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JAUSTRALIA PRESS STATEMENT NO. 531
16 July 1975
I. W. Y. CONFERENCE WOMEN POLITICS
Australia's lready significant contribution to International
Women's Year would achieve new goals with a major conference on
women and politics to be held in Canberra soon, the Prime
Minister, the Hon. E. G. Whitlam, announced today.
Mr Whitlam said the Women and Politics Conference would be held
0 at the Australian National University, Canberra, from August
to September 6.
It would bring together women from all over Australia and
selected speakers from overseas to create a greater understanding
of the means ty which women could participate in the making of
political decisions. The Conference also would highlight the
difficulties confronting women who desired to be politically
active.
S Mr Whitlam said that already Australia's efforts in International
O Women's Year were receiving world-wide attention. This new
Conference, to which both women and men were being invited, would
be an historic event for Australia's women and for Australia's
politics.
0 He said that cth traditional and new viewpoints were being sought
and the Conference would be a focal point of exchange of ideas
between those -ho had previously been politically active and
those who would like to be.
It would be an opportunity for women from other nations to share
their experiences in achieving significant social and political
change wit ' in their own communities. About 20 outstanding
women from cverseas will participate.
And ultimately, it would be the base from which women themselves
can launch a renewed attack on community attitudes now preventing
them from playing their full role in creating a more humane, a
more compassionate society. / 2
V"-2.
Mr Whitlam sL-the intention of the International Women's
Year Secret=--. it at the Conference was to seek both traditional
and new vie-2.. r. ts. Emphasis would be on individuals and not on
organisatic-_= -d it was hoped that people from all walks of life
would atten-. Delegates would become agents of awareness after
the Conferen. ca, returning to their communities with experience
which will help dissipate some of the taboos surrounding women's
participation in community decision-making.
Long distance air fares and accommodation were being subsidised
by the Australian Government to encourage women from far flung
communities, including aborigines, to take part. A maximum
return economy fare of $ 52.40 would be payable and accommodation
at Australian National University halls of residence would be $ 35 for
the conference week. Registration fee was
Mr Whitlam said those interested in attending should apply
in writing to hne Women and Politics Conference Office,
P. 0. Box 725, Canberra City, A. C. T. 2601, for an
application rform.
CANBERRA. A. C. 7%