The Association of Presbyterian Women, APW has endorsed the now re branded campaign to ‘Boycott the Sexualisation of Childhood’ and has added its name to the many NZ groups in voicing its concern.
In late July 2009 the National Council of Women of New Zealand NCWNZ produced a press release in protest at the sale in New Zealand of a line of (Australian ) baby wear featuring offensive adult slogans.
‘Exploiting and sexualising kiwi babies for profit does not sit well with us’………..says Elizabeth Bang National President of NCWNZ
As an umbrella organisation, NCW represents 350,000 to 400,000 New Zealand women including APW which is represented at NCW regional branches.
In 2007 the NCWNZ unanimously passed a resolution which opposes the sexualisation of children through production, marketing and retailing of children’s products. With this clear mandate NCWNZ fought a hard hitting “Cotton Off “campaign alongside an Australian campaign and after three weeks the offensive line of baby wear was ordered to be removed from shop shelves in Australia and then very reluctantly from shelves here in New Zealand. APW has congratulated the National Office of NCW for its efforts in leading this campaign and achieving an excellent outcome. The now re branded campaign will continue as NCWNZ seeks advice from the Advertising Standards Authority, ASA to consider whether the slogans used on the baby wear breached the ASA codes.
Heather Tate
National Convener
APW
PO Box 489
Feilding 4740