Carol Rees (Peckham CLP)
Thatcher might be the first woman Prime Minister but her policies, as than in the massive attack she has It is not just women's jobs that peoples' homes close, just who will be expected to stay home and care hospital lists get longer, just who is after the sick and disabled? Women.
And, most important of all, as ciose down the already limited nursery provisions for the under 5s, who will be forced once again financially dependent on their husbands. For thousands more Far from This is particularly true in relation to nursery closures. The cut-back in inadequate from Nottingham to will compei many around the under one roof.
CONFERENCE The only way women can escape this dilemma is by the state taking could, over the responsibilities of childcare, thus releasing them to participate freely in society alongside men.
cutting back nurseries, what is needed, if women are to have a chance of fulfilling themselves. is to extend them. Such a move would not only be of interest to women but also children who need the stimulation of contact and play with other children in - rights. the under-5 age range. There needs to be a comprehensive system of state care which includes nursery classes, mother and toddler groups and child-minder drop-in centres It is to oppose the present cutbacks - and fight for an extensio:: ol nurser facilities that on July Sth the London Nursery Campaign is calling for a national conterence in London While breaking down into a number of workshops, taking up various issues of child-care (such as communities needs and centres. organising local action, pay and conditions of child-care workers etc), a plenary session will be held to give the campaign a national perspective. Hopefully, it will draw together the various nursery campaigns around the country and work out a central objective. MOBILISE There can be no doubt that if Thatcher is to be stopped from pushing women back into the home, concerted action of this kind is needed. It was the mass struggle launched by NAC against the Corrie Bill which eventually led to it being defeated.
Building a Nursery Campaign drawing thousands of women into activity, become part of a general fight-back against the cuts. It could raise the issue in the unions and Labour Party and call on Labour controlled councils to oppose all cuts.
Such a campaign, taken into and fought for in the labour movement, could become a vital ingredient in protecting women's - and children's NATIONAL CONFERENCE Sat. July 5th, 10-30 - - 5.00 Queen Mary College, S.U., Bancroft Rd, (off Mile End Rd.), London E 3 Fee £1.50 (or 75p unwaged). Creche/ low cost food/ pooled fare
Socialist Action