Letter to the editor

Dear Editor of the Taranaki Daily News,
 
The edition of todays newspaper made me realise that I am a very confident women too, and for the first time I feel the need to voice my opinion in public.
 
I have called New Zealand my home for the last ten years and have always been proud of the fact that New Zealand has a history of outstanding courageous women. Helen Clark was Prime Minister at the time and I admired her for the way she presented herself in the male dominated world of international politics. I took a great interest in the suffragettes movement, as their bravery to stand up for women’s rights was extraordinary in a time when women were expected to have children and look after their family.
 
So when I looked at the front page of the Daily news this morning I felt very disappointed. I expected a picture of a camelia or the 125 suffrage symbol or a picture of Kate Sheppard or at least a purple border. I looked through the rest of the paper to find the big article on the anniversary of 125 years of women’s vote, but there was nothing! Not a mention of this big event 125 years ago!
 
I felt outraged and immediately a picture from last Saturdays edition came into my mind. Two ladies planned a march to celebrate the efforts of the suffragettes. One lady was holding up a sign with the words: “Same Shit! Different Century – Are we there yet?”
 
It is not that I don’t appreciate the importance of showcasing young innovative approaches to farming in South Taranaki … but today is about celebrating the achievements of the extraordinary and courageous ladies 125 years ago, who achieved for all women in New Zealand to have the right to vote!
 
Would you have showcased a farming story on the front page if it was a rugby anniversary?
 
Have a look at the New Zealand Harold, they achieved it!


Picture from the New Zealand Geographic.
 
Kind regards
Anna Baylis

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