By Kath Gelber
ADELAIDE — More than 350 women from around the country gathered here for a very successful Network of Women Students in Australia Conference from July 7 to 10.
The four days were packed with speakers on a range of topics, including issues of cultural representation and ethnicity, women in tertiary education, new reproductive technologies, and sexuality and sexual politics in the '90s.
Panel forums were followed by workshops in which participants were able to take up the issues raised in more detail. Generally, the themes brought up in discussion included the recognition of diversity within the women's movement, and beyond that the need to overcome fragmentation so women can act collectively.
On the first evening, a public meeting was held entitled, "Feminism of the future — what's next?". Topics covered by the speakers included international feminism, abortion, ethnicity and feminism, Black deaths in custody, and young women and activism. The meeting attracted more than 400 women.
A highlight of the conference was an action on the last day, on the theme "A living income for all". The protest stressed the roles of both the ALP government and the Liberal opposition in driving down the living standards and independence of young people, through inadequate Austudy, the proposed loans scheme and both parties' proposed youth wages. Street theatre included students dressed as slaves limboing under an ever-decreasing poverty line. Around 200 women marched to the Rundle Mall, and then to the DEET offices, which were occupied. A list of demands was presented to the DEET workers by the protesters.
The final plenary session of the conference stressed the need for women to continue to organise collectively, and to take part in an action each year. Everyone is looking forward to next year's conference in Brisbane.