Geelong launches Women of Steel

Issue 
Geelong Women’s Unionist Network hosts a book launch for Women of Steel at Geelong Trades Hall.

On June 12 the Geelong Women’s Unionist Network (GWUN) hosted a book launch for Women of Steel at Geelong Trades Hall. The purpose of the event was not only to launch the book recounting the Jobs for Women campaign which took on BHP in Wollongong in 1970s but also to raise funds for the Jobs for Women film project.

Speakers at the event include Nada Iskra, co-convener of GWUN, and former Alcoa employee. As she read the book, Nada felt she was reading about her own life. She had experienced similar sexism in the work place due to being one of only eight women employed in the pot rooms of Alcoa in Geelong.

Two Linencare workers for Barwon Health also gave the Jobs for Women issue a local context, as Barwon Health recently announced that the laundry would be shut down, putting 100 workers out of a job, many them women from migrant backgrounds.

Robynne Murphy, jobs for women activist, long time socialist and one of the original organisers who took on BHP in the 1970s and 1980s was the final speaker. Robynne not only recounted the events that took place in Wollongong during the campaign, she also promoted the Jobs for Women film project which has exceeded its target of raising $25,000 via crowdfunding.

The event was attended by 50 local unionists, activists and students and managed to raise $3204.40 for the Jobs for Women Film project.

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