Pillay Lynne: Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
Pillay Lynne: Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill — First Reading 
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LYNNE PILLAY (Labour—Waitakere) 
: 
 I just think there is enough warmth in this Chamber tonight to keep us all comfortable. I thank all parties for their eloquent speeches and their support for the Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill. It is rare indeed that we have a bill come to this House on which we have unanimous support and I very much appreciate that. This bill is about acknowledging women who are willing to put their safety on the line to represent their country. They are women who take a full part in the operation of New Zealand’s armed forces in the same way that Kiwis have done for generations. 
I also draw attention to this booklet  
25 Years of Women in the New Zealand Armed Forces 
 because like Paula Bennett I did some looking up and finding out about the armed forces when I was preparing this bill. This little book was prepared in 2002 and it commemorated 25 years of women in the New Zealand armed forces—from integration in 1977. When I spoke to the bill initially I talked about the changes we have seen over two and a half decades. I really would recommend to people to read this book. It is a good concise little snapshot of how New Zealand has changed in attitudes over that time. 
I would like to quote from a couple of women who are serving. A young woman in the naval area said: “Two years ago  
Te Kaha 
 included a work-up and peacekeeping duties in the Solomons. I currently serve in naval staff as Assistant Director Weapon Engineering involved in procurement project management and weapon policy.” That position would not have been available or even a dream for a woman a decade ago. 
A young woman who has been in the army said: “Some people said to me before I graduated I would never last in a male-dominated environment such as the Royal New Zealand Army Corps. Despite some prejudices and old-fashioned attitudes towards females in combat corps I have found that the majority of males will treat you no differently to any other officer if you are competent in your job and maintain a professional work ethic and high standards.” How different from a time when women were deemed to be worth only 80 percent of what men doing the same work were worth. 
 Another young woman said: “Being a professional soldier in the New Zealand Army has meant many things to me. Above all else it has meant retaining one’s femininity as best as you can which is not easy in a military environment. Throughout my service I have witnessed a number of changes in our army not the least being the implementation of badly needed EEO policies. From the army I have learnt the importance of sound leadership. Most things in life hinge on that.” We in Labour certainly would agree with that. 
A young woman who is an air security guard said: “I enjoy the diverse nature of my job such as range shoots investigations and instruction work. I really enjoy the social and sporting aspects of Air Force life and my time has been rewarding and a life-changing experience.” It is certainly time to reflect on how far we have come in a relatively short time—since 1977. 
Many of us in this Chamber—many of us women members—can remember the limited career choices there were when we were young. The choice was nurses teachers or secretaries—or if one went to a Catholic school there was the nun option as well. We certainly have moved on and the young women quoted in this book have acknowledged that attitudes have changed. But attitudes have not changed without the assistance of legislation leading people through. We can stand today and celebrate that we are in an environment of a much more enlightened society of women and of men—perhaps with the exception of Bob Clarkson—who generally speaking do recognise that women have much to contribute. 
I am really proud to bring this bill to the House but also to enjoy the support of other parties on this bill. Long may it last. 
Bill read a first time. 
Bill referred to the Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee.referred to Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Committee