Wi

A result’ of the insecurity that wives feel about a life outside the home causes
them to put tremendous pressure on their husbands to tring home more money, and to act
in a socially responsible way—"don't rock the boat". She also puts pressure on her
children to behave in the way in which society asks us, because ‘if they don't, it is
an indictment of her ability as a mother. Just another failure in a lifetime of
failures.

Uae 1S Ota society which exists forthe welfare off thermpeoplain iti, Ep a8 6
Society where progress simply means a new lipstick color or a new bomb. Where new
machines simply put more men and women on welfare, where dignity and self-respect are
net the right of every man and woman. It is a society where social justice is a long
way away, where apathy rules: and where the major institutions serve to maintain that
apathy. It is a society where tremendous attention is given to the superficial—if it
makes a profit—-and the pressing social problems go unanswered.

Women's Caucus Program

Vancouver Women! s Caucus is organizing women to confront the myths and structures
that keep us, as women, in an inferior position in society. This means vee at Larlot oF
our work at as time is educational.

Exposing he reality that underlies the myths is essential to enable.women to act
collectively to change that.reality. Those myths keep women isolated from one another,
living and working in separate isolated homes; competing with one another as sexual

objectsin order to attract the men who will provide us with economic security. Through

research and discussion, women come to see that many problems that we thought were
individual failures are caused by social conditions which can be changed if we. act.

(ROBetRer.

Caucus members speak and participate in discussions with many othér organizations.
University students, with other members of women's caucus, speak in classrooms,
challenging the myths perpetuated by the educational system.

The Pedestal, our monthly newspaper, involves working: women, students, and
housewives in: te about their own situations, and relating’ aed to..the problems
of other women. 7

Cub of Frsseebomy iT doset oabedty educational work comes action to change the laws
and ‘institutions which oppress women. The major campaign of the caucus. now. is. direct-
ed towards establishing the fundamental right of all women to control our: own bodies
through the’ right “tosabortion and birth control. i

Women's Caucus has established an abortion information service to advise women
of the facilities available for obtaining abortions. On Valentines Day this year a
demonstration of over 200 women and men launched a campaign to remove abortion from
the criminal code, and establish that women themselves—not doctors, parliamentarians,
hospital boards, or psychiatrists—have the right to decide whether or when they will
have children. This campaign involved educational work in high schools, universities,
neighborhoods and work-places, as well as action. It is the first campaign which has
been eee by women's liberation groups right across Canada, and will culminate
with a demonstration in Ottawa on Mother's Day.

Another issue that affects all women is the problem of day care for children. It
is urgently necessary for us to establish the right to birth control and abortion, but
that is not enough. Women should not have to decide between having a job or career
and raising a family. Good child care should be provided to free women, men and