1996 Conference
Wellington

The Themes

This conference is an opportunity for women to share their experiences and enjoy a future-focused debate about where we want to take science, how we want to participate in it and what we want from our involvement in it.

We invite women to present papers and workshops on the following themes:

• what is science - what will it be tomorrow
• social responsibility, community participation, and accessibility
• the nature and structure of the scientific workplace
• what women are doing with their science
• ethics in science

Speakers

Why Come

Here are some of the reasons given by women who have made this conference happen...

"...The 1993 conference was one of those rare life-changing events. The effects of the energy levels generated over those three days are still a force in my life..."

"...Much of modern management theory seems similar to what women have been saying for years, about empowerment, sharing information and types of leadership style. I want to discuss these issues with other women..."

"...the structure of scientific endeavour and its results is a challenging arena. How do intellectual property rights, public access, client confidentiality get accommodated, particularly in a dual funding regime - suggestions, discussions, comments will be valuable..."

"...I am particularly interested in the effects of science on society, especially the concerns of women - past, present and future..."

"...to meet and hear the life stories of older women in science, who have dreamed and struggled, and who offer big hearts as well as inspiration..."

"...to share enthusiasm, joy and wonder in our science; to celebrate the pleasure we feel at 'doing it'..."

Abstracts

BY THE LIGHT OF THE VDU; TELEWORK AND GENDERED RELATIONS

Nicola Armstrong

Department of Sociology, Massey University

This paper will explore the working and family lives of women and men who work from home using 'new' information and communication technologies (teleworkers). The focus of the discussion will be on the use of time and space by teleworkers who have small children, in order to examine the implications for women and men of having no spatial or temporal boundaries between their working and "private" lives. The paper will conclude by investigating the constructing and enabling potential of information and communication technologies as they are used within the home, and the implications for gender and power within households.

NEW ZEALAND WOMEN DRIVERS - ANGELS OR DEVILS?

Margaret L Bailey

Bailey Partnership Ltd

Whitby, Porirua

This paper reviews research in New Zealand on women drivers and their accidents. Data are used from two studies of fatal road accidents, an in-depth study for 1991 to 1993 and a study for 1986. Some interesting factors relating to female drivers who have fatal accidents are:

* Women do less drinking and driving or travelling at excessive speed than men.

* Young women drink and drive or speed more often than older (over 44) women.

* Factors in the accidents of young women are incompetence or inexperience.

* Important factors for older women are failing to keep left or failing to give way. Many got their driver's licence late in life. Three-quarters of this group are not drinking drivers or speeding drivers.

* Women involved in a drink driving accident are much less likely than men to have a previous conviction for drink driving.

MAKING EQUITY PROGRESS THROUGH STRATEGIC PLANNING METHODS

Judy Brown and Ewan Tempero

Department of Computer Science

Victoria University of Wellington

This paper discusses how to use strategic planning methods to create an effective EEO programme. Departments in the Science Faculty at Victoria University of Wellington are now required to develop and report on an annual EEO strategic plan. The planning and reporting process is overseen by a Faculty EEO committee. An EEO plan describes what it is trying to achieve in terms of expected outcomes. It details what a successful outcome is, the necessary steps to achieve these outcomes, and how the outcomes are measured. This paper describes the strategic planning process used by the Science Faculty. It emphasizes the importance of gathering data necessary to put the strategic planning process into effect. This method has increased awareness of equity issues, encouraged change and introduced a process whereby equity can be regularly assessed. The use of strategic planning has contributed to creating a more equitable climate within the Science Faculty.

DOWNREGULATION WITH DIGNITY

Janet Carrington

Biochemistry Department

University of Otago, Dunedin

Do you plan for a future in science? Are you continually amazed by new discoveries, awed as the miracle of life unfolds, undaunted by the publication explosion? Or are you distraught by the extent of the literature as you struggle to concentrate and strive to understand one scientific paper when you need to read twenty. Women expect equal opportunity in education and employment. Because we have been able to make choices throughout our lives we expect that to continue. If you've been working for some time as a technician, a research fellow, a teacher or in another position in science do you still have the ability and drive to achieve more? After a life of coping with being female in a science world are you equipped for being an elderly female in a science world? Remember, there's no problem too big to run away from.

WOMEN IN FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Robyn Cotton

New Zealand Dairy Board

Food Science and Technology is a sound career option for women. It is a growth area reflecting changing tastes and increased sophistication of consumers, and it covers a wide range of skills. Compared with the great inequalities of fifteen years ago, there are now near-equal numbers of women and men employed in technical roles. There is, however, an imbalance at the senior level. My vision for the future is for the trend towards equality for women in industries like the dairy industry to continue, with the equality driving up the management chain. There are varied reasons for this: women who took time out for parenting are now back on the career path, more women students are enrolled in related tertiary courses, more childcare options are available (including increasing numbers of male primary caregivers), and general acceptance of woman in the once all-male domain.

SHE WHO BLEEDS YET DOES NOT DIE

Vicki Culling

Applied Social Sciences

Victoria University of Wellington

Science has instituted a perception of the female body as inferior and problematic as compared to the male body. Menstruation has been interpreted as evidence of that inferiority. Early Western philosophers initiated the theories that woman is a defective version of man. Aristotle provided the first scientific explanation of woman as inferior. His thesis was based on the notion of heat. Women were unable to "cook" their blood to the point of purity which would result in its transformation into semen. Subsequent theorists adopted Aristotle's position and expanded on his theories of woman as a misbegotten man. As a result, the uterus was considered responsible for women's physical well-being and eventually her mental well-being from the classical period through to the twentieth century. This paper shall present and discuss the early theories about woman and her menstruating body, theories which are the foundations of our "modern" science and medicine.

WOMEN MATHEMATICIANS: EIGHT WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES

Mary Day

Department of Mathematics

Massey University, Palmerston North

This paper reports on a qualitative research project in which women mathematicians were interviewed about their experiences in mathematics. It focuses on women who are successful in mathematics unlike most of the research in this area. It reports on a qualitative research project in which eight women were interviewed about their experiences in mathematics. The discussion includes descriptions of how these individuals overcame the barriers that can exist to prevent women's full participation in mathematics and the diverse attractions mathematics has for these women. Aspects of the culture of mathematics that these women found difficult or at odds with their own values are discussed. The contradictory position of these women is highlighted in the descriptions of their involvement in women's groups and finally an overview of the diverse ways in which these women make sense of themselves and their experiences is given.

REGULATION OF AGRICULTURAL AND VETERINARY CHEMICALS: WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT ?

Gabrielle J M Deuss

Agricultural Compounds Unit

Ministry of Agriculture, Upper Hutt

Chemicals have had partial responsibility for the revolution in agriculture in the twentieth century. They have helped arrest disease outbreaks, prevent the occurrence of disease, kill pests of importance, and improve agricultural yields. New Zealand regulators are committed to providing government and the public with the best available information and advice. New legislation will allow for a holistic approach to agricultural compounds, with the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Legislation bringing various existing controls under a single piece of legislation. Decision makers will follow the precautionary principle, and applicants will have their products assessed against sets of performance based standards. Recognising New Zealand's position as an exporting nation, the Agricultural Compounds Legislation will allow for special controls to be added to take account of market access requirements. These legislative initiatives are part of government commitment to a sustainable future for this country in all areas of activity.

ENTHUSIASM IN SCIENCE

Lyn Dowsett

Teaching Fellow

University of Otago, Dunedin

While I was writing this abstract and reflecting on the subject of enthusiasm, I thought I would write down all the words I could think of that contributed to the essence of enthusiasm. Thirty words later I decided that the topic was even more interesting than I had anticipated. For me, enthusiasm is part and parcel of living and doing. In my subject of Biochemistry, which so many anxious students tell me is difficult and dull, I find it can lift the mood of the class and engage attention where other visual aids will fail. Enthusiasm can move mountains and revitalise people. In this workshop I would like to explore how we can use enthusiasm to enhance the learning process, our own and that of other people. We can work together to maximise our enthusiastic effectiveness. Within the limitations of a 90 minute workshop, we should be able to sharpen our power to wield enthusiasm as a tool. Enthusiasm can see you through really sticky patches when all the experiments seem to fail, all the deadlines are looming at once and someone ate the last of the manuka honey. Participants should come prepared to share their enthusiams and incidents in which they have used that enthusiasm to power their lives. They should come prepared to share their enthusiams and incidents in which they have used that enthusiasm to power their lives.

WOMEN IN AFRICA: A VISITING KIWI SCIENTIST'S IMPRESSIONS

Kerry R. Everett

HortResearch, Te Puke

Part of any scientist's career are research visits to other countries. During that time, as well as furthering scientific knowledge and experience, encounters with other cultures can enrich and challenge one's own values and ideas. I would like to share some of my experiences and impressions of the status of women in Africa that I obtained during a 6-month research visit to the University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. The burdens women have to bear in Sub-Saharan Africa are disturbing to someone of my ethnocentric point of view. I will also discuss the thesis that if women were more empowered in this part of the world, famine in Africa would not exist.

LIFE AND DEATH IN REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY

Jean S Fleming

Physiology Department

Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin

In 1990 I was awarded the very first Zonta Award. At the time I was a MAFTech Postdoctoral Fellow, working on reproductive gene expression in the superfertile Booroola sheep. The Zonta Award took me one and a half times around the world and helped me establish a network of colleagues in Britain, France and the US. From 1990 to 1992 I continued to study the expression of reproductive hormone genes in the Booroola, work which led to a continuing interest in the role of the activin and inhibin genes in development. I simultaneously became fascinated by a highly sulphated glycoprotein called clusterin, which appears to be involved in the protection of gametes during development, but is also associated with programmed cell death or apoptosis. Today I teach endocrinology and reproduction to students in the Otago Medical School and continue to do research on activins and clusterin in reproductive biology.

A printable pdf file of Jean Fleming's paper is available by clicking here.

ASSESSING SCIENCE LEARNING

Sharleen D Forbes

Statistics New Zealand, Wellington

The achievement of women in science, as a group, has often been measured against that of men in terms of their participation and performance in science learning at various levels. The objectivity of testing procedures designed to measure performance is usually in terms of validity and reliability for the whole population of students. There has been comparatively little research to identify the contribution made by the form of the assessment itself. The National Qualifications Framework promotes a move from norm-referenced written examinations to standards-based assessment. My research in mathematics education gives a preliminary indication that the performance of various groups is related to the form of the assessment. It is time for teachers and learners of science, together with science practitioners, to systematically evaluate the specific skills being evaluated by different forms of assessment and to determine which of these skills are the desired attributes of a scientist.

EXPLORING NON-CONVENTIONAL WORK OPTIONS IN THE SCIENCE COMMUNITY

Ellen Förch

Consultant

& The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Lower Hutt

The myth of the 40 hour week and its deleterious effect on the ability of the family woman to function in the workplace is explored. Nine different work options are presented as well as the author's experience of the advantages, disadvantages and other considerations surrounding these options. Strategies are presented for maintaining a credible profile. The two key elements are considered to be the negotiated deployment of time and maximising perceptions of value to the employer. Recent changes in the science sector offer new opportunities for women. These are principally better accountability for time, opportunities for better defined contributions, and the increased emphasis on relevance and client needs. Changes in the science sector are giving rise to new career options in associated administration, commerce and public relations.

THE SCIENCE OF NURSING

June Friedel

Lecturer

Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland

Nursing is predominantly a female profession, which is currently raising its academic status. It requires an unusual mix of skills and knowledge, including communication and caring skills, biological and physical sciences, sociology, and psychology, as well as nursing knowledge and praxis. The science content in particular seems to cause students difficulty, because of teaching methods, the type of teacher, a lack of prior knowledge, or lack of application to practice. Many girls to not study science to high levels at school, but are expected to study scientific topics as part of a nursing curriculum. Scientific knowledge is clearly essential for skilled nursing practice, but it is not yet clear exactly what that knowledge should be. As the academic discipline of nursing has developed, it has not incorporated bioscience into nursing theories. One solution to students' difficulty with science is described, and other continuing problems are discussed.

COMMUNICATING SCIENCE TO THE COMMUNITY

Sue Galloway

AgResearch Molecular Biology Unit

University of Otago, Dunedin

Most of us with formal science training are accustomed to communicating our science in ways that are incredibly limited to specialised conferences and publications. Our audience is a small minority privileged to understand the terms and style we use. By restricting communication to our peers we deny others access to exciting ideas and knowledge. In a technological age it is important that scientific ideas are available to all. This workshop is for anyone with an interest in communicating science at any level and will explore ways of presenting science so that we can explain it clearly to our communities. We'll discuss practical ways to translate difficult concepts, and participants will be equipped with ideas, enthusiasm and encouragement to continually look for ways to do this in the wider community. By discovering how to communicate effectively with our community, we may also uncover new ways to communicate with our peers within the scientific community.

GENDER AND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: AN INTERNATIONAL OVERVIEW

Elizabeth Godfrey

The University of Auckland, New Zealand

Attendance at the eighth international GASAT ( Gender and Science and Technology) conference in India in January 1996 brought more questions than answers. Since its formation in the early eighties this association/network has, through its biennial conferences and their proceedings, been a primary source of research findings, models of `good practice' and in-depth analyses of the relationship of gender to science and technology. In particular, the nineties have seen a major shift in the focus of action and research from `changing the girls' to `changing the science'. The GASAT community continues to examine what this might mean for issues such as gender-inclusive curricula, the professional culture of science and engineering, and priorities for research. In this paper we share some of the initiatives and findings of the GASAT community as we work towards empowering women to take their place in a world in which science and technology continue to play an ever increasing role.

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN ETHICAL DELIBERATION

Sarah Gordon and Marie van Wyk

Otago University, Dunedin

Moral deliberation ought to be a community enterprise. Yet many ethical decision-making structures, within hospitals and parliament, continued to be dominated by a select few. Feminist ethics recognised the importance of allowing more voices to be heard, and is committed to the goal of democratic empowerment. Two summer studentships undertaken at the Otago Bioethics Research Centre focused on empowering vulnerable groups to contribute more to discussion and decision-making in the field of ethics. 'Euthanasia: Resources for Community Discussion' is a kit designed to inform groups of the main ethic issues relating to euthanasia. 'Methods of Resolving Clinical Ethical Dilemmas' focuses on multi-disciplinary clinical ethics decisions and programmes of on-going ethics education.

SEXISM AND SCIENTISM IN THE ENCLAVE OF THE 'SOUTHERN MAN'

Sue Hanham and Dr Brian Ballantyne

Dept of Surveying

University of Otago, Dunedin

Women are significantly under-represented in surveying in New Zealand. In 1966 14% of students at the Otago University's Surveying Department are women. Within the surveying profession 2% are women. A 1993 study by the authors indicated that gender barriers - both over and covert - do exist. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. Firstly, the situation in the Surveying Department is reviewed three years on (in light of our 1993 proposals). Secondly, we suggest an hypothesis that sexism within surveying (as within most non-traditional professions) is merely a subset of scientism. This is, perhaps gender barriers are merely a function of a mindset for whom pursuit of numbers is paramount. Thirdly, we conclude by proposing a research agenda to increase the number of women in surveying and to develop a climate of tolerance, inclusion and social responsibility within surveying.

"SWITCHING ON" THE INNOVATORS OF TOMORROW

Elizabeth G. Heij

CSIRO Horticulture

Adelaide, South Australia

Have you ever thought about relationships between data, information, explicit knowledge, and tacit knowledge? Or wondered how creativity and innovation can be enhanced or inhibited by information and management systems? Our increasingly bulky, prescriptive management and education systems seem to be discouraging rather than fostering innovation, and this at a time when increasing rates of change demand more rapid innovation responses. Our graduates are stuffed with yesterday's information, but are they trained to make things happen in an increasingly labile future? Can they make the connections between tacit and explicit knowledge that innovation requires? Our corporate managers follow the latest management fads, but are they stimulating creativity or minimising the chances for it to occur? One of the saddest lessons I have learned from today's managerial environment is that it is quite possible to have 60-80 hours per week full to crisis point with urgent tasks and be bored to death at the same time. Haven't we forgotten how important it is to have FUN - to play - to have some unstructured time in which to think, to pursue different experiences, and to fiddle with "off-the-wall" ideas? I propose we need to take a new look at academic training, research, and general management in light of the real requirements for creative thought.

FRENCH FEMINISTS AND MICHAEL FOUCAULT

Annette Huntington & Jean Gilmour

School of Nursing

Wellington Polytechnic, Wellington

Some French philosophers have challenged the taken for granted assumptions underpinning the scientific enterprise. In particular French feminists and Michael Foucault, whilst having very significant points of difference, have commonalities in their stance that knowledge, positioned as being the 'truth' at any particular time, is historically specified and open to transformation. Many researchers working within interpretative and critical paradigms are confronted with the work of Michael Foucault, whose influence has spread across disciplines. The French feminists' theoretical perspectives are a major force in contemporary feminist thinking and their work directly challenges much of mainstream Anglo-American feminist philosophy. In this paper we will discuss how we have used the ideas of the French feminists and Foucault in our current research, which is focused on the construction and control of bodies in specific health settings.

WHOSE VIEW? DOING QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

G R Jamieson

Department of Education, University of Otago

'Listen to my voice, it is a blend of many voices. I am a graduate student, a wife, a daughter, an erotic dancer, a friend; the quantity of potential identities stretch into infinity ...' With the increasing recognition of the importance of the social context on people's lives there is an intersection of traditional and social sciences. My aim in this workshop about qualitative methods is to explore the subjective judgements made at all stages of the research process. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to an introduction about my experiences with qualitative research and then to discuss some of the important issues which are confronted by all of the parties who become involved, for example, What are some of the ethical issues? Who will gain from the research? Whose opinions will be given in the final report? How will the research change the lives of the participants? What, if anything, will the different parties gain, or lose? What assumptions are brought to the research? How can the researcher extend her ability to see other people's realities? Validity, reliability, quality and credibility will also be considered.

PUBLISHING NEW ZEALAND SCIENCE

Frances Kell, Gill Sutherland

SIR Publishing, Wellington

There are many options available in New Zealand and overseas for the publication of New Zealand science, from fully refereed journals to popular magazines. Most research results are published in refereed journals. Before submitting an unsolicited paper or article to any publication, an author should be sure that the subject matter is within the scope of the publication, that the paper has undergone peer review (by colleagues), that the presentation of the manuscript conforms to the requirements of the publication in format and number of copies, and that it has not been submitted to or published in any other publication. A paper submitted to a journal is sent to two editorially selected referees for critical review. Acting on the referees' advice, the editor may reject the paper, or may require the author(s) to revise the paper before it is accepted for publication.

PERSONAL POWER - REGAINING IT!

Carolyn Lane and Jane McCann

McCann Consultancy, Wellington

The purpose of this workshop is to assist women to identify their POWER and success strategies and have fun in the process. The session will look at how people communicate with themselves about their use of power and success and how this internal communication can shape their lives, their beliefs and their behaviour. The workshop will be highly interactive and fun. It will involve assisting women to challenge their belief systems and the negative messages that they repeat to themselves that keep them disempowered. At the end of the workshop participants will have ... analysed the behaviours that result from these beliefs, worked out ways of replacing these beliefs with new ones, and come away feeling EMPOWERED!

RETHINKING WOMEN AND SCIENCE

Kathleen Lennon

Department of Philosophy

University of Hull

Feminist intellectual engagement with science emerged out of key political encounters between feminist activists and scientific experts; most notably the womens health and reproductive rights movement, peace movements, and environmental movements. These set the political background to the intellectual critiques of science as 'male', in both the areas it researches and the narratives it weaves about them. The resultant projects to feminize science provided some crucial rethinking of our relationship to the world we investigate. However they also proved problematically restrictive ,and in danger of reinforcing an oppositional relation between femininity and advanced scientific and technological expertise. What has remained central, however, has been attention to the constitution of our scientific communities, and the answerability of scientists to other communities they are part of. This points the way to developing empowering scientific narratives while simultaneously requiring us to reconsider our conceptions of objectivity and truth.

SCIENCE GROUP MANAGEMENT: GETTING THERE AND ENJOYING IT

Louise A. Malone

Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, Auckland

he intention of this presentation is to offer encouragement to women interested in moving into management in the CRI environment. The author will draw on her own experience to present possible strategies for women to adopt in order to pursue this career path and will highlight the positive aspects of taking on a management role within a research organisation. In order to make the presentation accessible and useful to as many women as possible, it will not take the form of a detailed personal history. A broad overview of the job and practical advice on how to get there (without having to be "superwoman") will be given. It is hoped that a general discussion will follow, with input from other managers as well as those aspiring to such positions.

WOMEN'S ROLE AT CAWTHRON 1920-1996

Lorraine MacIntosh

Cawthron Institute, Nelson

Cawthron has occupied a unique position in NZ science starting from a private bequest. The first research was agricultural and the founding staff consisted of approximately ten, with one woman, Dr Kathleen Curtis. The role of women at Cawthron has been consistent with women's role in society over this period. The first women scientists pursued their careers at considerable personal cost and predominantly work in the biological sciences or in support services. Notable exceptions were Elsa Kidson and Joyce Watson, both scientists. The war years saw a dramatic increase in the number of women employees but male-dominated attitudes predominated to the 1970s. The formation of a technical service section resulted in increased numbers of women working in the laboratories. Those involved with research work have never been above 25%. Cawthron today employs 85 staff, of which half are women. There is one women manager and one woman scientist. The current Chief Executive is support of women, but the women generally see their lifestyle choices (family & c) as incompatible with the effort and commitment necessary to achieve in their science careers.

BECOMING A COMPANY DIRECTOR

Jenny Morel

Wellington

This workshop will look at:

* what is involved in being a director

* what makes a good board

* the roles, functions and operations of the board

* legal duties and liabilities of the board

* directors' liability

* 'Do you want to be a Director?'

REMARKABLY REFRESHING RESEARCHERS: HOW ARE THEY CREATING OUR FUTURE?

Sue Muggleston

HortResearch, Auckland

An overview of some of the projects in HortResearch that are aimed at producing plant cultivars for the future. The ways in which this research is expected to change the face of horticulture and other related industries in New Zealand will be discussed. These include conventional breeding and biotechnological solutions to pest and disease problems and development of improved plant and fruit characteristics. On the lighter side, some of the women carrying out this research will be profiled and their diverse and fascinating lives revealed!

EEO IN THE CRI'S - A NIWA PERSPECTIVE

Adrienne Murray

General Manager Human Resources

NIWA, Wellington

"A working environment where everyone is able to participate and compete equitably, to develop their full potential and to be regarded fairly regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age or family circumstances is what I want" she said ... and he replied " but we have that, I'm not aware of any problems" ... "well, this is where it's not working" she said and explained to him why the inequities continue ... This workshop will provide an opportunity to look at initiatives being taken in NIWA to move towards an equitable environment and provide a workshop environment to discuss these types of initiatives and the barriers to success. Information on initiatives and barriers to success will be shared with other CRI's following the conference.

GENETIC RESEARCH: THE ETHICS OF CHOOSING METAPHORS

Sylvia Nagl and Barbara Nicholas

Researchers, Christchurch

Metaphors condition the ways in which we experience and construct our social and material worlds. In the paper we argue that our choice of metaphors is an ethical choice, a decision about what sort of social world we wish to construct, reproduce or transform, and we then explore the implications of this for genetics research. Starting from recent feminist analysis of the ways in which biological fertilisation has been described in the language of romance we show how metaphors shape the social meanings of scientific explanations and the paths along which research proceeds. In contemporary scientific and social discourse, metaphors have been used as powerful devices for investing DNA with extraordinary powers of agency and control. Increasingly 'genes' are seen as determining a persons state of health, personality and character. This cultural meaning of DNA and genes is being shaped around metaphors of 'the master molecule', the 'genetic blueprint', the ultimate 'text', and the 'God particle'. ... Network metaphors in the life sciences lead to questions profoundly different from those elicited by metaphors of control: How to the properties of genes and molecules depend on mutual interaction, pattern, and context? And, how would finding answers to these questions change the ways in which we see and create our world?

FEAR OF SCIENCE - WOMEN'S HISTORIES

Connie Nobles

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, Louisiana USA

In this, our 1996 conference as we gather together and celebrate who we are and our future, it is important for us to reflect on our histories as women in science. Through researching and writing historical vignettes, more knowledge and appreciation for women is gained. In my studies with preservice elementary education teachers in the United States, I meet the fear and sometimes hatred for science expressed and experienced by many of these college seniors. In this writing process, students choose a woman scientist to study. As the student-authors research, they become personally involved with the life of the chosen scientist and study the history and nature of science as well. Participants will be introduced to this interrupted story line process which should challenge them to enter into reflection and decision making with the vignette from a scientist's life. Personal histories graphically reveal our journey as women with the struggles and pain that accompanies change-still necessary as we advance toward the new millennium.

TELEWORKING - MORE THAN JUST TECHNOLOGY IN THE HOME

Judy Owen

Education Review Office

Wellington

Much has been written about the concept of teleworking and the impact on the employer (cost savings, higher productivity) and cities (less traffic congestion, lower unemployment). Less has been written about the impact on the workers. Teleworking can be broadly defined as "using computers and telecommunications to extend aspects of the working environment beyond the traditional workplace." Teleworking has not taken off in New Zealand as widely as was expected. This workshop will focus on aspects of teleworking that impact on women workers. It aims to assist women who would like to pursue the idea further by providing an opportunity to: explore the issues, promote the concept to their employers, and work through individual issues for women to actively want to telework. The format of this workshop will be facilitated principal practical forum where the known major issues for women will be highlighted and used as a basis for discussion.

A POLICY OF SURVIVAL - WOMEN WORKING WITH SHEEP IN SOUTHERN MEXICO

Althea Parry

University of Chiapas, San Cristobal de Las Casas

This paper provides a colourful insight into the lives of some strong women whose beautiful smiles and everyday struggles to survive brought a new meaning of science and an understanding of survival to a NZ woman scientist in search of something more. In the highlands of Chiapas, in southern Mexico, there are thousands of Tzotzil women (of Mayan descent) who work hard, patiently managing small flocks of sheep in the tradition of their ancestors. Their needs were simple - survival of themselves, their families, and the sheep and shepherding traditions. Good quality wool was in demand, and some women agreed to work with us at our research farm. My western science ways were constantly challenged, and to aid my own survival, I learnt new ways to look and to seen, new ways to listen and to speak and to open myself to a new science with soul.

WHOSE ETHICS ARE THEY ANYWAY?

Regina Peretini

Ngati Kahungunu & Rangitane

In 1988 Judge Sylvia Cartwright released her report on the findings into the Cervical Screening Inquiry; what has actually happened since then? Has it made research safe? What infrastructure was established to ensure good ethical review of protocols? What is the current relationship between ethics committees? How much of a voice do communities of interest have into the work of ethics committees? What are some of the major problem areas in processing research protocols through ethics committees? And what are some of the more pressing issues that need to be addressed by the wider community - e.g., gene manipulation, artificial reproductive technology?

THE YES TRAP

Jacqueline S. Rowarth

Plant Science Department

Lincoln University, Canterbury

Women have a thicker corpus callosum than men. This is a column of neurones forming electrical connenctions which provide the link between the left hemisphere (analytical operations and logical processes) and right hemisphere (visualisation, synthesis and creativity) of the brain. It is believed to be the body which allows one to do more than one thing at a time. This means that, in general, women are capable of doing several things at once, to the detriment of none. When this ability is combined with the characteristic of 'liking to please' plus a desire to achieve, we are heading for the 'yes trap'. Time management and the importance of life planning are discussed in this paper. Women start with the advantage of a large corpus callosum and we are often innately good time managers; the major problem is in overcoming the belief that the only way up is as a polymathic SuperWoman.....

ENERGY EXPENDITURE AND METABOLIC FUEL ALLOCATION IN POLYNESIAN AND CAUCASIAN FEMALES IN RELATION TO WEIGHT GAIN AND OBESITY

Elaine Rush

Department of Applied Science

Auckand Institute of Technology, Auckland

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in New Zealand but reasons for weight gain are not clear. A unique New Zealand study using stable isotope technology to look at predictors of weight gain in eighty-two young Polynesian and Caucasian women has been undertaken at the Auckland Institute of Technology. We have measured body composition and body mass index, metabolic rate, carbohydrate and fat utilisation, physical activity by total energy expenditure using the doubly labelled water technique and the proportion of fat in the diet by 7 day self reported food diary. The findings point to a metabolic "thrifty genotype" and could explain why some women find it more difficult than others to control their weight by diet and exercise.

'HANDS-ON-SCIENCE' BIOCHEMISTRY FOR HIGH SCHOOLS: ENERGY FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE CAMP

Ann E. Schofield

Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry

University of Otago, Dunedin

My workshop will be based on my rewarding experiences in the recent Hands-On-Science summer camp for high school children that was recently held in Otago University. I had 2 aims: - To spread my enthusiasm for carrying out Hands-On-Science courses - To explore some of the important issues that arose during my participation, for example: - Who is the ideal tutor for such a course: a researcher or a teacher? - How necessary is discipline and structure in the Hands-On-Science courses? - What makes women such successful teachers? - What are the most appropriate teaching styles in such a forum? We are constantly teaching and learning in every aspect of our lives. But how often do we think about and discuss the most successful ways of performing each of these important tasks? The answer to this question is "Not often", so here is your chance!!

MENTORING - A TWICE-BLESSED ACTIVITY

Karen Sole

Workplace Consultant

Wellington South

What developmental tool is effective, fiscally neutral, able to be utilised in any work environment, and has a long history of empowering women? Mentoring. ... Mentoring is an activity twice blessed. Find out why, and how, at a participatory, woman positive workshop. Focus on the mentor pair; essential elements of a successful mentor relationship; benefits and pitfalls; and skills required by both parties. The environment will be safe, stimulating, and supportive. Notes will be provided. The workshop is limited to 20 participants.

IT'S NOT A SUPERHIGHWAY - IT'S MORE LIKE A VILLAGE SQUARE

Dale Spender

To call cyberspace a superhighway says more about the men who have done the naming than it does about the new forms of communication. And while (white, American speaking) men have made up the terms it's not surprising that women might not want to take a turn at 'hot rod computing' ... But when we see cyberspace as a meeting place, a village square where a community meets to exchange information, then it all looks very different. An information bazaar where women can not only hear what others have to say - but where they can make their own voices heard - is a place that has an enormous attraction for women. The challenge for women is to get away from the technological mindset and to shape the new forms of communication. We are in the process of creating a new community, and women must make the most of the opportunity to create a cybersociety which reflects their values and interests. This means engaging with the computer culture - at every level.

A CASE STUDY USING FRESHNESS TESTS AND ORIENTATION JUDGEMENTS IN LATENT PALMPRINT EVIDENCE

L Jayne Sutherland

New Zealand Police

Wellington

This paper outlines the method of overlaying transparencies used to demonstrate the orientation of a lifted palmprint (Police v Harbour, Napier High Court, May 1994) and describes freshness tests carried out to support the palmprint evidence presented to the jury during the trial. A 32-year-old man had been charged with Kidnapping, Injury and Sexual Assault of a young boy in Flaxmere, Hastings. The accused raised two issues about his palmprint found at the scene, (1) it had legitimately been left there, (2) it had been placed at least 12 months prior to the offence. Conclusions reached and presented in evidence were (1) that the palmprint was of much more recent origin than the one year claimed, and (2) the print must have been placed on the window frame with the pane out of its surround.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY: EEO IN SCIENCE ORGANISATIONS

Trish Tapara

HortResearch

Auckland

The workshop will assist women to identify the Equal Employment Opportunity status of their organisation and to develop strategies to promote EEO projects such as workplace networks, work and family policy, career development for women, strategies for women into management, harassment prevention in the workplace. A group process emphasising participation and practical outcomes will be facilitated by HortWomen, members of the HortResearch women's network. After a brief introduction to the topics of Work and Family, Career Development, and EEO Policy and Human Resource Practice, participants will divide into three groups, which will each focus on one of these topics. Developing strategies to implement similar projects within other organisations will focus on how to utilise legislation and business imperatives as promotional tools, breaking down barriers and identifying allies. There will be the opportunity to use the resources available and access resource lists on each topic. Feedback from each group will enable all participants to share information to take back to their organisations.

WOMEN AND THE SCIENCE OF FINGERPRINTS - AN INTRODUCTION

Michelle S Tingey

New Zealand Police

Wellington

Over 100 years ago the theory of using the ridged skin on the underside of the hand as a means of personal identification was developed. The characteristics of ridged skin were found to be unique to each individual. The theory developed into a science that has a primary application in Police forces of the world, i.e., the positive identification of prisoners and the development and identification of latent fingerprints at scenes of crime and presentation of those findings in the courts of law. The NZ Fingerprint Section began in 1903 and over the last 20 years women have joined the section. Today, in New Zealand there are 31 fingerprint experts, five of whom are women. There are seven women trainees. All have varied science backgrounds and the potential to take the science into the next century and contribute to its continued development in New Zealand.

SCIENCE IN PERSPECTIVE: RECENT PHILOSOPHICAL INSIGHTS AND A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF MAKING SCIENCE RELEVANT AND ACCESSIBLE TO SOCIETY

Pam Walker

(MORST)

Jo Blakeley, June Stratton, and Tina Gehrke

(The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand)

To clarify some difficulties at the interface of science and communities, a brief history of western perceptions of the value and validity of three different kinds of knowledge is given: empirical/ analytical knowledge (science), inter- subjective understanding (intuition) and emancipatory knowledge (that knowledge which provides freedom from ideology and mental coercion or domination). Influences from the Enlightenment and this century have brought about the depressed role of the latter. This can limit the effectiveness of scientific knowledge unless it is brought back into context. To secure public judgement science needs to be accessible and relevant. Those learning science need to graduate with a more open mind about the nature of science than when they entered their studies. They need to be more critical of "facts" so that they can seek new knowledge. In developing a new first year degree course, Science for Environmental Management, course developers have had to review the relevance of science to life. Having an environmental perspective has introduced science into an holistic framework where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts, where science is seen in an humanitarian perspective, where science takes on a subjective role. The result is a course that empowers the individual to have input into science and shows that science is relevant and workable to everyday life.

WHENUA AND MATAURANGA

Dell Wihongi

Pu Hao Rangi Trust

In the face of rapid transformation of the Earth by science and technology, and the ecological crisis that has begun to unfold, leading thinkers are exploring the alternative cosmologies, paradigms and philosophies in search of models that may sustain nature rather than destroy it. Many of these thinkers have found the indigenous cosmologies offer some of the most profound insights for cultivating the kind of sustainable relationship to whenua and the spiritually integrated perception of nature needed to address what has now become a global crisis of ecological relationship.

WHAT CAN WE GAIN FROM AN ENGINEERING CAREER AND WHAT CAN WE GIVE IN RETURN?

Sarah Wills

Kingston Morrison Ltd, Wellington

Share an hour and a half of debate, direction, enthusiasm and networking. The workshop, targeted at any woman who considers herself to be an Engineer, will interest and stimulate all focussed women from graduates to shareholders. The known benefits of an engineering career will be compared with the desired benefits to establish pro-active strategies to make changes and satisfy our goals. The keys to success and the importance of planning will also be discussed. Aimed at motivating engineers, the workshop will provide an opportunity for each woman to begin to fully participate in the direction she wants her career to take.