Media Release BPW NZ

For immediate release

Women appalled at cuts to funding

HORROR is the word that best reflects The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women's (BPW NZ) reaction to the recent cuts in funding released by the Government.

First there was the announcement on 1st of April that the funding for a highly successful programme "The Girls Self Defence Project" was to be axed from the 1st of June this year.

"This is a positive project that gives girls throughout the country the ability to have the self confidence to deal with unsafe situations" says Vice President - Issues, Noeline Reisch.

"The axing of the programme will deny training for girls in schools who now may end up in a potentially violent domestic situation.

BPW NZ has always supported any project that assists in women and girls being able to help themselves to obtain a life free from violence.

"We are absolutely appalled also, with the news today that the Women's Refuge has had a massive funding cut of $700,000 to residential services.

This is unacceptable when places like Christchurch have had four out of five of their refuges put out of action by the earthquake in February, and are struggling to cater for vulnerable families because of the increase in family violence.

"As more and more jobs are lost and people become financially stretched to the point that something gives, it's a shame the Government isn't the one giving."

Ends:

© Scoop Media