Press Release for Women’s Refuge Tuesday May 20, 2014

Time to reflect about the reality for women and children

Taking time out to assess the rights, status, health and safety for women and children in New Zealand today is the cause behind a Women’s Refuge Symposium planned on July 4th in Auckland.

“We saw lots of optimistic social spending announcements from the Budget and we have heard reports of lower crime and lower unemployment, but what is the reality for the majority of our women and children today,” says Women’s Refuge Spokesperson Kiri Hannifin.

The Symposium on Women and Children is the second run by Women’s Refuge and the first to be held in Auckland at the Western Springs Community Hall in July. Key speakers include Dr Judy McGregor and Dr Denise Wilson from AUT University; Helen Kelly, President of the Council of Trade Unions and Theresa Gattung, former CEO of Telecom. “We will also have a political panel with Hon David Cunnliffe, Hon Paula Bennett, Metiria Turei, Hon Peter Dunne and Tracey Martin represented.”

“With at least ten murders in our news in the last six months related to Domestic Violence, how is society really moving to protect our most vulnerable,” says Ms Hannifin, “what laws, programmes and initiatives have made things better for women and children in the last three years.”

Presentations will also include discussion on women’s and child health, human rights, legal issues, poverty and issues for migrant and ethnic women as well as those living with a disability.

ENDS

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