUR CENTRE - COME IN AND BUY A TICKET reading list Starting this issue the Northern Woman Journal Collective plans to provide a list of suggested reading, feminist anthologies, auto/biographies The books of women, fiction, etc. recommended this issue are all availThe Lakehead Social Planning Council able at the Northern Women's Centre Day Care Committee is pleased to library. Your suggestions will be announce the publication of their welcomed. handbook of child care programs. This handbook is the result of a study conductedNON-FICTION during the summer It is The of particular Second Sex - Simone de Beauvoir of 1979. interest to parents of pre-school The Dialectic of Sex - Shulamith children, detailing information Firestone on Day Care Centres, Private Home Nursery Schools, Occasional Going Too FarChild - The Personal Chronicle Care Services and for of programs a Feminist - Robin Morgan parents where child care is proSappo Was a Right on Woman - Sidney The Handbook is being vided. Abbott/Barbara Love distributed to family and child serving agencies, Gyn/Ecology community -organThe Metaphysics of Radical Feminism - Mary Daly izations and parent groups. Copies of the Handbook are availA Woman Born - Adrienne Rich able free of charge at: Our Bodies, Ourselves - Boston Women's LSPC Office Health Collective 221 Bay Street FICTION Thunder Bay P, Ontario Phone -The 345-3631 Women's Room - Marilyn French child care programs handbook Surfacing - Margaret Atwood Science-Fiction Woman on the Edge of Time - Marge Pierce MAN JOURNAL page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP ONE INDUSTRY TOWNS PROVIDE NO LIFE FOR A WOMAN No Life For A Woman - a film about the lives of women in single industry resource towns - highlighted the Women and Economic Development workshop held in Thunder Bay April 12, 1980. The film, directed by Bonnie Kreps, was introduced to the workshop by Sharon McGowan from British Columbia, who told of her experiences while making the film and suggested that the Northern experience in single industry towns extends itself all across the Canadian North. No Life For A Woman is a stark indictment of poor planning, depressingly long winters and cruel isolation. The extreme loneliness and boredom experienced by women with no outlet for mental stimulation, no meeting places for social interchange and no chance for employment was leavened in one instance by a Woman's Centre which seemed to fill a void and produce a support system of companionship and counselling. The film, making the case as it did for the spin-offs that occur in the mental processes when a woman is confined to limited opportunities in no way paralleled the reality of what occurs when the same conditions exist with the added burden of poor housing and inadequate financial stability -- a condition all too familiar to Northern Ontario. Nevertheless an interesting cycle emerges the Company which prefers the young married man, the wife who has babies to relieve the boredom, the husband who must remain faithful and usually in debt to the Company. The workshop, sponsored by the Economic Development Committee of the N.W.O. Women's Decade Co-ordinating Council, brought together women from across Northwestern Ontario. Following discussion of the film the workshop focussed on issues of work, health and how to organize. The health of women and children in the north was a fixed priority with all delegates. Issues included: availability and quality; the importance of dental care; nutrition; family planning and the unavailability of abortion facilities; the ever present condition of stress that accompanies uncertainty of job security; alcohol and use of drugs; violence and no places of haven such as transitional houses; the absence of day care for those fortunate enough to be employed. No life for a woman, to be sure. The Women and Health workshop recommended the development of a network and reliance on women as the experts on their own health, through setting up selfhelp and education groups, by using resources and resource people available in the communities. Recommendations coming from the Women and Work discussion include: determining the responsibility of each government agency for establishing secondary industry in the region; lobbying Canada Employment to make a concrete commitment to provide quality service to women clients and provide educational training programs (e.g. I.N.T.O.) for women in their home communities; encouragir regional companies to introduce Affirmative Action programs. A Job List Inventory was proposed which would identify N.W.O. women accordinc to their interest in work outside the home, present skill level, interest in non-traditional work and training. Research regarding union regulations as they affect women's training and employment in non-traditional unionized crafts and trades occupations was also recommended. In addition to the Thunder Bay meeting the Women and Economic Devilopment Committee has sponsored meetings in Fort Frances and Ignace. The response was very positive at both these meetings, with the possibility of forming a women's centre being discussed. The film, No Life For A Woman, wil be available to groups in Northwestern Ontario through the N.W.O. Regic al Library, 910 Victoria Ave., Thunder Bay. For further information about the Women and Economic Development Committee contact Lisa Bengtssor Women in the Trades Kay Andrews is a student in the Millwright course at Confederation College. She talks here with Joan Baril. Joan: (admiring a wooden table Kay has made) Do you think all the carpenpry you did has helped you in the millwright course? No, not really. Living out in the bush did, because you became familiar with tools just because you had to get things done. But think it's more having to get things done and having to do things by necessity Kay: I In our program we are getting an exposure to the different basic skills and anything beyond you would learn on the job. This course is on( of the pre-apprenticeship programs, It's an introduction to the basic skills and if a person is lucky they will find an apprenticeship opening and then they will work with a jourKay: neyman. So how many hours do you get subtracted from your apprenticeship by taking this course? Joan: Kay: found that my personal life has been enriched by the course as I'm introduced to various things such as the use of tools. My perspectives immediately grow because can see all kinds of things that can do for myself. For example, if want to build something or have something constructed have so much more information. can make tools for Kay: I I I I I I instance. Joan: Is that what a millwright does, make tools? Kay: The millwright course is formally listed as industrial maintenance, mechanics and so on. On the job, there are a lot of things that might 1800 out of 8000. The course is forty weeks and after you have to find your own apprenticeship? Joan: Kay: That's right. Do you think that will be a problem? Joan: Kay: There might be a few openings have to be repaired. Some things can around the countryside. Otherwise be constructed, welding construc-you can find a regular job and bide tion, fabricating supports and soyour on. time until you find andapprenDepending on the plant you are working ticeship. There was a woman in the in you might send some of the jobs to program last year and she was offere( a machinist or you might be doinga job as a millwright at two local most of it yourself. plants. So it isn't impossible locally Joan: cont'd page 7 So in other words you have to learn how to repair almost anything. Northern Woman Journal page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE A news column to keep our readers up to date on women's issues Passive? or Aggressive ? A recent study has shown that many passive women refuse to consider assertiveness training because they believe they are already too aggressive. But women who have taken these courses say they now understand their own natures more realistically. For information on an upcoming three day workshop at Confederation College, May 7, 8, 9 phone 475-6232. Flasher Foiled A flasher approached a Vancouver.'" woman, Carole Carl as she was painting the outside of a hotel. He pulled down his pants and grabbed her leg but Carole, with her paint roller covered in orange paint, simply painted him up and down. The police had no trouble picking him up later. Feminist Holiday If you would like to give yourself a feminist holiday this summer, consider the Michigan Women's Music Festival, a day's drive from Thunder Bay at Hisperia, Michigan near Lansing. The four day event (August 14, 15, 16, 17) has received rave notices from local women who have attended in the past. Ticket price includes camping, food and workshops on feminist music and thought. Write: We Want the Music Collective, 1501 Lyons Street, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858, U.S.A. The festival is for women and female children only. The Unequal Payoff $ Education pays off. Your employment chances are better and a university degree pays more than a college diploma says Statscan in a report released in early April. But it is an unequal pay-off. Being male guarantees a salary higher by $1,200 to $4,300 than a woman of the same education. There is a second bonus for the male graduate. Less unemployment. Women, regardless of educational level, face more difficulty finding a job. Even a post-graduate degree such as a doctorate does not increase a woman's job chances. What about the other end of the social scale, the unskilled worker from the underclass or disadvantaged classes? These people have the most difficult time earning a living and again women are more disadvantaged than men. In a study done in Hamilton by Ulrich Wendt, poor women have a harder time than men in finding jobs. In comparison to men they have fewer personal contacts into the job market. The use of personal contacts is the most efficient way to find a job but women are more often forced to use the least successful methods such as relying on formal agencies - national, international and local. like Canada Employment. Women are the poorest of the poor. 47% of the women studied received under $3.00 an hour compared to 13% of the men. Only 5% of the women earned more than 4 dollars although 57% of the men did. The study found because of low pay, poor working conditions, and few chances of advancement half of the women felt dissatisfied,with their jobs. 70% of the men considered themselves "very satisfied". These facts apply regardless of the age, the education or skill level of the woman. Can a Woman Student Beat The System ? In view of the dismal employment and salary statistics mentioned above, is there any way a Thunder Bay woman student can beat the system? As a woman student you have to realize you are handicapped. No matter how much education you get or what course you take you will probably make less money and have a harder time finding a job than a man who takes the same course. Quit school? No solution. Unskilled women are the worst off of all. Wait for society to change? This is the best long term solution. Attitudes to women have changed a lot in the last two years. Economic conditions can change too but it's going to take a lot of push. Find the right course of study? This is the best short term solution. Here are some suggestions. University students should shun Arts. Inexplicably, women are still entering arts, the high road to educated unemployment. Many are even entering teaching, an almost extinct profession. Suggested alternatives: the so-called male professions, medicine, dentistry and at Lakehead, engineering. Both college and university students should think about labour relations, business and science. Your best employment chances (as of April 1980) are in computer science and engineering technology. Shun the female ghetto trades (child care, health aide, dental aide). All women, including those with a good education, should consider the skilled trades. But first be warned it is difficult (but not impossible) for a woman to get an apprenticeship in Thunder Bay. Many companies who employ apprentices want job experience. This is one of the reasons why it is tough to get into electrician, carpentry or auto mechanics. It is easier to get into trades programs at Conferation College. Among others, two good choices are welding and electronics. Women have always been in sales but usually on the low paying retail side. Now they are moving into real estate and insurance. When researching your future career it's not enough to check out the average salary. You must know the average female salary. We would like to hear other suggestions from our readers to answer this question; "Can a woman beat the systen A (Very Short) Questionnaire on the Canadian Armed Forces Recently women in the Canadian Arme Forces were allowed to serve as sailor for-the first time. Eight women were assigned to a non-combatant ship, the Cormorant. The women will be: a) learning navigation and other marine skills. b) working in the kitchen and as clerks. Women have been sailing in nonmilitary ships on the Great Lakes for over sixty years. The Armed forces therefore a) apologized for past discrimina tion and welcomed all qualified women to apply. b) explained that the first eight women were "on trial" for two years to see if women sailors work out. Are you tired of these "firsts" as I am? Why is there no carry-over from one form of an occupation to another division of the same occupation? We heard about the first woman bus driver in Russia (Israel, America, Canada) then the first school bus driv next a woman long distance bus driver and now "the first woman municipal bus driver". These are achievements by pioneering women but how long do we have to keep pioneering and being "on trial" every divifl_on and subdivision in every occupational category? (answer to questionnaire - b) THUNDER CLAP To Gert Beadle who has donated the proceeds from her latest book of Poetry RISING to the NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL. Watch for it! COMING SOON Northern Woman Journal page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor i �"we don't do mastectomies anymore In early February, 1980, the TV program Marketplace, revealed that one in eleven women would develop breast cancer. The program was directed to women who have had a mastectomy and were limited in their choice of wearing apparel. A showing of specially designed clothing modelled by women having had mastectomies, was valuable to women who had undergone this type of surgery. What stayed in my mind however, long after the program was over, was the women viewers who had NOT had a mastectomy. What were their feelings? Were they all convinced they would not be that "one" on eleven; fearful that they may indeed be that "one"; relieved that if they were that "one" that clothing would be available so that "you really couldn't tell"? Were they surprised that designers and manufacturers had not filled the 'fashion gap'? Were they indignant that the cost of a prosthesis (artificial breast) was not covered by OHIP as other artificial limbs are? (A breast prosthesis is considered as only having a cosmetic value). Four years ago we were reading that one in seventeen women would have Is breast cancer on breast cancer. the rise or is it being detected In Thunder Bay, detection earlier? methods are mainly that of mammography. All women are referred to McKellar Hospital. The Port Arthur General Hospital which in the past had been doing mammography (X-ray), is considering a safer form of X-ray using a lower dose of radiation. Cost in relation to value is also a consideration. To date they have not decided if this will be zereography or another method. There is a controversy about whether women under 50 should be exposed to mammography related doses of radiation. Radiation is cumulative and can trigger cancer cells to grow. Menstruating women under 50 are still producing estrogen, and cancer cells tend to absorb estrogen, which prompts them to grow. the surgeon decides how extensive the surgery will be A third cancer detection method is a biopsy. A biopsy can be a surgical procedure whereby small pieces of tissue are taken, sliced thinly, stained and mounted on glass The interpretation of the slides. biopsy is done by the pathologist. This process takes about 24 hours unless the surgeon asks for a "frozen section". This must be processed specially, and is much more costly than the regular sections. Also, they do not stain as well. The advantage of a frozen section is that it only takes 10 or 15 minutes to prepare. On the basis of the evidence the pathologist ascertains whether or not cancer is present. Subsequently, the surgeon decides if cancer cells are found, how extensive the surgery will be. However, no surgery will be performed if the woman has not signed the consent ........ ,. by Noreen Lavoie Unless you have complete confidence in the surgeon, do not sign the consent forms for extensive forms. surgery. Another form of biopsy is a needle biopsy (aspiration or withdrawing fluid from the lump by needle). Many doctors do not aspirate and the reasons are not clear. Cancer lumps rarely contain fluid, so if a lump can be reduced by aspiration, it is most likely not cancerous. Since cysts tend to be multiple, some women are subjected to hospitalization and many needless operations for removal of cysts that could have been just as successfully treated in the office. Contact was made in Thunder Bay with fifteen women. For all fifteen, mammography followed by a surgical biopsy and removal of the breast while under the biopsy anesthetic, was their experience. All fifteen had signed the consent forms for surgery before the biopsy was done. Some women are considered high For all women, but especially risk. for these women, new cancer detection methods are essential. The incidence of breast cancer is about twice as high in families in which close relatives have had it, than those in which there is no history of it. However, in the past it was not spoken about between women, so it was difficult to know if your grandmothers or aunts had a mastectomy or were treated for breast cancer. W hen the breast of a woman in her teens, twenties, or thirties is exposed to small doses of radiation there is a striking increase in the This incidence of breast cancer. was observed when the treatment of tuberculosis involved frequent X-ray examinations. A history of having had a cancer in one breast increases the chances of getting one in the Women who have not had childother. ren are a little more apt to get breast cancer than those who have. Reasons for this are unclear. Every woman has pinhead-sized It is the cysts in the breasts. natural result of the activity of the breasts that occurs before each menstrual period. It is only the larger cysts that show as lumps. Although women with lumps are not necessarily more prone to breast cancer, these lumps can be a constant Breasts should be source of worry. examined a few days after the menstrual period when they should have returned to normal. If you find a lump, don't wait - see your doctor at once. Don't submit to open operation for a biopsy if you are still menstruating and your doctor thinks the lump could be a Instead, ask him or her to cyst. aspirate it in the office or find a doctor who will. Whether the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise, is not known. It is certainly not decreasing. Will it soon be normal for half of all women to have only one breast? or none? None of us want to be the "one" in eleven to get breast cancer or the "one" in twenty one who die from it. Our breasts are part of our reproductive system and unlike other forms of cancer women have little effectiveness in removing the cancer causing agents from their environment. Breast cancer starts either in the milk glands or in the ducts that carry the milk to the nipple. Have doctor's attitudes changed towards women who are acting as their own advocates and in their own interests? In the area of self breast examination, yes. According to Better Homes and Gardens Family Medical Guide, 1966, only "intelligent" women patients were encouraged to examine their breasts every The "others" it goes on to month. say may perpetuate harmful cancer phobias. In the past doctors were routinely doing radical mastectomies (removal of the breast, lymph nodes, and chest muscles). At the present time, modified radical mastectomies (removal of the breast and axilla lymph nodes), are the preferred treatment. A few doctors are now removing only the malignant tumor, (lumpectomy or partial mastectomy). We would like our readers to let us know who those doctors are and what cities they are parcticing in. The psychological benefits of leaving the breast intact; the evidence that more radical surgery does not guarantee a cure; and our own non-acceptance of present breast cancer detection and treatment methods, hopefully should hasten us to the day when doctors will say WE DON'T DO MASTECTOMIES ANYMORE. Northern Woman Journal page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �TIRED OF BEING IGNORED NATIONAL ACTION COMMITTEE The National Action Committee on the Status of Women (NAC) held their annual meeting March 14-17 1980 in Ottawa. Over 400 women delegates, representing 140 member groups attended the conference. Four delegates of Northwestern Ontario, representing the Northwestern Ontario International Decade Councils of Fort Francis and Thunder Bay, and a member of the Thunder Bay Rape and Sexual Assault Centre attended the conference. "THEY USE THAT THREAT OF DISINTEGRATION TO ENTRAP US AND I REFUSE TO BE CONNED" The central theme of the conference was Feminist Visions of the Future: The Family of the 80's. Rosemary Brown, a New Democratic member of the B.C. legislature was the key note speaker. Addressing the theme of the conference. Ms Brown warned women not to accept the responsibility for the disinegration of the traditional family, "working father, housewife mother, and 2.5 childreH'. Brown warned women not to be conned. "They use the threat of disintegration to entrap us and refuse to be conned', she said. "There is a conspiracy to get us out of the work force, back into the home, and the obstetrical ward, and consuming again". Government, big business and the advertisers are the nebulous we, always anxious to con women back into the home, where they cannot take jobs from "needy men" and where they have more time to consume. "The family is not breaking down; it is changing. The goal of the feminist movement is not to destroy the family, but to reform it's structure', she stated. I In recognition of Brown's philosophy conference resolutions dealt with: rights for Indian women, free and adequate child care, unemployment restrictions on pregnant women, rights for domestic workers, Canada Pension Plan coverage for homemakers and equal pay for work of equal value. On Saturday the delegates from NWO attended the workshop chaired by Madeline Parent, entitled Perspectives on Domestic Labour. A panel, consisting of representatives from various unions and members of the domestic labour force, discussed several problems of the domestic .workers and in particular addressed the hardships experienced by immigrant domestic workers. They are not covered under the Employment Standards Act, are exploited as cheap labour, and although they contribute to UIC are unable to collect benefits. Resolutions dealt with qualifying conditions for maternity benefits under the UIC Act, CEIC restrictions on work permits of domestic workers, protection of immigrant domestic workers and pension coverage for homemakers. Saturday afternoon the NWO delegates attended the workshops entitled The Economic Penalties of Parenting. This workshop addressed the problems experienced by working mothers. Topics such as increased maternity benefits, provision of free and adequate child care and sexual harassment on the job were discussed. Saturday evening Mary O'Brien from the Department of Sociology 0.I.S.E. addressed the delegates, speaking on The Personal is the Political. Ms. O'Brien stated that the family could be the most potent political force in the country if women would utilize their influence within the family to educate her children on the oppression of women. We also heard a spokesperson from Bell Canada, who clarified the oppressive position of women workers within Bell and asked for the support of NAC in Lti The their struggle for rights. Nellie McClung Theatre, from Winnipeg presented several skits on the feminist struggle beginning with the early suffragists and concluding with a spoof on sexist advertising. It was very entertaining, and clarified even further the absurdity of the patriarchal society in which we live. Sunday there was a Feminist Bus Tour conducted by the Ottawa Women and the Law Group. The Annual Meeting, broken up into a morning session dealing with the resolutions and an afternoon session, dealing with business was the last opportunity for all delegates to gather. The evening was taken up in smaller groups in preparation for the Monday deputations. The NWO delegates attended the group which was to meet with Pierre Juneau, Deputy Minister of the Secretary of Approximately 15 women, reState. presenting all regions of Canada were members of the group. Jill Porter, past NAC secretary, chaired the meeting. It was agreed that Jill should meet with Nancy Lawand, Director of Women's Programmes - Secretary of State, to clarify facts which we wished to use at the lobbying session. Monday afternoon we attended the lobbying session at Secretary of State offices. We addressed the following topics: The allocation of funds to Women's Programmes, as compared to funds given to other programmes (eg. Native Programmes - $20 million, Multiculturalism $6 million, Official Languages $15 million, $700,000 Women's Programmes.) The fact that male field officers, working for the Secretary of State are on permanent staff, while the women field officers emPloved by Women's Programmes are forced to work on a renewable contractual basis. The discontinuation of the Feminis Services Training Programme that offered important and needed services in the communities, and acted to employ women, although on a short ter basis. The allocation of funds to the Indian Brotherhood by Secretary of State and the disportionate amount given to Indian women in their pursuit of equal rights under the InNational dian Act. In the final analysis the meeting was very much the "bureaucrats meeting". No promises were made and no mutual agreements were forthcoming. Although Mr. Juneau agreed that women were a low prioity on government spen ding he suggested that this could not be alleviated by the government, due to the financial restrictions. He threw the question of money back to the women and suggested that we lobby other groups to convince them to put aside a portion of their money for women's projects. He also suggested that rather than increasing the funds to Secretary of State that we lobby for the reallocation of funds within the department. We stated that this was unacceptable and that we would rather take funds from When we the Department of Defense. approached Juneau concerning the field officers, he was unaware of the policy and referred the question Ms. Lawand said to Nancy Lawand. that although men are permanent staff and women non-permanent, the women have held their jobs for several years and are in fact renewed. Following the deputations the delegates attended a press conference, Each lobbyheld at the Press Club. ing group presented a summary and analysis of their sessions. Questions directed to the NAC executive by the press focused on rights of Indian women, rights of domestic workers and the plan of action folThey also lowing the conference. focused on the issue of militancy which was brought out by Lynn McDonald, President of NAC. McDonald stated that women had been lobbying for several years on certain issues (i.e. Indian women have been active for 10 years on rights for Indian women, and Rape Crisis Centres have been lobbying for the past 5 years on changes in the Criminal Code regarding rape and sexual assault) and were not only tired of being ignored but were angry and woulc soon reach the point where militancy would be the only alternative. cont'd on page 12 Northern Woman Journal page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �women in the trades How about moving? like to go out West? Joan: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Would you Kay: Oh not just now. My two daughters are both in high school and don't think a move would be good I for them. Joan: Does the College help you try to get an apprenticeship? Kay: They do what they can to help you find a job. That's really the hardest part - looking for a job but from what I've heard and seen, the College is really excellent. was talking to Lillian, the Student Awards Officer at the College, and she told me the girls that are in technology and by and large very successful and giving the boys a real run for their money and everyone is really pleased with what's happening. Not just the people in the College but the employers who hire them seem to be tickled and this is often considered a heavy labouring position and I'm older too and both will militate against me finding an apprenticeship opening in millwright work. (Kay describes meeting a woman welder working in the trade). It was a real lift. She is such an inspiration. She is a welder and has been working'in the field for a few years and thoroughly enjoys her field. Speaking to a person like that is very exciting particularly because I'm trying to get into the trades, too. I too. Joan: Joan: guess a lot of women did these jobs during the war. Have you ever met any? I don't think so. I Joan: one. I sure would like to interview These are the people we have to hear from now as a voice. That would be terrifically supportive. Kay: it makes so much difference It's so encouraging. Just hearing about other women in the trades and their experiences makes you feel you are not isolated. It raises your morale a bit. Oh, Joan: Is there another woman in your Kay: Oh yes, the nation needed them and industry needed them. That's the ey. Industry needed them and made it as easy as possible, welcomed them. course? Joan: Yes, there is one other in the She's very successful. She has had some background already and so she's familiar with some of the work, but it's a little bit different for me being an older person and being in a group that has the assurance and the certainty of youth. Self confidence is one of the most essential things to being successful. suppose this applies no matter what you do. I've noticed that if you don't know how to do something that, if you have the buoyancy that selfconfidence gives, you can deal with the problem in a very positive manner. Self-esteem - it's the key. Do you know afterwards it got so bad for women that remember in the town where was living there was a reluctance to hire a woman teacher if she was married. Kay: program. I Joan: What's next in the course? Kay: After this section of the program there will be a field placement and then a section in the welding shop and then in the machine shop. And then afterwards ... Kay: I I Joan: Do you find being in school relaxing. Kay: No, being in school is not a relaxing experience. It is stimulating. It is rewarding because you can see things are happening, but never relaxing. In many ways it is stressful and so every now and again feel resentful. think, "Why does it have to be such a burden, why couldn't a person feel uplifted because they are learning new things and that's exciting." But it's that fa-t that everything is being learned and everything is new which causes the stress. It's no light undertaking. Every single job ever had, was winging it and it's just such a refreshing change to walk into a situation where you are presumed to be untrained and that it's all right that is such a relief. My classes start at eight in the morning but some of the trades courses start at seven. If a person had to I I I Joan: ment? How long is the field place- I We are all scheduled to go to three different local plants and we'll spend three weeks in each and it will be my first time I've ever seen inside an industrial plant. (Laughs) I'm such a complete greenhorn don't know what questions to ask to find out about take a bus they wouldn't be able to get there. It takes me an hour to things. feel pretty silly a lot get to school by bus. The buses don't of the time. That's why the field Nacement will be such a valuable thing run that early. Joan: So you would have to have a Joan: Do you know where you're going? car if you had to start at seven? Kay: I I I The girls in high school have that opportunity now, believe. Joan: I Kay: My kids had that option but was asking them and the girls still tend to pick domestic science. guess home economics is just something that is already familiar. Even now for girls some things are more familiar than others. I Joan: But in a lot of ways it was easier for them because there were a lot of women in the plants and a lot of support. Joan: Kay: oped a more intuitive type of thinking. There was evaluation and critical analysis and things like that but it isn't the type of learning that is involvedin math. have come to appreciate a lot about learning mechanisms. Today think things are taught better in school to give a person a spectrum of math and science and not just the arts. would have liked to have had some kind of shop training in high school too. I Kay: I'm really glad to hear that. to me. purpose. It was in a different area. It was in the arts and so it devel- I I Kay: Right. The first one is going to be the machine shop at the College. The Joan: Is the math the same as you second is Great West Timber and then had in school or is this all differCanada Car. Roland, one of the instruc- ent math? tors is responsible for digging up Kay: never had much math in school. these placements and has gone out of Anyway it was so long ago that it his way to try to sound out people wouldn't matter. But never had a to find what kind of reception they decent math background. All my forgive women but also to consider my mer education was for a different personal needs. have a light build Kay: I I What made you decide to go back to school? It's been about five years left university and I've done different jobs since then. It became fairly obvious to me that the only people who were making a living wage were skilled tradespeople and that's what a person has to do to survive and provide a decent environment for their family. Precious few women have had the opportunity. So might be out in the forefront but it's necessity. The trades -- that's the only hope for women. Your daughter is an apprentice, isn't she? Kay: since I I Yes, she's an apprentice printer. She was working as a clerk and she moved from the clerical side of the business to the trades side and that's a move a lot of women don't even think about. How many women are in trades training at the college? Joan: Kay: There are a few in welding. There are lots of women in the technology courses and surveying. There are a lot of omen in auto parts. About a third of the students there are women. There is a woman going into diesel mechanics. There are two in cutter and skidder. But this is a course that is reluctant to accept women because there are so few people willing to employ women. Isn't that a catch-22 situation for women? Joan: Oh, yeah. The women they will accept are those with any possibility of becoming employed, there was one woman who was working with her husband and they could be employed as Kay: a team. Joan: always thought that this course should be cutter and/or skidder, so that piople could have the opportunity to just learn to run one machine. More women could do that than do both. Do you think it would be helpful if all the women at the College in the trades could get together to talk? Do you think the women would be interested? Cont'd page 12 I I Northern Woman Journal page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �midwifery CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 How would you describe the midwife's work with one mother? First of all, especially with the home birth, the midwife is involved with the whole pregnancy. Visits start early in the pregnancy and become more frequent as the birthing time arrives. The midwife takes the time not only to do physical checkups but to advise and talk about nutrition, exercise, sexuality, fears, wishes, relationships; whatever is most on the mother's mind. Such questions change of course as the pregnancy changes. The midwife takes the time to be on call when needed. The midwife develops a relationship with the partner or coach who may be When the assisting in the birth. birthing time arrives she aids the, mother in labour and birth. Following the birth, the midwife stays as long as is necessary and then comes daily to help with the adjustment, breastfeeding, questions, and any possible complications. When she is no longer needed her work with this birth is completed. You see the principle of birth is the same for every woman, and yet each woman's body and baby are unique and, how she deals with her pregnancy too is unique. So here is where the midwife beside having her technical skills must learn to be very open minded and critical so that she may respond,torrespect the needs of the mother. If any conditions do arise that the midwife feels are emergencies, a doctor is available but the midwife is still in control during any administering to the mother With a birth by a midwife the woman has the opportunity to take full responsibility for her choices, her actions, her birth, and her child. She is not strapped down, drugged, cut up or rushed through the birth There is such an opportprocess. unity here for bonding and for the mother and father (should he choose to participate) to really know where this child has come from. Most important, the midwife does not deliver The role the baby, the mother does. of the midwife is to simply help and support using the power of her knowledge. What do you know of the heritage of midwives in North America and why are we virtually without midwives in our medical system? This is an enormous question. First of all recorded heritage of midwives is very limited. With the combination of the male midwives, the male dominated medical schools and the male historians; women's heritage In most has been greatly lost. Indian cultures in North America the women heal the women and the There is respect men heal the men. for each knowing her/his own needs; it is not a polarization but a separation of balance. As North America became resettled, the midwives from Europe were an integral part of the community. They were soon ousted however, by the growth of male-midwives and the field of obstetrics in medicine. drawing In the 1700's male midwives started to take over birthing. They had training available in_the all male medical schools and could sometimes afford apprenticeships with doctors. With growing technology and the invention of forceps, they became the heros, flashing in at the last minute to deliver difficult births. They also came to be known as the 'death bearers' because many doctors were horribly inexperienced with their new instruments/tools. However, their popularity, especially with the upper classes grew as they began promising To allow quick and easy deliveries. for the growth and respect of obstetm rics as a male field and not 'just woman's work' they tried convincing women that birthing was a disease and a danger and that the pregnant woman needed a man even for a seemingly In addition they normal delivery. convinced women that the midwife was in fact ignorant, unprogressive and The systematic implimentdangerous. ation of this fear along with the pressure for women to be submissive, docile and genteel made many women feel it was safer and more progressive to choose a male midwife over a woman. infant and maternal mortality rates rose proportionately with the rise of male midwives The midwives continued attending _births but economically they were being forced out of their profession. By the 1820's birthing had moved from an art (a natural process) to a science (a controlled/man made technology). The rise in infant and maternal mortality rates rose proportionately with the rise in male-midwives and the use Though of forceps and cesareans. many fought for the midwives case, the majority of the medical profession continued to discredit the women's work and revel in their own new technologies despite the statistics. They established lying-in wards where the poor could go free of charge to deliver their babies and where the doctors took incredible liberties for experimentation. Around the 1850's the women's movement organized around birthing issues. They established midwife schools but opposition from the medical profession forced their closure. With the invention of anesthesia and the offering by PLice lfeet of a painless birth, the male mid' moved further into the field. By late 19th century upper and middl class women were beginning to emb the view that childbirth was a di. that could most properly be contr., by the use of instruments, drugs So the midwives work mu surgery. more into the poor arid isolated a: where they were not a threat to d This si doctor's economic power. nation remains the same today. In 1910 still 50% of North American births were attended by midwives but by 1930 only 15% were midwife births. In the last thirty years there ha: been a slow rise in nurse midwive but still in 1973 only 1% of the births in.#4,11,e41.54,-were attended b' nurse-midwives or midwives. The medical profession still has alma complete control in birthing. How do you see birthing in North . America today? That they have taken the control away from women is evident in mos births in North America today. Th is a system of maternity care wh first of all forces most women to deliver in hospitals. The prenat visits are quick and the pregnant woman has little opportunity to informed of the process that she She becomes part of a part of. dehumanizing, institutional assen line where, instead of being part a family drama where her work and wishes are respected, she is stri of personal possessions and place in stark, sterile surroundings someone ready to undergo an cope/ After he/ ion or imprisionment. hard work and pain of delivering, her child is whisked away. She faces routine shaving of her pubj hair, routine episiotomy, anesthE routine use of forceps and a racy like delivery bed. Only a few yE ago it was routine to strap a won down if she got too 'excited'. of these procedures - rather the.' aiding the birthing woman, serve only the interests of the medical profession in pulling out the ch: They are completely counter to tl birthing process. They have tray formed it into a feared ordeal. has to ask why the doctors have fought so hard for control over basic female function and can on: Northern Woman Journal page 8 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �my vision and hope is that women will take their power back conclude they must be compelled to interfere with our birthing out of jealousy and fear of women's generative powers. You see the responsibility of birth is taken away by the doctors. The woman is seen as the victim of a disease and is treated as such; when really what she is doing is bringing new life into the world. We must take this power back and assume the responsibility once more both for ourselves and our children. During the last two decades the options for birthing are once more increasing. A woman can request a natural birth in the hospital and have one partner available for coaching. Only some doctors will go with these requests and often nurses have found the difference in routine alarming. Most women don't even know there are choices open to them. In the USA there is a rise in nurse-midwives and birthing centres are now becoming available in some cities. How do you feel about these changes? I think these changes are absolutely necessary and a step in the right direction. The birthing centres are usually large homes that have been converted so that a woman can rent a comfortable room for her birth and have the father and/or friends with her during her birth. The mother is informed of her possible choices right from the start. The midwife aids in the delivery and is the overseer to make sure everything runs smoothly. There are facilities & supplies in the house and if there are any complications there are doctors on call at the hospitals. It's excellent. A woman can create her own birth and know the responsibility of it and this is good. Also the midwives can help and continue learning from each other. Legally we do not exist because we are not a registered profession. It is under provincial law. In February. many women have become lay midI attended a midwives conference in wives by apprenticing or training Vancouver and the B.C. midwives are with each other and setting up in the most organized in Canada. They effect their own intimate schools. are growing in number and they are How do you feel about these lay united in their goal to legalize and midwives? regulate midwifery in their province, hoping the other provinces would On one hand it is so good that women follow them. They are publicly gathare refusing the hospital and createring respect for themselves and have ing their own births. In British the nursing association backing their Columbia there is a group of women proposals to the provincial legislativ who organized themselves to learn for legalization. As yet though, a birthing. They set up an extensive midwife attending a birth without the study group using medical books and presence of a doctor is practicing had nurse midwives come and teach medicine without a license. Nursethem and then they began delivering midwives who train overseas can only their own children. These kinds of get jobs as obstetrical nurses, which actions are what kept midwifery alive means they are assistants with very during the witch burnings in Europe. little responsibility. Most refuse The only warning I would have here is that even though birthing is natural to assist in the normal North American type births and some have gone up there are ways to help a mother birth north where midwifery is legal because and there is much knowledge and exthere are no doctors available. This perience that a midwife acquires law states that below a certain geoafter training and delivering babies. graphical parallel, the midwives are It is an art and great respect should once again illegal because doctors are be given to the training involved. available in these areas. So we conThere are some who think because they clude that these northern regions have attended a few births they know would not be economically profitable all about it. Although their exfor the doctors, so they do not experiences are valid, the long exercise their power there. perience is necessary to give the birthing mother the best care possible. I am always for personal responsibility and people being strong with themselves. In the case of birthing I would suggest that only a midwife with good experience and theoretical knowledge should attend the mother. I respect the technology that medicine has developed but in the hands of most doctors the technology is abused and over used. In the hands of conscious women or men this butchery would not happen. I would like to see willing/progressive 'So what could a woman in this region doctors and nurse midwives open to .do if she wanted a home birth? sharing their knowledge and experience Because we have no training fac -. ilities in Canada for midwifery, with the lay midwives. I do know that the lay midwives are starved for more So here the pregnancy is treated as knowledge. My vision and hope is normal, not a disease. One struggle that women will take their power back with the nurse midwives is that because and that the doctors will be forced they have been trained in the medical to rethink their whole approach to system, they have been trained to look birthing and stop flashing around in In a birth you must for the pathology. their white coats like gods, being look for the natural process and guide paid extra for every complication. I it along - being alert to complications. would hope that women go beyond this So the nurse-midwives have to re-think fear we have been taught around birth their entire attitudes toward disease. and learn to see it not as a disease What makes me happy in these centres but as our own birth right. When is that women are refusing to be enough women take the responsibility victims. They are taking back to themand control, there will be fewer selves a power which is rightfully victims of the hospital drama. theirs. It is only outrageous that the change is so slow: - from the 'What is the legal status of midwives medical side, especially! in Canada? First the woman and her partner have to examine their choices. They should talk to a good doctor or gynocologist, if one is available, read as much as possible and talk with a midwife. The have to take on the responsibility of the birth and know that they have no legal support. If a home birth is chosen it is important to have an experienced midwife and other supportive mothers around. The pregnant woman considering a home birth should make sure she has a healthy pregnancy. This is one of the most important fact ors going into a home birth. If she can get backup from a progressive doctor that is good. Women with toxemia, over weight, diabetes, breach, any serious problems with inner organs or any pelvis pathology should not hav a home birth without good medical back up. Women with previous abnormalities or frequent miscarriages should consid a hospital birth. I personally would recommend a hospital birth for all the above pathological conditions. Women with previous ceasareans should consul their doctor. In most of these cases i.e. ceasarean cases, a spontaneous delivery is possible, but it is considered a high risk birth and would need medical supervision. When the woman is healthy and is prepared for 'birth, a home birth is a very real and available alternative. cont'd Northern Woman Journal page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �faun's birth What it Means to be a Woman During the whole time I felt like being my own midwife, because I followed every step of contractions and dilation. Waxwing atticte was on diotay By about 9:00 A.M. The I was In the summer of 1979J expected my 3 cm dilated and carried on with in a tocat Aopping matt in an edfirst child. During my pregnancy I dignity and strength for this utationae new exhibition pkaented by the was living in Thunder Bay, Canada. human being. Hours went by as my 4tudentz o4 at6tgate High School. I knew about my wishes how to bear midwife massaged, talked or just was Itwa4 written by Cyndi Otway a 4tuden.1 my child - and about my possibilities there. My brother went outside in to Mo.play Sandra Attetnick's 4ocJofogy in Thunder Bay to do so. I found with friends, came in once in actz4. a while almost no satisfaction whatsoever so to give me a fresh facecloth. I decided very surely to go back home By 11:00 A.M. my contractions became As a woman your physical features with my dear friend to West Germany, noticable stronger and I started to are different from men. This is pointe to have the child at home. throw up quite frequently - aout sign to you constantly during life. You of good dilation. I layed down into wear more clothing than men to have I knew from my experiences .as a midmy bed again and felt most comfortable hide these features (defects). As a wife that this was the only way for there. 12:15 P.M. I was fully dilated woman you have to prove you can play me to give birth after a normal preand started pushing. My midwife hockey, basketball, etc. just as well gnancy. gave me good support in coaching me man can. You can't dive off a as any and so did my friend, who didhigh a diving board because of fear of So when we arrived in Germany in my tremendous job. falling out of your swimsuit. Everybody was pushing, 8th month of pregnancy I looked up helping me to get the big baby through As a woman you can't talk back to the yellow pages in the phone book my vagina. And here he was, 12:50 people (like parents, friends, teachers under "Midwives", and found a wonderP.M., a healthy strong boy, slightly You have to be nice and take in all ful 64 year old woman. She was incrying on my stomach. I massaged the yelling yourself. As a woman you credible natural and simple and we him, my friend touched him and warm must be good in school what I mean is started to get to know each other sunshine came through my window. We behave. You can't stand on desks or before my due date. I lived in a were so amazed and so in love. After tell obscene jokes; you have to be little village and my midwife in a the umbilical cord was collapsed and goody-two-shoes. bigger town, 15 miles apart. cut, the midwife bathed the baby. Because you are a woman you must Then we slept together for about onefollow proper etiquette at all times. On July 23 I went into labour. My half hour after my placenta came out You can't phone men and you certainly friend and my brother (10 years old) 10 min. after birth. Then my boy cannot ask them out. You have to stay were still sleeping in the same bed. would not breast feed and so we home and hope they call you. When you I started with medium strong labour weighed him and measured him. 4130 do go out with a man, you worry about right away, nevertheless I tried to gr (9 lb 307) 55cm (22 in.) long how you look, what you should wear. get more sleep until the morning betand 37cm. (15 inch) head circum. He And your hair must be clean and ween my contractions. My friend was slept again and had his first suck shining all the time. trained by me to listen to my heart -. after two hours. I got up the first As a woman you have to wear dresses beats with a wooden fetoscope, so he time one hour after I gave birth and that make you self-conscious and stupid did once in a while We did the felt great walking to the washroom. panty-hose which make you itch all evenbreathing together, snuggled and I did not have an episiotomy and ing. And you have to put up with men smooched until I called the midwife could sit comfortably right away. I talking about the car they_own or the around 7:30 A.M. She came, gave me porno flick terS77771;rweek. tore slightly on both my labs and had an enema and prepared my bed and her a couple of stitches on my vagina. A woman always has to worry about hei needs to deliver our child. reputation and she has to watch that I connected more and more with my men don't take advantage of her. A baby after every minute. When clean woman has to know how to cook, how to ups were finished and the baby slept make clothing, and how to do the we had champagne with our midwife and monthly budget. She has to make a good fed her some dinner, which she deservhome for her husband. She must go throt4 ed dearly. the pain of having a child and staying up with that child when he/she is sick I thank for a healthy, lovely child. and when he/she awakes in the middle I thank my midwife for her immense of the night. output - she took care of me like a As a woman you are pushed into mother! going to those boring parties men want I thank my dear friend and my brother to go to. Or you go shopping with a man, for so much love during these hours. and he can't tell the difference beI thank my friends for their presence. tween a slip and a bathing suit. But yet, what would a woman do withI encourage every woman who has a out her man? healthy or complicated pregnancy to search for alternative human childbirth in our society. By Barbara Kemeny . 41104h ef 4ove. I would like to thank the people in the community who collected money for my flight to Vancouver for the conference. This was an incredible effort to support a midwife in the struggle for connections, learnings and recognition among everybody. We were supported by a few friends of ours who I felt so nice about to share the experience with. I walked in the house when I felt like, sat, leaned out of the window, I heard the chicken in our garden and the neighbours cows to get fresh air. We talked with the midwife about a lot of subjects while my labor went, on and she let me go through it. She just had control over everything. rthern Woman Journal page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �( AM A LEAF I am a leaf, of a twig, of a branch, of a tree that grew in the North in the nineteenth century. The sweat of my ancestors dried in the sun, their bones salt the earth in the land that they won. They, like the soil and the forest and stream, shaped and produced this northern dream. No spoilers of nature, they prized every tree, and dying invested that spirit in me. In those young days, 'twas the fashion to shoot the fox who connived to steal and pollute, and hang his hide on branch or fence with no kind word in his defence. Today, the fox has been transformed -all hidden his intent, and we in some benign concern withhold the sentence he has earned. But I like them, grow cold and stricken, to see a fox among the chickens. For Atikokan is the target for a bureaucratic plot, by a government that's willing to risk the lives of working men by taking credit for his killing. And if he protests, it won't be for long, a little starvation will change his song. Where else can they dump this lethal load? Where else does it matter so little? Where else are we grateful for even a crumb from the power brokers' table? Will they tell us it's cheaper to dump in the north, that no other place will suit? Will they tell us they listen to be polite, but they've already decided to do it? Will they tell us they don't really give a damn if the future proves them wrong? Will they still be grinning and picking their teeth to the beat of their old safety song? What must we do with insanity that wheels and deals in humanity, but refuse to swallow the ball of wax, whatever it's fancy wrapping, and tell them bluntly to their face, to bury their death in another place perhaps in the basement of government house or the P.M.'s swimming pool. If it's all as safe as they testify, lots of places could qualify. But the north that once was virgin pure, has met those selling death before. The poisoned Wabigoon implies, in the lust for progress all innocence dies, all are expendable in the search, unless you belong to a corporate church. The north was born before the bulb, with no loss to the spirit. No kin of mine would sell her soul for the price we're investing in it. In this last bastion of defence I join the host who care, and will not yield to pressure or debate, -from those who come in smiling masks with danger lethal and unasked, that may in time affect our children's fate. it now and mark it well. The tribe that nurtured me would tell, this federal power to go to hell. by Gert Beadle TICKLED PINK She went to work and came home to supper questions, aware of anger rising within like a mushroom bomb as she washed soapy dishes and dusted tables: feeling content as they fell asleep, legs and arms entwined; conscious of sorrow as she talked to girl friends of times she had not known were lost... until the telling. Once upon a time, while playing in the Land of the Roles, a frecklefaced princess fell in love with a man. It did not happen gracefully or innocently but with tear-stained and pondering days. Nor did it end happily ever after, although the ever after continues as they share a bed and_breakfast, going out to dinner and dancing, returning to laughter, silence and a sigh. The princess washes dishes once a day, waters the plants on Wednesday and Saturday and tries to write a few pages every night. He works for six days and sometimes takes a day of rest, enjoys driving hates the city and loves her, reaching up to offer a hug when she brings him a cup of coffee. Together they rent a house, pay the utilities and buy food. Alone they play their moods and kick their dreams about, as agile as the best of soccer players. She touches her lips with a hesitant hand and realizes the spell is broken, as she shakes the sleep from The witches cauldron she her head. harbours in the body begins to bubble and boil, scalding him, making their bed to lie filled with frogs, hopping into their separate corners, hoping in their separate ways. He feels the change and shrugs it off as "hormones", although whether due to excess or lack of, he wouldn't The Blues that boil and bubble say. within her, sip after sip of its blasphemous brew causing her to look about and sigh with wo der. "It tickles to be a woman, but not always my fancy." (Spreading her arms wide to hold the world). by Joyce Thierry Northern Woman Journal page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �book review WOMEN IN THE TRADES continued from page 7. think it would be helpYes, ful. Some people aren't as outgoing as others and again you feel the need for a little moral support. Sometimes people take the things that happen to them as just their lot that's what people do - they do their course and try to survive not realizing that things can be changed. Kay: I (They duscuss finances which Kay de scribes as a tight squeak.) The first day of class you Kay: become aware that you have to get safety boots and you have to get coveralls so in those first weeks we were living hand to mouth. How much are safety boots? Joan: Around thirty dollars but :I Kay: got mine on sale with Around thirty dollars but Kay: had a bit of got mine on sale, so I PRONATALISM: THE MYTH OF MOM AND APPLE PIE Edited by Ellen Peck and Judith Senderowitz A fascinating resource book on the socialization of females by subtle pressure to accept the theory that bearing children is a universal instinct as opposed to an individual rational choice. Society's romance with reproduction is manifested and fully explored in the text books of our education, in our literature, on the screen, in television, in the state as a form of special privilege for the family. The moral pressure of the womanly woman who has found her true vocation in big families as opposed to that selfish female who has opted for other ways to express her creativity. That parenting is the other side of the coin and must be thought of a vocation makes this book valuablE to the life skills teacher. The quE tions that arise have not been answered by our present day emotional approach to the biological readineE of the female for birth, which has very little to do with our psycholc cal capacity for parenting. To eve] young woman who is in doubt of, or ignorance of the reasons why she fi she must reproduce to affirm her sl as a woman, I heartily recommend book. Pronatalism is a word we wil hear more often in the future as w, struggle to dispell the myths that prive children of their right to born into families that have plann and prepared for them. t.1 1 By Gert Beadle I luck. FAMILY DISPUTES Joan: What about the Women's Credit Union? haven't gone to them and I'll Kay: ammgetting .tell you the reason. didn't so little to live on that dare to even try to get a loan becouldn't pay a loan back cause you see how stringent my situation is. And some weeks my money wouldn't arrive and then we had some pretty lean weekends. I I I I How do the other students support themselves? Joan: Kay: There are a few fee payers. But the other students are on unemployment insurance and all of them, even those who are single, get more do. money than I Do you regret going back to Joan: school? just can't bedon't. It has been a wonderful experience. Everyone is so encouraging. It seems that the people at the College have gone out of their way. No, it's the right move for me. Kay: No, I I lieve it. N A C CONFERENCE CONIT__ .... PERSONAL COMMENTS The NAC conference gave a grass roots worker from Thunder Bay an opportunity to view the political component of the feminist movement in action. It was a gathering of concerned, articulate, active and organized women, representing all the regions of Canada. It was an excellent opportunity to share information and through this gave me a better understanding of the political decision-making process. Not only did the conference serve as a vehicle for the dissemination of information, but also acted as a refreshing reminder that organzied women, learning from our past mistakes and successes, can reach the top echelon of the political arena and effect Social change. Although there may be no immediate effects from the conference it served as a training ground for future politically active women - the decision-makers of tomorrow! by Kathie Cram In 1978, an eight month project, "Women in Transition" investigated the degree of battering occuring to Thunder Bay women in the domestic environment. The study showed that more than 1,000 women were battered on a regular basis. This information was shocking and as a result the research team put forth a series of recommendations which they believed would help diminish the incidence of wife battering. One of these recommendations urged for the development of a family dispute counselling unit to be attached to the Thunder Bay Police Department. The need for such a unit was reaffirmed at the May conference "Women Against Violence". In July, the Lakehead Social Planning Council hired a student to look into the feasibility of the resolutions on the family dispute unit, Ms. Cram found that its development in Thunder Bay was indeed feasible. As a result a committee was struck which would be responsible for developing a model for a Family Dispute Counselling Unit in Thunder Bay. This committee, which is sponsored by the Lakehead Social Planning Council, is composed of representatives from various agencies. Among these agenThunder Bay District cies are: Health Council, Children's Aid Society, City Social Services, Department of Social Work Lakehead University, Addiction Research Foundation, etc. At present, the committee is involved in collecting data from the police department and community agencies in an effort to analyze the local need for such a service. Although the committee has not yet written a final proposal, a brief explanation of the anticipated operational plan may help clarify how the crisis unit would perform. The police receive a call relating to family dispute and respond on the first instance. After assessing the situation, deciding whether or not the family would benefit from immediate counselling, and obtaining by Kathie Cram agreement from the individuals, attending officer calls a crisi worker. The crisis worker goes out t home, and his/her responsibilit this point, is to cool down hos ities and do some problem solvi sr sting sorting out priorities and goal the clients. This is done to dE mine whether further counsellir necessary and if so, to refer t clients to an appropriate agent If on the first interview tI worker believes that those invc are not in a "reasonable state' is, drugs or alcohol are invol' the worker makes arrangements 1 the client(s) within the next At this time the initial probl ving is done, and if necessary ferral made to an appropriate It is then the responsibili the crisis worker to do approp follow-up, monitering the prog being made by the client(s). In terms of reference, the would be proposed as a prevent service, in that it would sery prevent future incidents of wi child battering. It would also in particular, to prevent seri psychological effects on the y child placed innocently in the tre of family violence. Northern Woman Journal page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �POETRY MOONFACE QUIET SAVAGE Preserve it thus; Fresh, not binding With perfection of faults and glories. Capture the free and wild Swelling and flaunting of shores. Catch the threads that unravel the emotions. Delicate plucking. Weakened relent Beauteous gushing. Bo-peep of infinite strength. by Karin Banerd Sault Ste Marie At school there was a girl whose face was clouded like the moon, not riddled with laugh lines or coloured red from the wind. She claimed she had many friends. They borrowed her notes and misplaced her name, because at times she was invisible, clinging to walls like restless ivy. by Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Thunder Bay JUNE You, who once were beautiful whose laughing eyes brightened up the seasons; whose smile gave me reasons to keep struggling up that mountain, whose soft beige skin invited kisses,, whose eyes now are loving whose tender glance gave me fulfillment. Now as thin as chalk on a slate. Recall our laughing looking for your car, recall you trying to wake me up for school, recall our hopes so full and great hopes powered our soulqk. Now my eyes with ice, they do fade, now we've chosen, slipped past, have gone. Now I'm a stranger, now a stranger is my song. Love you Sammi Kakeeway Vancouver i could have picked the daisies along the road's side, hundreds and hundreds speckled the gravelled ditch drinking the brown clay rain water. i could have tucked two behind my ear against my hair, placed them in a mason jar upon my windowsill.... but so fleeting is the flower's smile to the laughter of her field.... viola goderre Thunder Bay Northern Woman Journal page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �17f1f(ff' ff!Icl ritil!l'Illf SEXUAL HARASSMENT"Sexual harassment is any repeated and unwanted sexual comments, looks, suggestions or physical contact that you find offensive and which occurs on the job or in a classroom sitSexual harassment can uation. also occur during a job interview, where sexual favors are expected as a condition of employment." This is a definition of sexual har, assment used by a committee formed to study the problem of sexual harassment in Northwestern Ontario. The study arose in response to a recommendation made at the May 1979 conference, Women Against Violence. The resolution urged that Northern Women's Centre become a place of complaint and support for victims of sexual harassment. Before proceeding it was decided that we should conduct an exploratory study; its purpose being threefold: To investigate the extent of 1. sexual harassment experienced by women in Northwestern Ontario. At the same time to raise the 2. consciousness of women in Northwestern Ontario regarding the definition of sexual harassment and to inform them that they are not alone. To determine whether or not the extent of sexual harassment in the region justifies the establishment of Northern Women's Centre as a place of complaint and support for victims,of sexual harassment. 3. A questionnaire was composed and distributed to various community agencies, hospitals,clinics, unions and post secondary educational It also appeared as institutions. a supplement in the Northern Women's Journal, and was published in the Kenora Daily Minor and News and lakehead Living. We distributed 1500 questionnaires, and received 55 in return. The responsed have yet to be analyzed, although a few initial observations may be made. The EVERY WOMAN'S I SS UE majority of respondents consider the problem of sexual harassment serious, so serious that most of the women quit their jobs. Most experienced the harassment at a place of employment,as opposed to an education al institution. The majority are employed as secretaries. When asked if they reported the harassment most responded that they had not and cited the major reason for not reporting it as being "would not be believed'. The sexual harassment was ongoing, experienced at least once a week and lasting as long as McKellar Hospital, as well as McKenzie Forest Products in Hudson, refused to display our questionnaires The director of employee relations, Mr. G. Robinson, at McKellar, simply stated, "No such behavior is practised nor tolerated at this do not believe hospital and that we should suggest such practises exist by displaying your literaturd'. His comments are indeed interesting considering that some of our volunteers are ex-employees and have witnessed sexual harassment on the premises. four years. Sexual harassment is a serious Women suffer physically, problem. emotionally and economically. They are forced to quit well paying jobs primarily because our patriarchal society view it as a joke and thereby condone it. A few years ago rape and wife batterim were neatly swept under the carpet; our society claiming that "good girls don't get raped', or that the beaten wives yearn for physical Sexual harassment, punishment. like rape and wife beating is an aggressive, powerful act, meant to humiliate, degrade and control. Stand up, gather your courage, organize and fight! Several of the women added letters explaining in more detail their plight. One woman told the story of how she was sexually harassed by two The men at different locations. harassment began as the occassional pat on the shoulder, and "was even But it soon became a bit fatherly". One man began grabblatantly sexual. bing at her breasts and tries to kiss When she responded, getting her. "verbally abusive', he reminded her of his friendship with the supervisor. Tr' was told', she said, "to be a good OH because he controlled a job evaluation report". The woman was emotionally and physically affected. "I felt physically ill could be so intimidated and that got edgy, cried at home handled. to my husband, depressed ",she said. The abuse is still ongoing; her only recourse she believes is to quit. I I Another woman tells of her sexual harassment experiences with a boss, She boyfriends and married men. of her loneliness in trying Her friends to handle the problem. would listen, but it was of no help. She thought of confiding in her parents, but "all they would say is probably deserve it, or it was that my own fault." I A final report, with a literature review and alternate methods of handling the problem, will be completed by early May. If you are interested in receiving a copy please contact Northern Women's Centre,316 Bay Street, Thunder Bay. If you are a victim of sexual harassment and would like to share your experience please write us at the above address. Kathie Cram. I *****************M.A.,,,,,,,,, Both of these women had a sense of self blame, almost guilt for acceptIt is a sad comment ing the abuse. on our society when the victims are the "guilty", and the guilty have A* IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION * *******************************;" the power to control. -----. MAKE WITH ME, AWRY- ...ANOZLL SEE YOU Ger A RAISE NO YOU'RE FIRED! NOT IF WE FILE SUIT FOR SEXUAL HARASSMENT.' THE END Despite lobbying for continuation by Secretary of State - Women's Programs, and the women hired under this program, Feminist Services Training Programme has come to an end. Feminist Services was a one year project which saw placements working With The Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre, The Northern Women's Credit Union, Northern Woman Journal, Crisis Homes Inc., Beendigen -Native Women's Crisis House, Immigrant Information Centre, Thunder Bay Rape and Sexual Assault Centre and the Planning committee for a proposed Family Dispute Unit. Feminist Services was an exciting and unique program and certainly deserved a more just reward than to see these positive steps for women's servic ended. To Wilma Sellers, Jane Goldie, Joanne Fisher, Jerri Platt, Lauri Cunningham, Carol Sprakes, Kathy Cram, and Leni Untinen, Good Lucl with your future career plans, hopefully in the area of women's services. Northern Woman Journal page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �woman kidnaps daughter jailed breast cancer There is no sexual harassment in FREE KAMALLA MILLER McKellar Hospital, Thunder Bay. We Kamalla Miller is a 26 year old were informed that haughtily as they mother, a feminist, pacifist, and refused to accept the questionnaires. anarchist. She is charged in California We were happy to hear that one will with kidnapping her own daughter, Val not be goosed in the elevators or Valeena Mariska (Iska) Miller, pinched in the linen closets since and with two related charges. some of us have worked there in the Kamalla and Arthur Miller asked her past and found it an occupational parents, the Moores, to take care of It is all part of preserving hazard. Iska and her brother Jason temporarthe myth that the house of Doctors ily in 1974. They had been thrown out has a moral standard above the of work by the recession, and saw no common. rf it is professional, it alternative, as one child was sick. A cannot be crude or seen to be crude. few weeks later, when they had jobs Libido is dormant in the pursuit of (Arthur makes $9.50/hr. as a shipfitter) To shatter the illusion common good. for their children back. they asked will destroy one of our favourite Instead, they were ordered to report fairy tales that all nurses are to a custody hearing. angelic and all doctors saintly and Hearings continued for eight months, the auxiliary members who clean and dealing mostly with the Millers' carry and feed them are somehow lifestyle and political beliefs and uplifted by the. example. That we in activities. That Kamalla and Arthur our ignorance of this great truth have long been active in labor, peace, even suggested they move in the anti-nuclear and other struggles was common herd calls for at least three held against them in conservative lashes from a used rectal tube. Orange County, (Arthur was described in one report as a "fanatical communist IWW organizer"), as was the fact that Kamalla is epilictic, though that sris under complete control. The judge said he did not have to rule the Millers unfit, just decide which home would be better. Money was his criteria - he said David Rockefeller would be the ideal parent - and the Moores make more money, so they got Excellent selection of Canadian, the children. political, women's and science while in Jason died of asphixiation fiction literature. Also film, the Moores' "care". Kamalla's own crafts, poetry books and many childhood included being taken out of . B ,titlesunusual ighth grade and being school -in the and Blues selection in town. locked in'the house for two years. who would Her father was an alcoholic 10% Discount to Members play with a loaded gun while he was her drinking. Deeply worried about 182 S. Algoma St. "P" Phone:345-891 child's safety, and seeing no alternaOpen tir 8 Mon.-Sat. tive, Kamalla in 1978 went to California, &AL got Iska, and came back to Arkansas. In July of 1979 she was arrested. the CO-OP BOOKSHOP and RECORD CENTRE PLEASE HELP: WRITE Jerry Brown, Sacremento, Cal. to protest. Demand Kamalla be freed. DONATE $2, $20, $200, or any amount to help. The Support Committee is broke and there are printing, postage, and other bills to pay. PUBLICIZE the case in your area or network. Contact us for more into. CONTACT: Kamalla Miller Support Bayou LaRose 2115 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, L.A. 70119 Kammalla Miller Support 3304 Clinton Ave. S., Minneapolis, Minn. update McKellar pure? SALT AND YEAST Salt and Yeast, a book of selected poems by Gert Beadle, with illustrations. by Sirpa Bishop. Now only After being told of one woman's experience with breast cancer and the lack of safer detection methods in Thunder Bay, I decided to see what was happening in Toronto. I phoned the 'Women's College Hospi tal' with several questions regarding the detection and treatment of breast cancer. They still give women mammograms and zerograms, both are x-rays with only slightly differing degrees Since there is still a of strength. controversy regarding the safety of these detection methods I didn't consider this progress. I was much more interested in another method - ThermoThis is not an x-ray, but it graphy. has proven to be effective. It is a heat detector and any malignancy in the breast is shown as a much hotter area. Malignancies give I off more heat than benign lumps. was even told that a pregnant woman could feel safe in getting a thermoThe Woman's College Hospigram done. tal will only do these tests by referYour own doctor will have to ral. realize the need and send you to a larger centre where they have ThermoThis detection method still graphy. has not reached Thunder Bay. All of us should ask our doctors why?: The Women's College Hospital has a Breast Centre. They specialize in problems with women's breasts. They have four surgeons, two women and two men. They decide what form of treatment is best for a breast cancer patient. The modified radical mastectoril5 is still by far the most effective pression that they are more open to less radical types of treatment. After talking on the phone for what seemed an hour, I was conscious of the guardedness of every response I got, as though it would be detrimental to They give me too much information. got the impression I was calling for myself instead of women in general. They did not want to be quoted and since I was talking to a nurse or a receptionist, informative as she might have been, I was getting information second hand. Perhaps more can be done if letters are written seeking more I realize, just writing information. this, we've only just begun. Rosalyn Taylor Perrett $3.50 To order call 345-7802 or write 316 Bay Street, Ontario P7B 1S1 Thunder Bay 55408 Checks payable to Flow Carlson or Bruce Baechler or Arthur Miller. All three names. Thanks to the slow but steady increase in our subscribtions and to those women who add a financial donation; the NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL for the first time in its SEVEN years history is $432. in the black. We had a lot of really good comments about our last issue. Could we have more written feedback??. Thanks women. Northern Woman Journal, page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �11r Conael3 Post Pastes Bulk third En hombre 11111=111111111111111111 t beldame clan dare YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE 220 RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. The NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL is published six times a year by the NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE. Return Postage Guaranteed Workers on this issue were: Joan Enit, Gatt BeadZe Lynn Beak, Etetle Howa iLd, Ann MaCott, Noreen Lavoie Abnika Wiabb, Matgatet Donna Phoenix, Ctierna Satetus, Rozatyn TayZot Pettett 345-7802 HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: tge lkorgt-rn Votnan 316 &LI:S4m; tanver oinf. (six "is,...) 4.50 leap, Is° Su:gusto' Tra'llistifon. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 6 No 2 Description An account of the resource Vol. 6. No. 2 (Mar-Apr 1980) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Women in Trades Topics include: Midwifery Letters to the editor Child care programs handbook Feminist reading list Women & economic development workshop One industry towns provide no lives for women Women in the trades Women allowed to serve as sailors in Canadian navy Pay inequity Mastectomies National Action Committee Women’s birth stories Poetry Women against violence Wife battering Sexual harassment Comics Breast cancer Steady increase in subscriptions to NWJ Authors/Contributors: Rachel Smeijers (letter to the editor, London ON) Susan Craddock (letter to the editor, Saskatoon, SK) Barb J. Halliday (letter to the editor) Noreen Lavoie Joan Baril Barbara Kemeny Gert Beadle Joyce Thierry Kathie Cram Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Sammi Kakeeway Viola Goderre Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2763/1980_Vol_6_No_3.pdf ad04bd54d5e701f05fdf3aebb7ea917b PDF Text Text orilern Vorum0 6 ditut 3 rna, arzE 1980 THUNDER BAY ONTARIO j 750' oman ournar (Roil INS IDE * MAYOR MILLER POST PARTUM DEPRESS ION MAMMOGRAPHY BATTERED WOME N * " R IS I NG " * WOMEN WORKING I N THE MEDIA PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MayoR illeR /nteRview Mayor Miller has been in office a year and a half. She talks here to Joan Baril. Mayor Miller- being a mayor is a don't say that to great privilege. really mean it. The be corny. hours are incredible, basically from really like it. 9.a.m. until midnight. I I I However the constant social round is a little difficult. It's a matter of one's taste and interests. The banquet circuit is interesting to me because get to know a lot of people might otherwise not meet. see a lot of worlds. had no idea how many different worlds there are in Thunder Bay. Because of my own interests, wasn't very familiar with the sports-world and within this the skiing world, the car racing world and so on. have found getting to know how this city works in terms of the relationships between groups fascinating. However, people expect me to go out all day Saturdays and Sundays which means I've had one day off in eight weeks... so would say like the job very much. The challenge is always there. I I I I The problem for women in politics is the training and conditioning which does not make them aggressive. There is a need for women to learn to speak out, to stick to a point and not give in, to hang in there for what they really believe. Women, because of their conditioning, are super-sensitive to criticism. They take criticism very personally but men learn to take it at a young age when a lot of them were involved in sports or competitions and they got used to joshing each other and taking their lumps. You can't survive in politics unless you can take it. You've got to be able to dish it out as well. I I I I Joan- What kind of background do you need for a job like this? the home is a kind of microcosm of city business Joan- you can get criticized by the press. Taking your lumps publicly, that is tough. Mayor Miller- yes, but had some preparation through my years in the theatre. There is no one more exposed than an actor or a director. As a director have been torn into strips and stamped on by the media and I've been praised as well. You learn after a while not to pay that much attention to the praise which can be just as meaningless as the blame. I I Joan- you acted as well as directed. Do you think the skills of acting are - any help to you? Mayor Miller- yes. I'm aware of these skills and think use them unconsciously, example a sense of presence and a lack of nervousness before an audience. Of course, sometimes before getting up before a large group of people feel uneasy but it's that fun kind of tenseness you have when you are waiting in the wings ready to go on. That kind of stage fright gives you the lift you need. I Mayor Miller- It's amazing how the skills and experience you've had throughout your life help. In some ways feel being Mayor is really a natural extension of being a homemaker. The average woman in a house deals with plumbers and other repair people, the children and their recreation, the old people and the homes for the aged, with budgets and trying to make ends meet by saying, "ok there is only so much money, what are the priorities?" The home is kind of a microcosm of city business. If you think about it in that way, my job is looking after a lot of houses. This is why municipal politics is such a good field for a woman. It's so close to the nitty gritty stuff we deal with every day such as blocked up sewers or the future planning we have to do to get the improvements we want for our home. We can plan for our home. We can plan for a single house but we also think about the neighbourhood needs. I Joan- so often when look at plans for a city of the future, feel they are not on a human scale at all. They are grandiose, someone thinking in science-fiction terms. No corner stores or play grounds. The planner forgets that there are kids. I I Joan- what about public speaking? Mayor Millernever prepare anything in advance for a five minute speech, a greeting or a welcome or that sort of presentation. found used to, but the results too formal. But must prepare longer speeches and the real problem is getting the time. I've been working in snatches on one speech all week. Actually need more help, especially with the piles of reports and documents which face me. I'm probably the only mayor of a city this size which does not have an executive assistant. keep raising the point at budget time. haven't won so far but I'm not giving up. Joan- remember a speech you made 2 years ago, referring to the period of austerity which is now upon us. I Mayor Miller- yes, municipalities are hard hit by inflation and especially in energy costs. We run a transit system, city vehicles of many types, plus we have a lot of buildings to heat. So that makes a big dent. Also the amount of money we aet from the province has not increased in proportion so in effect we are going slightly backwards. Joan- at that time you said that the maintenace of social services was a priority in this tight money situation. Mayor Miller- My main goal is not to lose anything we have at present. think we have pretty good homes for the aged, good parks and recreation. The biggest need now, and this is not just the responsibility of the city, is rent geared to income housing. Hopefully, as our non profit corporation gets going, we will be able to develop more such housing. I I I I daycare I I I I Joan- do you do any pleasure reading? I Joan- what about day-care? Mayor Millerthink we have excellent day-care. don't want to see the cost to parents go up any more. The city sets the fees and we have increased them because the costs were increasing enormously. However low income people pay a lesser fee or perhaps no fee at all. For a person earning $12,000 or $13,000 a year the cost of day-care is really, really hard. One of our programs that is the envy of other cities is our infant home care. I I I Mayor Miller- yes, whereas these are things that women never forget. My experience on city council is that woman pay a lot of attention to social needs. They are very aware of them. Mayor Miller- I'm a reading addict. often cannot get to sleep unless read a few pages of something totally different just to wind down. So read escape stuff, thrillers, current fiction. I've just bought two new books, Mordecai Richter's "Joshua Then and Nod' and Margaret Drabble's latest novel. like both authors' work very I I Joan- What kind of political background do you have? I continued page 4 I much. NORTHERN WOMAN page 1 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITOR& The Journal Collective was excited to hear that a group of women are organizing together around the issue of We support post partum depression. and welcome the creation of such groups the benefits that are derived both fc by the women who participate within them, and by the rest of us who benefit from all sharing that occurs between women. All activities that break down barriers between women and lead to a higher level of communication contribute to our mutual well being because they refute the myths that entrap women. Groups of women sharing information about issues like post partum depres- sion will be able to cut through the myths and fruitfully compare their individual realities. For example, post partum depression has been the focus of many theories and hypotheses which may or may not be correct when tested by personal experience. It may be that prolonged post partum depression is induced by women's attempts to live up to the pervasive perfect wife, perfect mother image that the media has created, their depression resulting from attempting to meet an impossible ideal. Equally, it may be that post partum depression is related in part to traumatic, humiliating birth experiences which result in misplaced anger direct- ed at the child and the resultant g being the cause of the depression. Or it may be that post partum d pression is a reaction to the emoti ally exhausting experience of feeli oneself isolated without support fr both men and women, totally alone a feeling responsible for the physica and mental wellbeing of a young chi These possibilities and others be explored by the women that are e periencing them first hand and not Only then w to male theoreticians. the natural and non-natural factors volved in post partum depression be distinguished and only then will wo receive the treatment that they nee alleviate and hopefully eliminate t condition. ************************************* * 1 *IS THERE AN ASTERISK ON YOUR LABEL ? PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION et trs Dear Journal Collective: thoroughly enjoyed Melissa Tefft's interview with a local midwife and found the woman's own account of her birthing experience inspiring and beautiful. The information and attitudes expressed in reach all the two articles North American women who are interested in having children. recently gave birth in a local hospital and would like to share some reflections on the experience. One thing that should be acknowledged right off, is that hospitals are changing. It is no longer true, for example, that the child is "whisked' away from the parents immediately after it is born, as the article states. The importance of initial bonding has finally been acknowledged by hospitals. Even in the instance of a Caesarian section the father of the child holds the child immediately after it is born. We were allowed to spend as much time as we liked with our baby, and nursed him as soon as we were moved out of the delivery room. Breastfeeding is actively encouraged but there are few problems in the hospital approach. think it is important to recognize that the whole costly institutional approach to healthcare hampers not only the natural process of childbirth, but general physical and mental well-being in all people. The reversal process that is currently taking place on maternity wards all over Canada is a slow one. Because hospitals are characterized by the people who work there, childbirth is a hit and miss thing. It depends on who is working a particular shift when you happen to come in, what kind of mood they I I I I I, tEd[tnl otigetn. Woman s * ;,c *********************************** are in, and whether or not they have a progressive approach to child bearing. Our greatest adversary during the labour part of the hospital stay was a head nurse who kept asking the doctor, "Shall we kick dad out of the room now?". Fortunately the doctor attending was more interested in what we wanted than what she thought was appropriate. Again, it was by chance that we were dealing with a doctor who is interning. He and completely without the authoritarian or paternalistic manner that so many doctors cultivate over the years. We were treated as fellow human beings. The atmosphere was casual and several members of our family were able to come and go and be part of things. The ironic thing about the birth and this reinforces what the interview brought out, was that there was a midwife present but she was dutiknew fully stationed at my head. instinctively that she was a midwife partly because of her Scottish accent and so afterwards when she was left asked her what she to finish up. thought of being stripped of her qualifications here in Canada. She was obviously discouraged by it. She said that it was fairly ridiculous, that she had delivered hundreds of babies and that in straightforward births such as mine, there was no reason why she had to watch a doctor deliver the baby. The question is: how can women help midwives to become licenced practitioners in Canadian hospitals so that our own alternatives 2nd (Wonzan't credit Union in eanaz Sviciing as Women of ,Alod4u,estetn. L 5-4 COURT ST. S. THUNDER BAY ONTA HOURS tuesdays & fridays 10 a.m. TO 5 P.M. ( closed for lunch 1-2) thu rs days 7 p.m. TO 9 p.m PH. 3 45-3 112 SHARE ACCOUNTS TERM DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS 6 months 10% / 1 year 10.5 I I improve? The stay in the hospital afterwards turned out to be a lot of fun, was in a again because of chance. room with two other women who were also very happy about what had just happened to them, and we were able to share a lot of information and enjoy I continued page 9 Dear Sisters: haven't missed any hope do read and keep issues, because devour eactevery one. Actually, Journal when it arrives, from firs to last page, and then pass it on do hope that my pas other women. sing around the copies will add tc your subscription list. The issue Health has had exceptionally wide reading covera(-, in our area. We recently (and at last!) for a Women's Education group in the F Lake area (in February) and hope put on a Women & Health Conference next year, in conjunction with the The evacual Ignace Women's group. of our area in May, due to forest fires, seems to have scuttled int( est in further meetings for the dL at ion of this summer, but we hope get back on the track in September Meanwhile, good luck in your ( forts to keep the Northern Woman I I I I I I Kay Tingley Red Lake, Ontario NORTHERN WOMAN Page 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �IF you decide to revert to your maiden name, after using your husband's name, you should take the following steps: 1/ Inform the community by notifying friends, employers, your community groups etc; 2/ Notify creditors and change credit cards, have bank accounts changed, and notify the local credit bureau requesting that your credit file be changed to your maiden name; 3/ Change your Social Insurance Card; 4/ Applu for a driver's licence and motor vehicle registration to be issued in your maiden name. A copy of your birth certificate should be en- THUNDER CLAP To Mickey Murray for rising THUNDER BOLT closed. The Notthetn Woman Joutna iz istatting a Zega kn4otmation caumn and wetcomez que4tion4 {tom out teadetz. (LC ate ptoviding geneta in4otmation only and women tequite 6utthet more ,specic iniotmation that' may need to conztat eithet a zai-counza book, a Zega.2 ainic on a .haw yen. Can I revert to my maiden name if I separate from my husband? In Ontario, you can revert to your maiden name upon separation as long as you are not doing it to deceive anyone (such as avoiding creditors). This is done without a court order, and simply means reversing the steps that you took upon marriage to change your name to that of your husband. THE However, it will be difficult to persuade some government agencies- such as the Passport office- to change these documents without either a court order or a divorce. To change your passport, you can make a formal application for a change of name, and obtain an Order from the District Court. There are several requirements that you must fulfill before this Order will be made. First, you must have lived in your County or District for one year before making the application, and you must be separated for more than five years. Generally, it will be more advisable to apply for a divorce if you are very concerned about changing your passport or citizenship papers. Upon divorce, just as upon marriage, you can change your name without a court order and you would include in any request for a passport a copy of your Decree Absolute to prove that you are divorced. TREE HAS TO The tree had to go. June regarded it with all the malevolence she was capable of. She willed it to fall, but the old jack-pine stood sturdily in the path of the afternoon sun, its lightening blasted limbs with the grey moss of death hanging in rags. Only the top, its green slowly turning to rust, like a monument to life after death persisted in the birthing of a few stunted cones. Pot Luck Lunch FRIDAY AUGUST 15th 12 NOON Women's Place 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay Bring a friend GO plant the sun flowers there, perhaps a mistake to plant them anywhere, rather than to see them stunted and mean of flower as they struggled for survival in the shade. They are like women she thought, and anger flooded her again, the damn tree was dead, even the robins knew it, they nested safely in the swaying green branches of the white pine, she understood them perfectly, one does not build ones nest in blasted branches. It was getting harder and harder to Or do we, she asked herself? Do we find sun space for the garden. She had mistake stubborness for strength, and a feeling they moved in the night, some dying moss for life? Are we like suncollective determination to squeeze flower seeds planted in the shade for her out of production. Their roots lay a purpose. beneath the surface bleeding acid into Who fears the potential of the full the soil and sucking up sustenance bloom, who saps the root and bars us like a giant web. It was a mistake to from the sun? %1Lcommerzeeb Kta Oin9 To the Ogden Community News (Vol 5, June 1980, number 3) for using the paper as a vehicle for blatent promotion of anti-choice (Right to Life) sic., views. by Gert Beadle The tree was protected, there was no question that an imbalance of power had marshalled itself in it's defence. It had become as a matter of fact a symbol of such importance that to mention it at all brought instant confrontation and defensive action. June had begun to dream about it; the smell of turpentine, the blood of the jackpine pervaded her bedroom in the mornings. She chopped it down, she blew it up, she set it on fire, she felled it with a saw. Something about the deformed and dying old tree offended her sense of justice. Her entire sympathies rested with the tender green plants now turning yellow with malnutrition and lack of sunshine. Should anything or anyone have that much power? It gave her no pleasure to know she could negotiate it's removal. If she resorted to the kind of games she had once thought were necessary, that control can be magnanimous as a gesture of personal favors and expected some coin in return. Non-Fiction Fiction Towards An Anthropology of Women, edited by Rayna Reiter Women's Work, Women's Health - Myths and Realities - Jeanne M. Stellman * Scream Quietly Or The Neighbours Will Hear - Erin Pizzey Marxism And Feminism - Dorothy E. Smith * Good Day Care - Getting It, Keeping It, Fighting For It - edited by Kathleen Gallagher Ross A Jest of God - Margaret Lawrence Orlando - Virgina Woolf * The Golden Notebook - Doris Lessing Science Fiction * Women of Wonder --edited by Pamela Sargent * Available in the Women's Centre lending library. Nothing less than a mutual appreciation of the sun would satisfy her, it must come as a spontaneous recognition that beauty has a right to it's potential, and whatever threatened that beauty must be cut down. Having established this fundemental truth she saw no reason not to hasten the process. Going underground she took the axe and severed the tap roots from the tree carefully, arranging the soil to conceal her heresay. " Be patierit", she told the sunflowers, "a tree without roots cannot stand'. NORTHERN WOMAN page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MAYOR MILLER other point. If you ask a woman why she is involved or interested in something she'll say "I'm learning a lot", think might have said it when people asked me about being mayor. wonder what would happen if we ask a man the same question. Wouldn't he be likely to say, "It's a good job. The challenge is good and so is the advancement. I'm making a pretty decent salary and hope to make more in the future." Most men will speak directly. Women tend to disguise their ambitions. They believe it's "not dond' to admit to wanting more money, more status, more power to make changes. Everything is explained in terms of self-improvement. view in Ottawa and Queen's Park. feel sad when remember the small number of women at the Federal or Provincial level. In the House of Commons which has 281 seats only 14 are held by women. The Ontario Legislature has 6 women out of125 seats. think it's appalling. Pitiful. I I Mayor Miller- I've been involved as a backroom person helping other people get elected since my late teens. thoroughly enjoyed it and like most women never, ever contemplated running for office myself. What commonly happens is that other people think a woman would make a good candidate and they then try to persuade her and twist her arm. When that happened to me, you could have knocked me over with a feather. So, became a candidate willynilly. was terrified. Because the election had been expected much earlier than actually occurred, was a can didate for a year and a half. really hated that long period when nothing happened. The media isn't interested in a candidate before the campaign; was supposed to "make myself known" and you know how difficult that is. But once the election was called actually began to enjoy it. There was plenty to do. I I I Joan- what is the reason do you think? Mayor Miller- a lot of it has to do with the attitudes we develop. Joan- did you escape that? I I I I Joan- did you win? Mayor Miller - no, didn't win but said to myself "ok didn't win but perhaps I'll try again." Now it so happened that it was a municipal elecwas becoming interested tion year. in civic issues through my involvement with the Social Planning Council. So decided to try for city council and this time it was totally my own decision. In fact Tom, my husband, who is very supportive, thought should choose the Federal or Provincial levels but realized really wanted to be in municipal government so ran and was elected and in the next election was elected again. But became unhappy as an alderman with the situation at City Hall so decided to quit. was irritated by many things especially the leadership problem. Then thought "to heck with quitting. really enjoy this job and I'm fairly good at it, so why don't have a go at the mayor's position? If I'm going to leave, I'd rather leave trying to be mayor than resigning as alderman". I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Joan- studies show that women have a better success rate in municipal polutics. I I young women. today still tend to believe jobs obs don't count Joan - Does the city have an affirmative action program? Mayor Miller- no, it doesn't. Mayor Miller- no,no. think had as Joan- You are the senior administrator much conditioning as anybody else. What qualities are needed to succeed might have escaped it somewhat througi in administration? the theatre by becoming a director in my early twenties. That built up my Mayor Miller- Physical stamina. I'm confidence. I've been reading a fasoften amazed at the long hours of the cinating book called "Managerial Womadministration at the City Hall. It's an". don't agree with everything but important to be able to plan and make it makes some important points. It decisions. Letting things drag never says that young women today still tend works. You have to trust your ability to believe that their jobs don't count to make decisions and you can do that for much. When they marry they don't if you have done the proper planning see their career as important. They beforehand and if you have the inforwant to have some kind of a job and to mation. Information is important. One travel but they still believe that insisted upon when of the things they are going to be looked after and took the mayor's job was to be kept protected even though more and more might never say much fully informed. women are out in the work force because or get involved with that particular they have to and they are not being want to know what's hapissue but looked after at all. These women don't am well briefbelieve pening. And make career decisions during their ed. twenties. They wait until they are 32 or 35 and suddenly realize they are Joan- What about the men you work with going to be working for the rest of their lives. At this point they start see them as collegues Mayor Millerto look at the jobs up the ladder and believe they view me the same. and realize they can do them. But they've They don't hold back their opinions lost the 10 or 15 years which a man when I'm in the room and they certainuses to make career decisions and set wouldn' ly don't treat me gently and goals. Men might even take a lesser want them to treat me want them to. paying job to gain the experience they as a person and if they disagree with want to fulfil their plans. Men are me they have every right to say so. Tc not ashamed to admit they have ambisome degree, a woman sets the standarc tions and they want to move up the as to how she wants to be treated. Yoi ladder. Now obviously I'm not speaking can't expect favours. of everyone, but come into contacti with with a great many male managers Joan- what about the "Old Boy Network" this is what see. Many of them have their plans formulated by their early Mayor Miller- Let's face it; we live twenties while women do not. So at the in a man's world. Our world is almost age of 34-35 a woman realizes she completely created by men for men, an doesn't want to do the same job for women have gone along with this to son the rest of her life. She wants to degree. It wouldn't be so much of a earn more money, aquire more status or man's world if women hadn't agreed to At this point she have more challenge. let it. All the organizations, all the has a serious catch-up to go through. social institutions and the way we The other point concerns the passivity live have been set up by men for men. of women, even very competent women. don't think this is to change They don't aspire; they wait to be rapidly. think we can find But chosen. They'll work away and impress ways to penetrate through. people with their competence until one day somebody realizes this competence could be used in an advanced position. To sum up, hope women will work on So, suddenly a woman finds herself being more aggressive, will work on singled out and given a chance. That's standing up and speaking out about didn't aspire what happened to me. what they care about and believe in; nearly to that first nomination. that they'll trust themselve more and fainted when thay offered it to me. recognize that they have something was lucky in a way. But'you can't count important to give and politics is one on some one finding you, passively way of giving. waiting for people to notice you. To I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mayor Miller- there is the hurdle of getting the party nomination in Provincial or Federal elections. More and more women are getting nominated but, lets face it, they are often nominated as sacrifice candidates in seats where there is not much hope of winning. Women are fairly successful in municipal politics. don't think there is a council in Canada that doesn't have at least one woman. The year was elected Ontario municipalities returned nine women mayors. As have said municipal politics is natural for a woman because the issues concern her household. Also a woman with children can remain in the city whereas Federal and Provincial politicians have to pull up stakes. The men do it, of course; and that is expected. Thus we have the difference between a man's world and a woman's. It's difficult for a woman to move her residence unless she is single or very independent. But think that this too is going to change. In my opinion there is an enormous need for a woman's point of I I I I I I I I I I be successful you have to let people know that you want to be found. An- *** NORTHERN WOMAN page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Saudi's share a view of honour which has been floating around the Mediterranean world for centuries. The honour of the family resides with the women of the family and specifically resides in the women's sexuality and adherence to the sexual rules. This puts the woman in a terrible position. In order for the family honour to be safe-guarded she must be closeted away, restricted, covered up. Her whole existence, her human-ness, her mind and body her freedom of movement and behaviour are sacrificed and become The an appendage to her sexuality. seclusion of women, which was practiced in Ancient Greece as well as in other cultures was not part of original Islamic society but was added later. Seclusion and frequent childbearing this is woman's role according to tradBut educated Saudi woitionalists. man are reported to feel bitterness at the constant frustration and repression of daily life. The furor created by the movie and attempts of the Saudi Government to ban it is not caused only by its negative portrayal of women. The movie, in the Saudi view, dishonours the Royal family. Also the film accuses the Royal family, which has taken a position of leadership among world Muslims, of ignoring Islamic law. As far as know, no future showings of the documentary are planned either here or in the U.S. This is a shame. The film is excellent and beleive the main facts (with exception of the desert scene) to be true. That scene fades from memory. What remains is a picture of a seventeen year old girl, swathed in dark cloth, kneeling in a public square, murdered. I by Joan Baril Many nations of the world are hyper-sensitive of criticism, especially if it's true. The Turks protested cruelities of Turkish prison life shown in the movie "Midnight Express"; the Philippines banned the movie "Jaquae' because it showed the realities of slum life in Manila and the government of Saudi Arabia did its best to muffle the British documentary "Death of a Princess". But Saudi Arabia has the added advantage of being one of the richest and most powerful nations on earth and has precipitated international incidents to prevent the showing of the film. When it was televised in Britain, the Saudi's expelled the British ambassador to their country. In the U.S. the State Department, Exxon Corporation and Mobil Corporation at the request of Saudi Arabia, put pressure on the Public Broadcasting System (P.B.S.) to prevent the airing of the film. Mobile, which produces 750 of Saudi oil and Exxon together donate nine million dollars a year to P.B.S. The Saudis claim the film is inaccurate and offensive. Why does this film rate such high level pressure? In 1977 a Saudi princess, a member of the ruling family was publically shot. Along side her, a young man, her lover, was beheaded. The documentary is supposedly a "reconstruction" of the actual events. According to the documentary, after the double execution, rumours were spread (by the royal tamiIy?) that the princess, a married woman, had taken a lover while attending university in Lebanon and after being discovered, was tried according to the strict Islamic law on adultery; was condemmed because she admitted her guilt and was legally executed for adultery. The facts, as proposed by the movie were quite different. The girl did not go to university nor did she find a lover while travelling abroad. Everything happened within Saudi Arabia although the country is not specifically named in the film. The princess was one of a group of Royal women, poorly educated, with no meaningful projects allowed them, who spend their days shut up in luxurious palaces, tended by servants and dying by degrees of boredom and idleness. The film claims that some of these women were able to elude the restrictions and, by using servants as intermediaries, take lovers. The 17 year old was one who did this. However when she and the young man tried to leave the country they were caught. There was no trial; the provisions of Islamic law were not followed. They were both simply murdered, publicly, not only to uphold the honour of the family but also as a Warning to other upper-class women. Shortly after, new regulations forbade Saudi women from leaving the country without the permission of the male head of the family. By far the most offensive scene to the Saudis was the reconstruction, using actors and sets, of a supposed pastime of the royal women who, it is claimed, cruise around and around a specific spot of desert in their chauffeur driven cars looking for sexual adventures. Men drive by, a veil is dropped, suggestive glances exchanged. The final arrangements are made through the respective chauffeurs. To imagine Saudi feelings about this scene, transpose the situation to the British Royal family or any other leading family in any country. It is this scene which the Saudi's claim is inaccurate. However they have not denied the facts of the princess' I POET RY SUBMISSIONS REQUESTED NORTHERN ONTARIO WOMEN'S CONFERENCE Will be held in KIRKLAND LAKE November 1st & 2nd, 1980 Last November, inSudbury a well organized, successful conference was held. The theme of that conference was Northern Women: A special situation, with concerns about access to resources/information, employment in one industry towns, employment in general, isolation, etc., For this years conference, women are invited to submit their own poetry which will be read if selected, during the opening ceremonies. There will be more details on the conference in the August issue of the NORTHERN WOMAN. In the meantime submit your poetry to: CONFERENCE POETRY c/o the Northern W oman Journal, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ont. P7B 1S1 death. NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �SURVIVING POST PARTUM DEPRESSION Post partum depression occurs in approximately one out of every six women into whose lives a new baby enAccording to Post Partum Counters. selling Services in Vancouver B.C., these women have had no past histories of depresssion or mental illness yet anywhere from a few days to many months later, whether this be their first or fifth child, adopted or natural, they find themselves unable to cope with their new role. The woman suffering post partum depression experiences loss of sleep, sexual aesire, motivation, social stimulation and most of all self esteem. In return she gains only overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and resentment against her mate, children and herself. For this she feels guilty; angry at herself for resenting a "good" baby and "nice-guy" mate and for not performing to the imposed "shoulds" of motherhood. The anxiety and loneliness seem at times unbearable. Fantasies of harming herself and/or child may pervade her thoughts throughout the day. With them comes the fear that she may actually carry out these fantasies. From here she's back on the cycle of anger-guilt and depression. readily give up the control of their emotional health to the "experts". More often than not the problem is minimized Along with a prescription for tranquilizers (usually Valium) goes a paternalistic pat on the back and advice ie. "take a class", "get a job", "get out more often", all of which are difficult enough for any mother to accomplish let alone those who are depressed. As one mother so aptly pointed out "My problems was didn't mysteriously vanish while gone. They were always there to greet came homd'. me when I I depressed inother labelled psychotic On the other hand the depressed mother may be mistakenly labelled psychotic, a very severe and rare form of depression necessitating anti-depressant therapy and hospitalization. As PPD is classified according to it's severity it becomes evident that the "label" or "diagnosis" is primarily a subjective decision on the part of the attending health care professional. Numerous theories have been proposed as to "why" women become post partally depressed, each toting it's own preferred mode of treatment. The management of PPD rests solely upon the "health care professional" in whom the depressed mother confides (ie. PHN, Dr.,Psychologist, Psychiatrist,etc.) The severity of the syndrome is probably the most decisive factor. PP blues commonly occur in the first week, in about 85% of all new mothers, It is relatively mild and thought to be due to the natural hormonal imbalance that follows childbirth. Unfortunately, PPD a more severe form of depression may afflict a mother anywhere up to 2 years post partum and untreated could last for years. Many of these women mask their depression very well. With their extreme feelings of helplessness and difficulties in decision making, they In order to understand the phenomema of PPD it's important to look at the role society has played. Few support systems exist for the woman who chooses to be a mother and it is interesting that, typical of the depressed mothers idealism, most of these women had planned their pregnancy and looked forward to the new addition. In todays society we see an increase in the degree of responsibility which rests upon the mother in her childrearing skills. Women in general tend to seek help for emotional problems more freely. Unfortunately, when a woman seeks counselling, it implies that the conflicts are occuring within her, rather than within her environment, relationships and society itself. Thus her depressed behaviour is seen as a symptom and not the result of external conflict. In turn she is deprived of any control of the situation for she is forced to accept total responsibility for the conflicts she encounters. That guilt, anger and helplessness follows is not surprising. The self-help group approach, as utilized by Post Partum Counselling Services in Vancouver (PPCS) has in over eight years of existence, helped over 1,000 women recover from their depression in a "sharing and caring' atmosphere. They find they are not alone and not "crazy";that they have the power within them should they redirect their energies, to gain control of their lives once more and to grow as women. The depressed mother who attends PPCS is faced with the task of unlearning set roles that till now have formed the basis of her self-esteem. Over whelming guilt and the depressed mother's idealism blinds her to any but her own faults. Guilt and dependancy, numerous unmet needs and stresses further serve to sacrifice the woman's identity to a role be it mother or wife. In as much as these roles have dictated that "you are what you dd' counselling must allow her to reappraise the "perfect mother mytH'. It must help her to avoid the "shoulds" and to utilize her skills as a facilitator by sharing her experiences within the group. She is afforded the opportunity to achieve realistic goal! deriving a sense of self esteem and potentiality as a woman first and foremost and then as a mother. In response to the needs of women in this community such a service is now being offered in Thunder Bay. Our program is based on the Vancouver model. We are grateful to Womens Plac for providing us with a casual, comfortable setting for our weekly Mon., Whe night meetings with other women. a depressed mother contacts PPCS (Thunder Bay) she is given a telephon "volunteer", a mother who has also su fered PPD and is now willing to lister and share simillar experiences, and re assurance. She will be asked to atten at least 4 group meetings and is assured that any information she shares with us is kept within the boundaries of our program. If necessary we will refer her to other appropriate community resources. If you are interested in our program or wish to share your experience please contact us at anytime. Phone Shelley - 344-6029 or write PPCS / Shelley Corvino Woman's Centre 316 Bay Street Thunder Bay **You may find the workshop at Confederation College of interest. It includes PP Depression, plus general depression, women and drugs, health care systems, stress reduction and relaxation, assertiveness training Two days August 14 and 15 Winner; RECENT RAFFLE lAt Ptize Hand Knit T51andic Woot Puttovet Noteen Lavoi,e - 572 PaAteu.A. Rd. Thundet Bay ******* 2nd Pnize Hand Knit Wool V Neck Ve23-t Candice Schmidt - 123t KingA Hwy Ford FtanceA, Ont. . =Ef=MDait (OWN IN FOCUS its a non-p/LoW Out ieminiAt aittA and media centte. datAibution tibtaty (le video tap e2 and eitm4, on women's and othek -bsavaiZabZe 6ot tental ot Aues, isate4. Ut ate atzo tooking eot new matetiat by women to add to out t,e.b'tarty. Nbmen p/Loducenis oft anyone in- tetated in outs itee ca&eogue can contact u4 at; Nbmen in Focus . #645 Kingsvay Vancouvet, B.C. Canada, V5T 3H7 NORTHERN WOMAN page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE A news columninternational to keep our readers up to date on women's issues national, and local. ! :Maw 1011 cember 1980 to tt of poor publicity n do not know the hers are Waiting 5 to consider peno not know about To date only 1.5% since 1978 have division. groups are calling to re-think the this legislation. time limit, and to be able to apre. They further ask but the Health and no educational proral public planned en divorced after it down to the n office, 244 the Port Arthur ne 344-9131 is article to the poorest of It is devast. many will not hich they are en-, RC anti-abortion film rejected ENYS HORGAN Catholic archdiocese of ent between $12,000 and o film clips to be shown ice announcements on elevision, but stations r one of them - an anti- age. 30-second announcement m and a 60-second. antiage were sent to 34 sta- Canada but only 12 re- the CBC had turned the film down because "the subject matter is contrary to the program molicy of the CBC for public service announce- ments." CHEX in Peterborough had aired the film during two successive weekday afternoons and received critical phone calls in response. Judy Carswell, the station's director of promotion, said that when she saw the clip she did not like it. "If the received by the diocesan munications. Of the two said they would broad- diocese wanted to get the message pped the film after unfance reaction. cism message does not e run into difficulty. ns of When I Grow Too However, Margaret McLaughlin, press officer for the archdiocese of abortion message, one m, played on a barrel i-abortion film shows a 15,000 people enjoying the sun at the CNE. As oms in on sleeping bac fades and gives way to heart pumping. Sudden- disappear and a voice livery three months in any people as you see nied the right to life on." art, manager of !public BC Ontario region, said across, it could have done it in a subtler way." Toronto, would make no apologies for the bluntness of the message. "It's definitely emotional. The truth of the message is heavy," she said in an interview yesterday. Asked if there were any point in spending so much money on spot commercials that were not acceptable to TV stations, she replied, "We could not anticipate that it would not be shown." The archdiocese would not buy time to air the films, she said, "because that would be setting a precedent." To her knowledge, the only station that was still, airing the anti-abortion film was CKCY in Sault Ste. Marie. Mail this commercial aired on your local station, phone station and protest vigorously! and/or NORTHERN WOMAN page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WHY DO THEY STAY There are two distinct groups of battered women seeking help in Thunder Bay - battered women who reside in Thunder Bay proper and those women who have fled from the many small towns surrounding Thunder Bay;Thunder Bay battered women face the same problems that confront the thousands of battered women across the country. While the non-residents face all of these, plus the additional problem of Crisis Home Inc. has tried t, have a non - traditional counsell, available to assist battered wome situated at Women's Place, Thunde Bay. However a tremendous amount of energy is needed for the on going search for funding, in orde to provide this service. Case in Point #1 l -aving the various agencies involved declare non-responsibility for assisting them. Thunder Bay has three agencies primarily dealing with battered women. There is Community Residence operated by the City of Thunder Bay;Beendigen, the Native Women's Crisis House, both providing emergency housing; and Crisis Homes Inc.-an information, education and research organization. Community Residence in Thunder Bay was established approximately 5 years ago, brought about by the need identified by the women from Crisis Homes Incorporated organization. Community Residence is unique from the Transition Houses across the country as it is totally owned and operated by the City of Thunder Bay. Community Residence has a priority of assisting women with children. It provides shelter and food to these families for an interim period of time. It is staffed by house mothers and does have access to a trained social worker and city workers that attempt to relocate the women and refer them to Family Benefits when necessary. It does not however have any of the philosophies connected with the other existing transit la se namely the sharing atmosphere and the work done to rebuild the confidence and emotional stability of the women using the services. There are no group sharing sessions held - the women do not participate in the operation of the house - a follow up program has not been developed, and there are not any structured child care or child couselling programs. It is not involved in any form of public education and most important women and children of Thunder Bay proper ONLY are eligible to use the facilities. It is in short--institutionalized short-term housing for city residents. Beendigen Native Women's Crisis House has been operating in Thunder Bay for two years. This house was originally promoted by a local of the NativeWomen's Association and until recently has faced many problems. Up until October 1979, the administration spent up to 70% of their time seeking financial assistance and had to close its doors several times due to lack of funding. Fortunately Beendigen now faces a more secure future and does share the philosophy of many of the other Ontario Houses, such as Windsor Hiatus House objectives; " a safe accommodation in a home-like atmosphere, baby-sitting while the mother contacts service agencies; information and referrals to community resources; professional counselling in the house; assistance in the form of transportation and company to attend legal and assistance appointments. If required, re-establishment services ie. locating housing, furnishings and assistance with moving and transportation of school age children to their own schools if nceessary. On a Friday evening at 5:30, received a call at my home that a telephone support organization ha, received a call from a battered woman who had fled from a family dispute in a community 27 miles from Thunder Bay. called Comm Residence and was told that the victim could not be admitted with authorization from a social servi, supervisor. The worker called th, supervisor and checked a half al hour later and was told that the supervisor was outside in his yen and would contact the house when he came. At 6:30, was told tha the supervisor did not call in ye It was at that time 18 below and was concerned that if the super. visor was still outside that he wo freeze to death before he authori admittance of the victim. At 7 o'clock, talked to the telephone support organization ag, and suggested another organizatior was told that they had tried that were refused on the grounds that had used their services once befor Following the old rule "if you dor then caller succeed, forget it'. Community Residence who said they try the supervisor again. called Beendigen and asked it was possible for them to take non-native woman. They said they could if it were authorized for p, meat from the city. Authorized of course by the same supervisor who out in the snow. Another call at to Community Resisence revealed t' the supervisor had called the res idence and told them he would con either myself or the telephone su further attei port. He did to reach him were unanswered. Pre sumably now both he and the perso previously answering his phone we out in the yard in the snow. At 8 called Beendigen and it was agr that they would-take in the woman that the expenses would be covere Crisis Homes Inc. from what littl funds they have - All of this whi battered victim was plunked with friend who did not want to get in volved. The victim subsequently w home the next day. Case in Point #2 A victim of battering from a er income family in Thunder Bay s assistance from Women's Place. Sh told to apply for legal aid. Her band travelled in the social set the city lawyers. AN UNDESIRABLE ALTERNATIVE. She was informed of Community Residence and told what her posit would be there - housed and fed, tingent to referral to city socia services. AN UNDESIRABLE ALTERNAT She was told the amount of we fare she and her children would b eligible for while taking court a against the husband. AN UNDESIRAB ALTERNATIVE. I I I Toronto Interval House offers the followingsupport, as some of their objectives; - to provide personal support and encouragement to enable the woman to gain some self-confidence and respect, and to help her adjust to the responsibilities of single-parenthood. - to help her consider all the possibilities for her family without prejudice, so that she may make the decisions whic a are best for er. o ovi e on going support and contact after the woman leaves Interval House, to alleviate her feelings of isolation. Interval and Transition Houses across the country believe that: 1.She needs time space and support. She needs to consider whether she has the strength or desire to make a change in her family's lifestyle. 2.She needs to be aware of all of the alternatives to her situation if she is to make a decision. The houses believe most strongly in the dignity of the individual, both child and adult. Crisis Homes Inc. is a volunteer organization dedicated to identifying and serving the needs of battered women. Since the establishment of Community Residence - Crisis Homes Inc., has made their priority, public education and research. Crisis Homes Inc. sponsored the 1978 research project "Women in Transitiod' which discovered that 902 women sought help in Thunder Bay in a one year period for physical battering. Crisis Homes Inc. spent a great deal of time trying to develop an understanding of the plight of the battered women with those agencies that may find themselves dealing with battered women. The lack of understanding on the subject is unbelievable. Recently a police officer of 27 years service, well used to intervening in family disputes remarked, that he appreciated the services offered but that we must admit that some women liked being battered. This attitude along with other restrictions placed on the battered woman encouraged women to remain victims of constant battering. I I I I I PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �e re rainrng s e e was o would still have to be on welfare while seeking support or retraining. AN UNDESIRABLE ALTERNATIVE. She was told how to apply for a peace bond. Her husband also socialized with the police and court officials. AN UNDESIRABLE ALTERNATIVE. The victim returned home. Case in Point #3 A victim of battering from a town 200 miles from Thunder Bay sought assistance from Women's Place. By a unique set of circustances she was able to find a place to live with another victim of battering and a job within 24 hours. Armed with security and the emotional support of Women in Transition she set out to make a new life for herself. Over the next six weeks she was deluged with calls from her husband apologizing and begging forgiveness. to forgive is divine" She received two letters from the minister of her church reiterating the role God saw for her and promoting ... "To forgive is divine ". She received letters from her friends and neighbours praising her husband as a good provider as well as an excellent father and husband. She received calls from her married children on their father's behalf asking her to come home. Through all of this each time she received one of the above, she rushed back to Woman's Place for support in her decision. - -ow many an ores o you now tnat Ileve that she would succeed in the will rent to a tenant without funds, role of sole-provider? while their welfare is being approved? Battered women in Thunder Bay don't - How many women do you know who have stay or return to that situation belost faith in her husband/provider yet cause they like it. still have the confidence to place -It is because women have no place to go. their future in the hands of social -It is because you don't take small and government services. It is a children out into the night at 30 below little like jumping out of the frying not knowing where their bed or next pan and into the fire. meal will come from. Battered women are forced to stay -It is because the mothers of teenage knowing: children face a different set of pres-That it takes approximately 6 weeks sures. Their need for peer acceptance, for an assault charge to come to court. their need- to be with their friends, If the victim has no alternative hous--to have the $28.00 jeans and the $38.00 ing, this leaves her in the position joggers, often keep their mothers capof remaining in the house with the tive victims of battering. assailant, calmly discussing over morn-It is because of the low self-esteem ing coffee his forthcoming court apthat is encouraged by society. pearance. -It is because of the stigma of guilt -The fact that subsidized housing in that victims of this crime are faced Thunder Bay has a waiting list a mile with. long and that private housing in - It is because male dominance and the Thunder Bay costs from $280 to $350 a right to keep his wife in line is an month. More than her welfare cheque acceptable behaviour in society. and more than many women could afford - It is because of the fear that this on salaries that average far below person who is physically stronger those of the male work force. than her is capable of hurting or -That society has defined woman's role as that of wife and mother. The success killing her and is supported by the or failure of the family unit is placed lack of protection and resources available to her. squarely on her shoulders. Is it any -It is because the public fire she wonder that when she and society see is jumping into is often worse than her as having failed this role, that the private frying pan. she lacks the self-confidence to be- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 :7 our babies together. When one woman had trouble nursing, we gave her support and encouragement. initiative in getting what they want in the area of childbirth. After talkknow ing to women in the hospital, there is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the current system, and that many women feel that there is no other way than to deal with a doctor that they don't really feel confident about etc. Having been robbed of our confidence to take responsibility for our cmn health and happiness is the real "witchcraft', perpetrated by a mode of medicine that is based more on blind faith than any natural modes of healing and caring for the body and spirit. The Northern Woman should continue examining alternatives to technological medicine. I My biggest criticism of the hospital experience is that the nursery prevents women from getting to know their children. Our babies were supposedly on demand feeding, yet only long role as ,.a, mother demanded that once did feed mine outside of the she make her children understand. four hour scheduling. Naturally when She never returned to Thunder home; it was a hectic time Bay. How could she play a game where trying to adjust to his real demands supposedly her family, her friends, for nourishment. The woman in the her neighbours and God were on the nursery claim that they maintain the opposing team? baby so that the mother can "rest", Case in Point #4 but all of this rest is tossed out Recently a trial in Thunder Bay the window because coming home is so concluded; The defendant admittedly wild. They were very apprehensive returned home prior to his wife after when left before the prescribed a social evening, picked up a shovel time was up - they wanted to protect and waited in the dark for his wife me from the homecoming for as long as to return, whereupon he beat her to possible, presume. The irony is that Sincerely death with the shovel. Evidence was Elaine Lynch there wouldn't be a temporary crisis given as to the instability of the if one were allowed to get to know relationship with past records of one's baby (rooming in just isn't enabuse including hospitalization of ough), or if women were allowed to the victim on a previous occasion. give birth at home and never have to The lawyer argued that the defendant make the physical and mental transitioi who had excellent character referenfrom hospital to home. ces and work records, was not a While breastfeeding is strongly threat to society. would argue that advocated, one isn't allowed to nurse he is, along with any lawyer that often enough to establish a milk supperpetuates the belief that family appropriate to the infant's needs. violence up to the point of murder is We were given an abundance of infora private affair. The defendant rez mation on breastfeeding, but why.put ceived a 4 year sentence. off the whole process 'til a woman is Where physical battering occurs at home on her own, wonder. It is no it is safe to assume that most victims wonder so many get discouraged and have undergone years of mental and give up. All women who plan to breastemotional battering. Most batered women appear to have had their self confidence feed should have Laleche league member phone numbers. called Tina James and esteem crushed long before they attempt to seek help. 5/7526l. Battered women are intimidated by will definitely have my next the public documentation and exposure child at home. My partner and have involved in seeking assistance in a no negative feelings as a consequence city as small as Thunder Bay; by the of the hospital experience, but, next fact that battering is not polite coftime we will be more "in control ". "Listen - these people are fee conversation and by reason that all professional. Even the cold clinical atmosphere of If we'd they believe they are the only ones to had a baby they would have the delivery room cannot undermine whom this is happening. This isolation the experience for us. Unfortunately,, brought us a baby." coupled with the red tape involved in tt does for so many people. seeking assistance often squelches hope that women will take more their efforts. After six weeks she felt stong enough to return to her home town for a 2 day visit to tackle the job of explaining her decision. Her life I I I I I I I I I NORTHERN WOMAN page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN IN THE MEDIA By HOLLY IKOLA The media through newspapers, T.V. and radio, plays a very important part in our society today. Unfortunately, women have very little influence or power in the media work force. The media is male-orientated. Women are concentrated in clerical work and do not have the access to higher ranked jobs in management. Insufficient attention has been given to women in broadcasting media. A survey taken in 1978 by the Ontario Press Council showed that women were almost one-third of the work force of the 4,400 in the nine daily Ontario newspapers that participated in it. But women only occupied 11.15% of the decision-making roles! On the basis of the situation in daily newspapers in 1978, one man out of 8 working for the newspapers may attain a decision-making role. Out of the men who do attain a decision-making role, one in 9 attain a minor role and one in 40 a major. But for women, one in 25 can expect to achieve a decision-making role. Out of the women who do attain a decisionmaking role, one in 27 attain a minor role and one in 198 a major role. alism has always been a sexy, male profession." She also said, "All successful women are referred to as hardnosed bitches, whether they are or not." Recently, many women, including myself, are choosing a career in broadcasting: radio and television. There is no question that there is discrimination against women and this is a problem with which broadcasting has barely begun to deal. Radio stations have been in Canada since September 1919, yet how many women do you hear as disc jockeys or announcers on the radio? The ratio compared to men is very low but it is increasing. There are many other positions There is a trend, particularly at the CBC, that women are entrencehed in radio rather than the prestigious television career. Feminists are beginning to worry that radio may become stereotyped as "women's work'. There are many other positions in broadcasting that are stereotyped. Women, besides being stuck in clerical work, are also put into the position of script "girl" which is properly titled as script assistant, and traffic manager who makes up the log for the grogramming of each day. The director/ producer jobs are definitely male orientated and exercise much authority. Total No. Position Men Women Employees Major and Minor Decision-Making Roles Dailies Men 454(88.85) Women 57(11.15) 12(66.7) 6(33.3) Total 511 18 Weeklies "Sexism and the Newspapers" published by the Ontario Press Council in July 78. ( "Sexism and the Newspapers" published by the Ontario Press Council - July 78) 4 Film Camera Operators 100% Film Editor and Ass. Secretaries Producers 1.9% 2615 0% 74 9.4% 90.6% 139 82.2% 17.8% 241 0% 100% 590 86% 14% 698 "The CBC and Women: A Progress Report'; Status of Women News, Spring 1980,show how many women are placed in broadcast- But, women must be able to cope with their environments Gail Sctott, CTV anchor-person for Canada AM said that "the newsroom has always been a super-machismo territory and journ- p4ADE 98.1% Radio Production Ass. These statistics are very discouraging especially for women who plan to enter journalism as a career. But many women are deciding to choose a career in journalism. Carleton University has a well recognized journalism program and in 1976, 65% of the enrolled students were women. +v Technicians ing. Jan Tennant, a newscaster on the CBC says, "Women and men are very hard on women. We put up with a lot of mediocre men in broadcasting that we just wouldn't put up with if they were womer So if you're female you really have to be good to survive." Most female on-air broadcasters are judged more by their looks than their ability. As put by Miss M.Frances in the Toronto Star, July 22,1978, "Regarding Dennis Braithwaites article "Where's Canada's terrific woman TV newscaster ? ", why would a woman broadcaster have to be beautiful,brainy,sexy, and have a fantastic face, when the only thing Peter Kent had going for him was the fact that he is a male." The article was written when a replacement was trying to be found for Perter Kent. " Knowlton Nash is sexy ? ? " Also men performing the same function as women get a higher salary despite the equal pay for work of equal value, provisions of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Here is a look at the difference between years, also from "CBC and Women: A Progress Report". Salaries: Average Men's Salary 1974 $13,700 Average Women's Salary 10,090 3,610 Average Men's Salary 22,100 17,000 5,100 The salary gap has increased but in term of percentages it has decreased: 1979 Average Women's Salary Women's earning as a percentage of men's 1974: 73.5% 1979: 76.9% But the percentage has not decreased to a very great extent. Also: Percentage of management who are 7.5% 1979: 13.6% women - 1974: Fortunately, the % of women in management has almost doubled, but as compared to the % of men in management, it amounts to practically nothing. Women do have it tough working in the media. If a woman that has been hired fails in her job, they blame it on the fact that she is a woman, not that they hired the wrong person for the job. It will take years to undo all this sex discrimination. Women have to be strong to get anywhere and be able to fight. BOO A"t. HANDMADE HOUSE of Thunder Bay invites you to 400 VICTOSIA AVE IMMIX. SAY 'beio ElEHOTEA:T7 042 0 -414'9 In GuDIIty l'°46 Browse in our CRAFT SHOP Pottery Hand Knits Have lunch or tea in our TEA ROOM Cakes Cookies Soups Stew Macrame Muffins Jewellry Hot bread Amethyst Cinnamon buns 12 noon Tea (24 kinds) Coffee OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. OPEN: Mon.-Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. NORTHERN WOMAN page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �HONEST BELIEF RAPE: CAN NOW BE A MISTAKEN BELIEF OF CONSENT? A recent minority judgement of the Supreme Court of Canada in the case of " Pappajohn VS the Queen ", in which a claim of " honest belief " without reasonable grounds was determined valid in Canadian courts. QUOTE, " In a split decision, five judges agreed that there was no evidence to support the man's plea that he had mistakenly believed he had the woman's consent. But two judges concluded that there was some evidence to support the claim and the trial judge erred in not instructing the jury to consider mistaken belief of consent as a defence. The two dissenting judges would have granted George Pappajohn a new triaP'. UNQUOTE. " from the Ottawa Bureau of the Globe & Mail" In lay terms if a man accused of rape claims he honestly believes the woman he had sexual intercourse with consented he may be aquitted. BE FORE : In the past rape cases, the defence lawyer could petition the judge and the crown attorney, in writing, to submit information concerning the woman's past sexual history. If the judge considered this information pertinent to the case, then this evidence would be heard in public (with jury present). NOW: Victims of alleged rapes must answer questions about their past sexual conduct at an in camera court hearing (without the jury present) if a judge decides to hear such evidence, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in June of this year. In a unanimous judgement, the court said the complainant is compelled to answer such questions once the judge is satisfied that proper notice is given to her and that the evidence sought is pertinent to the case. She must then answer these type of questions in public court hearing ( with the jury present). FROM: The Rape and Sexual Assult CentreThunder Bay 'YOUR SUPPORT is requested Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre announces that memberships to the cenIn order to bond tre are available. together in our common interests and goals, as well as to produce some income towards operational costs, it is hoped that every woman concerned with the issues affecting women and services available through YOUR Women's Centre; will purchase a 1979 -80 The fee for active memmembership. In addition 50 bership is $3.00. associate memberships are available for residents of the surrounding communities and for women on a restictive budget. To obtain your 1979-80 membership, contact the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre, 316 Bgy St. Thunder Bay Membership cards will be issued. In addition any financial contributions to the centre are greatly appreciated and receipts for Income Tax purposes can be issued for donations. tiifeYM !IC °1 tVegY6 ekif N Many of the Northern Woman Journal women readers have regularily been receiving the Journal free of charge. In the future we will continue to send to those women who are finanially unable to afford a subscription, however, we will now require that you let us know either by telephone or letter. CORN ROAST We do not want anyone to miss any issues of the Journal because they cannot afford a subscription, so please let us know that you wish to continue receiving the Journal. Check the subscription due box on the back cover. Friday August 22, 1980 All women welcome. Call the centre later for confirmation, and hope the corn is high! NORTHERN WOMAN page 11 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �beikkiyiew LIFE BEFORE MAN by Margaret Atwood McCLELLAND AND STEWART - 317 pages Margaret Atwood's most recent book LIFE BEFORE MAN can safely be called a good book. It is good in the sense that it is well-written, interesting enough to keep you reading, and in terms of craft, far above the trash ground out by so many trade novelists. Unfortunately, in light of is disapher other work, the book pointing. Consider Atwood's literary career. In THE EDIBLE WOMAN and SURFACING, her first two novels, we were introduced in highly imaginative ways to women, alienated, unhappy and controlled. In each case, we were taken through the painful process of awakening as the character grasped hold of the responsibility of understanding themselves and controlling their own destinies. These were important novels because they made social statements and gave us a new woman in contemporary literature. Artistically they were superb Demonstrating that Atwood could easily take the sharpness of her poetic imagery and use it in prose. From the very beginning, we were dealing with a writer who could be very ironic, bitingly critical and sometimes frighteningly cynical. These were effective ways of driving home her portrayals of the atrocious prewill redicament of modern woman. member my shock and amazement when read the following "ditty" from (Anansi, 1972): POWER POLITICS I I You fit into me like a hook into an eye A fish hook an open eye. There is a restrained hostility in these lines that remains in one's memory. Review by Elaine Lynch up the sketches interspersing them with one another and heading each "chapter" with a date to the chronology. On the other hand, she might have been saying something about the different points of view that the characters cannot communicate to one another. One can't help but point out though, that this is the first time atwood has attempted more than one significant character in her fiction and she likely will have to develop her ability to many full-bodied characters and their interaction. Through the characters of Elizabeth her estranged husband Nate and his lover Lesje, Atwood again demonstrates her tireless precoccupation with the power in relationships. all-powerful woman Elizabeth is the all-powerful. She not only calculatingly pull's Nate's strings, but she also finds her way into the lives of people who threaten to break the hold she has over him. She is a monster in no uncertain terms. But Atwood keeps dragging up her unbelievable childhood as some kind of a disclaimer for her behavior. While the past might explain her feelings, for an intelligent person it seems like a lame excuse for such deliberate destructiveness. For instance, she became involved in an affair so emotionally perverse that the fellow eventually blows his head off in an attempt to effect her. There is little kindness in LIFE BEFORE MAN. Although she breaks a little toward the end of the book, it is hard to understand a character so pig-headedly pursuing and creating unhappiness. Nate is Atwood's first full fledged male character and must marvel at how well she has portrayed a type that many of us probably know. For the most part sympathetic throuhout the book, one gradually loses respect for Nate because of his inability to take action and to make a deliberate choice about what he is going to do, to whom he is going to commit himself. His ineffectual nature damages too many people including his children, to be excused. I Then came LADY ORACLE which was a kind of comic relief piece. On the surface it was fun reading because Atwood can be hilariously satirical. But LADYORACLE was not as frivilous as many accused it of being. Again Atwood examines power relations - what it is to be controlled as a child, as a woman, and what it is to be doublely second class as a fat woman/child. At a second glance ORACLE is actually funny because so many women can identify with the absurd but neverthe less, real situations she creates in this novel. exotic character dinosaur imagery The dinosaur imagery that recurr: in Lesje's fantasy life, seems to be some sort of complimentary statement about what is happening to the characters in real life. It seems to fore shadow the extinction of human life as we now know it. The book portrays people who are maladapted. Curiously, we are given detailed accounts of the roots and early family life. AlthougU very diverse, each produced an indivi dual unhappy with varying powers of destruction. Likewise, Nate and Elizabeth's two daughters are not allowec the raptures of childhood innocence. Each has her own neurosis. Atwood is careful to make everything fragmentec each person incapable of contact - ar each desperately unhappy. The charact ers, combined with sterile, consumer environment of Toronto point to a breakdown. This would not be so disturbing if the characters weren't so resigned to their lot. Atwood portray generations of unhappy, unfulfilled people, begetting more unhappy even sick people, threatening gradual extinction ... like the dinosaurs. But it is for emotional not physical reasons. When Lesje finally decides to become pregnant with Nate's child, it is a power move done with apprehensio and doubt. No one in the novel is men tally fit to raise children. Rebirth is not a positive theme. This book is disturbing. Not that there must be Pollyanna optimism in every novel, it's just that Atwood's vision seems to be unnecessarily blac and even preposterously meiodramtic. prefer to see this book as a transitional novel, marking a new dir ection in Atwood's style. The remarkable talent for images and descriptio is still there - and her character's whether or not likable, are always fascinating. No writer should try to force things to satisfy a publisher. suspect that this is what happened in the case of LIFE BEFORE MAN. But read it anyway. It is excellent diversion. I I comin3 soon_ * +he- * Wit) Ive-Fk.. expresses cynicism LIFE BEFORE MAN expresses Margaret Atwood's cynicism at its darkest. Had it not been for the dubious ending, would call it a novel of despair. And it is not just the contents that are disturbing. Although Atwood might claim that she is experimenting with form in this book, one can't help but think this is more like a plan for a novel. It seems that she planned each Of her characters on paper then split I Finally there is Lesje - the exotic character. Specializing in dinosaurs at the Royal Ontario Museum, Lesje retreats to a fantasy world of Megalosauruses and prehistoric landscapes. She too is unhappy and like the other two characters, complacently so. That is why this book is so gloomy. Everyone is trapped in their unhappiness, and what's worse, they threaten to stay that way, until death breaks the monotony. The only progression is 1)f!!:T?E missinaibi Kivek expealtiort (take Super4ok to James 134j) MAy to Jane Iff0 of an all wornens' witewater k journey the AoK that each becomes a little more desperate by the novel's conclusion. NORTHERN WOMAN page 12 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �I Saw A Woman Steeping - by Otive Schteinet I saw a woman steeping. In het steep she dreamt Liie stood beSote het, and held in each hand a giSt - in the one Love, in the other Freedom. And she said to the woman, "Choose!" And the woman waited tong; and she said "Fteedom!" and LiSe said, "Thou halt chosen welt. Ib thou hadst said "Love", I wowed have given thee what thou didst azk Sot; and I wowed have gone SUM thee, and returned to thee no mote. Now, the day wLU come when I skate tetunn. In that day I shatt beat both gi4t3 in one hand." I he.wtd the woman Laugh in het steep. Dancen She moved tike the ripples oS manning catessing the sand oi the shone, ;she watked with the ease oi a dancers whose tiSe was to dance not petionm, het body was tuned to a singe& whose song oiSeted hen joy, STONE (NORTH SUPERIOR) It started again. A sound, LLfze Ughtning, to ctack the petma6tost And sptit the Canadian Shietd, With one utterance. A voice That sprang {nom the spruce, hoLdLng 4ast the gad Green and newbotn, with buds and aitds' cties-- she moved Sot henset4 Sound pteazute and grace in the ioAm o4 the woman she was. Viota Godette Like -loons that moan But toudet And hats h, tike pain But pretty, in its ptimotdiat sttains. A howl OS sunpAise, candor and speendid ctatity A thought That weaved and waved Zeiss than burnt bone- But sharp as cut glass, and cold as stone. Joyce Michatchuk Ode to The Northern Woman No gentle gowet, yon 'Lugged Fem. She stands het ground, against the cuttent and the tide. She may be 4ound. Contenders Sot the flights of alt an ptivitege Soh none. She shuns dependance as a WU, a beggeAs bone. She has known the icy blast o6 duty's sodden breath, the degtadation of the kept that peots the 0i/tit's death. She moves into the storm's red eye to zing a diiietent song, Sot in the custody oS man the nights were tong. She zees the Lives oi battened wives buitt onty on a kiss, and yeatnz to build zurtantuatty on iitmet ground than this. Love stitt may play a magic gate and tenderness confound het. But bitten iz the evidence oS btoken dreams around het. Fan men must Leann and women wait and struggle Sot the changing. The Northern Woman standing Sinm compassionate and caning. Matityn She was manicuned, a Lower attangement oS neatly otdeted thoughts zttuctuted and Stawtess. I wanted to be tike het to copy het se*, tidy pose but my ti Se scattered tike weeds btossoming in the wrong peaces. I was so busy ttying not to be me I Songot how she once wished to be a witdStowet. Rosalyn TayLot Petkett taken Stom Gents' new book RISING NORTHERN WOMAN page 13 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �MAMMOGRAPHY by Louise Nichols A five year study of the use of mammography (a breast x-ray) to detect breast cancer started this year at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, to involve 9,000 Toronto women this year and expand next year to include another Toronto hospital and centres in Hamilton, Quebec City, Montreal, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Victoria, for a total of 90,000 women. This study will involve women aged 40 to 59; half will receive annual mammography. Of the other half those over 50 will have annual physical exams, and those under 50 will fill out a questionnaire each year. All will be taught breast self-examination. The announcement of this study, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, and Health and Welfare Canada, has precipitated a huge controversy, both public and professional, with phrases like "lives saved" and "deaths caused" being hurled from opposite sides. But it is we women who are the "lives saved" and "deaths caused ", and we need the information to make our decisions, not only about whether to be involved in such a screening study, but about whether to follow doctors' advice on mammography for breast lumps many of us may discover sometime in our lives. The medical literature on mammography is confusing and at time contradictory. Two similar massive screening programs have been done in the United States. In the first, a 30% decrease in breast cancer mortality was demonstrated as a result of both mammography and physical exam in women under 50. In women over 50, no Only change in mortality was noted. 39% of cancers in women under 50 were seen on mammography - a rate of 69% missed cancers,whereas80% of cancers in these women were detected on physical exam. In the second study in 1973, mammography had a slightly higher incidence (67% compared to 50%) of true positive diagnosis of cancer in older women than physical exam, while physical exam had a significantly higher incidence (39% compared to 160) of true positive diagnosis in younger women. (True positive means that a mass diagnosed as cancer by either method was proven to be a cancer when biopsied and examined under a microscope.) A probable reason for mammography's poor record in younger women is the difference in breast structure. A premenopausal woman has denser, more glandular breasts, and mammography is less effective than in postmenopausal women whose breasts are more fatty and permit more penetration of the x-rays. The American College of Radiology which has an undeniable vested interest in promoting the use of x-rays - recommends annual mammography for all women over 50 as a screening device. Their rationale is probably based on several factors: (1) risk of breast cancer increases with age; the mean age of women who have breast cancer is 60-61; (2) the previously mentioned difference in structure which allows better sensitivity of diagnosis after 50, and (3) the rather cavalier statement that the risks are out- weighed by the benefits - that is to say, since any cancers which may be actually produced by the mammogram (more about this later on) will not show up for 10-20 years or more, and these women are already over 50 and therefore have a shorter future lifespan in which to develop radiation induced cancers, the risk of producing cancer is outweighed by the benefits of earlier detection of already-exist- Dr. Devitt, an Ottawa specialist recognized as an authority on breas diseases, feels after many years of experience that mammography may not be as useful as some doctors believ in detecting cancer. mammography gal, 28 false-positive esult ing cancers. We, especially those of us over 50, will have to decide how we feel about this kind of attitude, which would have us exposed yearly to a possible cancer - inducing test on the assumption that we probably won't be around long enough to develop the cancer anyway. What about the cancer-inducing potential of mammography? Well, there is absolutely no doubt that some women exposed to mammography will, after the 10 year latent period, subsequently develop breast cancer as a result, not to mention an increased risk of leukemia and lung cancer. But how many? According to the Journal of the American Medical Association of March 1977, if the average woman gets an exposure of 2 rads per exam (a rad is a measure of the amount of radiation absorbed by the tissue exposed) and is followed up for 31 years, for every one million mammographies there will be 125-500 breast cancers develop, which will lead to 50-200 deaths. If one million symptom-free women age 35 or over are screened by mammography, 1500 unsuspected cases of cancer may be found, however two-thirds of these could have been found on careful physical examination alone. Of the remaining one-third, or 500 women, whose cancer could be detected only by mammography, the long-term survival rate will be increased by 175 lives or less. So - mammography of one million women could save or prolong a maximum of 175 lives by early detection of breast cancer, while the breast cancers it produces could cause the deaths of 50-200 women. The use of mammography as a diagnostic aid in women who have some breast symptoms, usually a palpable lump, is also controversial. With many doctors, the usual work-up of a woman with a breast lump consists of several steps. First, a careful physical exam to determine the size, location, mobility, and tenderness of the lump, as well as any enlargement of lymph glands in the armpit or chest. Both breasts should be palpated in this way, and a history taken of when the lump was first noticed, any previous breast problems, and any family history of breast disease or breast cancer, Often, if a simple cyst is suspected, a needle will be inserted to attempt to withdraw fluid - if fluid is present it is probably only a cyst, although the fluid should be examined in the laboratory to be sure. Next a mammography is done of both breasts to look for any suspicious masses. Finally, if anything suspicious is found on physical exam and/or mammography, a biopsy will be performed to remove the lump and examine it under a microscope for cancerous cells. O In a study of 1,026 consultations - that is, wome who were sent to him by other docto because of some breast symptoms - h found that mammography missed six cancers which were found on physica exam and biopsy; mammography gave 28 false-positive results, 28 women who were subjected to great anxiety until biopsy proved their lumps to non-cancerous. quote Dr. Devitt: "Mammography should be restricted t, clinicians who require it to answer the question: Is this lesion suffi iently likely to be cancer that biopsy is indicated?" In other words mammography should be used only whet the doctor is suspicious about a lut but needs the additional confirmatii of mammography before deciding to d a biopsy. He feels that most breas disorders can be successfully managed with out mammography. I Now - all this is not to say tha mammography should be totally rejected. It seems clear that there are serious hazards to its use as a screening tool in symptom-free womer which we must all take into consideration. However there may be a place for it as a diagnostic aid, it conjunction with competent physical exam, when needed to decide if a biopsy is necessary. But a woman witF a breast lump owes it, to herself to see a doctor who has some expertise dealing with breast disease. This no time to trust in your family doctor or just any old surgeon. Anc go to that doctor armed with some knowledge and understanding of the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Knowledge helps us deal with fear, and enables us to deal with doctors. NORTHERN WOMAN page 14 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor i �THE CONFEDERATION COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY THUNDER BAY DISTRICT FALL PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN WOMEN IN THE WILDERNESS PART is designed to teach you how to be comfortable and competent in 1 the bush. Starting date Sept.10 to Oct.29 Room 278 Wed. 7-10 Fee $30 LIFE SKILLS REFRESHER WORKSHOP is an update for coaches. Sept.25&26 Seminar Centre 8.30-4.30 Fee TBA I.N.T.O. or Introduction to Non-traditional Occupation's has been the spring board for many Lakehead women into "unusual " jobs usually not held by women. See Canada Manpower about training allowances. For further imformation call applied arts 475 6306. Starts Sept. 9 time 9-3,Monday to Friday till Oct 31. STRESS MANAGEMENT FOR THE PROFESSIONAL WOMAN if you're juggling several roles (job and wife, job and mother, job and student or job and everything), techniques to cope and deal with stress. Room 278 time 7-10 Sept.16 - Nov.18 Fee $25 OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE if you've been working at home and want to change direction, you'll discover new options. Room 182 Shuniah BLD. 1.15-3.15 Sept.16-Nov.18 Fee $5.00 WOMEN AND STRESS WORKSHOP Room 115 Seminar Centre Oct.6,7,8 8.30-4.30 Fee $65 EFFECTIVE SPEAKING Room 110 Seminar Centre Nov.7&9 8.30-4.30 Fee $25 scleatcl * Rising is a continuation o4 the joutney began in Satt 5 Yeast * The poems chaiLt the authon's /Using awakeness and potiticae gtowth az a woman invoZved in women's issues Fee $20 ALSO "A DAY ON BURNOUT " by Jean Wood deals with problems and solutions for women in organizations. Includes dinner, at 7 ILLUSIONS & REALITIES for Women in Organizations a workshop by Jean Wood, Manager, U.S. Group Pensions, Manulife. Includes dinner. Afternoon Shuniah BLD., Evening Ryan BLD., dinner in the Staff lounge cash bar @7pm 6-10pm November 13 Reg. before Nov.7 Fee $10 ALSO EFFECTIVE SPEAKING PART with Rosalie Wolanski, techniques and practice helps you to become an effective speaker. Room 333 Shuniah BLD. 7-10pm Sept.16-Nov.18 Fee $30 1 WOMEN, SOCIETY AND CHANGE is one of the most popular courses offered by Women's Profuther imformation grams. call app. arts 475 6306 Starting date TBA Fee $25 POEN TO PUBLIC ILLUSIONS & REALITIES for Women in Organizations a workshop by Jean Wood, U.S. Group Pensions Manager, Manulife. Includes dinner - staff lounge cash bar. 6-10p.m. Nov.13 Shuniah Building Fee $10 Register prior Nov.7 FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMENPART 11, with Lauretta Johnson Follows part 1, deeper into the financial world of business, stock market etc. Room 278 Shuniah BLD,7.30-9.30 Starts Sept.15 to Nov.24 rag 1411/ Pk! "A DAY ON BURNOUT " by Jean Wood deals with problems and solutions for women in organizations. Includes lunch, also coffee and materials 9-4pm Novermber 14 Fee $30 Reg. before Nov.7 Both open to the public* . . WOMEN KNOW YOUR CAR how to do basic procedures yourself and how not to feel like a "lamb to the slaughter " when you walk into a garage. Will easily save you the $15 course fee. time 7-10 Starts Sept.8 to Oct. 6 qtraeak ) copies of RISING @ $5.00 each Please send me ( ), Enclosed is a cheque or money order for ( which includes postage, payable to: NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1S1 Name Organization Address WustAations by Peggy Havet * Pitoduced by the Notthetn Woman Joutnat. Ate pkoceedz dedicated to he't suAvivae. Please note this book is available to women's groups/organizations at the price of $3.50 for 10 or more copies. NORTHERN WOMAN page L'5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Posies Caw& Post 1.11.. C.amose Bulk Ennornbro third ins YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE dud dome 220 RETURN TO: The NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL is published six times a year by the THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. NORTHERN WOMEN'S CENTRE. Return Postage Guaranteed WORKERS ON THIS ISSUE WERE: Joan Baril, Gert Beadle Lynn Beak, Viola Goderre, Estelle Howard, Betty Kennedy Noreen Lavoie, Ann McColl, Monika McNabb, Margaret Phillips Donna Phoenix, Carol Sprakes Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Vicki Joyce 345-7802 HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) mailing list. We must pay return postage to keep up our Subscribe: Igo ik,Orgern Vottian 316 as tWittiVer 44s0 re bin -I.. ow $ g.io $ustsug Or Trait/J(0a flonailonw ora444-.4. teciejy&.. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 6 No 3 Description An account of the resource Vol. 6, No. 3 (May-June 1980) Title: Northern Woman Journal: Rising Topics include: Mayor Miller interview Daycare Postpartum Depression Northern Woman’s Credit Union Legal Information Column (“Legally Yours”) Reverting to Maiden Name After Separation Recommended Reading “Death of a Princess” Documentary Oil Industry in Saudi Arabia Poetry Northern Ontario Women’s Conference Divorced Women and the Canada Pension Plan Women in Positions of Authority & Sexism Anti-Abortion Film Rejected Battered Women Comics Women in the Media Rape Consent Northern Ontario Women’s Centre Memberships Book Review Mammography Confederation College Fall Programs for Women Authors/Contributors: Joan Baril Gert Beadle Elaine Lynch Denys Horgan Holly Ikola Joyce Michalchuk Viola Goderre Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Lousie Nichols Lynn Beak Estelle Howard Betty Kennedy Noreen Lavoie Ann McColl Monika McNabb Margaret Phillips Donna Phoenix Carol Sprakes Vicki Joyce Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-05 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2764/1981_Vol_6_No_4.pdf 0fd749c5ea586acbcda1af2d251335f4 PDF Text Text . : orilern pt. ; c 7- %*<;4?--' Jan. - Feb. 1981 Vol. 6 No. 4 . ..-...-rq... . 0-,, ..: ' ' .' . \ % . . - ''.: :....;-.,- ; . -., -57:v. ,- 90c oman a-ournar .f - ?1.7. :..,.-: 1/4:c -.-,,,, ::::-.1 , , :1:,- , ;.. c.:.': . e l' --,.... 41. --'''':-..."'"Z) ') 0 ----:14ft ..",` ft .., .....,... ,..,.....z.,`,. -. ,..,i-3..;*..1",.,.':.:..,z--.-..... ftJ ft., ft -...______.-ft '...;---;":"'.. -.......,_tV ... - : ----. --Z-..-.....---1 v-iro li -,....---_-- f_'......: ); ..''' 'V" -...:::-.:: .,-'-:',:.,14:1.- -7 survives winter. Perserverance and imagination bring good fortune and good health. :Peach Blossom PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �your VOICE Gentlepeople: Enclosed, please find a cheque for $15 to cover my subscription fees to the Northern Woman Journal. I'm sorry about the delay. I enjoy the Journal tremendously, and you all deserve a bouquet of flowers for all the' very good work. Please keep the remaining money as a donation. Dear Editors: Dear Sisters: Congratulations on the continuing life of your journal. Keep the issues coming. Wish I was closer, to help. It is a good feeling to know that you are still in existence, and communicating valuable information to women. Please find enclosed the story I wrote this summer. I don't know, of course, if you can spare the space for fiction, but as you did publish a story of mine before, you might be interested in this one, perhaps by way of a change. It is, of course, It is wandering out there donated. in the ether, but if you like it, you are welcome to it... Please find enclosed, also, $10 for a subscription to my daughter. Will eventually have all my daughters reading your journal. Keep up the good work. Thank you, Northern Woman Journal Because of you, I will be more solThis might vent in my older years. sound like an exaggeration, but rea Sincerely, Joyce Dunn Chase, B. C. on. In the last edition of the Journa you published information about divorced people being able to share t C.P.P. of their former spouses. Wel here I am, a supposedly well-inform woman who knew absolutely nothing about this two-year-old law. Off I went to Health and Welfare, Pension Division, as directed by the Journa and saw a field officer. Now, all I have to do is fill out a form, gath some documentation and send it in. It's as easy as pie. I might sound humourous and light about the subject, but it certainly helps ease worries about the future to realize that I will be compensat (slightly) for doing all that home management. Thank you again, North Woman Journal. Sincerely yours, Sandra Steinhause In sisterhood, Mary Fedorchuk Dear N.W.J.: Dear N.W.J.: Dear N.W.J.: I have recently moved to Fort Frances, and would like to subscribe to your journal. I am a group leader with Katimavik, and I think it would be great to share a northern women's journal with my women participants. It's also possible that we could, from time to time, submit poems and/ or news from our group if you like. I subscribed to Upstream while I was living in Ottawa, but unfortunately, it closed down this past winter. Of the back issues I've seen of the Northern Woman Journal, I'm really pleased withP your publication. Hope to hear from you soon. Shelle Rose, Fort Frances, Ont. Please find enclosed a cheque for $10, which covers my due subscription and a donation to the Journal. I know Gert is wondering where the voice of Red Lake is--tell her to hang on! It takes time to persuade some people that their thoughts, articulated in the written word, are worth reading. Meanwhile, I pass my journals around to as many women as I can, and the Keep up response is very positive. the excellent work--it's being read, and it's reaching women: Sincerely, Audrey Anderson Red Lake, Ont. I am interested in subscribing t your journal. I have heard some ve good reports about it, and have als heard that you need publicity in th smaller, northern communities. Enclosed, please find a cheque for $4.50, which I understand will cove a4*-1S-Yf-4RRWOIlaam44440f would like to receive the past two back-issues. Wishing you success in bringing ,northern women's issues to print. Sincerely, Wendy Sippell Sioux Lookout, Ont. buttons i am a northern woman p rye got mine... have you got yours ? Be proud of your past, Be proud of your present, Order your buttons today. For $1,00 each, wear the colours of "BREAD and ROSES" and proclaim your independence. Please add 50t for postage and hand ling, or pick up your, buttons at Wom_n's Centre, 316B Bay St, Thunder Bay, Ont. Buttons available at the end o February. SUPPORT the NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, Support yourself, Wear our button. NORTHERN WOMAN rage 2 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �litITTONS TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME diarrhea, etc.) This accounts for the Toxic Shock Syndrome is a form of apparent suddenness and severity of blood poisoning, caused by toxins the symptoms. produced by the bacterium, StaphyloInjuries to the vaginal lining can coccus aureus. The symptoms are: highbe similar to some of those found on fever, nausea,.vomiting, and diarrhea. external skin, such as minor cuts and There may also be blurred vision, blemishes. Contact with materials disorientation, peeling of skin on that a person is sensitive to can the palms and on the soles, and a cause irritation and rash. Minor absunburn-type of rash. These can be rasions can be caused by intercourse. swiftly followed by a severe drop inAll of these events might go unnoticed blood pressure, and a state of shock.because they are unseen, and because Although Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) of lack of certain sensations in the sounds like the latest of a series of vaginal area. nightmarish elements in our brave new Menstruation and the use of tampons world, neither the disease itself, have been associated with TSS as a nor the agent responsible, are new- result of statistical research begun comers. Staph. aureus is a common in 1975, which showed that of the bacterium found in skin eruptions cases studied in the United States, and boils, under finger-nails, in the almost 95% of TSS victims were menmouth and nose, in the region betweenstruating women using tampons. (Of the anus and genitalia. the 14 victims studied in Canada, all Blood poisoning is caused by the were using tampons.) Since 1975, 40 invasion of the blood stream by the fatalities have occurred in the United organism. Entry is usually made States. through an opening in the skin either by way of a cut or injury, or The specific relationship between through a lesion. TSS and tampon use is still uncertain, The treatment for Staphylococcus but there are several factors that blood poisoning is the administrat- are likely to be involved. The conion of antibiotics. ditions in the vagina during menstBlood poisoning is not that un- ruation provide an ideal breeding encommon; but when the source is an exvironment for bacteria trapped internal entry point, such as a cut orside for lengthy periods of time; other injury, we are more aware of, blood is a rich nutrient, and the or on guard for, symptoms which warnsurroundings are warm and moist. us of infection. Next, the composition of the tampon itself must be considered. Initially, In Toxic Shock Syndrome associated1614.AN with the vagina, however, the w rayonres because of fewer nerve en ings an pow, ampon man ufacturers include other synthetic less sensation in the vaginal area, materials to increase absorbency. the symptoms that would attract our Some include deodorants as well. attention (such as redness, swelling, These new tampons can be harmful itching) if they occurred on surface in two ways. First, with greater abskin, go unnoticed. The symptoms given sorbency, there might be a tendency are therefore those that happen when to leave tampons in for a greater the infection is further developed, period of time. It has also been sugand has already entered the blood gested that super absorbency might stream (high temperature, vomiting, actually dry the vaginal lining, making it more vulnerable to injury. Secondly, the use of synthetic materials, and further chemical ingredients, as deodorants, increases the possibility of rashes and lesions resulting rrom sensitivity or allergy. Tampon manufacturers have never been required by law to divulge contents of tampons. As a matter of fact patent rights have ensured protection against release of such information. And no disclosures are being made, despite repeated requests, and protests, by numerous individuals and concerned women's organizations. Trying to select tampons made only of natural materials, as a safeguard, becomes next to impossible under these circumstances. The only government action so far, in Canada, has been the requirement that containers of tampons contain an insert giving information about TSS, and must have the following label: 'Because of the believed association of Toxic Shock Syndrome with the use of menstrual tampons, Health and Welfare Canada and (name of manufacturer), advise you to read the enclosed information thoroughly before using tampons." The use of tampons has become a vital feature in the lives of many women. Those of us who are reluctant to return to the inconvenience of using napkins find ourselves in a terrible quandry. We must make a reassurance or ass s e agencies who are supposedly acting on behalf of our health and welfare. The small consolation left to us is that our random chance of contracting TSS is low. Some women will choose not to risk this chance, and stop using tampons altogether. defusing the terror .j1:13V5IretC,....4v4klaore," 4.71ffirsofi,...,/t/po(tar 40// 44.40), 1,, fit RECOMMENDATIONS Be alert to any unusual symtoms occurring during menstrual period. If any TSS symptoms are felt, remove tampon. Call doctor immediately. 1. Change tampon frequently during the day, and use napkins at night. 2. 3. In-so-far as possible, use tampons composed of natural materials. Avoid super-absorbing tampons, and tampons with deodorants. Write to government officials insisting on disclosure of ingredients 4. of tampons: Resources: Bulletin, Women's Information and Referral CentrelMontreal, December, 1980. Healthsharing, Toronto, Winter 1980 Dr. A.B. Morison Assistant Deputy Minister Health and Welfare Ottawa, Ontario Monique Begin Minister of Health & Welfare Ottawa, Ontario K. Andrews Written in consultation with Dr. Kathleen Magwood, M.D. NORTHERN WOMAN Page 3 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The Jlissinaibi River Trip A Womyn's Whitewater Journey By MARY MORGAN Lake Superior. The beginning. Red sun setting over smooth, misty, blueSlate hills ending on grey waters. the distant,glowing horizon. Waves wooing the shoreline. The zig-zag path of a loon reflected in bronze. Such an immense calmness greeted us, this first day, and made the headaches and last minute rushing all worthwile. After months of dreaming and planning and weeks of preparation, it was hard to believe that May had arrived. The Wild River Womyn finally put in at the mouth of the Michipicoten River on Lake Superior for our 25-day canoe adventure to James Bay. In August, 1979, Siana Goodwin and myself had begun to discuss a Missinaibi River paddling expedition. Dur ing the fall and winter, I was living and working at the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School (COBWS), and I was in an optimal position to coordinate the trip. Originally the trip was open to all COBWS staff members who had expressed an interest, but by March, 1980, only five womyn responded with the required $75 deposit. What a motley crew we were: Juliet Westgate, a belly dancer who had been living with gypsies in Spain; Vicki Joyce, who was teaching at a college in Saskatchewan; Teresa Legowski, who had been working on contruction in Alberta; Siena, who was studying to become a Rolpher (a type of massage Amanda therapy) in Boulder,Colorado; Harris, who was bartending in Ely, Minnesota; and of course, myself. Due to our association with the Outward Bound school, all of us were well-acquainted friends, and had a variety of personal reasons for joining the trip: a need for space, a time for private reflection, to once again enjoy a wilderness environment, to have fun, and, when we realized that all the participants were female, to experience an all womyn's canoe expedition. The equipment - canoes, canoe packs, PFD's - were all loaned from COBWS. The food (vegetarian except for the fish eaten along the way) was purchased from the school at $3-a-day per person. Additionally, all of us attended a three-day whitewater skills workshop during staff training at the school site (Homeplace). We received expert instruction in whitewater canoe strokes, maneuvering, reading rapids The knowledge and rescue techniques. and expertise we developed from the workshop was a major factor in making our trip a success. The support from our brothers and sisters at Homeplace was tremendous. They were as excited as we were, and all of us were soaring with anticipation. The Missinaibi River was chosen primarily for its whitewater. Yet, the river also offered a rich history to In the 1700's, it was a major explore. fur-trading route from James Bay to Lake Superior. The waterway served as an excellent means of trading with the predominantly Cree Indian population. No doubt, the Missinaibi was extensively used by the Indians before the migration of the whites. ,. The difficulty of the the river. whitewater varied, but our portages were few, the majority avoiding magGreenhill Rapids nificent waterfalls. portage was the worst - one mile of mud, knee-deep ponds and slick, steep A boisterous spirit and sharhills. ing our heaving loads made the 'grunt' bearable despite the rain. Our relaxed pace was maintained from Mattice to Moosonee, again paddling for six out of the total nine days Even though this stretch lacked time. the intensity of the whitewater we had previously experienced, the area was more of a wilderness, as we did not meet any fishermen or local people The word Missinaibi means "pictured waters" in Cree. As you enter Missinaibi Lake, the source of the river, one finds an abundance of ancient Indian pictographs on cliffs and rock faces. To receive their mythical impact, these rock paintings should be viewed as reflections in the water. We were fortunate to pass by the shimmering "pictured waters" on a calm day. A daily routine was soon established once under way, although the times of awakening varied considerably from one morning to the next. The first womvn to rise would begin breakfast on our small, compact stove or over a fire, depending upon the presence of a fire ban in the area and upon the speed with which we wanted to leave. We had planned that every other day would be a granola breakfast, which enabled us to make distance and avoid Usually on these mornings, we bugs. munched in our canoes as we floated downstream. During our last days on the river, when making miles was important, we made hot coffee in the canoe by boiling water with our stove on the bottom of the canoe in the stern end. What a way to "rough it" in the bush with a floating breakfast: En route, we passed through three Missinabie, Mattice and our destination, Moosonee. We planned a food drop-off at Missinabie, 60 miles from our put-in point. Since we had to paddle upstream for these first five days of the trip, the less food we carried, the less time The most strenand energy we consumed. uous part was the first six miles, Since which took us a day to complete. the current was extremely strong, we tracked a lot of the way. The paddling eased when we came to a dam-lake system. From Missinabie to Mattice, it took us 9 days, of which we paddled 6 days. What a thrill (full of butterfly stomachs) to run the first set of rapids on towns: A landmark we paid silent tribute to, Thunder House Falls, was situated on this part of the journey. The thundering water, with its whirlpools, awesome hydraulics and Conjuring Rock (a rock formation amidst the boiling turmoil of the water) absorbed our complete attention,and we seemed to become one with the water. To bypass Hell's Gate, a series of falls and rapids through a narrow canyon, we did our longest portage of three miles. Again, our relaxed pace and sharing our loads helped develop a stronger sense of solidarity among us. We completed the final stretch of whitewater, Long Rapids, on a high note, only to enter the lowlands of Hudson's Bay. Here the river had widened to 3/4 of a mile, the land immediately becoming flat, beautifully stark and vast. Being with an all womyn's expedition certainly had a magical effect on us and on the people we met along Our spirits, energy and the way. harmony within ourselves and with nature was very contageous. We had some powerfully positive exchanges with a variety of people. To all of us, music holds a specia: And so, on the trail our importance. voices were often raised in song, Once during praise and gratefulness. an electrical storm we were forced We quickly pulled off the water. the canoes to shore and crashed into the forest for shelter from the light ning. Under the green,dripping canopy of spruce and birch, someone suggested, "We need a song", and we began to sing..."Sometimes it takes just to let you know, a rainy day, everything is gonna be alright...". Our arms enbracing, we continued to sing 'The Changer and the Changed' "...Flowing by Chris Williamson, like a river, the changer and the changed..." In spite of the rain and the inconvenience,we were joyful. We had decided to have fun on our trip, and through music we were learning to flow with, rather than fight, the elements. The times we did attempt to conquer the wind and rain, we faced the consequences. Since we were behind in our schedule to pick up our food, we decided to push ahead for a 20mile day. That morning the winds wet strong and gusty, the sky stormy grey If we stopped, the rain biting cold. we would feel the cold, so we continCONTINUED page 5 ... . NORTHERN WOMAN Page 4 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME Coned from page 7. "You must be wondering why I'm here!" she said, cupping her cold hands around the coffee mug. "Well, since you came on foot, I gather you're not selling vacuum cleaners" Joan said with a shy smile. "Ah, well no" Diana chuckled, placing one slim leg over the other, displaying small, high-heeled leather boots. "I'll come right to the point. I represent the Women's Movement and I'm going from door to door, canvassing for membership." There was a small pause. Once more the large eyes settled on Joan. "Oh..." was all that Joan could muster, her mind immediately assaulted with visions of marching women, burning bras and booted amazons. "Well, I dock know too much about it." She moved uncomfortably in her chair. "That's why I'm here" the girl-woman said with a smile which enveloped Joan with its warmth and sincerity. "I don't know what kind of a recruit I would make, really" Joan said uneasily, more to break the silence than anything. This followed by a small silence, these words of hers sounding inadequate, futile. "The only passport required is to be a woman' she said, with a hint of steel in a voice which belied that look of the perennial teenager. "What would I be required to do?" Joan asked with some temerity: "I'm hardly the type." "What type?" these words directed at her, as if shot from a gun. The Socratic approach, a question with a question, Joan thought with dismay. What am I doing here defending myself? She squirmed in her seat: "Well, ah, I don't really consider myself a Women's Lib you know." "Why not?" Again, this bullet approach, the volley delivered from this fragilelooking woman who, up till now, had exuded an innocence, an artlessness that was obviously, deceiving. A booted amazon, no less. "Well...I dodt want to go around burning my bra and carrying posters" this last remark flung out in defensive derision. The reaction was startling. Leaning both elbows on the kitchen table, Diana looked deep into Joan's eyes and said: "Fuck the bra-burners, fuck the poster-carriers, we just want to be regarded as persons." Well, this did come as a bit of a shock. Joan turned her head away slightly, as if to ward off the impact of this verbal attack. "Think about it. Have you been a thinking individual all these years? Do you feel you are on a par with men; with the man in your life? Who makes 21111.0..' NORTHERN WOMAN Page 16 the decisions? Who plans your life?" Diana leaned back in her chair and sat back, waiting fora reaction fiom Joan. None came, Joan's long black hair hiding her face as she stared into her cup. "Perhaps I should introduce myself" Diana extended her hand, which Joan took hesitantly. "My name is Diana, what's yours?" A sudden feeling of warmth and joy went through Joan, a small brush-fire burning dead wood in a forest. She returned the hand-shake and said with a surprised smile: "Joan". "I don't me an to be so abrasive Joan, but really, this talk of burning bras had got us all up to here" she placed the back of her hand under her chin. "I work bore you with politics; my speciality" she giggled at this point, "is to meet women on a person-to-person basis and recruit them for their qualities, to become part of our movement." "You still havedt told me what would be required" Joan reiterated. "Nothing at this point. Just to attend the meetings and form the sisterhood." Joan winced at this. She was not a group person and avoided, like the plague: meetings, associations, women's committees, her spare time filled with the quiet occupations she snatched at in between the hectic activities she shared with Mark. "Tell me a bit about your lifestyle Joan" Diana said. She leaned back in her chair, reaching into her shirt pocket for a packet of cigarettes. "Do you smoke?" she asked offering the package with a cigarette sticking out, Joan shook her head. "Mind if I do?" "No, not at all" Joan got up and got her an ash-tray. "Well, I dorft work, if that's what you mean" A hint of annoyance in Joan's voice, quickly picked up by Diana. "You don't work?" She looked aroung at the immaculate house, the gleaming windows: "Being a housewife isn't work then?" "Oh that!" Joan laughed. "That's not work. It isn't considered work anyway" she retorted. A small resentment hung in the air, an echo perhaps of Mark's? "No, we don't work" Diana intoned, her slender hands moving in that distinct way, the bright nail polish reminiscent of gleaming foliage in a summer breeze, "We just start our day like self-winding mechanical dolls, the perpetual motion of our hands and feet the generators which operate the domestic marathon of: cleaning up, washing clothes, vacuuming and, eye on the clock, we do our stint in the car-pool for Brownies, Scouts, skating lessons, hockey practices -- and then the rush back to...!" "I don't have any children" Joan cut in, slinging this remark at Diana who had suddenly become her opponent. Don't bludgeon me with the work of involvement with children, she thought the bitterness surfacing dangerously, her throat tightening, her eyes suddenly polished from tears she had not shed for years. "You still work Joan". Black eyes, suddenly unfathomable looked into Joan's: "You keep the house clean, you cook the meals, you create a home. "For two people" was the bitter, whispered reply. There was a long silence, the black gleaming hair once again hiding Joan's face as she toyed with her empty cup. "Want to talk about it?" Diana's voice calm, authoritative. "What is there to talk about Diana?' Calling her by name established a modicum of assertiveness, goaded, as was intended, into the beginning of what was to be a search into self-realization, a re-evaluation. Joan turned her head away. Staring into the bleak November day, she added: "I lost my little girl seven years ago. She was ...three". She swallowed hard, the tears now a mild mist clouding her eyes. Damn this woman, she didn't want to talk about it. Go away! Take your strengths, ambitions, self-assertiveness with you and let me be: to clean my house; play my piano; wait for Mark to make the decisions for me; to escape in pools of quiet solitude when I am alone, the music and the poetry forming the escape to the terror of nothingness which haunts me. Reaching over, Diana took both Joan's hands in hers, hanging on firmly as the young woman tried to pull away. "There's obviously lots to talk about Joan, and that's what we're here for: the sisterhood, to help each other, encourage one another to recognise the isolation of women and do something about it." "How did she die?" Diana asked after a slight pause. Joan's distress was replaced by anger; anger which, like a true forest fire now swept through the quick and the dead of her being, forcing from her harsh words which belied her genteel upbringing: "How dare you?" she cried, extricating her hands from the small warm ones, her own clammy and cold. "How dare you come into my house and stick your fingers into my mind, my soul? She got up and, breathing hard, commanded in a hushed voice: "Please leave. I know you mean well, but please go now" and turning away, she rushed into the spacious living-room and stood by the big picture-windows, the grey November day lending a Qubdued gleam to the modern Danish furniture. CONT'D NEXT ISSUE PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �RIVER TRIP continued from page 4 Listen, listen, listen to my replaced a lost lifejacket for us. Once again, sensing and moving with the natural flow provided us with our needs and added a night-on-the-town in the middle of our expedition. In Mattice (a small French community between Cochrane and Hearst)) we experienced a powerful exchange with three Roman Catholic Sisters. Vicki had met them in town and they opened their home to us. We did our laundry, had showers (after 15 days on the trail ) and they prepared a marvelous meal for us. That evening we shared fun songs, as well as those on themes of social justice and spirituality. Juliet entertained all of us with a belly dance, to the delight of the runs. They pointed out that we were strong, self-made womyn; yet they too held strong feelings on equality, existing injustices in our society and communal living. Music, once again, eradicated our barriers, united us, and enabled us to overcome our differences and focus on our similarities. It seemed that we six were always playing. Juliet taught us a few bellydancing routines which were quite amusing to see performed. Vicki shared the Scottish Gay Gordon with us and Siana attempted to show us some swing dancing steps. We danced when the bugs went to bed, to keep warm and for the sheer joy of it! We experienced extreme weather conditions, from snow to blistering hot weather. It snowed on and off for two daysIbut the river blesled us heart's song. with a trappers cabin whichncluded I will never forget you, I will never forsake you. I will never forget you, I will never forsake you." a functioning wood stove. We set up home and celebrated Christmas - complete with chocolate cake, popcorn, taco pie, and rum toddies. ued paddling for four hours, staying close together and hugging the shoreline. At one point Juliet called us together because Teresa, who was her bowperson, had begun to nod off. This is one of the initial symptoms of hypothermia. We paddled to land and discovered that the rest of us had varying degrees of hypothermia as well - uncontrollable shivering, mental sluggishness, muscle uncoordination. We decided to make camp; quickly put up a tent; removed Teresa's wet clothes and zipped her up in a sleeping bag; started a fire and made hot drinks. As our warmth returned, the rain stopped, the sun emerged and we realized the lesson we had learned. As a symbol of our thankfulness, we celebrated with a Kinnikinik ceremony. Kinnikinik is a sacred mixture of tabacco, herbs and plants (such as cedar or sweetgrass) used ritualistically by the North American Indians. Standing around the fire and rubbing a pinch of the tobacco in our palms, we offered the Kinnikinik to the spirit closest to our hearts. Each taking our turn, thanking the rain for quenching the thirsty forest the sun for giving us warmth, the spirit of campassion, joy and friendship...we dropped our offerings into the fire. After a moment of silent meditation we chanted: "Listen, listen, listen to my heart's song. iecon2menee6 ta6ing NON-FICTION Abortion in Canada - Eleanor Wright Pelrine * Amazon Odyssey - Ti-Grace Atkinson * Feminism: The Essential Historial Writings - edited by Miriam Schneir The Gnostic Gospels - Elaine Pagels * About Men - Phyllis Chesler * The Lace Ghetto - Maxine Nunes & Deanna White * More Than A Labour Of Love: Three Generations of Women's Work in the Home - Meg Luxton * FICTION Life Before Man - Margaret Atwood * Chiclet Gomez - Dorothy O'Connell * Dance of the Happy Shades - Alice Munro * AVAILABLE FROM Northern Women's Centre Library the CO -OP BOOKSHOP and RECORD CENTRE id Excellent selection of Canadian, political, women's and science fiction literature. Also film, crafts man t ks a and Blues selection in town. Christmas settled upon us and we read the Nativity Story and sang Christmas carols. Just three days be-10% Discount to Members fore, we had been paddling along naked 182 S. Algoma St. "P" Phone:345-891 our bodies bronzed by the hot sun; Open PI' 13 Mon.-Sat. jumping into the refreshing river to cool off; truly looking like Amazons. The river taught us many things For myself I re-experienced the haimony of life among human beings and the rhythms of the earth. Before we disembarked at Moosonee, we offered Kinnikinik to the river for the blessings she bestowed upon us and OTTAWA -- COMMENT ON BILL C-54 the spirit that we shared. Amendments to the Income Tax too late for 981 Music was the medium through which we were the imported talent at the local hotel. Vicki managed to borrow a guitar and we sang old favourites with the locals and visiting fishermen. Towards the end of the night, everyone was harmonizing and dancing with linked arms. The hotel owner, Alex Debris, sold out of beer. As we left, the men serenaded us with, "Good Night, Ladies" Alex was very generous to us. He stored our 100 pounds of food, gave Jus tent space in his backyard and Act will allow the deduction, for. tax purposes, of wages paid to a woman who works for her husband in an unincorporated family business. As well, she POST PARTUM will now be able to contribute to and participate in the Canada Pension Plan COUNSELLING SERVICES in her own right. Approximately one half of a million The Post Partum Counselling people will benefit from these amendServices needs volunteers. Are you a mother? Did you feel ments. These changes will be retroactive unable to cope after the birth/ to January 1, 1980. adoption of your child? Did you feel Unfortunately our government did sad, lonely or depressed? Are you willing to share your experiences not get their "act" to-gether in time with other mothers presently in thefor most applicants to file by the deadline January 31, 1980. same situation? Further details of the amendment We are a self-help group which can provides depressed mothers with one- be obtained from the department of National Revenue. to-one telephone contact with volunteer mothers and weekly group meetings led by an experienced volunteer. If you can help, please contact us at POST PARTUM COUNSELLING SERVICES 344-6029 or 767-5849. ' WEAR IT! NORTHERN WOMAN page 5 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE by Joan Baril sex tests - cont'd V3RITISH WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE In London, England, women threw paint-filled eggs at a movie screen showing a pornoIn Leeds, 500 violence film. women marched through-the streets after the murder of university student Jacqueline Hill, the Yorkshire Ripper's In Coventry, 13th victim. someone painted "Women Against Violence Against Women" on the base of the statue of Lady Godiva. British women are forming groups to protest violence The impetus was against women. the climate of fear engendered by the Ripper killings, but the groups are also speaking out on rape, battering and a recent wave of American films which has reached Britain and which feature the killing and Among torturing of women. these are violence-porn films (or "sick-flicks"), but also condemned are non-porn cinema such as the movie, "He Knows You're Alone." Earlier in the year, women's groups in Northern Britain reacted angrily to the suggestion by authorities that all women of the North be put under The ora nine p. m. curfew. ganizations called for a curfew for men instead, on the grounds that a man (or men) was the cause of the violence. "Women Against Violence This slogan Against Women." has been chosen for the name of the movement at its first conference which was held in Leeds shortly after Hill's slaying. There is no central organization, but in the method characteristic of the feminist movement, small groups are forming all over the country. One spokeswoman objected to theRipper being portrayed as She said some kind of monster. that was "distorting reality'. Obviously, in a milder form, a lot of men are committing violence against women, just as It is no good the Ripper does. pretending that he is out there on his own." SEX TESTS For the past six months, pregnant women in Switzerland and Germany have been able to tell the sex of the child they are carrying by a cheap and simple chemical test. The procedure will be available in Britain this year. However, a survey has shown that 53 per cent of British women and 61 per cent of men are against the procedure on the grounds that the test would encourage women to have abortions if they found out that the baby they were carrying was not the sex they wanted. At present, the test is only valid after the fourth month of pregnancy, ruling out abortions in Britain, which has an upper limit of 20 weeks. However, tests which can determine the sex of the baby earlier in pregnancy will soon become available to the public in both Europe and North America Several questions must be asked by feminists: How valid is the fear that such tests will encourage abortion? Will a significant number of women opt for abortion, or will women continue to accept the I would be sex of the child? interested to hear the comments of our readers. EXPIRED BIRTH CONTROL Six years after the Dalkon Shield has been taken off the U. S. market, the manufacturers, the A. H. Robins Company, has recommended that physicians remove the I.U.D. device from women who still wear them. According to the company, recent findings show that the longer a woman wears the device, the greater are her chances of infection. In 1976, the A. H. Robins Company was accused by the media of marketing the device, even though they were aware of its dangers. The Dalkon Shield has been responsible for 17 deaths and countless cases of infection, septic abortion and emergency hysterectomies. The company has paid out over $57 million in legal claims. By 1979, adverse publicity made the shields unpopular in the U. S., and stocks were bought up by the U. S. government for use in foreign aid programs. The question to be asked is this: How energetically will Robins contact thirdworld women and their doctors to advise that the shield be removed? FEMINISTS ARRESTED IN RUSSIA The K.G.B. has intensified its attack on the Soviet feminist movement with a second arrest in recent months. Arrested in September, and due to go on trial shortly, is theatre producer Natalya The December arrest Lazareva. of Natalya Maltseya of Leningrad was proceeded by several months of interrogations of members and supporters of the Leningrad group called the "Maria Club". Lazareva is charged with "deliberate defamation of the Soviet system" and faces up to three years in a forced labour camp, or five years in SiberiaFeminist literature exile. was confiscated during a searcl of her flat. The Russian feminist movement became known to the west Centred in only in 1979. Leningrad, it issued the samiz. dat journal "Woman and Russia". Harassment by the K.G.B. began Groups almost immediately. such as the "Maria Club" have had to operate clandestinely from the beginning. In 1980, four Soviet femiThree of nists were deported. women's organizations for speaking out on behalf of the They fledgling movement. appeal to all Western democratic organizations to continue to speak out, for they believe the force of public opinion has prevented mass trials. A similar appeal has reached the West from Leningrad writer and member of the Maria Club, Galina Grigoreva, who also fea imminent arrest. She calls on the world feminist movement "to do everything possible to protect us from the tyranny of the authorities." The Soviet authorities' heavy-handed response to feminism indicates official fears that it could develop a wide following. THANK YOU BROADSIDE A special, loving thanks to our sister t BROADSIDE who sent a complimentary copy of their newspaper to our ubscribers during our recent apse in publication. TOGETHER WE ARE NORTHERN WOMAN Page 6 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �However, if you can not agree on any of these issues, then there will not be a separation agreement, becatise both parties must willingly sign it. A separation agreement is a contract between two neople and no one can force you to sign one. However, once you have signed it, the contents can be enforced in the courts. Therefore, if you and your husband are considering drawing up a separation agreement, you should be sure that it contains the provisions that you want, and that you are satisfied that you have been treated fairly. In the District of Thunder Bay, Family Court is held in many communities including Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Armstrong, Geraldton, Longlac, Schreiber, Marathon, and Manitouwadge. It is not necessary to hire a lawyer to start an application for custody and support in Family Court unless the matter is very complicated. The forms are simple and Court will In Thunder is located the staff at the Family help you fill them out. Bay, the Family Court at 1805 Arthur Street East. DISTRICT COURT The Notthetn Woman Joutnat iA Atatting a tegat inionmation cotumn and wetcomus queztions ihOM OWL teadetz. We ate ptoviding genetat iniotmation onty and women tequiAe iutthet mote 4peciiic iniotmation thay may need to conAutt eithet a zet6-counzet book, a tegat ctinic ot a tawyet. SEPARATION & DIVORCE It is common practise for either one or both of the couple to hire a lawyer to draft the agreement, although it can be done without the assistance of a lawyer. The agreement need only be in writing, be dated, be signed by the two parties and witnessed to be legal and enforceable. You do not need to have n separation agreement in order to obtain a divorce, it is a purely voluntary agreement and you do not need to sign it unless you want to. A woman has been given other rights under the Family Law Reform Act of Ontario which are generally only enforceable in District Court. These rights include: 1. the right to an equal division of the value of the family home; and 2. the right to an equal division of the family assets (all furniture, vehicles, property, bank accounts, etc. which have been used by any member of the family) if it would not be unfair to make such a division. 7AMILY COURT QUESTION: If I separate from my husband, do I need a separation agreement or a divorce? ANSWER: When a couple separates, the separation is "legal" as soon as it occurs, and no formalities-sare required. If you have no need of financial assistance from your husband, you can choose to have very little contact with him in the future. However, if there are unresolved conflicts resulting from the marriage then you may need to resolve these in some manner. There are many ways of resolving the conflicts that arise from a marriage. You can enter into a separation agreement, sue your husband in Family Court or District Court, or commence proceedings for a divorce. If you have made an application for welfare or mother's allowance (family benefits), then you will probably be required by the Social Service agency to obtain some financial assistance from your husband (or common-law spouse, if there are children involved). The following is a short summary of the various steps that you can take to resolve the conflicts that arise upon the breaking up of a relationship. SEPARATION AGREEMENT If you and your husband are communicating well enough to agree, the two of you can choose to draw up a separation agreement. It can set out the various arrangements that you have made, such as who will remain in the house, who will have custody of the children, the amount of financial support that will be paid, visiting rights, who gets the furniture, etc. A woman can make an application to Family Court to resolve some of the problems resulting from the break up of her relationship. Since District Court is a higher court, it can also enforce all rights outlined above for Family Court. District Court is located is the City of Thunder Bay and he an agreement e weer erse and her husband because the Judge make a decision and this decision is enforceable. munities. The Ontario Family Law Reform Act of 1978 gives a woman the following rights in Family Court: 1. the right to make an application for financial support for herself and her children if they are in need and the husband (or father) has the ability to pay; and 2. the right to ask for an order for possession of their home (either owned or rented) for herself and the children if there is no other suitable available accommodation or if it is in the children's best interest to live there. A woman's rights exist only as long as the couple are married, and therefore come to an end when a marriage is dissolved by divorce. However, children have the right to support from either parent until they turn 18, regardless of whether or not their parents were married. Women who have been living in a common-law relationship for five years and have no children, or have been living with a man for even a few months and a child is born as a result of this relationship have a right to ask for financial support for themselves for one year after the relationship has ended. DIVORCE Divorce in Canada is a federal matter, and the same Divorce Act applies in all the provinces. The grounds for obtaining a divorce have been enlarged in recent years, but the two most frequent ones used are adultery and living separate and apart for three years. At a divorce hearing, the questions of custody of children, access and support payments can be considered by the Judge, if these matters have not already been resolved by the parties. Often these matters have already been decided at either the Family or District Court, and then the Judge will confirm the order made. Divorce petitions are brought in the Supreme Court of Ontario, and a local Judge of this court normally sits in Thunder Bay at the District Court house. CONCLUSION What have been listed above are the various approaches that a woman can take to resolve issues left dangling when her relationship breaks up. Each individual will have to determine which, if any, most suit her needs. -inAonmation 6upptied by Thunder Bay Dlistitict Native Legal Counzetting Setvica NORTHERN WOMAN Page 7 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �I0AIN OPEN LETTER Dear Women: This is one of those intense, emotional moments when I yearn for that warmth of the northern women. It seems I've spent the last two years in a struggle against oppression, and have discovered that effort being scoffed at by those around me. Do you remember the line from Desiderata: "Avoid loud and obnoxious people...they are vexations to the spirit"? I have just spent the last two hours with "loud and obnoxious people", and they have managed to suck the energy from me. It was one of those "friendly" Grey Cup parties of "in-laws"--they had had a few to drink, made a few disgusting sexist jokes, and the men decided to bring out some "girlie" magazines to present as a gift to one of the men present. Everyone thought it was a great joke; consequently, the magazines were flipped through with much vigor and comment- ary. Some men even hathe gall to ask me--upon seeing the look of dismay on my face--what were "wrong" with some of the pictures. And so, the inevitable question is: What does a strong feminist, sitting in the midst of intoxicated, yet rational "in-laws", do? I could feel the anger build, and wanted to scream at them: WE ARE NOT SEX OBJECTS! WE DO NOT WANT TO BE DISSECTED INTO BREASTS AND ASS! WE ARE PERSONS! But alas, my mouth was numb as an "in-law" happily stuck a grotesque, nude picture in front of me. I could only mumble, "I have an opinion too" and give cold stare. The question is, "How can we confront--and do it effectively (even if we can't convince these morons of their shortcomings)--how can we confront them, alleviate our pent-up anger, and feel good about it? Upon leaving this mess of affairs, a few moments later I blew up in front of a male companion. Oh yes, he agreed, it was "awful", but wasn't I "over-reacting"? This is the inevitable reaction. Goddamnit, I wa mad, and Atilt am--not juAt at that pattLcutat uation, but at our 'society that Laughs at women be,i_ng victirized, and then tAiez to make women feet uittr./ because we "overt -react" FROM KATHIE I was also accused of being "judgemental" and "moralistic". But alas, when men make similar kinds of condemnations, they are being "rational", and are condoned for attacking the root problem and the evils in society. So what if I am being "judgemental"? I am trying to stop violence and oppression. If we all merely shrugged our shoulders and made excuses for people's behaviour, women would still not have the vote, and blacks would still be enslaved. Why mat I accept evetyone? Why mot I Love my oppAezzoAA? I can't. (Ed. itatic4) That brings me to another point: people claim "the oppressors are op- I cannot even be accused of emotionalism, although I am angry and will occasionally erupt, for I've studied the reasons for the oppression. We feminists have analyzed the social, political, economic and psychological structures of society, and know from our historical analysis who controls these structures. We know that the male obsession with power, wealth and competition is destructive and unhealthy. We want these structures changed. We are not interested in replacing the men in their positions of power. Simply put, we want egalitarianism- equality based on co-operativeness, and that is not "emotional". The questions for me, as I am sure it is for other women, are: Where do we put our energies so that eventually our ends are met? Do we surround ourselves with those who agree and live in our own constructed, cooperative world, or do we fight this monstrous "system", multi-headed, strong and wealthy? If we choose to agenda. Meanwhile, where is the rest of the population that disagrees and wants continued support for Planned Parenthood? The press gives them no time, and they have no funds to help them organize. Despite this, we are trying and we will be damned if a few boisterous, wealthy, misinformed, misguided individuals will have their way. How can I Love these people and be non-judgemental when I murt fiight zo ievenizh- . THE S.0.11. FACTOR Time Magazine's man of the year coverage of President Elect Ronald Reagan left me with an empty feeling in the pit of my stomach. Whatever he achieves in his tenure I will remember only one thing. His life shows he did not know how to love his children, nor did his father before him know how to love him. Having recently read Phyllis Cheslert book "About Men", I am prepared to see a new low in human The Father, Son communication. relationship, according to Cheslersa noted psychologist, is at the root of all man's inhumanity. As man lusts and is forever fearful of the God symbol withholding approval, so too does the son lust for the love and approval of his human father. (Ed. itaticz) pressed themselves". How can this be so? They have the wealth, the power and the tools to liberate us all, but they will not--their world is too comfortable. They are not oppressed-they are content. We are in the midst of a battle to save our local Planned Parenthood from the terrible onslaught of Campaign Life. Campaign Life has "requested" City Council to withdraw funding from fight it, how do we fight it, and Planned Parenthood, because they are from what vantage point? Do we oca"anti-church, anti-state and antisionally compromise working within family". I use the phrase "request" the system, turning its own tools loosely--the Knights of Columbus, as upon itself to gain power to change well as private citizens in Saskatoon, it, or do we fight from without, have threatened to withhold taxes, attacking and invalidating the sysboth municipal and federal, if the tem when we can? governments continue funding. I am not sure I know where to The Campaign Life group has money place this energy ready to erupt. I to pay for a "campaign", while they am still young--even an infant in print information out of context and the feminist movement--but I am not publish pictures of alleged "abortions". always content to follow the advice They are free to distribute their of more well-seasoned feminists. It is, information through-the mail because meowittaiwitummeessolsolmswasemoso. they have "paid for it". They are free to make false allegations in city council briefs because they have "contacts" who can get them on the (Ed. italics) by Gert Beadle Ly to Atop theit opptezzive match? It is Chesler's contention that within the psyche of the man -child is a deep well of anger at the betrayal of those first expectations that lays the base for aggression and self destruction. The more deeply he loves the more bitterly he hates. Mothers too have suffered in this abdication of father bonding, overcompensating, over-excusing but finding it impossible to fill the void. When we examine the roles and try to understand how this sorry state of affairs came about, we come smack up against man's own conception of himself as a non-nurturing provider of creature comforts as his total expression of love. Locking mother in the house with the kids was society's way of seeing they weren't deprived of mother love as well, but "I'm so proud to be a part of a profession that has never discriminated against women!" inevitably, a personal choice, and I guess in order to satisfy my own curiosity, I will try both at different times in my life. As long as there are women like yourselves who are there for support, there will be solice, even if only occasionally. I can remember hearing other women talk about "the struggle" and wondered what they were talking about. It's all beginning to take form; slowly, I am beginning this journey of struggle. Thank-you for taking my hand. In sisterhood, Kathie is mother love adequate for the confidence-building we hope to see in Is it logical to believe our young? that women, who have been consigned to a subordinate role in family life, whose confidence is invested for her own survival in a dominant person, can project from her status the confidence and approval of other than what her servitude has produced in ' her. --cont'd on p. 18 NORTHERN WOMAN Page 9 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Abortion It's pleasure, and that fear of pregnancy would reinfl degenerating modern morals. It was in 1873 that a federal law banned from the mails any literature, media or article to do with contraception or abortion. The : century has seen a series of movements directed toward repeal of the 19th century laws prohibiting abortion. Access to abortion in any culture is directly related tc economic needs and therefore to its perception of an population size. Historically, nomadic peoples have alv limited their population by whatever means available, ally abortion or infanticide, yet in pre-industrial agricul al societies large families were an economic asset and al tion more difficult to obtain. The USSR's official policy on abortion since 1917 changed according to its population needs. Immediate!) ter the revolution, when economic conditions were gi free abortions were readily available. After severe pop Reprinted from Broadside, vol. 2, No. 4, with permission from the authors: the Toronto Abortion Committee INTRODUCTION tion losses incurred in World War II, the USSR ban It is our hope that these articles will heighten your awareness of the abortion crisis and make you angry. It is essential that we as feminists do not indulge ourselves in a false sense of security with regard to the abortion issue. Fact: physicians, not women, continue to decide whether an abortion shall be performed or not. Fact: it is getting harder and harder to obtain an abortion. Fact: highly organized right wing forces are working to limit the availability of abortion in Canada. Despite the myth that abortion is widely available, many of us have to struggle against incredible sexism, discrimination and humiliation (to say nothing of the red tape) for the privilege of terminating an unwanted pregnancy. And our silence condones these struggles. With our silence we turn our backs on those women who need an abortion. As well, our silence endangers the paltry gains we have made toward reproductive freedom for all- women. The women's movement has spent a decade creating itself. We've been swamped with issues - each one as important as the last. We've challenged the very fibre of our social environment, taking on such major institutions as the nuclear family, heterosexuality, militarism, the law. Often we've been frustrated at the pace of change; often we've lost faith after battling each other. We're tired and we face major problems -- too little money, organization and clout. Despite the obstacles and setbacks, however, feminism stands as perhaps the most important social change force of our time. In this climate of change it is especially important for us to continue reminding women's rights advocates that reproductive freedom is the most basic of all human freedoms. Our goals are clear: 1. We want abortion to be removed from the criminal code; 2. We want access to safe and effective birth control; 3. We want free-standing women's clinics; 4. We want abortion patients to be treated with dignity and respect; 5. We want medical coverage for the abortion procedure and an end to up -front payments for abortion patients; 6. We want reproductive freedom. Much of what needs to be done will require organization and committment to this issue. Not all of us can participate but your awareness and your personal committment is crucial. We ask that your awareness lead you to act in very per- sonal ways: write letters to the media and to your politicians, keep abortion alive as an issue in your social and pro- fessional circles, support organized campaigns, pass theword that the abortion struggle has just begun. REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS In the past 15 to 20 years there has been a world-wide liberalization of abortion restrictions, including Canada's Omnibus Bill of 1969, owing in part to an international concern over population control, in part to increased urbanization and industrialization, increased participation of women in the workforce, and the relaxation of sexual mores. Of all the factors contributing to abortion and contraceptive reform, what has been noticeable by its absence is a concern for the individual woman's right to control her own fertility. The ideology of population control and to a large extent the modern "birth control" movement have little interest in women's control of reproduction. Population control seeks a reduction in birth rates, an end that justifies some rather suspect means including testing contraceptives on Third World women, dumping products, forcing sterilization and approving unsafe contraceptives. The current birth control movement was born out of socialist feminist struggles in the early 1900's to legalize contraception for working class women. In spite of women's involvement, the birth control -movement has been coopted, and to what end? Although the recent adLances in birth control technology and the liberalization of abortion restriction in no way address the real feminist concern of reproductive control, that fact seems to have been obscured for many women who breathed more easily when it became possible to get a legal abortion. Abortion reform has given us some relief from the tyranny of our biology but has offered only an illusion that we are close to achieving control of our bodies. Recent advances have done nothing to alter the status quo: control of reproduction, whether by sterilization or abortion, still rests firmly with medical, legal, political and religious institutions. The illusion of reproductive choice is beginning to shatter as the sociocultural pendulum swings from a high point of liberalism in the early 70's to what appears to be a dramatic and repressive swing to the right. We are now witnessing a tightening in abortion services and the threat of regressive reproductive health policiec. As our bodies continue to be buffeted by social forces becomes increasingly clear that our struggle for reproductive rights and indeed for equality itself has just begun. Reproductive freedom is the basic and essential condition for the equality of women. Until we control our own persons, no amount of tokenism, media hype, or social reform should mask the reality that we are not equal partners in abortion and in 1944 the title "Mother Heroine" was gi to women who had raised more than 10 children. In Germany, before the Nazi takeover, abortion was erally available. But under the Third Reich, existing al tion and contraception facilities were closed down. In 1 a law was passed eliminating women from the workfo and the punishment for obtaining an abortion was deatl is obviously a country's economic and political needs, ther than a concern for the rights of the individual won that dictate its policy on abortion. A major influence on access to abortion was the et gence of the male medical profession. Until the deve ment of scientific medicine in the late 18th and 19th cen ies a wide range of healers performed medical tasks. Th, male "witch healer" and midwife played important rob the community and were often the only general mec practitioners for people who had no doctors and hospi As European medicine became firmly established as a s lar science, it was increasingly threatened by women ers, and the profession played an active role in the IA trials which spanned more than four centuries. By the century male practitioners had also made inroads into last preserve of female healing - midwifery. The inven of forceps enabled male professionals to claim that a st wife - who had been, for most women, the only sour( information on childbearing, contraception and abor - was thus narrowed in scope, downgraded and conf to the women of the poor. Matters of reproduction an the middle and upper classes was transformed fro this society. neighbourly service into a lucrative business and remair today. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE In all societies throughout history abortion has been part of women's experience. Women have always attempted to control their reproductive capacities regardless of societal controls or sanctions. Several factors determine the status of abortion in a particular culture at a given time: the defin- ition of the beginning of life, the perception of ideal population size, and the influence of the medical profession. Until the late 19th century no society punished abortion in the early stages of pregnancy. The Greek city states and ancient Rome made abortion the basis of a well-ordered population policy. Christianity infused the fetus with a soul but debated for eighteen centuries exactly when the fetus became animated by the soul, thereby making abortion a serious crime. Early Christian theologians defined the beginning of life as 40 days after conception for a male fetus, and 90 days after conception for a female, although no methods of sex determination were specified. By the 13th century abortion was tolerated as a less serious sin up until the time of "quickening," usually the fifth month when a woman could feel the fetus move. It wasn't until the mid 19th century that the Roman Catholic Church tightened up its official stand against abortion. POpe Leo XIII at that time declared life to begin at conception and, s a result abortion became defined as murder. This decision was rationalized in a number of ways. First, a mid-19th century wave of humanitarianism pressed for abortion laws to protect women from infection and death at the hands of male medical professionals. Until antiseptic techniques became prevalent, an abortion in the first three months of pregnancy was 10 to 15 times more dangerous than delivery at full term (today legal abortions are oneeighth as dangerous as childbirth at full term). Second, biologists began to understand conception, and women were On a global perspective, the availability of abortii directly related to religion and the part women play ii economy. It is no surprise that countries which have restrictive access to contraception ensure that wome: trapped into the role of breeder whether it affects health (from multiple pregnancies) or not. Early progressive abortion reforms started in 19 Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In 1946 the term "a pated exhaustion" became part of the criteria for alle abortions, as part of the physical and emotional heal the women seeking the abortion. But by the mid-1960 Scandinavian countries started exerting tighter control women were forced to seek abortions in Poland. Eastern bloc countries had fairly progressive "abortic demand" policies in the mid 1950's but with po upheaval in these countries in the early 1960's tighter trols began to prevent unlimited access to abortion. Abortion policy in China is strictly related to popul control. When an abortion is performed within 50 clz contraception, a woman receives 10 days off work at of pay - more an incentive not to get pregnant agair a benefit to women's rights. At least in China corm tives are more widely available. than other countries Notresearche only is some male birth control methods are being Spain, but in S "all living thing the country to s therefore able to practice more effective birth control -a good motive for the tightening of abortion laws. This had ramifications for all countries where large families were essential to farming communities. Third, and much more subtle, English puritanism flourished in the 19th century and espoused the idea, still current today, that sex for pleasure was bad, that pregnancy was a punishment for NORTHERN WOMAN Page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Not Free and Easy in the world today it is estimated that there is one induced abortion for every three births, with illegal abortions representing a leading cause of death among women of childbearing age. It is a tragic irony that during the 1970s, several countries such as Australia, New-Zealand, Canada, Britain and Fiji undertook costly studies to see how abortion laws were being applied. In many instances where it was shown that the law gave unequal access to abortion (as in Canada), or that hospital gynecOlogical services should be upgraded (as in Britain), or that the father should have no power to veto an abortion aim (New Zealand) there have been no attempts to act on any of the recommendations. The woman is not present during the TAC meetings which consider her request for an abortion. If she is refused an abortion by the committee, she has no right to appeal the decision. Hospitals are not prevented by law from setting quotas, and the longer the woman must wait for her abortion, the greater stress it puts on her and her health. Another stumbling block in this procedure comes from determining who is responsible, legally, for requesting the abortion. Two-thirds of the hospitals with TAC's require consent forms signed by the spouse as well as the woman wishing the abortion. In some cases, even if the woman wishing the abortion is separated, mutual consent is required. This is a hospital policy, not a legal requirement. In September, 1980, the Canadian Medical Association passed a resolution to ask hospitals to stop requiring consent forms for abortions. Because of the arbitrary procedure in establishing and operating Therapeutic Abortion Committees, abortion is not available to many groups of women. Rural women ofteh have no access to safe abortions within their local communities. In larger centres women from low socio-economic groups are unaware of the complex procedures required to obtain an abortion and if their own doctor is opposed, they are not usually referred to a doctor who is supportive. THERAPEUTIC ABORTIONS AND THE LAW implementation of the law is left up to doctors, hospital ad- ministrators and strong lobby groupsrluch as the antiabortion movement. The important issues of where an abortion can occur, under what conditions a woman may receive an abortion and who shall decide if she meets these conditions are all set out in the law. However, none of these important issues are determined by the woman and are basically decided by strangers. The abortion law allows for the formation of a Therapeutic Abortion Committee (TAC) in `accredited or hospitals.' The law requires that a woman prove the pregnancy will endanger her life or health. These committees are empowered to implement the law by using a legal definition of a woman's `health' to determine whether or not she can obtain the abortion. The World Health Organization defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of infirmity or disease.' However, each committee can determine what constitutes a danger to a woman's health in a very arbitrary manner. The TAC consists of three doctors appointed by the board of governors of a hospital. Hospitals with medical staffs of three or fewer physicians are ineligible for establishing these committees: of 1348 civilian hospitals in 1976 in Canada, almost one-quarter were not eligible to establish therapeutic abortion committees. Of those eligible, only one-fifth did in fact establish committees - the law does committee membership changes, various interpretations occur from committee to committee. The bureaucracy first confronts a woman when she must see a physician to confirm her pregnancy. Only a member of the medical staff at an 'approved or accredited hospital' can apply to the TAC to request an abortion for the woman. If a women's physician is not a member, she must be referred to one who is. If the TAC decides more informa- tion is required, it may adjourn and request such information, thus further prolonging the pregnancy and potentially endangering the health of the woman. The law as it now exists not only results in long, red tape procedures using vague, ambiguous guidelines, but it endangers the health of the woman by the very nature of its structure. The process takes far too long in providing safe abortions for women seeking them. Many women do not know their legal rights and if a woman's personal physician is opposed to abortions she may never get past the first legal loophole. The bureaucratic nature of establishing the therapeutic abortion committees and administering them results in a process that is unwieldy and puts the total procedure in the hands of the medical profession, lobby groups and do not have eligible hospitals. In Ontario, approximately one-third of the hospitals have set up therapeutic abortion committees. But of these, 21 have never approved or performed an abortion, another 81 performed only 136 abortions in one year, and the remaining eight hospitals served the entire province of Ontario. A fundamental question is why are there not more hospitals providing abortions. In some cases, the answer is pressure exerted on publicly-funded hospitals by anti-"choice" groups. In others it is a lack of interest in women's concerns. Once a committee is established, there are no guidelines for how often it should meet. In some cases it has never met, in other cases it meets infrequently. Since the physi- WOMEN AND MEDICINE supportive to a woman's choice regarding an abortion. that abortions are unconditionally legal in Canada: the federal Criminal Code in 1969 made abortion 'legal' only is acted on differently in different provinces and where not insist that hospitals set up committees. Hospitals which have not established TAC's have generally based their decision on religious, moral and/or professional ethical grounds. Two-fifths of the population live in communities which cians are appointed, they are not necessarily sympathetic or Although an abortion under medically approved conditions is a relatively safe operation it is the most difficult operation to obtain in Canada. It is a mistake to assume This can hardly be an atmosphere where doctors are making objective, impartial decisions. They have not created or used any body of legal precedence. Because of this, the law These physicians on committees are mostly, if not all, male medical practitioners. Their responsibility for determining if a pregnancy is a threat to a woman's 'life or health' becomes an awesome one. These doctors are being asked to act as advocate, judge and surgeon, using professional, under certain conditions. In practice the interpretation and moral and psychological grounds for their judgements. hospital administrations, and out of the hands of women. Traditionally, the doctor-patient relationship has been similar to that of parent and child. The doctor is seen as the god-like, all-knowing, all-powerful expert who dispenses cures; the patient is the grateful, passive recipient of the doctor's knowledge and skill. Feeling ignorant, vulnerable and scared, especially during an illness, many people prefer to give responsibility for maintaining their health or curing theirs illnesses to the doctor. And of course, many doctors are only too happy to fill this role. Most often the doctor-patient relationship consists of a male doctor and female patient. Only 7% of the doctors in the United States are women, less in Canada. In 1977, 26% of the medical students at the University of Toronto and 53% at McMaster University in Hamilton were women, an improvement over the past. But still most doctors in Canada are men. As of 1978, in the United States, there were fewer than 2000 female obstetrician-gynecologists out of 20,000 and almost no senior female faculty members training the current generation of gynecologists., In Canada, approximately 92% of gynecologists are men. Although men are in the majority as doctors, women are in the majority as patients. According to a study done na- tionally in the United States, it was found that "women average 25% more visits to the doctor each year than men, we take 50% more presription drugs than men and we are admitted to hospitals much more frequently than men". Part of the reason we are prime consumers has to do with our relationship to pregnancy and childbirth and the effects these changes have on our bodies. The image of the woman patient as an emotional, hysterical hypochondriac still exists today in the minds of many doctors. The traditional concept of the weak female suffer- ing from the "sicknesses" of puberty, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause has left its mark on today's medicine. A textbook on obstetrics and gynecology published in 1975 advises that "the traits that compose the core of the female personality are feminine narcissism, masochism and passivity." CONV D Page 14 The Toronto Abortion Committee is a sub-committee of the Women's Services Network in Toronto. The committee was formed out of our realization that women's services and the public in general are not aware of the crisis situation surrounding the abortion issue in Toronto. Our objective is to research and provide educational information on the law and existing conditions locally. We hope that by providing the information in these articles we will motivate individual women to speak out, to lobby, and to become more active and less complacent on the abortion issue. The committee members are Marilyn Reinwald, Selma Savage, Shelley Glazer, Deborah Bartlett and Judy Stanleigh. This was the first of a two-part series on abortion. Next month, the Toronto Abortion Committee will provide information on: Getting an Abortion; the Abortion Situation in Toronto; the Finances of Abortion; the New Right and the Anti-Choice Movement. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN Page 11 �CONVERSIVIV with CHICLEIN AUTHOR By Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Dorothy O'Connell, author, was one of the first members of the Ottawa Tenants Council, a group that formed out of necessity 13 years ago when facilities in Public Housing were non-existent. The group pushed for recreation facilities since neither the city nor the province would take responsibility for providing these facilities, each claiming it was the other's jurisdiction. The group got together and made a presentation to City Hall. The press picked it up and the group got 'a bit of what we wanted.' the Tenants Council, we aeliberately encourage a loving relationship with each other, focussing on the strengths we have and not the weaknesses. One of the reasons for this was that we had ample illustrations of groups that fall apart from in-fighting. We didn't want our group to grow up like that so we also hug each other a lot. That's very important especially for a single parent. She doesn't get many hugs. When someone is good at something we make damn sure she knows it. We deliberately encourage a closer bond between us. tive can often die in the struggle. Then single-parent women are criticized for sitting around collecting their cheques. How can this vicious cycle be broken? D. Only politically, having a lot of publicity at times like this when a political election is coming up. People have to go out and say to candidates "Okay buster, what are you going to do about me? I want to hear talk about me for a change!" ,ny candidates are not aware, most of them are male, middle income and married. They have no idea how poor people live. Even if they are vaguely sorry for the women, they don't know what they're going through. Women themselves plus other interested people will have to bring it up repeatedly because politicians worft change until the public changes, so the public has to be informed. It is a difficult thing to do if you feel that people will yell and scr-sam and call you a 'leech' on society, to get up and say 'look, I have rightsptoo'! R. In the second book,Tillie remarks that poor people have a big foot planted on their backs attached to a voice that keeps saying 'get up, anyone can make it in this society.' The foot will lift up slightly every once in a while in order to prove itself - right! Tillie also says 'I bet if you played this game with rats, they'd all have nervous breakdowns and just sit there shaking. Some of us go that way but not as many as you might expect.' This is a definite shift in tone from the first book. Since then, the Council has been R. In the first book Chiclet and her involved in changing the image of friends run into a women's group. Public Housing, making people These two groups do not connect. realize that Public Housing tenants How much of this was an outcome of are normal every-day Canadians. their different economic positions The Council is also trying to change in society? the way the Housing Authority looks at its tenants. ( Dorothy O'Connell has always written but a lot of her humorous writing popped out as a reaction to all the depression and misery. She prepared briefs and speeches, a letter to Trudeau that was humorous and informative, with a button that said 'Pierre Trudeau lives in Public Housing.' Trudeau replied and the story was taken to CBC. Soon she was writing Chiclet stories which evolved later into her first book. Here she talks with Rosalyn Taylor Perrett: R. D. . 100 Both of your books are humorous and entertaining but a person couldn't read Chiclet Gomez or Cock-Eyed Optimists without realizing that humor has been used to illustrate a struggle between the Public Housing tenants and bureaucracy. I don't think it's universally working. At one interview1 the interviewer said "Your stories made me so sad." Prepared to be funny, I thought 'How am I going to get out of this one.' I thought this was peculiar. Then, in another interview, the woman said my stories made her so angry, and I thought 'yes, they could; sure, they could.' I later read a review of CockEyed Optimists in 'Books In Canada' and the reviewer said the book was 'vicious.' At first I was surprised, then I got pleased about it. There is a really strong alliance amongst the women in your book. They each had something special that they were good at. Skills that they could give to each other. How much of this bonding results from the fact that public opinion towards them is so ID VV?,(121V% Ce)1977 1445 D. It has to do with what your most important goal is. Their goals were completely different. If they had been switched economically, they would have become each other. You know the sayingl'you are what you eat'; well in this case,'you are what economics say you are! One of the things the government is trying to do is disperse poor people again and mix them with middle-income people. Its called the 'Salt & Pepper' theory. If you rub elbows with middle income people, you'll learn to be middle income0but poor people know how to be middle-income already. The reason they act differently is because they have to. Economics forces it on them. You learn to be very blunt when you're poor, you don't have time for euphemisms and politeness because it doesn't get you anywhere. I should say that many women negative that all they have is each other? D. It's partly that but it's partly high-density living. It's extremely difficult to get used to when you're used to a wider personal boundary. Public Housing Tenants have to live close to each other because o/f the crowding. You know everything about everyone automatically. Walls are thin and you can see right into other people's rooms. You develop a privacy thing where people notice you if you want them to and not if you don't. Also, with who belonged to Women's Centres liked the story. I was pleased because after I wrote it, I had qualms. I really don't want to hit out at other women. Basically we are all working towards equal treatment as persons. Unfortunately some groups haven't extended it beyond themselves. R. In your books you describe the irony of being a single parent and poor. The same system that says "have initiative - work!" puts so many obstacles in the way that initia- Yes, they've' progressed politically. In the first book they did a few political things but it was sporadic. A lot of time was spent trying to make money and improve the quality of their lives. After youL ve all discussed your common problems, you realize that they are problems, there is a real class thing and the foot is on the back of your neck. The government says they want you to work but they don't ORDER NOW really. There is double talk going on at the government level. Poverty is big business. If there were no poverty, there would be a lot of people out of work - all the people who deal with poverty. There are all kinds of people who feed off the poor. Politically,a lot of the poor are saying "Okay, we accept that, we know our place, we don't mind being the poor, just don't make it so hard, give us a little more comfort, stop HATING us!" Very few women in Public Housing mind being the bottom. They've learned to survive, they've made good friends, they live in good neighborhoods because they've got together to build good neighborgoods. They don't necessarily want up, they just want more release. R. They don't want to be shifted around as much,either. cont'd on Dane 17 NORTHERN WOMAN Pageweb 12 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, �Anne - I've heard so much recently on the radio and the TV about changes proposed to our constitution. But it's been a long time since I was in school and I don't really understand what kind of constitution we have now, let alone what these changes will mean! Beverley - Well, I know about our constitution, so let me answer the first part of your question. It all goes back to 1867 when the British government passed the British North America Act. That's something we all know. And what that Act did was set up the government that was to operate in Canada. You see, we were still British colonies then, and we had no central government that could enact a constitution for us. ance was added to the list of federal powers. Carol - Bev, now you're getting close to the question that I want to ask. What is in the BNA Act anyway? Beverley - (laughs) It's really sad how few women understand these things. Access to this information is very difficult unless you have kids in high school. (the whole group nods in agreement) Beverley continues - What is contained in the BMA Act is two lists of items. One list is of all the items for which the federal government can pass legislation, and the other is the list for the provinces. Britain wanted her colonies to have separate governments and to elect their own parliaments and have their own courts, partially so that there would not be a repeat of the American fiasco. Beverley - Then, the federal government has the power. And that includes a lot of items that are important to us today - like environmental cleanup that no one had thought about in The United States of America had become very angry with paying taxes to Britain when they didn't have anyone respresenting their interests in the British parliament. That's where the slogan "No taxation without representation" came from. Darlene - Does the BNA Act contain a Bill of Rights? Beverley - Yes, that was also part of the American protest. Well, what the British colonies in America did was to separate from Britain and join toegether as a Republic and enact for themselves a constitution and a Bill of Rights. Anne = And Canada has never done that? Beverley - No, Canada's constitution is still the BNA Act, and if we want any changes to our constitution then we must ask the British Parliament to vote on those changes. Anne - What part of our government must ask Britain to make changes? Beverley - Good question Anne, and one that isn't easy to asnwer. You see, there's nothing about that problem in the BNA Act, but what has always happened in the past is that the federal government and the provincial governments have agreed on changes they want, and the federal government has then made the request for the change to the British government. Anne - But that's awful, you mean we ask another country to change our constitution for us. Has it ever been changed. Beverley - Yes it has been, but not very often. You can imagine the difficulties of getting our federal and provincial governments to agree on anything. The last change that I remember is when unemployment insur- What they did was to define the Act very narrowly and limit it's impact right from the start. So now there are very few challenges to fed eral legislation based on the Canadian Bill of Rights. The Supreme Court of Canada has decided that the Bill applies to the substance and content of laws but only to procedures. Anne - Then we need a stronger Bill of Rights and also one that applies to provincial laws! Carol - What if something is not mentioned in either list. WHAT'S IT T Anne - Now that's something I do remember from school. That and the Boston Tea Party. I think that cuc., by the possible implication incredible changes in our lives could happen if all federal acts had to treat people equally. US? Beverley - A lot of other people agree too. This is what the Partriation debate has been about, and the talk on the changes to our constitution. 1867. Beverley - No, it doesn't. Canada never had a Bill or Rights that was written down. There were principles that our government and courts had to follow - principles of natural justice and equality before the law - but no list of rights. I might add here, that Britain doesn't have a Bill of Rights either, just the same sort of principles. Eileen - But I remember hearing about a Bill of Rights. It happened when Diefenbaker was in power~ Beverley - Yes, when Diefenbaker was Prime Minister, the Federal Parliament passed an Act called The Canadian Bill of Rights. But that isn't part of our constitution and was not added to the BNA Act. Anne - Now I'm confused again. does that work? How Beverley - It's not difficult to understand when you go through it slowly. Let me explain. The Federal Parliament, in 1960 passed an Act called the Canadian Bill of Rights. That Bill applied only to legislation which the federal government passed, and not to the provinces, because it was a federal act. It said that everyone was to be treated equally before the law regardless of race, national origin, colour, religion or sex. Faye - Equally eh, well something is not working properly because it sure hasn't helped women at all. Why hasn't it helped us, Bev? Beverley - The answer to that has a lot to do with the fact that our highest court - the Supreme Court of Canada is composed entirely of men. And now it's time for Gale to say something after all, she's the one that went to Ottawa on February 14 to attend the Conference on Women and the Constitution. Gale - I was hoping you had forgotten all about me, but no such luck. I just hope I can explain things as well as Bev has been! I want to start off by saying that Beverly and Anne are correct. We do need a stronger Bill of Right, one that will apply to all the laws. That is what entrenchment is all about. If Canada has its own constitution, and included in it is a Charter of Rights, then none of federal or provincial governments can change those rights without agreeing to amend the constitution. Carol - Then we should support patriating the constitution and adding a Charter of Rights! Gale - Not so fast, Carol! I agree that a Charter of Rights would enable women to gain more equality - but only if it is a comprehensive document that doesn't have a lot of loopholes. If the governments and courts can always say that "Yes you women have equal rights, but not in this case - this is an exception!" Well then, that charter of Rights will not help us. Faye - And does the Charter being proposed by Trudeau contain exceptions and limits on our rights? Gale - Yes, Fay, it does. It has enough loopholes that women's groups across Canada are not supporting it. We don't want to end up like the women in the U.S.A. fighting to have an Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) added to the consitution. We know how hard it would be to get the provincial and federal governments to agree on anything, especially a constitutional amendment that gave us more rights. cont'd on page 17 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor NORTHERN WOMAN Page 13 �Rose By Any Other Name By JOYCE DUNN years. Going off on short trips, her with me. When I was teaching Brenda head bent into the cold wind of Mark's the canoe strokes this afternoon, I disapproval which had extended into ic3 wished it was you I was teaching. The day was oppressive, the smell of silences on her return home. These When I go up North on that wilderness the pulp mill seeping into her kitchen forays into another world, a world of trip I'd like to have you with me." through the open window. As she reached being Joan Desmond, a person who talkec up over the sink to close it she watched and he added, with that sincere look: and laughed and had opinions; opinions "You'd enjoy it." the fly outside in the murky air strugwhich, she found to her amazement, Classic comment. "You'd enjoy it." gling in the spider's web, its wings were listened to, often accepted. The trap which had sent her reeling a whir of frenzy as it tried to disShe thought of Diana, fighting the into archery, skiing, water-skiing,, entangle itself from the finely spun fear, the guilt which had plagued her tennis, badminton; her life a whirl of threads. She shuddered imperceptibly. all these years, the two dominating physical activity for the last ten Like the fly, she felt trapped, unable forces which had plunged her into a years. to extricate herself. life-style she was finding more and "I'd like to have you with me" trap The feeling had been recurring more distasteful. Diana, with the number two which had, over the years more and more recently, choking off whispy blonde hair, fluttering hands.. wrenched her away from tasks or hoblogic, her emotions, like the fly's "Hi", Diana's small face pinched bies she enjoyed. Nothing spectacwings, fluttering against the gosswith the cold, raw wind, broke into a ular; just simple occupations which amer web of Mark's will. tight little smile. gave her joy and a sense of accomplishThe spider, big, masterful, gov"Hi. Won't you come in?" Joan let ment, such as music; sitting at the erned the web, retreating now and her in, closing the door against the piano playing, however imperfectly, again behind the kitchen curtain, damp cold of the Autumn day. the gently Chopin waltzes she loved; setting its trap, waiting... "God it's cold out there!" Slight writing indifferent poetry which she "What's the matter with you anyof body, firm buttocks encased in stashed in a box and drew out periodI can't figure you out" Mark way? tight jeans, Diana stood smiling in ically to reconjur breathless moments said, looking at her over his cup of the hallway with that expectant, amof beauty glimpsed at in rare, quiet coffeed. used look Joan was to recognize as moments. The fly, caught, thrashed about and the look of "Diana the Huntress" as Canoeing was the latest craze in fought the web as it tried to free she called her friend later on in Mark's life, edged, as usual, with itself. their friendship; as she watched her that obsessive competitive spirit which "It's all so complicated! All at conferences, lobbying for favours required an intensity she could feel I had these damned decisions to make. for the movement; lobbying for herself herself being drawn into. She enjoyed my summer all mapped out, planned ---the Virgin Queen aiming her arrows their canoe trips into the hinterland, and now, all these changes." at politicians, at attractive men, in her response one of quiet joy at nat"I don't know what all the fuss is the wilderness of the social whirl at ure's penetrating silence; the wild about" her husband retorted in that the end of busy sessions throughout flowers; the song of the birds. But, "You're reasonable, placating voice: the day. of late, she had fought against joinalways telling me to go ahead and make Large, coal black eyes in the small ing groups and entering the races; the my own friends; do what I want to do. face looked steadily at Joan, who was white-water competitions; going along And now you make a big fuss over this suddenly made aware of her faded dress occasionally, to take photographs of trip up North." ing gown and scuffed slippers. Mark fording rapids; cooking the meals Sensible, he exuded that self-worth "Would you like some coffee? I've in the camper; driving along the river which choked off intellegent retort. just made a pot." Joan said with hesbank to pick him up at the end of the "Why do I always have to be involitation, for something to say. What course. ved in your plans?" she cried out, her did this stranger want anyway? She had dug in her heels, at times words, a small eruption of frustration "Sure, that would be nice" Taking fearfully and "made a stand" as she She must she immediately regretted. off her ski-jacket, Diana dumped it called it, in these last two memorable be reasonable, placating too: "When I on the table in the hall and followed do my planning, I don't involve you." Joan into the kitchen. "Look, its just that I want you Cont' d page 16 THUNDERCLAP Looking at some of the traits commonly ascribed to doctors and patients, we can see how clearly they ressemble the traditional characteristics of men and women in our society: DOCTOR/MALE active teacher scientific aggressor logical financially secure power thinking control objective rational the answer PATIENT/FEMALE passive student intuitive victim mystical economically vulnerable powerlessness feeling lack of control emotional hysterical the problem The issue of control is a major factor in many doctorpatient relationships. This is most apparent in matters of women's health - pregnancy, abortion, childbirth, birth control, menopause - where predominantly male doctors often make arbitrary decisions regarding women's reproductive lives. A male doctor has written that many of his colleagues have a strong desire to control women and that when it comes specifically to abortion, some of them feel threatened if women can dispose of the proof of male potency - the fetus - at will. This attitude is also reflected in how judgmental doctors can become about both the procedure itself and the women seeking abortions. Some doctors will purposely lie to patients in order to discourage them from seeking an abortion. The woman may be told abortions are illegal or are only available up to NORTHERN WOMAN Page 14 six weeks. A doctor may harass a patient seeking an abortion by calling her at home and trying to dissuade her. He may also refuse to refer the woman to a gynecologist who performs abortions. He may lie to the woman about how pregnant she is and tell her it is too late for her to obtain an abortion. To Doris Anderson who maintained her integrity in the face of bureaucratic pressure and ministerial oppression. The practice of demanding up-front payments for abortions is a prime example of the attitudes of some doctors to- wards women seeking this procedure. The assumption is that a woman seeking a therapeutic abortion is not trustworthy and will just skip out of the hospital after the procedure without paying. Negative, judgmental attitudes are also held by those doctors who sit on hospital therapeutic abortion committees. This means that many women may not be granted permission for an abortion, particularly in small hospitals. At the very least, the male members of these committees often make very condescending or "humourous" comments about the women who are seeking abortions. Another difficulty facing the abortion patient is the atti- tude of many hospital staff. Some nurses will go out of their way to treat an abortion patient with hostility or contempt. Often an abortion patient is placed in a room near the maternity ward or the nursery where newborns are kept. We must not forget that in Canada, doctors rather than the pregnant woman make the ultimate decision as to whe- ther or not she may have a therapeutic abortion. Until a THUNDERBOLT' woman can freely decide to have an abortion and be treated with respect and dignity we do not have control over our own bodies and we do not have full reproductive rights. To Lloyd Axworthy who deserves the axe for interferring in our Advisory Council on the Status of Women. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Ripptez 1)6 a zmite Coazt ac-'ozz your lace tike zun Ahimmeting thtough bate tteeA She 6otgave het with a zmite, never mentioned it again, ztitt tturted, toyed, Skitt undutatez in sokt bolds eyez gleam and ttied to Aave het Starr miztakez 4otget zadnezz a gtounded Lite that teemed to plague het when the ztumbted out oi atm'z length tetutned zkinned kneez Pupped in ptetense eyes ted teat - stained adjurt -) needing com6ott to mend the hutt An attanged moment brazen yawn zunzhine 6tamed in a ctutteted /Loom with a ztuk6ed view Viola Godette liacez Atate zutten wizdom behind glares . Rosatyn Taylors Pettett DeLl-teiscence She had tailed around the izzue Thought it completely citcted, concise Manageable, neatly 4otidi6ied into something Mote than the Aum paAtz. And when it wa4, Ahe -swum -used That pethaps it exi-o -ted only in HER mind. 1V,hat'teMaik-ed, Those vast ztota oi unconscious thought that plagued, Embalmed in the tecezzez, Failing -to 6unction -- denied 6unction. Upon Retutning Home Ftom College They zay I'm a woman but I don't know i6 I -showed betieve them. A6tet art, they told me that six years ago and I knew they were tying then. " Today you ate a woman! " they said to me. They gave me money and kizzed me with the tipzticked mouthz they wouldn't allow me to have. And the next day everything wa4 the same. But all that Ahe thought she'd gleaned, Bazicatty temained to be teen. Ftom the detitezcent depthz o6 the think machine Ftom the .riving cetbs o6 the .riving dteam: What ecistatic revelation, teat ized By thi.z .riving, dteaming, iemate being! Joyce Michatchuk Now I'm called a woman in zhopz in teztautantis white travelling. Sacked Cow The estate zayz I can dtink/vote/get mattied without my patentz petmi.zzion. I have bteais.ts that ate ao large az they're going to get. I bleed once a month I have a lover. And yet. how can 1 be zute they're not Atitt tying? Could I wake up tomottow a gitt? L. L. 1980 Dumb animal, bete6t o6 wit and teazon we Arnett gout dtoppingz evetywhete, You gtaze on mountains unmoteAted protected by the sheep who paztute there. What Medievit butt was dine to att that eatty ckumbting-o6 the mind what ieebte 6ingetting4 o6 bean create the duty babtrie oi your kind. where eke we took you stand be6ote a door all that voodoo in your ckumpted horn zpteading zi.tty dust to cloud the viz ion {tom the very moment we were Bann. Gent Beadle. NORTHERN WOMAN Page 15 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �Gale - Right now, Parliament is deGale- Yes, that's the way it seems. bating the issue of the Constitution, and Trudeau indicated on Monday, Feb. Beverly - And they certainly haven't Beverly - What are the problems with acted to protect our rights in the16th that he might consider asking the Carter of Rights that Trudeau past, so I don't want to see them asking Britain to patriate the wants to include in our constitution? Constitution without entrenching the with that power in the future. Charter of Rights. Then once we had Gale - Firstly, the section on equalAnne - I agree! I want our rights our Constitution in Canda, Canadians ity rights doesn't even start operatprotected all the time, not only when would get to vote on whether the ing until 3 years after the Charter some group of men think that it isCharter of Rights should be entrenched. is passed. We have to wait 3 years reasonable! to know what rights that charter will (Again the group nodded) So if you don't want Trudeau to engive us. trench the Charter, you should write Carol - Are there any other problems to your M.P. and tell them so. And than we will have to wait a with the Charter of Rights. further 3 to 4 years for cases to Gale - One other major problem exists, It's a matter of whether or not we are get to the Supreme Court of Canada, that Native women aren't protected going to be treated equally, and I'd and for those judges to decide howat toall from losing their status rather have no Charter than a weak interprete the equality rights section. when they marry non-native men. one that doesn't help us anyway. Faye - But that's terrible, that'sDarlene - Don't tell me that's still (With that, the group broke up. But much too long. We need equality now an issue! Its so discrimatory that on arriving home, all 7 women wrote - just to start catching up to menI can't believe the situation hasn't to their MP's expressing their coneconomically. been changed yet. cerns about entrenching a Charter of (The group nodded their agreement.) Gale - But it hasn't. And the Charter Rights which didn't give them unGale - Yes, and even more important of Rights only protects those rights qualified equality.) are the words to that section. Al-that Native people already have. So though it says that every individual it doesn't help Native women because We will soon know if the protests of is equal before and under the law it doesn't promise them equality women will have any impact on the and has the right to equal protection with Native men. federal Liberals. So keep in touch and equal benefit of the law without Eileen - Well, I don't want this with the Constitutional debates. They discrimination, it doesn't say that Charter of Rights, and I can tell affect all of us! sex will never constitute a reasonfrom your faces that the rest of our group doesn't support it either. Now able basis for distinctions in law. By LYNN BEAK Gale, what can we do to stop it from Beverly - So the courts get to debecoming entrenched in our constit** cide when it is reasonable to disution? criminate against us,do they? WHAT'S IT TO US from pg. 13 *******n***** Wbibib.V.Obi CHICLET'S AUTHOR from pg 12 . Yes, there isn't any choice in housing when you're poor. They sell the housing from under you and you can't do a damn thing because you don't own the housing. You can be uprooted from a place you've grown familiar with and plunked in the suburbs where there is no shopping, no bus service, you don't have a car and its difficult. Then you gradually build up these services then the next thing you know, they're moving you again. . So everytime you form an alliance, a network, it's broken and you have to begin somewhere else? . Yes, we think the government felt they made a terrible mistake because Public Housing mixed the new poor and the traditional poor together and together they made a very good group. Very strong because they each had strength to lend each other, so they became quite threatening women. It got to the point where the Globe & Mail reported that the government would have to stop putting these women together because they might get the idea they could do without men. . In both books, Chiclet runs for public office, once for Mayor and once for Prime Minister. Women are seen as just emerging in politics. One woman runs in a losing party, another woman moves further up the political ladder and abandons the same women who put her there. Other women are in jobs that perpetuate WM% " WO** the red tape that prevents women on mothers allowance from working. What is all of this saying about the gains women have supposedly made? portant job, the whole country, every country is based on the children that they raise. When you think of children just tossed away by society you can appreciate that children of the poor are dismissed with the idea they'll never amount to anything so lett not bother about them. Kids learn early when they've been thrown away and they're bitter. The women are not liable to become violent but their children might. We're going to face violent times if we don't do something about it. Now more than ever since kids are exposed to everything everyone else does. D. We've produced a 'tape' called you've come a long way, baby'. Its about women in the workforce. There haven't been that many gains. A few individuals have profitted by it. Unfortunately many of them think they did it on their own and didn't get any help from other women who went before so they don't owe anything to women who come after. Certainly not all women are like that. There are sterling examples of great women in politics right now. Of course there are only a small percentage of women in politics. One of the things we feel has put the cause of the 'single parent' behind are the groups of women who demand the right to get out of the house without safeguarding the rights of those who want to stay in the house. To some women, raising children is a real job, their job and their choice and it's degrading to have it put down by other women. If women themselves don't respect that job as a career then men certainly won't. In times of economic stress the women are shoved back in the home so women have shoved back saying "Damn it, if I want to work, its my right to work." There's no question about that but somehow we have to present both sides with equal vigour. Mothering is a very im- R. Because of the media? D. Television has been the big educator, we probably have the besteducated poor people in the world. They say that revolution comes from the middle class but that usually meant educated so revolution in this case could come from the poor. In this country there is a bigger gap between the middle class and the poor. R. Are you planning to write more Chiclet stories? D. I applied for a Canada Council grant. If I get it I'm going to try working on a novel. The reason it's iffy is because I have to spend a lot of time at it but I have to have some money coming in, so if I get the grant, it will be a novel. if not there will be more Chiclet stories. NORTHERN TTOMAI1 Page 17 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �The natural alternative Menstrual sponges gain popularity SPONGES ARE ANIMALS that By Liz Leshin of the Cardinal Staff the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. They are abundant, and as of now, their use in no way endangers the species. grow With recent studies linking Toxic Shock Syndrome to tampon in Dr. George Benton of the East Madison Clinic recommends alternating two sponges, allowing each to dry before re-use in order to reduce bacterial growth. use, it is imperative that alternatives be investigated. One such There are two types of sponges. option-the menstrual sponge-has been gaining popularity. More research is needed before conclusive statements can be made about sponges. Howeverran increasing number of women are using sponges with no negative s_i*effects-:--Spinges are cheaper than manufactured products and are bought from small businesses and cooperatives, which reduce big business control over feminine hygiene products and give women more control over what they put into their bodies. Sponges should be about the size The first, sea wool, is brown, of a lemon. They become soft larger, more absorbent and more difficult to clean than sea silk, a light yellow sponge with small pores which makes it better for the light flow clays of a woman's when moistened, so they can be inserted without difficulty. If they are too large, they can be cut to fit properly. period. boiled before used to remove The sponge is moistened with hike -warm water and inserted, like a tampon, into the vagina. It should be changed about as frequently as a tampon by removing the used sponge, rinsing it, and inserting a fresh one. Some women reinsert the same sponge. THE SPONGE SHOULD be germs, salts, and small bits of coral which may still be attached. Melanie Sax, from the Mifflin Community Health Center, ad- vises women not to boil the sponge more than once during each menstrual cycle, as boiling makes the sponge smaller, tougher, less absorbent and more prone to deterioration. Air drying kills most bacteria. 4. % 4 Luna Sea silk sponges are available at women's Op O Centre of If a woman finds removal difficult, she can attach a piece of dental floss. This should be sewn on securely to prevent tearing the sponge, and should be changed each month. Soap should not be used to clean the sponge. Washing or soaking in a vinegar and water solution will S.O.B. FACTOR cont'd from p. remove odors. If a woman is uncomfortable rinsing out her sponge in a public restroom she can carry a spare or simply squeeze It out and reinsert. BETWEEN MENSTRUAL PERIODS, sponges should be stored in a clean, dry place. Cloth bags are good containers for storage. Sponges should be discarded when they begin to deteriorate and tear easily. There is some controversy surrounding the use of sponges. Although area clinics report no state feedback, negative epidemologist Dr. Jeff Davis, a pioneer in research on Toxic Shock Syndrome, reports one case of toxic shock in a woman who was using a sponge. Sax points out that cases of TSS have also appeared in women who never used tampons, and in men. Because of unknown nature of TSS, she said, use of sponges may or may not be conducive to getting TSS. If TSS is caused by a virulent strain of bacteria, Sax said, anything that can culture bacteria in the vagina can induce bacterial infection. Sponges, like tampons, are a good medium for bacterial growth because they contain 9 PREEDOM OP CHO If love finds its best expression in equality and freedom then the average home is no bastion of democracy. Some men are being forced into a nurturing role and finding to their surprise it was a talent only waiting to be developed; there is nothing in the life of John Lennon so beguiling as his urgent desire to explore his own potential as a completely natural, nurturing, human being and caral ASSOCIATION CANADIENNE POUR LE DROIT A L'AVORTEMENT (e The Purpose of CARAL is to ensure that no woman in Canada is to safe, legal abortion. Our aim is the repeal of all sections o Codce dealing with abortion and the establishment of compre traceptive and abortion services, including appropriate counsell country. "We regard the right to safe, legal abortion as a fundamental father. The image of father as critic and 'provider is a double robber, communication is a learned art that enriches the lives of both participants. It is time for father 'to come out of the closet as a joyful and willing novice in the dynamics of family life, it is also time for mother to take her place as provider in as far as she is able and it is more than time for children to participate in a family structure that does not offend their sensibilities as persons of sound judgement. It is time moreover that this male dominent society view the changing of roles and lifestyles as a positive search for personal expression that may lead us out of despair rather than in. Blame is for the feeble minded; when the most powerful man in the most powerful nation shows by his life he has not understood the most primal instinct in human nature, then we must not be surprised to hear a member of his transitional team say of their quest for cabinet members, "We are looking for the S.O.B. factor." If that is the criteria for a successful man we are in deep trouble. The picture of thousands of tear drenched youngsters singing "All you need is love" is the other side of the coin. Mother-love produced this generation, where were you Dad? Whose side will you be on when the S.O.B.'s take over. CANADIAN ABORTION RIGHTS ACTION LEAGUE (CAB I support the statement of purpose of CARAL and wish to become a m Name' Address: Postal Code' Phone' Occupation' Name of Federal Riding' Individual Member Limited Income Family Sustaining Donation RETURN TO: CARAL, Box $10.00 $3.00 $15.00 $25.00 935, Stn. O. Toront "Evety woman n ptekabty, at 4tom home" Subscribe now to ca.lthsharing A new Canadian women's health quarterly A practical, informative magazine dealing with health issues affecting women. Rates: $6.75/year Institutions and Libraries $13.00/year Sustaining (one year sub; $25.00/year Individuals Make cheques or money orders payable to WOMEN HEALTHSHARING Box 230, Station M Toronto, Ontario M6S 4T3 The SEXUAL compiled from Harassment In Occupationa H ordered from 316B Centre P7B 1S1 or pic When ordering donation to c ling. NORTHERN WOMAN Page 18 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �GIVE WOMEN CREDIT AottAstn (Women' Cticlit 'Union SUBSCRIBERS I Wanted ATTENTION PAID SUBSCRIBERS The Northern Woman Journal subscription rate entitles readers to six issues before renewal. Although there was a recent lapse in publishing check your address label; it should indicate the Vol. and Issue # of the last issue you'll receive. THEN PLEASE RENEW YOUR SUBSCRIPTION 2nd (Wonsan't Ctadif Vision In Cannata Sawing de Wonsan of ciVatt44.ves.tatit OrliatiO 5-4 COURT ST. S. THUNDER BAY ONTARIO HOURS tuesdays & fridays 10 a.m. TO 5 p.m. (closed for lunch 1-2) If you are a woman in financial need and cannot afford a subscription to the NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, give us a call or drop a line to the Journal, 316 B Bay St. and we will gladly put you on the mailing thursdays 1 p.m. TO 5 p.m. PH. 345-3112 (Give Women Credit T Shirts Now Available) list. ORIII1111111111 HAVE YOU ORDERED YOURS? I AM THE 0 47.11 kroMAti PRESS RELEASE "Concerning the court injunction whereby a young woman in Thunder Bay has been denied her right to seek and possibly terminate her pregnancy through the decision of her peers, the Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre feels that if the right to choose has been established by this young woman, we support her decision whole-heartedly. We do however abhor the Ontario Law as it now stands which upholds a precedent condoning the final choice to be taken from a woman and the power of decision given over to a second party. We firmly believe a woman has the right to present her case before a designated medical committee. It would appear that the aforementioned law jeopardizes any woman's basic decision making powers." si$ meat) rents WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATION Mar.15/81 International Women's Day has been held and celebrated for 40 years in Thunder Bay. This year is no exception. A Special Coffee house featuring women entertainers in the little Finn Hall, March 15, 1981 will be augmented by contributions from the Women's Centre and others to honor this unique celebration. Our grateful recognition to Kam Lab for sharing their talents with us in the interests of community spirit. WE INVITE THE PUBLIC TO ATTEND AN EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRATION. 11 *ougo Please send me ( Enclosed is a cheque or money order for which includes postage, payable to: Rusting ies a continuation the joutney began in Satt g yeast JOURNAL, 316 Ontario, P7B 1St The poems chart the authoez Name A2ising awatenesz and potiticat growth ais a woman involved in Organization ( ), women's azue6 Address Ittu.sttation4 by Peggy Hanput Pkoduced by the Non then Woman ALL pxoceeds dedicated Jouxnat. to het 4uAvivae Please note this book is available to women's groups/organizations at the price of $3.50 for 10 or more copies. NORTHERN WOMAN Page 19 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �orlAtrrtVoman Jour-nor Editorial: Our Heritage True to her Taurian nature, the paper has stubbornly persisted, bouncing back into publication from innumerable bouts of self -criticism, colic, fractures, diversity diarrhea, and funding influenza. Her health has stabilized for the time being and we, the bright-eyed collective, hope, from past experience, to have learned the proper perscription to ensure the well-being of the Northern Woman. Since May 1973,' her birthmonth, the paper has changed in her intent. Originally conceived as an attempt to keep communications open among those who attended the Northern Women's Conference at Confederation College during the previous month, the Northern Woman's Newsletter served as a "bulletin board of events". The first subscription list (approximately 200 in number) was, in fact, the list of registered conference women. A donation of one dollar was requested from the readers. With the help of a feminist government employee, the paper was able to get free paper and postage, as no funding was available. By October of the same year, the collective publishing the paper had grown to ten women and a decision was made to use the publication as a forum for "free and open exchange of the views and opinions" that unified women of Northwestern Ontario in their attempts for political and personal emancipation. During that first year, the Northern Woman had already begun to display the first signs - teething pains then - that eventually lead her to death's door three times. The major problem, demonstrated by the Journal's turbulent health status, has been the functioning of the collective. In June 1974, September 1977, and once again September 1979, the collective had not been able to resolve the contradictions of "collective development" and journal "publishing". For the most part, a lack of balanne developed. Women were using the collective for support to offset problems not related to publishing the paper. There was a strong need for the collective to equalize the consciousness of its members through discussion of feminists socialist issues. Some women felt intimidated by these concepts and could not accept them. Yet the needs of the readership (receiving the newspaper to which they subscribed) were not met, as a result. These different levels of consciousness also lead to a conflict of opitIon on content. How can we not threaten the conservative feminist and yet still be radical? The collective wanted the Journal to reflect feminist opinions with as much original material as possible, but these varied greatly in scope and perspective. Achievement of consensus took a lot of time and Furthermore, the old problem of legiance arose: accepting governme energy. money in one hand, and being a thor As well, the various collectives that were born and reborn, did not have in the government's posterior in the other hand. This, no doubt, is the an understanding of the group process, dilemma for countless community age] Many women experienced the inability cies and organizations attempting t( to develop bonding and mutual trust. stay alive and well. Many did not know how to give and reThe present collective is hopeful ceive constructive criticism, and for the continuing livelihood of the there was no vehicle to facilitate this Northern Woman. We shall continue, type of expression. the past tradition, our editorial pc A lack of continuity in membership icies: encouraging feminist awarene emphasized the problem. seeking articles of particular releOriginating from the background of vance to Northwestern Ontario women, a patriarchal society, the collective portraying women in a positive lighl had a tendency to delegate power to and promoting the development of fem one or a few people, and expected inist analysis in writing. strong leadership from her (them). Throughout our herstory, the reThis added a case of acne to an already curring maladies of the collective chicken-poxed situation. have been twofold: not enough women After operating out of members were involved, and, there 'ever seem homes, the Northern Woman moved to the ed to be anytime to spend on the col. newly established Woten's Centre loclective (as opposed to the productio ated at the YM/YWCA building on Archof the paper). ibald Street in Aprils1974. By October From June to December, 1980, the of the next year, the Journal moved collective regained its stamina. Na ! again to her own, larger space at 316 advertisements for midwives to assist Bay Street. The collective felt inin the rebirth of the paper were sent hibited by the Women's Centre, seeing out. The born-again collectivist it as a place for women just beginning worked on issues of the family, sexuto consider feminism. These women ality; was urged to read feminist would feel intimidated by a radical books; and basically got to know feminist paper. herself and the other members. (In May 1977, the Women's Centre Based on this, and our former exjoined the newspaper at Bay Street.) periential knowledge, we have attempAdditionally, being so closely reted to introduce some positive devellated to the Women's Centre, many lastopments. We are not accepting any minute decisions fell into the hands government support (for the time of the Centre, with no collective conbeing) and are promoting financial sensus possible. independence. Time pressure manifested itself in We are sure that feminist publicaother forms, too. The long and tedtions in the journalistic never-neve] ious process of developing the collectland have experienced similar niness ive; equalizing its members' awareness; es, if not the same epidemics. Hopeaccomodating consciousness raising; fully we will be able to share theiall these contributed to burning the experiences and remedies for the enmidnight oil before the printing deadcouragement of sisterhood in better line. And we all know what lack of health. sleep can do for one's health. Volunteers had other commitments also, and could not spend all their time nursing the newspaper. In the past, government funding was seen as heaven-sent. Paid staff were viewed as the necessary blood transfusion that alleviated the sparcity of volunteer donor time. The Northern Woman has received government assistance on four ,occasions: in October 1973, $1,200 from the Ministry of Community and Social Services; in April 1974, $10,000 granted to the Women's Centre from the Secretary of State's Women's Program, shared with the newspaper collective and helped fund the purchase of a Gestetner machine; in January 1977, L.I.P. paid salary and expenses for two workers for six months; in October 1978, Canada Works paid for one salaried worker plus materials and supplies. Unfortunately, accomodating a combination of volunteers and paid staff followed With too much responsibility being placed in the hands of the salaried women. The volunteers saw no need for their services now that someone was being paid to do the work. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �+ NOS !"13113.0 auk Ennornbro third Weilibrie YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE elm chow 220 The NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL is published six times a year RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. Return Postage Guaranteed aNJECTIVE MaSERS Kay Andrews, Lynn Beak, Viola Goderre Estelle Howard, Teresa Legowski, Noreen Lavoie, Joyce Michalchuk,. Danylyn McKinnon, Margaret Phillips, Rosalyn Taylor Perrett, Donna Phoenix 345-7802 CALLING (807) HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY mailing list. We must pay return postage to keep up our Subscribe: Igo ik_orgartt Ve yawl 31.6 Im_140-refi, MitVer i;c1 (Six Issues) 5.00 9.00 Business or Institutions ame tiStess' =fINNam... a on alio_ ttS' Gs- cderu. k'c'eteek PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 6 No 4 Description An account of the resource Vol. 6, No. 4 (Jan-Feb 1981) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Toxic Shock Syndrome Womyn’s Whitewater Journey - Missinaibi River Trip Art Postpartum Counselling Services Bill C-54 British Women Against Violence Feminists Arrested in Russia Expired Birth Control Separation & Divorce Family Law Reform Act Christian Feminism Abortion Pornography Ronald Reagan TIME Magazine Man of the Year Therapeutic Abortions and the Law Women and Medicine Interview with Author Dorothy O’Connell Short Stories Poetry Menstrual Sponges Healthsharing subscriptions Sexual Harassment Booklet Northern Women;’s Credit Union International Women’s Day Our Heritage Editorial Authors/Contributors: Mary Morgan Joan Baril Kathie Gert Beadle Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Joyce Dunn Violet Goderre Joyce Michalchuk L.L. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1981-01 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English https://digitalcollections.lakeheadu.ca/files/original/16/2765/1981_Vol_6_No_5.pdf 9176e12e896d28b4ef71117c5294b8b2 PDF Text Text PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �EDITORIAL THE WOMEN'S Reflecting on topics for this issue, we noticed the ease with which we found people deserving of a Thunder Bolt. The choice of subjects was overwhelming! Strike almost any person profiled in the media and an anti-woman blast will be quickly returned. We feel the pressure of our society's swing to the right descending upon us. The most fundamental right that The Notthetn Woman. Jounnat, cottective ha4 decided to pubZi4h out Editotica PoZicy, to Zet out 44.4tetz know the policy a4 we have developed Lt. Ptincipatly, we have done thiz to encourage out teadetz to con- ttibute, and we cettaiay do want votot conttibutions. The Northern Woman Journal is a vehicle to encourage a feminist awareness of the situation of women in our society. The Journal strives to be a communication link among women in Northwestern Ontario, thus in addition to featuring articles of global and national concern, will also seek articles of particular relevance to Northwestern Ontario women. rffnmon n an aitefnative perspective to tradional media. The Journal's goal is to women must have is the right of choice. We want no decisions made for us and no doors closed to us. We want the right to choose any lifestyles, any employment and complete control over our bodies and our destinies. It is more imperative work together than ever we shouldn't lose sight we set for ourselves in for women to before and of the goals the earlier publish as much original material as possible. The Editorial Collective may choose for publication articles that reflect views that are not the position of the collective; however, as feminists, we will not publish material that is offensive and opposed to basic premises of the Women's Movement. Within the constraints of a bimonthly publication, current issues/ reviews etc. will be preferred, (although feminist classics may be reprinted.) The Journal must establish a solid political base, and contributors will be encouraged to develop a strong feminist analysis in their writing. IMPERATIVE exhilerating days of the woman's movement. It will be a life-long struggle both to keep those rights we have gained and to gain more. Just as a family will stick together despite growing pains, so must the women's movement. We need each other even more now in the face of growing opposition to our struggle for choice. disprove) the material under consideration in advance of the selection meeting. Where solicited contributions are not accepted for publication the Editorial Collective will make person contact with the author to explain the reasons for non-acceptance. In the case of non-solicited contributions efforts will be made to communicate with the author, and where appropriate, encouragement given to assist the contributor to continue their writing. EDITORIAL PROCEDURE The Collective determines the Editorial policy. All original submissions are reviewed. If content editing is rec::.:_re±, the author wil ion in the Journal will be chosen by the consensus of the Editorial Collection meetings are expected, whereever possible, to review (and approve/ be requested to do such editing. The author may give permission to he CoiiecLiv, Reprints are reviewed by the Collective, approved and priorized. Dear Northern Woman, I want to tell you how great it was to receive your paper and to know that you are alive and well. This year the Canadian Human Rights Commission announced a 2.3 million equal pay settlement which brought 470 federal librarians (mostly women) parity with the mostly male historical researchers. The person who started the ball rolling was Sabine Sonneman, a Regional Vice President of the National Component for Ontario. This has made me very proud as I am a member of this Component and a Regional Vice President for Manitoba. However, a lot of people do not know that the first resolution for equal nav for work of equal value was put forth by the Toronto Labour Council in the year 1882. It has taken us 99 years to get our first settlement in Canada. One tiny step for womankind, but let us hope that now we have our foot in the door the next one will be a GIANT STEP! It might help your publication if you could have donations and subscriptions tax deductible if this is possible. Keep up the good work and wishing you great accomplishments. Smiles, Sister Francis Fox Dauphin, Man. Northern Woman page 2 lour OICE Dear Branching Out Subscriber: There are 120 literary magazines published in Canada. Only one of these is feminist. Room of One's Own, a feminist quarterly of literature and criticism, started in 1975. Initiated as a space for women writers, novice and experienced, it has carried an award-winning play by Anne Cameron (Cam Hubert), fiction by Quebec feminists, a special issue on science fiction & fantasy, poems by Marge Piercey and Miriam Waddington, interviews with Margaret Atwood, Dorothy Livesay, Michele Lalonde, and a lot of prose and poetry by women you haven't heard of yet. Feminist publishing in Canada is in a state of crisis. The period of benign indifference from funding bodies is over. The support simply isn't there. Room, like most feminist magazine: operates on an entirely volunteer basis. What money there is goes to cover fixed costs like printing. Only the constituency the magazine serves can keep it alive. Unless there is reader backing, there won't be any feminist magazines left in Canada five years from now. If we in the feminist community want magazines like Room to continue, it is up to us to subscribe, buy back issues, or send donations (donations to Room are tax -dductible). Our own magazines are an act of, defiance against dismissal of the women's movement. Sincerely, Sharon Batt for Branching Out Dear Northern Woman Journal, I have held pen poised over paper for long thoughtful moments and have at last whatever it takes to write. Perhaps it is not as rare as I may think, but it has been my experience that few men cry--especially Northern miners. My husband and I often share continued on pg. 14. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �getting an abortion CREDIT BROADSIDE Whatout is an abortion? Check health or women's sections in local libraries, or women's directories.An Also at libraries check books suchof a abortion is the termination as pregnancy Our Bodiesthrough Ourselves details of onthe thefor removal abortions. contents of the uterus (womb). The Since it takes time toby confirm contents are removed severalthat methyouods are depending pregnant andon getthe referred to athe size of gynecologist who then refers your case woman's uterus. In March, 1981, Bob McCoy and Tina Welsh visited Thunder Bay to inform us that the Midwest Health Center for Women would be opening in early April in Duluth, Minn. The Health Center is located in the Medical Arts Building on Superior St., downtown Duluth. The Center, which will offer abortion and family planning services, will be staffed by Duluth physicians, nurses and laboratory technicians. It will be administered by Tina Welsh. Welsh & McCoy brought with them material on contraception, family planning and information on abortion and the anti-choice movement in the US. The material has been turned over to the Northern Women's Centre for its vertical file circulation. to the hospital therapeutic abortion committee, you must act quickly and What procedures are done? decisively. Many birth control clinics which do abortion referralwho are is government fundFor someone under 12 -13 weeks ed pregnant and therefore not chargethe a refer(firstdotrimester), proceral dure fee. Some feeout -charging sercarried is eitherreferral through genvices advertise in newspapers. tle suction (evacuation and curretage) For women living in small cities or or gentle scraping (dilation and curretowns theofprocess of getting referral tage) the lining of the athe uterus. Is more limited. Abortionssafe are procedure usually This is an extremely notwith available small towns, andrate. even a veryinlow complication Late finding a sympathetic pharmacist to in & Cs are not generally performed do Canada a pregnancy may pose an insurand test therefore a woman has to mountable problem. in thispregnant situationtoitobwait till she is 16 weeks may beapossible to try to find the fam- At tain saline induction procedure. ily planning in the closest Rethis stagenurse an abortion-inducing solugional tionHealth (saline,Unit. or salt) is injected into the amniotic sac or "bag of waters" which fetus. Several hours laAresurrounds abortions the done in hospitals? ter {24-72 hours) contractions similar to labour pains cause the cervix to dilate Abortions Canada done in to hospiand theinfetus andare placenta be extalspelled. because of the law, not necessarThe saline procedure has a ily because they safer or more conhigher risk of are complications than aD& venient In several briefs C butfor it iswomen. still a relatively safe procesubmitted to local provincial governdure to undergo. ments, it was demonstrated that enormous savings and more comprehendo you and do ifafter-care you thinkcould you are siveWhat counselling pregnant?if abortions were done in be achieved free-standing abortion clinics. The policies hospital to Since time is vary of thefrom essence in seeking hospital as to length of stay, eg, 4.6 an for abortion, the decision has to hours an out-patient procedure or be made quickly. Initially you may want to 1-3confide days forinana in-patient stay. close friend but after that For theare most part, abortions arethat still are there some practical steps being done using a general anaesthenecessary to take. tic. Hospitals vary as totest whether Get a pregnancy done they as soon SC URATO/L N$ offer women sedation or anaesthetic. as you are two weeks late with your The anonymity of the Duluth Clinic (one of many medical offices in a large building) prevents the antichoicers from identifying and harassing women going for an abortion. It also prevents the clinic from being exposed to arson and bombings as has been the case with many other Women's Clinics. YouDeriod. have the right to request either I TAKE THEY'RE "PRO irForIT younger women with-LIFERS". sedation orperiods anaesthetic, so be preparregular a pregnancy test may For more information on the ed to it isn'tt offered. notask be ifaccurat,, to - -- Midwest Health Center for Women call pays fortothe abortion? It may come Who as aDuluth shock learn 1-218-727-3352. r.ea,tn ,nsurance weeks of pregnancy from tn= schemes reimburse a portion of the fee charged by doctors for abortion. Many onceived. INVOLVED doctors, however,GET require a woman to your calpay in cash prior to having the abory test is a NIGHT" tion. In the "RECLAIM case of peopleTHE who are covp of urine ered under someone else's insurance clean, a With the summer plan, they may be able to usemonths the insur-approaching, drugstore, the rash of rapes, assaults "no-verifiand street ance number and request a al clinic, again cation" code from the practitioner, but harassment against women will a doctor's arranging reimbursement may pose a women will increase. It is hoped that regnancy problem. est which show their concern and their anger by days from NIGHT" comforming a "TAKE BACK THEyour menstrual How old do you have to be to sign mittee. We would like a strong support eans that own consent form? egnant. A group to participate in the National at you are "RECLAIM THE NIGHT" march, scheduled Age of consent varies across the counatives are September. We would to start try.for For example, in Ontario you havelike to a negative organizing NOW! Your strength is needbe 16 to sign your own surgical conesn't come call sent for treatment in a hospital. After Any woman interested, please ater. ed. it may be and leave the Women's Centre (345-7802) m to deteryour nameI be andaware number so the you can be conWhat should of after not there abortion? tacted re the first meeting. x or uterus. get an interna pregnancy? _ 1. It's Bleeding time similar to tofight menstruation back! will continue for about seven days. If bleed- ing is heavier or followed by severe e first indifor women ssed period of pregnan- ausea and s, frequent ne of these gnancy and agonizing, od, it is bet; for an abor- rt with local ned parentunity health at universi- es, rape crimen's bookort hospital s of gynecols. Try speakyour neighe or factory. cramps, contact the doctor or hospital. the COOP BOOKSHOP 3. Do not have sex until you have stopp- 2. Do not insert tampons until your next period, to prevent infection. and ed bleeding. If you have sex after the bleeding RECORD stops, start usingCENTRE a method of birth control immediately. 4. Try to arrange a follow-up appointselection of Canadian, ment withExcellent a clinic or doctor, about 4-6 weeks after the abortion. This is for a science political, women's and routine examination or to discuss fufiction literature. Also film, ture birth control needs. crafts, poetry books and many unusual Best or Folk, Ethnic What should I do if titles. I receive unfair undignified during by aborandtreatment Blues selection in town. tion? 10% Discount to Members said or Try to write down what was 182and S. Algoma St. "P" andPhone:345-8912 done to you also the names positions of the individuals involved, Open tit' B Mon.-Sat. eg, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, etc. You may be able to submit your written complaint to various professional associations.Northern It- is your right Woman to be treated with dignity and respect &AL page regardless of the medical procedure you are undergoing. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE Your needs were not being met, there was a lack of communication, you lost your identity, you were doing the "shit work"? Yes, and I too continued to do M: the "shit work" even when I was employed outside the home. D: Before marriage, I was much more independent. After I became completely dependent on one person. We weren't physically or verbally abusive. The discontent was very quiet, very undercurrent. I didn't consciously think of leaving until the second August of our marriage. His family was very importD: ant to him. We spent our vacations at his family's cottage with them. I was expected to come up with alternatives for these vacations and I didn't seem to have enough ideas. The same thing with me. His M: family lived in a small tourist town and every year for 12 years we went there for summer holidays. Eight years before I left, I began to realize that no, this is not what I wanted to do. It was no vacation for me, because there was no change in my responsibilities. I still did the cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids. I resented going there for so long but it took me so long to say so. I think it's part of our conditioning that we go the way of our husbands when its vacation time. Q: Teresa Legowski The old myth of romantic love being the basis of a good marriage is a concept hard to bury. What is stressed least of all when two people decide to marry is that the foundations of their commitment should be those of intimacy, sharing, mutual growth, trust, and most of all, friendship. Yet most women are still wrapped up in the innocent pages of Bride's magazine, with the white, satin gowns, the heady scent of roses and the presence of the dashing, white tuxedoed groom. The following is a dialogue between two women portraying their respective marriage breakdowns. It is hoped the reader will benefit from this frank discussion. Diane, who is 28 years old, lived with her man for five years before she married him. She has no children. Mary, who was married for 20 years and has four children, is in her forties. What circumstances lead up to your decision to separate? We were going in different dirM: ections. We just were not meeting each other's needs. Every day for just about 2 years before I left I said to myself, "This is it. I can't take it another day." Things got progressively worse. With me, things happened in a D: much shorter time frame. In contrast to our first five years together, when we shared the household duties and did a lot of socializing, our .first year of marriage was completely different. It was his first teaching, and, sure, it was a hard time for him. But it was as if I didn't exist anymore. All the things that had to be done as far as running a household were done by me. He came home, ate, worked until midnight, went to bed, woke up around seven, ate, went to school, came home around six, ate. This went on constantly. He became completely absorbed in his carQ: eer. IDENTITY CRISIS In the meantime, I went through an identity crisis. I became depressed, lonely, I was getting no support. Yet I fully accepted the role expectation of being a "house-wife". When I finally found work, I thought that this was exactly what I needed. It would get me out of the house, I'd meet new people in this new town, I'd get some stimulation. I still did all the shopping, menu planning, laundry, house cleaning, cooking, just to facilitate his career. Whereas before, even though he worked, we shared those duties. I had a lot of frustrations on the job, but I left those at the office because he was taking his work home. He wouldn't communicate with me. Whenever I brought up problems that were bothering me, he'd say he wanted to talk about them later, that now wasn't a good time. These problems seemed to lose their importance when not discussed immediately. M: My husband was a drinker. He had some alcohol every day. It was very difficult communicating with someone under the influence. As a result we seldom resolved our differences. When I stopped spending vacations with his family and began taking short holidays with my girl friends to go shopping or see some theatre out of town, it was a bad scene. It got so that I didn't say I was going anywhere until a couple of days before I was going to leave. I even made meals in advance, and put them in the freezer, in order to make it easier for him and ease my guilt about going. I had to save money to be able to go and with that, there was also a lot of guilt involved. In those days it wasn't "my money". I didn't 'deserve' to have it to pay for shopping, to pay for arrangements for the kids, or to put in my own personal bank account. Can you imagine what men would feel like if they didn't have any spending money to buy lunch for their friends or whatever? It's just amazing to think that we women feel we were worth so little and that we needed permission for everything. My feelings of self worth had surely been undermined by both society and my family. There's just no power behind D: our demands for what we really want. And when we do voice our desires we immediately feel like backing down. We've learned that it's bad to be demanding. NOT A PERSON I too felt I lost my identity. M: I remember thinking one day "my God I'm a role, a wife and a mother but not a person". If we remain in those roles, as I did for so many years, how do we ever get to the point where we feel good enough about ourselves to be able to develop our own identity. It took me a long time to say "I deserve better than this. Mind you, it didn't all come through my own thinking. It was reenforced by speaking with other women, and this was very helpful. D. In my situation, I attempted to get help but I received no support or understanding at all, so I didn't discuss my marital problems or my idea of leaving with anyone else. Well, I have to qualify my M: comments somewhat. My conversations with other friends about their marriages w ere kind of "surfacy", We were very reluctant to reveal how unpleasant our marriages actually were. But, by being part of some discussionE I realized that it wasn't just me that had problems, and the discontent sounded very similar. Q: How did you tell your husbands you were leaving? th -ea all I D: tol him was that I was going on an Outward Bound trip in September, that I'd be gone for a whole month, and that I'd be thinking about our marriage. The trip was an entirely new experience for me. I had to completely rely on myself and my own resources, my own communication skills and my own feelings. I had to be able to express myself to other people in an externaly intense existance. As well, it was physically demanding with the canoeing and portaging. It rained most of the time, too. I never thought I'd have time to think about my marriage until solo. In the middle of the trip we had to spend three days by ourselves. Imagine, out in the bush alone, just you and the fine-tunings of nature. I decided to fast, and only drank tea. I got in touch with myself and what I really wanted to do. I wasn't happy with my husband anymore. I was depressed and lonely. It was not a good living situation for me. I wanted to leave. I did something similar. It got to the point where I had to make a decision. I found I was making excuses for why I couldn't leave. He would not consider for a minute leaving me and the children in the house, his "home" was his "castle" etc. etc. I went away for four days to think about why I was still in this unhappy marriage instead of thinking in reverse about why I just couldn't leave. I went to a cottage that belonged to a friend. It was in September. I was pretty desperate. I had to M: cont'd page 10 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman page 4 �THUNDER CLAP To Leona Lang of Thunder Bay who has been awarded a $10,000 scholarship by the Political Science Association of Canada (one of only eight awards in Canada)! Lee has been an active feminist working on behalf of women through the Decade Council and other women's groups; her enthusiasm and sisterhood will be missed when she moves. Best Wishes xoxoxox Northwestern Women's Health Conference - Part of the work committee attending the Strategies for Well-Being Conference in Toronto are: From left to right Jennifer McGibbon, Red Lake; Frieda Hoshizaki, Dryden; Lorraine Thomson, Kenora; Debbie Tonrond, Vermillion Bay; Sue Hubay, Vermillion Bay; Jackie Neall, Vermillion Bay; Susan Heffernon, Ignace. STRATEGIES AND PRIORITIES FOR NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO Problem: Need to network and learn of resources in the area. Use of the Decade Council, Northern Woman Journal and Northern Women's Centre in 1Thunder Bay were short term stratIn the long-term the prodegies. uction of a Women's Directory for Northwestern Ontario - The Northern Woman Journal is looking for representatives from each community. Contact the Journal, 316 Bay St. Thunder Bay 345-7802. - Subscribe to the Northern Woman Journal and send in articles. - Subscribe to Healthsharing (Box 230, Station M, Toronto, M6S 4T3) - Lobby National Film Board for positive films about what is happening to women. women in NW Ontario who have concerns about their total health, and health care, do have a number of resources to tap ...the Northwestern Ontario Decade Council c/o Leni Untinen R.R. #13, Thunder Bay, Ont. the Northern Woman Journal 316 B Bay St., ThuirmieF-A@Y, Centre, same as abo-ve and Con College Women's Programs (1-807-465-6961). Thunder Bay. There are forms available to list groups, services, etc. for the Women's Directory. So !NEED FOR WOMEN TO NETWORK AND LEARN I OF ALL THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO WOMEN IN NW ONTARIO. As a short-term strategy it was felt women should make more use of 1 the Northwestern Ont. Decade Council and the Northern Woman Journal as a forum for concerns and information sharing. It was also felt necessary to produce a Women's Directory for distribution in NWO. BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN INCLUDING REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES Short-term stratege to have workshops for health personnel, including doctors, on women's health issues. Long-term strategies included lobbing for "well-women" clinics and trying to organize more self help groups. LACK OF DENTAL/M.D.'S AND OTHER PRO' FESSIONALS IN THE REGION. In Thunder Bay there is a supportive list of physicians etc. at the Northern Women's Centre. Again the women felt that organizing selff help groups around our concerns was essential. HOW TO REACH WOMEN WHO ARE HARD TO REACH OR JUST MOVED INTO A NEW SMALL I I TOWN? Short-term strategies discussed included having women's workshops and making available other educational material to hospitals and schools. As well should try to organize a drop-in-centre, with wellwomen's clinics to meet their needs. GENERAL SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS - Dryden, Ignace, Red Lake women offered to organize a Northern Ont. Women's Conference. - Confederation College is arranging courses/workshops or a conference for Women and Mental Health. Contact Shelly Corvino (344-6029) or Ruth Cunningham (1-800-465-6961) at the College. Northeralio, WELL WOMEN cont'd from page 1 We cannot succeed in this struggle of freedom for all, if women break into separate groups blaming personality differences on politics. We are all unique, we women are all needed. We can learn and become stronger together especially when we realize our support and action depends on our future on this planet. I said at the conference I believe being a woman is a creative process. I am changing. I learned we must learn to articulate, to speak up, and to speak together about our concerns; we do not have to be apart from each other. Our networking in the north has expanded, we do battle with distance and the weather that isolates us from one another. But not the MAIL. Thanks to Susan who shared her collective spirit and Wendo strength. To Jolcelyn who introduces me to francofemme experience. To Barbara who came all the way from Newfoundland. To Sylvia who shared her photographic skills To Lorainne who affirmed my conviction and self-worth re family planning needs To Nancy who shared my table pounding enthusiasm for Mary O'Brien speech and every woman I continue to share and grow with daily. What a boost--and just think the government even helped in a way, for THUNDER BOLT To Mickey Hennessy (MLA for Fort William) who told Sheila Copps (member for Hamilton Centre) to "go back to the kitchen" and later commented "It's better than telling her to go back to the washroom...I was trying to be a gentleman." EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Northwestern Ontario Women's Centre is forming an Education Committee. The purpose will be to set up an education award to be presented to a woman from Northwestern Ontario aspiring to post-secondary education. Anyone interested in sitting on the Committee please call the Women's Centre (34507802), or Viola Nikkila (983-2072) and leave your name and number. Volunteers will also be needed to help with fund raising. DonatIons aril.$ Led. be-sviliftWOMPOPPUN If you are interested in becoming involved, then please do! My feminism is strengthened. My belief that our pesonal health is political stands firm. /T4e Cowoe....5 LC,56140441km: a Simple 'rack ;4.1 Ay =To Nestkil Emo1erp.caaloiattrmi4le4? once. Northern Woman page PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor 5 �'A Rose By Any Other Name By JOYCE DUNN "Do what I'd like to know!" Mark muttered darkly. These outbursts occured more and more frequently these days, but in the last two years the larger battles had been won. "I'm needed at the center" There she had done it, put her work first. Mark did not say anything. Joan got up to clear the table; she turned briefly and caught sight of Mark's profile, clean cut and young despite his 39 years. He suddenly looked very vulnerable. She resisted the impulse to go over to him, put her arms around him and say: "Oh Mark darling, I'll come". She felt as if she was in a high wind. She held onto the counter. She helped him select the food for the two weeks' trip. He had come to lean on her for the catering on their trips and she found, to her amazement, that he was like a child in her hands. No longer the master, but the one dependent on her knowledge. They went on a little trip up one of the local lakes with the canoe before he left on his wilderness trip. "I'm going to miss my cook" was the remark he often made as she managed to hustle up good meals over the open fire. Panic caught at her throat: "How would he manage?" She had made him her whole life for these last seven years: "He has been my child" she suddenly realized. "Won't be the same without you" he flung over his shoulder as they tramped through the bush. a nsion MI e was nervous, he had never been Mar "And why in the hell not, I'd like away on a trip such as this -- two to know! I'm not asking you to come on weeks in the North with two other guys the canoe trip, but just to come up to and their sons. "You'll enjoy it" she the park, north of Prince George!" said with the forced cheerfulness she he thundered, his usual calm disturbed would adopt with a child. Again, a by her quiet assertiveness, adding child. Had she spoilt him to the point hastily: "The other women are coming where now, he could not bear to be withwith us as far as the starting point." out her? "Well, there are enough of them. She washed his clothes, remembered You don't need me". small items he would need, the gratitude "I'm not having anyone else driving in his eyes, like a knife in her heart. my truck but you. You know how I feel She was measuring out flour, baking about that. I need you to drive the powder and salt for his bannock when truck to the other end of the lake he volunteered ominously: "Just finafter we put the canoes in the lake" ished reading an article on Grizzlies She took a deep breath and let the --- a lot of them up North, I guess" words out slowly, quietly, as Mark as he passed her in the kitchen carrywould, God knows she had heard this ing his wet-suit and life-jacket out tone coming from him often enough. to the camper-truck in the car-port. "Brenda will have to do it. Sorry, but My God! What if ... But she could I can't spare the time. I have too feel Diana close beside her, with her much to do." mocking smile: "He'll manage kid, don't you worry." Joan brought herself up sharply. She had managed these long years, the remark tossed at her many times: "I'm going, I'd like you to come." It had always been a statement, not a suggestion, a power-stroke she always picked up, received meekly and abided by. Showered, his face boyish from the recent shave, Mark emerged from their bedroom on the morning of his departure. "Well, I guess that's it" he said, and he added with a smile: " "Don't take any wooden nickels" He hugged her hard. She followed him out to the car-port. The hot, sultry air was pungent with the smell of the pulp-mill, the stack high up on the hill, visible on brighter days with its plume of smoke and steam, now just a dim black stem hidden by its own disgorge, as it enclosed the city in the still air. She walked back into the kitchen. On the table she saw a note scribContinued from last issue bled in haste by Diana before she left. Joan picked it up and read: "There's a whole world out there Joan. She heard Diana let herself out and Become a part of it. You can always She close the door softly behind her. reach me at this number", this last felt she had been battered, tossed in item on the note, written boldly in an unwelcome sea of emotions she had large numbers. kept at bay for so long... Hard sobs That was two years ago. She had shook her body, releasing the pent up come a long way since then, breaking emotions she had kept so tightly locked away, asserting herself, bolstered, for those seven long years, her low, from the meetings as she listened to convulsed cries echoeing strangely in other women who had come down the the orderly quiet suburban house. same path -- some far more terrifyThe sobbing subdued, she sat on the ing than hers as they emerged from couch and stared at the immaculate alchololism, physical batterings, all brick fire-place, empty hands palms up. victims of the non-status of woman. Empty hands; hands which no longer reDiana, Joan soon found out, steertrieved toys; picked up; fondled; cared her fragile frame into life's ressed. The pain, dppressive, enveloped heart of darkness, her large, coalher once again and the flood of despair black eyes seeking out the social took her down to the mouth of the dark ills of the big city, her sharp arrtunnel she never dared to enter. The ows aimed at the condition of batterpsychiatrist had told her that she ed children. must face up to it, walk the length of With horrified amazement Joan the dark tunnel, to find the light. listened to the fate of these childShe always turned away, searching for ren; children in institutions and the escape from herself, the emptiness. treatment some of them received from "She's gone Joan. You must come to the bored personnel; the modern Oliver terms with that" Mark had said. "Come Twists of to-day's society; the bad on girl, face it". But she never had, little boy who had spat in his neighat first keeping the little room intact, bour's dish, the attendi ng correctvisiting the shrine of cot and toys ive treatment meted out to him; to with loving, macabre faithfulness. eat his meal after all the other child"Just a small infection Mrs. Desmond ren had spat in his food... nothing more" the doctor had said, with "I'm not coming with you Mark. a pat on her arm: "Not to worry". The You'll have to make other arrangeterrible fever had abated, she had ments". thought, and she had dropped off to comes from staying up all night, where indeed, her hands like "generators" had squeezed the cold clothes, wiping the plump, hot little body with cooling bed baths; to wake up to a limp, subdued little patient, who never woke up from her troubled, fevpred sleep. She had fallen asleep! How could she? Curled up on the couch, she entered the tunnel and walked the length of it, reliving that night; sparing herself nothing; her mind's eye searching out every detail; assessing once again what could have been done, what was not done. The doctor should have ordered the child into the hospital; he should have made that decision... They had moved, changed address, selecting this house at the other end of town. But it was just a house, its emptiness greeting her with cold appraisal,-a match for her barrenness. "Nothing to worry about my dear" the doctor had said, "Just a matter of time". But time, like a thief, had robbed her of these vital, youthful years and now she was 36, and still childless. She had not taken to drink, taken pills, vented her despair on Mark. She had simply shut her sorrow out and walked around in the emptiness, filling it with the tasks at hand, throwing herself into the social and sporting whirl which Mark established for both of them. Like an empty vessel, she simply did as she was told and, except for her moments of quiet solitude; of escape, she drifted...until to-day. A pale sun broke through the clouds a shaft of light reaching her across the rug. She felt drained and yet less empty, the memory of Diana's eyes with their warmth and understanding, the light at the end of the tunnel. PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern''Woffian page .'6 cont'd on page 11 I. �UPDATE by JOan Baril FEMINIST STAMPS Four new Canadian stamps graced wits the strong lovely honest faces of four early feminists went on sale recently. The four women honoured are: Henrietta Edwards, Louise McKinney, Idola Sainte- Mrs. Trott caused a second row A CRIME AGAINST SOCIETY Jean and Emily Stowe. when she returned April 22 with forty Edwards, as a twenty-six year old Society has given husbands perother nursing women for a 'nurse-in". mission to use violence against their Montreal woman, helped start the "WorkThis time, however, no one protested. club for wives; many men have taken advantage FtniNStoweing Girls Association", a In fact there was considerable support of the situation. women which offered rooms and meals, from the public. But we can stop wife battering classes, a reading room and company. The organizers of the "nurse-in" says a recent brief to the Ontario Edwards became an expert on laws affwants nursing mothers out of the public government from the Ontario Status ecting women and children,and along toilets and into society. Yes indeed. of Women Council. Simply recognize with Louise McKinney was one of the wife assault as a crime against soc"famous five" who initiated the iety, a crime equally as serious as postAzc Persons Case. pozte 17suffragist and violence against strangers. McKinney, an ardent The Council rejects the so-called temperance worker was the first woman "multi-facet" model which erects a Member of a legislature when she won Louise McKinney ': complex of interwoven causes to exa seat in Alberta in 1917. plain wife-battering. This model points For twenty years, Idola Saint-Jean to economic causes, educational rebattled in the most difficulat and asons, medical theories, psychiatric vitriolic suffrage campaign waged in problems, legal complexities, histCanada - the fight for the Quebec orical models, cultural norms etc. and provincial vote which was not won unclaims that all these problems must til 1940. 17 be solved, and simultaneously too, be- CANADA poster Dr. Stowe is the Ontario representfore we can make any headway at all. ative among the four. She was Canada's But the Council has cut to the first woman doctor although she had to heart of the matter. Recognize battergo to the States to get her training. ing as a crime, it says: Let the reWhen she returned in 1868, she disporting of wife assault be made mancovered how difficult it was to get a datory as is child abuse. Allow the licence. So she simply practiced withvictim to "lay an information" on the of the out one. Stowe was a leader spot, not the next day. Protect her first women's group who started the against further abuse before the trial. suffrage organization in Canada. The report also deals with prevenIt is good to see these women retion, police attitudes, hostels and menbered-they have been overlooked Henrietta Edwards safe houses. Available for reading and almost forgotten in the pages of Women's Centre at Confederation College Canadian history. Such a presentation and. Northern Women's Centre 316 Bay St. is long overdue. In our culture, history-making is seen as the work of the FIRST WOMAN SURGEON DIES male while women's historical struggle: are viewed as marginal achievements. This winter, Dr. Jennie Smillie Our streets, parks, public buildings Robertson, the first woman surgeon in commemorate male history-makers. Isn't Canada died at 103. it time we righted the balance, and Dr. Robertson, like all Canada's named our streets, parks and public early woman doctors, encountered one MISSIONARIES TO THE MORMONS places saluting our early feminists barrier after another in order to bewho irrevocably changed history for come a doctor. After she graduated us and our daughters? in 1910, she discovered she could not The American National Organization PARANOIA get surgical training in Toronto. She for Women (NOW) has not given up the had to go to Philadelphia where a fight for the Equal Rights Amendment - paranoia about office automation woman surgeon gave her the required and it is prepared to carry the fight arrived just in time for National course. Back home in Toronto, the into the heart of the opposition, the Secretaries Week. Thirty-four percent local hospitals refused to give her state of Utah and the influential of working women in Canada are cleroperating priveliges. So, the first Mormon church, which has always oppical workers and some people predict operation by a woman doctor in Canada osed ERA on the grounds that it is a the microelectronics revolution will was done on a kitchen table in the threat to the family. bring mass unemployment to women. patient's home; it was the removal of NOW is training missionaries, all West German Labour leaders are talkan ovarian tumor. volunteers, who will travel at their ing about a possible loss of two The women doctors of Toronto, in- own expense to go out in pairs, knock million clerical jobs out of five cluding Robertson, became convinced on doors and politely explain the million. In Canada, Heather Menzies' that the only way to break the male three sentences that comprise ERA. study for the Institute for Research stranglehold on medical facilities The missionary idea is an old 19th and Public Policy predicts a loss of was to found their own hospital. This Century suffragist tactic. The first one million clerical jobs by 1990. they did; and in 1911, Women's College feminists sent caravans to the West But, she says, new jobs of a more Hospital opened its doors in a rentedto talk to women about the suffrage. professional nature will be created. house on Seaton Street. Later a per- Ironically Utah was one of the first However, she contends, it is unlikely manent building was built on the pre-states to recognize the right of women that firms will give secretaries the sent site on Grenville Street. to vote. training to fill the new positions. Doctor Smillie Robertson was chief The deadline for the approval of - paranoia emerged over the future of gynecology there for many years. ERA is June 30, 1982. Thirty-Eight of abortion in the U.S. Canadian prostates are required to amend the Amerchoice advocates have not been well NURSING MOTHER GETS AGGRESSIVE ican constitution; 35 have ratified organized outside of the Toronto area, the proposal so far. perhaps because they know they can Bravo Jennifer Trott who "caused a count on abortion facilities available ;row" at Toronto's Cumberland Terrace across the border. shopping mall on April 9 when she was Now legislation is before the Amordered to leave her booth at an anerican Congress that would give an tique show because of a complaint that unborn fetus the same constitutional C she was breastfeeding. rights as those already born. The find It all started when a boutique 11 Cont'd page 14 owner, Rozsika Antel, called out in a she's breastfeedloud voice: "Oh God, Northern Woman page 7 ing, what kind of pig would do that?" Mrs. Trott retorted "Don't talk to me like that. This is your hang-up, not mine". According to manager Raymond Wolf, Mrs. Trott became "very loud, Bravo, Mrs. Trott! very arrogant". -,` CANADA * 141' It: PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �WOMEN-RELATED WOMEN Lesbianism is viewed as an alternative lifestyle by women whose primary and emotional feelings are fulfilled by other women and not by men. Lesbianism exists and always has existed among all peoples, in all parts of the world, at all historical times. The term lesbian has a historical tradition stemming from the days of the poet Sappho, who, 2600 years ago, wrote odes celebrating love between women on the Isle of Lesbos. Homosexuality is an emotional disposition which leads to close and intimate contact between people of the same sex, a contact which may or may not be expressed sexually. Women-related women, a term used by Barbara Ponse, describes women who relate sexually and/or emotionally to women, who feel identified with Such women may define them women. selves in several different ways: as lesbian, bisexual, heterosexual, lesbian celibate, or sexual. The term was developed to encompass the variety of relations among activity and identity in the lesbian world. Lesbian describes a total lifestyle and solidarity with the women's community. Charlotte Wolff stated in her book "Love Between Women", that lesbian feelings have two distinct features: their highly aesthetic quality and reverence for beauty, and their intense emotionality. I spoke with several women who had chosen to live with and love other Despite society's condemnation women. they chose to follow their own way, fulfilling their own happiness. These women crossed all religious, ethnic, social, political, and economic levels. They were as varied as any minority group - it is society who tends to stereotype and pidgeonhole subgroups intense emotionality Lesbian relationships are characterized by their emotionality and There is a sharing of the equality. traditional roles and an openness in their communication. Commitment is similar to a heterosexual marriage. Dolores Klaich wrote, "...Lesbianism is a way of loving, a natural possibility,...it can be a matter of joy, of mutual growth, of constructive human interaction." Unfortunately, this natural loving has meant a life of isolation, secreThere is cy and fear of discovery. a need to lead a double life in order to protect one's self from discrimination and ostracism. Radclyffe Hall once stated, "...that the suffering... was due.to.society's condemnation, to its inability to recognize that these women comprised a section of humanity, a special section, to be sure, but one that was as valuable as any other." . Most had had relationships with men, and many had been married. Several had children, and were now experiencing the single-parent role or were sharing the responsibility with a female 'step-parent'. There was no aversion or hatred expressed towards men. Men were seen as companions or friends. These women preferred the closer relationships they experienced with other women. How does a lesbian relationship compare with a heterosexual one? Like all relationships, it depends upon the people involved. Womenrelated women emphasize the intense emotionality of their relationships. Women have always been more emotional than men. It is obvious how dynamic a relationship would be between They expressed how much easier women. it is to understand their partner's feelings, and how much easier it is to share their own. Communication with their partners. This brought them closer than the average heterosexual couple. Sexually, the equality and mutuality was evident by the non-presence of a dominant or aggressor role. Either partner could initiate (without fear of threatening the male ego. There was a high degree of satisfaction in their sexual relationships for who could better know and understand a woman's pleasure than another woman? The main drawback of their lifestyle was the overt discrimination expressed by society. These negativ attitudes encroach the basic human They are rights of the homosexual. denied the right to live and lead a normal life just because one aspect of their lives differ from the norm. The uproar society shows towards the homosexual is based only on their sexual inclination, an inclination which belongs in the realm of priva affairs. But despite society's attack, th women-related women preferred their lifestyle to conforming and being Like anyone, they only unhappy. wish to be themselves and live thei lives without condemnation. is open and honest and expressed beyond the mere verbal conversation. Because both partners are women, there seems to be a deeper level of interaction. Attraction 4EXIIIME111111:111, A lesbian is WAN-IDENTiFiED W49/Mairi whoss neecs as, most 6r1pLET.Lf satisfied carol arber MBA Equality and mutuality are also important aspects of a lesbian relationship. There is a sharing of the traditional roles and decisionmaking, something very rare in heterosexual relationships. There is also a more inclusive interaction with others. Instead of the usual "out with the boys" men, the women-related women a moment in passing when across a room eyes meet and hold in brief recognition of the attraction heartfelt passion for another woman. Viola Nikkila shared common interests and activities PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman page 8 �he chased hen down the subway grabbed hen arm tone hen dress had hen beg bon mercy then denied it. he te6t het cnying in dankness, broken beyond tepain. he would have thrown hen on the tracks but decided she wasn't worth the e66oAt. Viota Nikkita damn sate cornet whore gagging cabs Nothing is thyming, ti6e has .last its poetry at teast to my ttoubted eat. CAippted by opinion ha/messed with guilt, my thoughts cannot dwelt in the enigma of you. I am a victim oi the power o6 the notm. with ctimson scatli waving buses with open heart winks and smites sttoking thighs throaty putts guttutat sighs civet weighed oven made oven worked undetpaid. Shatyt Thompson Watts 66 Miht0A.Z Viota Nikkita Remembers the 4unhouse? Being so smatt? Battening Those crazy minors The S,tats ate tetting U4 the ptince is dangerous a Loaded gun without a wan to go to. changed out outtines titt we had no shape. We Laughed at the in6inite maze and onty got angry at the absence o6 an exit. He stitt insists he is the Ptince and can tide MitAoAed statues marked ouA time, with obstactes you tried to kick around and dead ends that kept me hugging watts his houe without a saddte. He wiZt smash out 6aces i6 the market ptace tetts him he is onty human We Looked sot 6Aeedom in di66etent ways. He does not joust with otheA4 above his station as once he did, to win The miAnots 6Aowned in glass -eyed tesistance. a .lady's liavout Rosalyn Tayton Pettett with a .lance his .love is his excuse Got viotence You weak you& insecutity he must be Leaned by someone he can &as.hing .loudly with you& cootness, switching statements with the dupticity that 6ashion nuttutes' using itivotity as a nancotic to anesthetize out mind and deaden those demons that want to know why. handle. The padded cett o6 home the hain txiggek ter\ oti tettot, is the tast stand ShaAyt Thompson o6 ego we have the scats to prove it. The Ptoduct Gent Beadte I've been that mound o6 clay that sits on the potter's wheet Shaped and spun by society's tAained hands My ego sponged and wetted down by buteauctatic what-not. I am a 6inished ptoduct Ptopenty glazed -oven and painted Sitting on my designated sket6 o6 ti6e - my station 6itm - static To be purchased by a mate customer The end - to sit and decorate his mantte! B. McCoutt AAIW, POET RY SUBMISSIONS REQUESTED PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman page 9 �WOMEN IN TRADES A PIECE OF THE PIE THE HAMILTON CONFERENCE Having just returned from the Women in Trades conference in Hamilton, I am filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the future of women! The purpose of the conference was to bring women in non-traditional jobs together to share problems; form a network and establish a strategy for action on concerns. Being trained as a heavy duty equipment mechanic and having difficulty getting a job, I was thrilled to meet these fascinating women in non-traditional jobs who had made it. For example: - a car mechanic who started at fifteen as a welder, worked in auto body with her brothers and now works as the only female mechanic in a shop of 60 men. - a Bell employee who installs business phones for large companies and worked her way up (to $25,000/yr) and is president of her union local. - a machinist at Stelco with six years of university, one year of college who works in the open hearth furnace pushing 500 tons of steel out at a shot. - an appliance repair person who now runs her own business and wants to form a women's collective of tradeswomen. - a welder who is a single parent, got off of welfare, and is now one of three women (with 175 men) welders at her plant. - an electrician apprentice at Griffith Mines in Red Lake who works by with six other women in non-traditional jobs. These women are some of those who formed an Ontario-wide Women in Trades and Industry (WITAI) group as a result of this conference. The BATTLES against discrimination, job ghettoes and lack of access to skills training for women are still being waged. Unions and our fellow male workers have generally been supportive but it is more important that we support each other. More on this movement in future issues! If you are interested in a career in the trades or in WITAI write Danalyn MacKinnon at the Journal. (P.S. Thank you to NWDIWDCC (Decade Council) for making it possible for me to go.) It is apparent from the results o a recently released report, Women's Work: The Northwestern Ontario Case that the women of NWO still struggle in the slavery of low-paying, poor advancement job ghettoes. The report, co-ordinated by the Economic Development Committee of the NWO International Women's Decade Council gives statistical evidence of the oppression and misery of women in N.W. Ontario. The study was compiled from quest ionnaires answered by women in eight communities: Atikokan, Fort Frances Kenora, Dryden, Red Lake, Terrace Ba and Sioux Lookout. From the response the composite woman of NWO is likely to: have grade 12 education or less (62.8), work in a sales or clerical job (51.6%), and make less than $11,000 (68%) per year. If she has children she is more likely to work part-time. The university or college educated woman, while more like to seek paid work, suffers high unemployment or under-employment. Men tend to concentrate in both ends of the educational spectrum, more with an elementary education less Gr. 12 grads and more universit' grads than women. Wages show that 22.4% of the men earn less than $13,000, 44.2% earn between $13,000 and $20,000, and 33% earn more than $20,000 per year. The men were dispersed over a wide range of occupations with the largest number in crafts and trades (29.1%) and genera] labour (15%). cont'd page 13 Something...from page 4 make some kind of decision. I did a lot of sleeping and staring into spate. I did confront some things, however, and did come to the conclusion that I did have a choice and I could leave and still survive. When I went back I told him I was going to leave him if he did not stop drinking. Many times in the past I had blamed alcohol for a lot of our problems and this constituted a large part of our arguments, but I had never said STOP DRINKING or I am going to leave you. 1 I really knew I meant it this time, previously, I would say that I couldn't take it and that I was leaving. More often his response was to shape up or get out. We had never taken each other seriously. After this demand I was half way there, although I didn't leave for another five months. During this time I think he didn't stop drinking. that I was partly in a state of shock. Things just seemed to roll along while I really couldn't believe what was happening. I got a separation agreement and made arrangements to move almost as If I didn't have the power to stop what I had put in motion. Strangely enough, I think that's the way I felt when I got married. I had done some planning about I knew I where I was going to live. u1(] have a better chance of making on my own if.I had my own place. I had saved enough money for a down payment on a house. I had been saving during the previous six years. It seems that for some time I had been unconsciously preparing to leave. I also believed I had a right to be just as comfortable as he was. D: For myself, I had 24 hours to think about my decision while returning by train from my wilderness experience. I slept well and felt very comfortable with my decision. Mostly, I feared backing down and I managed to talk myself into not doing that. I was happy, enthusiastic and scared "shitless" all at the same time. I told him in a bar. He was shocked. He was convinced that I'd come back all for our marriage, that I'd decide to stick it out and work at it. He thought my decision reflected a lack of commitment on my part. He was shattered. Q: Did you continue to do what he demanded of you before your decision? D: Yes, I guess I did. I felt very motherly towards him. I told him what to do: to move to Ottawa, to live in a communal house so he would not be alone. I moved to Toronto and stayed at a friends for two months. Then I found a five bedroom house which I shared with four other women. Living in Toronto was a good, positive experience for me. I felt happy and depressed at the same time. I worked out a lot of emotions I had.been repressing for a long time. I felt guilty because I was responsible for my husband's dilema. But when I think about it, I can't be responsible for another person's feelings, only for my own. Being in a new and foreign environment forced me to use another level of consciousness to help me survive. Circumstances, co-incidences, people I needed to run into, all came at the right times. I didn't conscious- ly seek them out. They just happenea All of a sudden, this new person me - began to get acquainted. All my experiences were positive, except for my attempts at relationships with other men. I maintained my decision. I was going through with this no matter what happened. People can't believe that I was once married. M: That's true for me too. We don't fit the stereotype anymore. It's because we're not caught up with what all men want. They seem to want this mythical woman, a marvelous composite of all the perfect women they idealize rolled into one superwoman. I felt bad during our marriage that I couldn't live up to this expectation. But when I learned to stop feeling that way, my husband couldn't hurt me in the same way. Marriage is an institution that benefits the male. The woman is the giver, the nurturer, the one to hold it all to-gether, and when something goes wrong, it's seen as her fault. D: He expected me to be this strong, independent woman who was emotionally self -sufficient. When I needed support, he looked down on me as being weak and inferior. He refused to help me out. Maybe he didn' know how to be a nurturer. Q: Diane, why after five years of being with this man, did you decide to get married? D: It was the next, most logical thing to do. We asked ourselves, wel what's next? Marriage. So let's get married. Also, there was a strong push from both our families. Living together was tolerated but it wasn't morally right. cont'd page 13 PDF compression, OCR,page web10optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman �WHY I WANT A WIFE by Judy Syfers I belong to that classification I am A of people known as wives. Wife. And, not altogether incidentally, I am a mother. Not too long ago a male friend of mine appeared on the scene from the Midwest fresh from a recent divorce. He had one child, who is, of course, with his ex-wife. He is obviously As I looking for another wife. thought about him while I was ironing one evening, it suddenly occurred to me that I, too, would like Why do I want a wife? to have a wife. I would like to go back to school so that I can become economically independent, support myself and, if need be support those dependent upon I want a wife who will work and me. send me to school. And while I am going to school I wait a wife to take care of my children. I want a wife to keep track of the children's doctor and dentist appointments. And to keep track of mine, too. I want a wife who will wash the children's clothes and keep them mended. I want a wife who is a good nurturant attendant to my children, arranges for 4 A ROSE...from page 6 ' The thick air clung to them. Mark looked over in the direction of the mill: "What a stench!" "Well, you're getting away from it. No smoke-stack where you're going". She knew as soon as she said it that she was testing him. But the obvious reply did not come. Instead, he reached over and, plucking a small red rose from the trellis along the carte port wall, he handed it to her with a smile and said gently: "Wear this rose girl, it will dispel the smell". He hugged her again looking at her, it occurred to her for the first time, with different eyes: "Don't work too hard at the centre" he tossed out as he climbed in the truck. She watched the truck with the canoe on top of the camper go down the street. A small spot of fear and guilt nudged her consciousness. Did he have enough food? Did she pack enough socks for him? What if he became ill? What happened in a case like that, up there in the Northern wilderness, away from civilization? She could hear the telephone ring. It was Diana at the other end. "Joan we need you, could you come down as soon as possible, so much to do before the conference to-night." A hot wind had sprung up, the clatter of tins and the flurry of bits of paper from an overturned garbage-can lending a demented air to the quiet residential street. Standing on the doorstep, Joan tucked the rose into the lapel of her linen jacket as she checked around at her house, to see if all the windows were closed. She glanced up at the kitchen window, to make sure it was securely fastened and in doing so noticed that the spider's web had been torn apart by the wind, its shreds dangling in scattered threads along the ledge. Bringing the lapel of her coat to her face, she breathed in deeply the heavy scent of the rose and, picking her way accross the street through the waltzing papers and drifting cartons, she headed for the Women's Center. their schooling, makes sure that they have adequate social life with their peers, takes them to the park, the zoo, etc. I want a wife who takes care of the children when they are sick, a wife who arranges to be around when the children need special care, because, of course, I cannot miss classes at school. My wife must arrange to lose time at work and not It may mean a small lose the job. cut in my wife's income from time to time, but I guess I can tolerate that. Needless to say, my wife will arrange and pay for the care of the children while my wife is working. I want a wife who will take care of my physical needs. I want a wife who will keep my house clean. A wife who will pick up after my children, a wife who will pick up after me. I want a wife who will keep my clothes clean, ironed, mended, replaced when need be, and who will see to it that my personal things are kept in their proper place so that I can find what I need the minute I need it. I want a wife who cooks the meals, a wife who is a good cook. I want a wife who will plan the menues, do the necessary grocery shopping, prepare the meals, serve them pleasantly, and then do the cleaning up while I do my studying. I want a wife who will care for me when I am sick and sympathize with my pain and loss of time from school. I want a wife to go along when our family takes a vacation so that someone can continue to care for me and my children when I need a rest and a change of scene. I want a wife who will not bother wife's duties. But I want a wife who will listen to me when I feel the need to explain a rather difficult point I have come across in my course of studies. And I want a wife who will type my papers for me when I have written them. I want a wife who will take care of the details of my social life. When my wife and I are invited out by my friends, I want a wife who will take care of the babysitting arrangements. When I meet people at school that I like and want to entertain, I want a wife who will have the house clean, will prepare a special meal, serve it to me and my friends, and not interrupt when I talk about the things that interest me and my friends. I want a wife who will have arranged that the children are fed and ready for bed before my guests arrive so that the children do not bother us. I want a wife who takes care of the needs of my guests so that they feel comfortable, who makes sure that they have an ashtray, that they are passed the hor d'oeuvres, that they are offered a second helping of the food, that their wine glasses are replenished when necessary, that their coffee is served to them as they like And I want a wife who knows that it. sometimes I need a night out by myself. I want a wife who is sensitive to my sexual needs, a wife who makes love passionately and eagerly when I feel like it, a wife who makes sure that I am satisfied. And, of course, I want a wife who will not demand sexual attention when I am not in the mood for it. I want a wife who assumes the complete responsibility for birth -control, because I do not want I want a wife who will more children. remain sexually faithful to me so that I do not have to clutter up my intellectual life with jealousies. And I want a wife who understands that my sexual needs may entail more than strict adherence to I must, after all, be able monogamy. to relate to people as fully as possible. If, by chance, I find another person more suitable as a wife than the wife I already have, I want the liberty to replace my present wife with another one. Naturally, I will expect a fresh, new life; my wife will take the children and be solely responsible for them so that I am left free. When I am through with school and have acquired a job, I want my wife to quit working and remain at home so that my wife can more fully and completely take care of a wife's duties. My God, who wouldn't want a wife? HEALTH WANTED Breast cancer strikes 1 in every 13 women--yet survival rates have not improved since 1930. Hong Kong, Japan, Canada and 8 * other industrial nations have lower maternal and infant death rates than * the U.S. Birth control pills and IUDs * which first appeared as "breaking to thousands of women. Each year thousands of women dev* elop endometrial cancer from taking menopausal estrogen drugs they don't need. Women over 65 suffer from diabetes, bone fractures, arthritis and malnutrition more so than men. Yet little research is done on older women's health needs. Luna Sponges Ltd. is no longer in * business due to imposed government regulations which restrict the selling of natural sponges as replacements for tampons. You can purchase any natural sponges at health stores and design--cut your own to fit. 21 women took part in one healthy * * WENN weekend recently in Thunder Bay. WENDO - women's self-defense (it means women's way) teaches alternatives and an understanding of attack situations, whereby women gain an important sense of self-confidence If you want further and self-power. information write Donna Phoenix at Northern Woman Journal, 316 Bay St. Thunder Bay. end PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman page 11 �IT LIES IN OUR LANGUAGE ...the word family, which comes from the Latin famulus, meaning a servant or slave, is a reminder that wives and children, along with servants, were historically part of a men's property ...American feminist Lucy Stone, whose decision to keep her birth name when she married Henry Blackwell in 1855 created consternation on both sides of the Atlantic. Her explanation, "My name is the symbol of my identity and must not be lost." ...designations like "Mrs. John Jones does not go back much before 1800. Martha Washington was not addressed "Mrs. George Washington",at that time the written abbreviation Mrs., a social title applied to any adult woman, was used interchangeably with its spelled-out form mistress and was probably pronounced the same way. "Mistress George" would have made little sense. By the beginning of the nineteenth century titles were beginning to be used to identify marital status. No comprehensive study has been made of what prompted this change, but the timing strongly suggests a connection with women's increasing participation in the Industrial Revolution. Once women gained a measure of independence as paid laborers, the ties which identified her as a daughter wife/mother were obscured and loosened. Men could not tell by looking to whom she "belonged" or whether she was "available". Under these circumstances a simple means of distinguishing married from unmarried women was needed ...when Miss, previously used to mean female children, was attached to anyone over the age of about eighteen, Miss came in time to suggest the unattractive or socially undesirable qualities associated with such labels as "old maid" and "spinster". The needs of patriarchy were served when a woman's availability for her primary role as helper and sexual partner was made an integral part of her identity--in effect, a part of her name ...the abbreviation Ms. has been around as a title of courtesy since the 1940s, but it was largely unused until the growth of direct mail selling made the abbreviation an effective time and money saver, and a significant number of women began to object to being labeled according to their (presumed) marital status. The opposition to Ms. has been intense and emotional. The arguments that it cannot be pronounced, that it has an ugly sound, or that it is not a true abbreviation are often offered with a vehemence not justified by their merit. Is it possible to tell by looking at Mr. and Mrs. that they are pronounced mister and missiz? Is the sibilant in Ms. any more disagreeable to the ear than the hiss in Miss? For sheer silliness of sound one would be hard pressed to beat the long-accepted plural form of Mr. commonly if inelegantly pronounced messers. ...that it is custom and not legally necessary for a woman to take -her husband's surname when she marries from Words and Women -- New Language in New Times by Casey Miller and Kate Swift PAINTINGS BY HEATHER BISHOP WHAT'S NEW WITH N,O,W,? NOTICE FROM PEARL RECORDS Ever wanted to buy an original painting but your place is too small? Or, who's got that kind of money anyBecause we've received a number of requests we decided to sell full colour prints of six of Heather's favourite paintings. The prints themselves are in the 8"x10" vicinity with a 12"x16" matt. If you are familiar with Heather's album covers you'll know what the colours are like. These matted prints are avialable for $25.00 each plus $2.00 for postage and mailer. To order, drop a line Heather Bishop to: Mother of Pearl Records Woodmore, Man., ROA 2Mo (2:15 11 sense- of common nePag and effort-4- *outgo ) copies of RISING @ $5.00 each Please send me ( ), Enclosed is a cheque or money order for ( which includes postage, payable to: NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL, 316 Bay St., Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 1S1 111414 by Sara Williamson Some of you attended or heard reports of the Northern Ontario Women's (NOW) Conference held last November in Kirkland Lake and in Sudbury the previous two years. The purpose was to bring women together from across Northern Ontario to strengthen a way? 3 DID YOU K3Ott ? Name Organization Address Please note this book is available to women's groups giinizations at the price of $3.50 for10 or more copies. francophone women and native women as well as non-native, anglophone women participated. Plans for a NOW Conference next November hit several snags. a) No one appeared to be available to co-ordinate a steering committee b) It was hard to find a community with women who felt prepared to host such a conference. c) Some past participants questioned treking across the province to attend workshops. They thought that if held just for northeast or northwest it would be better focused on local needs. Also, with a relatively smaller territory it would be possible to involve more women at less travel cost. This would mak it possible to develop more links among women in the same neck of the woods. Women in Dryden, Ignace, Red Lake, Thunder Bay, Hearst and Sudbury are talking among themselves and with Secretary of State field staff trying to come up with the most useful organizing structure. Hopefully, directions will be formulated by the end of May. We can all benefit from the knowledge, resources and contacts developed by women's groups working from Sudbury and Thunder Bay as well as the smaller towns. And these larger centres learn'a lot from the experiences of women in the small comffunities. The total input builds our sense of identity as a geographic and cultural community of Northern Ontario women. We shouldn't just wait for conferences. When travelling through Northern Ont. we can look up active sisters in other centres and of course while at home we can write to and read the Northern Woman Journal. Nortern Woman page 12optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor PDF compression, OCR, web �and political patterns in N.W.O. and demand input into future development. Should we retract from this responsibility, we damn our daughters to a future of dependence, subjugation, poverty and second class citizenship. The time to grab a piece of the pie is NOW! For more information on Women's Work: The Northwestern Ontario Case contact L. Untinen R.R. 16 Mitchell Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario (807) 683-5236 PIE..from page 10 Conceivably then, a male student from elementary school could step into a $9.00 per hour job at the local mill while a female grade 12 graduate goes to work at the local department store for minimum wage. But women don't really want to work, right? They'll get married and their husbands will 'care' for them right? Wrong. We can no longer live on the romantic myth that a White Knight will take care of us and whisk us to the top of the economic ladder, In rescue, we abdicate any power or control. We have a right to work and according to Canadian Labour Congress statistics, we must. Single women make up 30% of women in the labour force, 33% have husbands who earn less than $10,000 per year and 9% are widowed or divorced. In N.W.O. the highest participation rates were for divorced and separated women (90%) and single women (82.5%). Northwestern Ontario is characterized by resource-based single industry towns. How have the educational institutions prepared women to enter these local, good paying employment sectors? The Decade Council study indicates that women are willing to train and work in non-traditional jobs. With the shortage of skilled tradespeople in Northwestern Ontario and Ontario generally, industry and government should discern the benefits of having a skilled labour pool, in N.W.O. to encourage prospective industries to locate here. The resource riches of our area have filled the pockets of companies for years. Our tax dollars are used to subsidize the modernization and pollution clean-up expenditures of these giants. As N.W.O. develops, as indeed it will, we must make it plain that the Northern Woman, who has pioneered this region and built these communities, deserves the first fruits of this labour. The government must actively initiate an affirmative action program in N.W.O. - link money to the numbers of jobs for women. Establish, quotas in industry and training programs will follow. As with the right to vote, the government will not voluntarily act but women must push to get the jobs, money and power. A prevalent myth and excuse,used by industry since W.W.II, that women are not physically capable of doing "men's" work is not based on fact. Pioneer women and women in wartime were expected to do physical labour. Modern technology has relieved many of the more difficult tasks. The report by the Decade Council presents many recommendations but one message rings through. We must continue to evaluate the economic He now took on this role and made me accountable for every cent I spent. His drinking and my working were certainly major conflicts in our marriage. .Q: Was there a sense of loss when you separated? Yes, I went back to him several times. The major reason why I returned was to decide whether I wanted to come back for good. I usually stayed three to four days, and each time it reconfirmed my feelings. No, I wasn't ready yet. I still had a lot to learn about'myself. But I always left feeling guilty. Something...from page 10 I felt I had no sense of commitment, that I had done a lot of damage to him; Q: Diane, why do you think the that he was in more pieces than I was, relationship changed so dramatically that I had failed. after you got married? Now I see that the kind of person D: First of all, my husband he is and the kind of person I need changed his role completely. He in a healthy relationship are two difbegan doing exactly the same things ferent people. his father was doing. He became "the You know, I still feel guilty provider", to whom I had to be the about it. subordinate and supportive wife. He The things I learned were how to became completely preoccupied with be demanding, how to keep in touch his career. with myself and that I can't expect Before I got married, and while I the other person to change. was still in school, I was not in M: I agree, we don't really have touch with what I wanted, who I was, that right. We give and take from the how to ask for what I wanted. I lived relationship. When our needs are not in a subliminal state.. So when my met we try to change the other person role expectations were changed, I so that they will be. A completely began asking myself all of these unattainable goal. We are who we are. questions. Getting back to the question of Looking back, I think our relloss, yes, there was a gnawing feelationship was beginning to break ing of being incomplete at first, down and marriage seemed to be the that something was missing. I guess right solution to save it. it was because all of a sudden this family unit was down to two people. Later when my son, who was not getting along with his father, moved in with me, I felt more a part of.a structure again. Now there were three of us. I am not feeling as guilty as I once did. I feel sorry for him too. I feel I was the stronger. He has the D: rejection to deal with, and has needed to find all sorts of reasons to justify my leaving him. D: He left me twice before we got married, but when I left him it was shattering to him. It's a double standard. c,.y..Aalk/LAS- M: Perhaps you were looking for something to hold on to. Q: Mary, what dramatic change occurred in your marriage? M: Working outside of the home. This was very ego deflating to my husband. He too saw himself as the "provider". It was OK for the first few years, since we were saving to but a house. But once that was settled he wanted me to stay home. Well after two years of this, I just had to go back to work - for me. My financial independence scared him. In his eyes I could possibly leave him, although those were never my original intentions. The continual questions arose of what I was doing with "the money" I earned. Most of it went for family expenses; it was not till later that I saved some in my own bank account. My possible financial independence was such a threat to him that he begau to put into motion measurers whereby he could have more control. I had always been the family manager. Q: What do you think of the institution of marriage now? D: I'm not getting married again. I see no need for marriage, even when I plan to have kids. It's not a healthy thing for a woman to do. Society and men place too many confining expectations on women in the marriage framework. M: I would not remarry either. I am quite content with my life now. I would not even consider living with another man at this time, I enjoy havin my own space and place. I don't believe we'll see too many more life-long commitments to marriage as long as we have choices and alternatives. Its amazing, that with its high failure rate,. marriage as an institution still ex- ists. HELP PREVENT RAPE (p? SISTERS GIVE RIDES TO SISTERS! PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor �UPDATE cont'd from page 7 ings of subcommittee, which started its prospectively long and acrimonious hearings on April 23, are crucial to the outcome. If the measure passes Congress, all abortions in the U.S. will be illegal. THE INTERNATION TRAFFIC: WOMEN In the liberated 70's it has become fashionable to believe that women are never forced into prostitution. The early feminists on the other hand believed the opposite. They thought that most prostitutes could only have been coerced into the trade and they campaigned vigorously against "White Slavery". But - neither view reflects reality today. VOICES cont. from pg. 2. some deeply emotional experience and cry together. In any case, it has inspired a poem -- the first since I was 16 years old. I thought I'd share it with you. For John I love your eyes. Those 33 year old eyes that sometimes redden and swell and swim with tears. They look as though they'd been seeing through one of God's days. I wonder at the way the tears glisten in creases at the outside corners Crows feet like estuaries feeding an ocean. Seeing your love as that eternal and evermore. Sincerely, Alda Henry Balmertown, Ont. Sisters: I discovered your paper while office--I am waiting in my lawyers' grinding away at a messy separation. The timing couldn't have been better, I need more insights and chuckles. Keep it moving, we're out here. Marlene Cardinal, Kenora, Ont. Dear Northern Woman Journal: I am a retired school teacher who has had 38 years teaching experience. Over the years, treatment of women, child abuse, broken homes and abortion problems have bothered my sense of fair play and justice. With the upsurgence of Women's Rights, I began putting some of my thoughts on paper. Enclosed are some of my thoughts exploring some solutions for a few ills in our society. I would like to see our present civilization reach another Age by utilizing men's and women's brains to their fullest potential. Men must get rid of their idea that they are superior to any woman. In some cases they are physically stronger, but brawn alone is no test of superiority. It's tested with brain power and by no means does the male species hold a monopoly on that. As everyone can see, men have not solved the world's problems. Why do men think they are so superior to women? What is it about that "d4ngly stuff" they have in front of them that gives them the right to Last July, the second United Nations Special Conference on Women held in Copenhagen heard a chilling report concerning the kidnapping and imprisonment of women and girls as part of an organized international trade in women. The conference was told of the disappearance of French girls into Saudi Arabian brothels and the procurement of third world women by false job offers. Kathleen Barry's recently published book Female Slavery (Avon Books) outlines the extent of the practice, the methods used to acquire women, the attempts to minimize or cover-up by INTERPOL and various U.N. member countries. The women are acquired by a variety of means from kidnapping to promises of a love affair. They are transported to another city, country or even life and death over women? Some men's brains don't rise much higher than their sexual organs. Nature made women in a much neater package, with an "X" chromosome. Men have only a "Y" to boast about. Women are superior genetically. Males are expendable. We need fewer of them, if you look at Nature in general. Any idea that all women are inferior and second-class has been superimposed upon us by generations of men who hold power. Through male ignorance, women have suffered throughout the ages. Women have been called "unclean" and denied certain-rights during menstruation. They have been blamed for the sex of their children and shamed and hidden during pregnancy. In their ignorance, men called these "God's laws". Exactly when and where did God deliver laws about women and to whom? These are earthly pronouncements by men. Isn't it about time we threw away all this garbage and gave women the privileges and rights that would match the responsibilities we women bear? When, as a child, I heard the Bible story of how an adulterous woman was stoned to death. When I found out what adultery was, I couldn't (and still don't) understand why the man wasn't stoned to death as well. Furthermore, I venture to say it was surely rape. ...Marriages are made in heaven." God has joined together, let no man put asunder". These are more untrue sayings that lead young people astray Presently, it is so difficult to obtain aid and justice when the marriage becomes a master-slavesituation. Wife battering goes unchecked until it sometimes ends in murder. Divorce is hard to obtain or it is too costly. Getting married should be made much harder than getting divorced. And who cares about the children? It is a disgrace to our judicial system when divorced or abandoned women have to, by themselves, collect support payments from the men. No womder common-law marriages are increasing! A soured partnership can be dissolved without so much expensive red tape. ...Prostitution is another farce in our society.According to the Human Rights Commission, your body is your own. Sexual organs are just another part of the body. As long as both partners are willing, it's their business. (Of course, I do not agree to being forced into prostitution, i.e. white slavery or cartels.) ...When a husband wants sex, and the continent, stripped of their possessi and identity, and 'seasoned'. The method of the seasoning process is virtually the same everywhere. The purpose is to break the woman's will, make her entirely dependent on her captor and too terrified to run away. The woman is in a strange place, often without knowledge of the language, without money or anyone to believe her story. She's mentally harrassed and threatened with violence. Many are tortured, starved or druggec Once a woman is seasoned, she is put to work. Barry deals mainly with information that has surfaced in France, the United States and North Africa but it is clear that we are only beginning to discover a type of slavery that is of horrendous and of world-wide proportions. wife says it's the wrong time of the month, according to their family planning, what happens? Rape? How can women plan their pregnancies when men's sexual needs take precedence? If birth control and contraceptives are contraband than abo: tion seems to be the only solution. I'm surprised that the Pope has not made church laws to force men to curb their sexual needs. Maybe he should limit the sexual act to once a month for men. Perhaps he should make vasectomy compulsorary over a certain age. Why should women always be penalized? ...A recent article in the Globe & Mail dealt with the idea that men's brains deal more with logic, while women's brains deal with feelings, emotions and compassion. Witnessing the deterioration of society, the increase in crime, murders and suicides, I question the effectiveness of men's "logic". It's time this "logic" was tempered with understanding, compassion and emotions. I think all boards - hospital, probation, abo.tion police, the judiciary, the federal, provincial and municipal governments, etc. should be made up of 50% women. Moreover, there should be far more women doctors, gynecologists and midwives. How else can you achieve a well roundpd picture of the situation? ...How could the Pope possibly know the feelings of women? Women have no voice in the Roman Catholic church. It is unjust for one sex alone to make laws for the other -sex without proper representation. Continued on pg. 15 HELP PREVENT RAPE SISTERS GIVE RIDES TO SISTERS: PDF compression, OCR,page web 14 optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor Northern Woman �THE IDEOLOGY OF LANGUAGE WORDS and WOMEN New Language in New Times by Casey Miller and Kate Swift reveiwed by Jannette Hofstede credit UPSTREAM While keeping themselves firmly planted on a solid linguistic background, Casey Miller and Kate Swift have created a highly readable and even humorous account of how our language has been used to reinforce patriarchal tradition. Women have been kept from having a healthy sense of their own worth in a number of ways, and language has played no minor role in this process. As a major determinant in our formation of self-image, the use of language can be both blatant and subtle as an instrument of repression, and in the hands of concerned and committed people it can become an instrument of liberation as well. The authors carefully explain the many instances of discriminatory language use and lead the reader into an awareness of the patriarchal nature of the English language. Beginning with a description of women's dependence on men for social titles and last names (either a father's or a husbands's), Swift and Miller explore the connection between naming and power, the namer as master, the named as subject. The common practice of calling men by their last names and women by their first, and the absence of any indication of fpTmale ancestry in most naming schemes are indicative of and contributory to promoting a weak self-image and a flexibility rarely expected of men. The historic use of the term "man" for the entire human species is examined and is shown to have been an accurate description up until the seventeenth century. As "monn" or "mann", the word could and did originally indicate either male ("wer" or "earl ") or female ('wil"). VOICES caned from page 14 Women are forced to put up with the results of men's decisions. It seems the church is relegating women back to the Dark Ages. Although women have to carry their equal share in today's economy, they are still treated as slaves as far as rights governing their own bodies are concerned. When I see the Pope pregnant, carrying a baby in his arms and dragging along three children clutching his lily-white skirts, but still insisting on "no abortion", no contraception", I will believe he has the best interests of half the world's population at heart. Not on]y do women of third world countries have to suffer by carrying a baby to term, and suffer the birthpangs, they have to suffer from the child's crying from hunger and privation. They have to suffer their child's death. The fetus has a right not to be born into starvation and misery. We should use our brains for population control. We should not bring the backroom butcher back again. If the church and state refuse legal Through the passage of time and society dominated by males, the second "n" was dropped and a word resulted with the original meaning intact but with a more persistant image of man as male attached to it. The powerful myth that the human race is essentially male has received no better support than this. The association of man with male activity B's HUMANKIND is well documenttawand.aiscussed and is shown by the authors to be heavily ingrained from an early age. Miller and Swift quote Alma Graham's mathematical proposition to explain the situation neatly: "If you have a group, half of whose members are A's and half of whose members are B's and if you call the group C, the A's and B's may be equal members of group C. But if you call the group A, there is no way that B's can be equal to A's within it. The abortions, then they should pay towards the social, emotional and financial expense incurred. How can people of one secular conviction expect women of various faiths from all over the world to blindly follow their personal convictions? ... I can't think of a more terrifying experience for a woman of any age, than to be raped. Why should a woman's life be scarred, or even ended, because of a man's warped sexuality? (It is power, not sex. Ed.) Why not put him out of his misery by castrating him? ...Maybe women should all become Roman Catholics. We could do what we want with regards to contraception and birth control. As long as we confessed our sin, we would be forgiven,, providing we were sorry every time! Or, perhaps, we women should change our sex then everyone would be treated equally. Or should we keep our respective sexes but treat each other as persons? Fighting for human rights, especially for women and children, I am, A's will always be the rule and the B's will always be the exception the sub-species, the outsiders ..." "Those who have grown up with a language that tells them they are at the same time men and not men are faced with ambivalence - not about their se, but about their status as human beings. For the question "Who is man?" it seems, is a political one and the very ambiguity of the word is what makes it a useful tool for those who have a stake in maintaining the status quo." The male as norm, female as subspecies, persuasion is shown to result as well in such condescending and negative sounding words as authoress, Jewess, or usherette, where the -ett or -ess endings communicate either imitation (as in flannelette), small size (as in dinette), or sub-standard quality. Miller and Swift expose these and many more misconceptions and misnomers with sharp precise strokes. Why must adjectives associated with womanly qualities or female sexual parts always be negative ones? Why are there no words for woman's strength? Why must a supposedly genderless God always be described with male images? Why must the generic masculine pronoun (he, his, him) be used when someone's identity is unknown or kept secret? Why must animals and babies always be referred to as male? The book's theme might well bE summarized in its,epigraph,"Let the meaning choose the word, and not the other way about," (George Orwell, "Politics and the English Language"), for the authors are asking for a huminist English, an exact English which indicates what is meant by clear definitions, not old stereotypes. Language as a human phenomenon can and does change rapidly. In a world where attitudes can and must change, language affects not only how we see the world but how the world sees us. Dear Editor: I am working on a project to record the thoughts and emotions of women after they have had an abortion. Any of your readers who have had abortions are urged to participate by writing their feelings or recording them on a cassette tape and mailing them to me at P.O. Box 326, Harrisburg, S. Dak. 57032. Your identity is not needed and you are asked to omit it from your correspondence. The statements will be used at meetings and will be edited for inclusion in a pro-choice pamph-, let to counteract misleading and exaggerated claims by so-called "prolife" activists. If you are willing to say, "I had an abortion, I don't regret it, and I've had no adverse physical or emotional effects from it," please take the time to write me. This is a myth that I would like to obliterate in short order. Kindest regards, Helen Forelle Yours truly Claire Cikalik PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION Northern PDFCompressor Woman page 15 �111 A Cowls lir 14.1.11M4 a.14. En hombre 064 Wilms dmin drift 220 RETURN TO: THE NORTHERN WOMAN 316 BAY ST. THUNDER BAY P, ONT. YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE The NORTHERN WOMAN JOURNAL is published six times a year Return Postage Guaranteed COLLECTIVE MEMBERS THIS ISSUE Kathryn Brule, Lynn Beak, Anna McColl, Teresa Legowski, Noreen Lavoie, Danalyn MacKinnon, Rossalyn Taylor Perrett, Donna Phoenix, Sara Williamson, Viola Nikkola 345-7802 HAVE YOU MOVED??? PLEASE LET US KNOW BY CALLING (807) We must pay return postage to keep up our mailing list. Subscribe: tge korgern -Woman g agree; Matt Zall bd; 316 (Six Issues) 5.00 9.00 Business or Institutions katne ktflYtess' PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal Description An account of the resource Northern Woman Journal Published in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Northern Woman Journal (originally called Northern Woman) started in 1973 following the first annual Northern Women’s Conference in order to keep the conference attendees connected. Initially serving as a newsletter of events, local issues, and women’s resources, the Northern Woman Journal quickly became a diverse publication reaching national and international readers. Not only did it serve as a newsletter to keep local women up to date on feminist issues in Northwestern Ontario, but also as a safe space to discuss women’s resources, law, politics, economics, health, racism, sexism, homophobia, feminist organizing and activism, transnational feminist issues, poetry, feminist reading, feminist art, and women’s diverse lived experiences.One of the longest-running feminist perodicals in North America, the Northern Woman Journal reached its end in 1995. Throughout its 22 years, the Northern Woman Journal was produced by its many collective members, with membership evolving year to year. For many years, the journal worked closely alongside and shared space with the Northern Women’s Centre and the Northern Women’s Bookstore. With the exception of a year-long government grant in the 1970s, the journal relied entirely on subscription fees and donations in order to maintain publishing, which presented challenges throughout its entire existence. As stated in an early version of the editorial policy, “only by a free and open exchange of views and opinions will we develop a basis for unity which can be used as a basis for action.” Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Northern Woman Journal, Vol 6 No 5 Description An account of the resource Vol. 6, No. 5 (March-April 1981) Title: Northern Woman Journal Topics include: Abortion Procedure Information Reclaim the Night Strategies and Priorities for Northwestern Ontario Education Committee at Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre Short Stories Feminist Stamps Wife Battering First Woman Surgeon Dies Lesbian Experience Poetry Women in Trades Hamilton Conference Life as a Wife Wendo Northern Ontario Women’s Conference Ideology of Language Authors/Contributors: Teresa Legowski Joyce Dunn Joan Baril Viola Nikkila Sharyl Thompson Rosalyn Taylor Perrett Gert Beadle Judy Syfers B. McCourt Casey Miller Kate Swift Sara Williamson Kathryn Brule Lynn Beak Anna McColl Noreen Lavoie Danalyn MacKinnon Donna Phoenix Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Northern Woman Journal Collective Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1981-03 Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Published on this site with permission. Language A language of the resource English