What was it like to be involved in the heady days of ‘second
wave’ feminism in Australia, when the role of women at home and at work changed
decisively? Iola Mathews was one of the founders of the Women’s Electoral
Lobby, a journalist at The Age, and
later a leading ACTU advocate for women workers during the ‘Accord’ with the
Hawke-Keating Government. She was one of the first generation of women trying
to ‘have it all’ with a career and children.
In this honest and revealing memoir, she takes us inside the
day-to-day groundwork required to bring about reforms in areas like affirmative
action, equal pay, superannuation, childcare, parental leave and work-family
issues. This is an important record of a pivotal time for women in Australia’s
history. Iola brings wisdom and experience to it, reflecting on where we are
today, with suggestions for further reform. It’s a vital source for policy
makers and all those interested in women, work and families.
‘Iola Mathews has written a fascinating insider
account of how she battled for major reforms for women, especially during her
time at the ACTU, where she won landmark cases on parental leave and wage
justice for child care and clerical workers. It is so important to know the
stories behind these historic victories.’ — Anne Summers
'Iola’s
story shows what can be achieved when passionate people commit to changing the
rules and fighting for fairness. Her story shows the best qualities of the
union movement — people working to make life better for others and to pursue
equality and fairness. A great story of a moment of immense change for working women in Australia, and of the people in the movement who made that change possible.' —Sally McManus
