A B’Old Woman

A B’Old Woman is a Substack focused on critique of gender ideology in New Zealand, emphasizing women’s rights and safety, free speech, and challenges posed by inclusive policies to women and children’s spaces. Recurring themes include the impacts on women-only spaces, public events, and political actions affecting gender discussions.

Gender ideology and policies Women's rights and spaces Free speech and public protests Government and political actions Health and medical terminology changes Public safety and privacy concerns Education and youth programs

The hottest Substack posts of A B’Old Woman

And their main takeaways

It’s official! Control of women's and girls' single-sex spaces in Christchurch, NZ, is no longer in the hands of women and girls.

599 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Gender Issues Policy Analysis Civil Rights Local Governance
  1. The new Equity and Inclusion Policy in Christchurch has removed the protection of single-sex spaces for women and girls. This means that these spaces are now open to people who identify as women, including men.
  2. By not including the term 'sex' in the policy, it's hard to enforce rights for single-sex areas. This change makes it unclear if women's rights in these spaces will be respected or considered at all.
  3. Women and girls can no longer directly ask a man to leave a female space. Instead, they must call a staff member to deal with the situation, which takes away their control and comfort in these spaces.

The 'linguistic abomination' of the NZ Midwifery Council's revised Scope of Practice.

459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Cultural Issues Legislation Public Health
  1. The New Zealand Midwifery Council removed the words 'mother' and 'baby' from their Scope of Practice, which many people found problematic.
  2. There was significant pushback against this change, leading to a petition with nearly 7,500 signatures.
  3. The petition will be presented to Parliament, showing that many people care about how language is used in important areas like midwifery.

NZ's Midwifery Council wants to stop using the words 'mother' and 'baby' for mothers and babies.

679 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Health Policy Social justice Public Health
  1. New Zealand's Midwifery Council wants to change the terms 'mother' and 'baby' to be more inclusive. This is to recognize people who identify differently but may give birth.
  2. The decision has faced criticism for erasing traditional language related to motherhood. Many believe it undermines the focus on women's rights in midwifery.
  3. The changes to the language used in midwifery can impact how health professionals operate. Clear language is crucial to ensure safe and effective care.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is seeking a Principal DEI Advisor who understands that the Bank is like Tāne Mahuta, the God of the Forest. Should be a breeze in today’s climate.

479 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Inclusion Workplace Public Service
  1. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is hiring a Principal DEI Advisor who will integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within its policies. This role aims to apply various Māori worldviews alongside DEI concepts.
  2. There are concerns that implementing DEI may restrict freedom of speech in the workplace. Some employees feel pressured to conform to specific beliefs and are hesitant to share differing opinions.
  3. The effectiveness of DEI initiatives at the Reserve Bank is questioned, with calls for solid evidence to prove their benefits. There are doubts about whether these programs truly improve workplace culture and productivity.

New Zealand’s connection to WPATH, and a few other things that went on this week in NZ's cockeyed world of woke.

479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Health Society Justice Ethics
  1. WPATH, a global organization that helps set guidelines for transgender health, is facing criticism for not following proper ethics in medical practices. Many are worried about how these guidelines affect treatment for transgender people.
  2. In New Zealand, the professional group for transgender health, PATHA, has not been officially reviewed despite receiving government support. An independent researcher found that their guidelines do not meet common medical standards.
  3. Recent discussions and articles in New Zealand have raised concerns about how language is used around topics like menstruation and motherhood, often leaving women and their experiences out. Many feel this makes it harder for women to connect with important health information.
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How much 'queering' of society is being funded by the New Zealand taxpayer?

499 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics LGBTQ Rights Public funding Social Issues Ideology Activism
  1. Some events funded by New Zealand taxpayers focus on LGBTQIA+ issues, which some believe changed societal norms.
  2. There are concerns about how these events may influence public perception and attitudes toward gender and sexuality.
  3. Debates exist regarding the appropriateness of using taxpayer money to support these initiatives and their impact on society.

"Men are not women, even if you squint" said the t-shirt which got a woman trespassed from a NZ supermarket.

659 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Free speech Activism
  1. A woman in New Zealand was removed from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that said 'Men are not women, even if you squint'.
  2. The incident started when a staff member, identifying as transgender, became upset about her shirt, leading to her being physically escorted out by the manager.
  3. The woman has since shared her side of the story, aiming to clear up misunderstandings about her behavior during the incident.

This is not just quietly dying ........

639 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legal issues Media Coverage Public Opinion Activism
  1. An older Māori woman got banned from a supermarket for wearing a t-shirt that made a strong statement about gender identity.
  2. She is now considering legal action because she believes this issue affects not just her, but women as a whole.
  3. Support is being raised to help cover her legal fees, and people can contribute through a fundraising platform.

New Zealand women’s sports gets a timely Christmas present.

719 implied HN points • 23 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Sports Policy Public funding Transgender rights Government Policies
  1. New Zealand's government is changing sports funding rules to stop public money from going to organizations that allow transgender athletes to compete in women's sports. This is seen as a win for protecting women's sports.
  2. Mainstream media coverage of this issue seems to focus more on the negative impacts for transgender athletes rather than highlighting the benefits for female athletes. Many believe it’s important to prioritize women’s rights in sports.
  3. Polls show that many New Zealanders oppose allowing transgender women to compete in women’s sports. There's a call for sports organizations to think harder about how to create fair competition, rather than just following easy policies.

Prominent New Zealand trans activist’s “disturbing” social media account is uncovered.

559 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Media Policy Social Issues
  1. A notable trans activist in New Zealand has been found to share concerning content on social media, including fetish material.
  2. Mainstream media and sports organizations in New Zealand have supported this activist without proper investigation into his background.
  3. There are worries about the implications of allowing people with certain views unrestricted access to women's spaces and sports.

New Zealand’s Chief Science Advisor, who once stated that “sex isn’t binary”, is coming to the end of her three-year term.

499 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Public Policy Gender Issues Human Rights
  1. New Zealand's Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, who has said 'sex isn't binary', is finishing her term soon. This statement has created mixed reactions.
  2. There is hope that the new government will choose a science advisor who aligns more with traditional views on sex and gender.
  3. The Marsden Fund, which supports research in New Zealand, has mixed approaches to gender and sex in its grant applications, reflecting confusion in some areas of research.

Why women and girls need single-sex spaces - because it now needs to be explained.

939 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Social justice Women's Rights
  1. Women and girls need safe spaces to feel secure, especially in environments like bathrooms where they want to avoid harassment or discomfort.
  2. Many women feel more comfortable in single-sex spaces as they provide a chance to connect and learn from each other, without the presence of men.
  3. Public services should listen to women's voices about their needs for single-sex spaces, even if there aren't obvious complaints being made.

A round up of New Zealand’s year of gender ideology in 2023.

559 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Activism Political Movements Legislation
  1. New Zealand started a group to support women's sports, aiming to protect them from policies that allow men identifying as women to compete against women.
  2. There has been a lot of public pushback against gender ideology policies, particularly related to women's spaces and rights, with many New Zealanders expressing their concerns.
  3. A new political party focused on women's rights was formed, indicating a growing movement among women who feel unheard and want to advocate for their needs in society.

Christchurch Library and the secret it keeps from parents and the community.

839 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Community Engagement Youth Programs
  1. A program called 'Rainbow Drop-In' at Christchurch Library is not well advertised, making it hard for parents to find information.
  2. This program is run by an outside group called InsideOUT, which doesn’t provide clear information or communication to parents.
  3. There are concerns about the program's safety and transparency, especially regarding the involvement of vulnerable youth without parental consent.

After the shocking exposé about puberty blocker usage in New Zealand, the mainstream media is silent.

539 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Health Public Policy Social Issues
  1. The mainstream media in New Zealand is less fearless and robust compared to the past, often avoiding challenging stories.
  2. An exposé revealed high usage of puberty blockers in New Zealand, but it hasn't been widely reported by major news outlets.
  3. Some experienced journalists are still pursuing important stories, despite a culture that often prioritizes safety over challenging reporting.

The case for fewer fucks and kicking kindness to the kerb.

359 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Society Gender Relationships Activism Wellness
  1. It's okay to care less about many things in life. Focus on what really matters to you instead.
  2. Being overly kind can sometimes backfire, especially for women. It's important to balance kindness with self-care.
  3. Growing older can give you a clearer perspective on what's worth your energy and attention. Embrace the freedom that comes with it.

Kellie-Jay Keen is not coming to New Zealand due to fears for her life – yes, here in New Zealand!

719 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Gender Safety Law enforcement Public Policy
  1. Kellie-Jay Keen canceled her trip to New Zealand because she felt unsafe and feared for her life. She wasn't confident that the police would protect her due to influence from trans activists.
  2. Many people are upset about how a few loud activists seem to be controlling police and political responses in the country. There's a feeling that women's voices are being ignored in the conversation.
  3. There's concern that creating a 'martyr' from this situation could actually empower people on the other side of the debate. While the 'Let Women Speak' rally is still planned, it's unclear how it will affect the protests.

NZ's Human Rights Commission is going to undergo some changes "in terms of the personnel".

479 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights Government Legislation Political parties Activism
  1. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission is changing its leadership. The current Commissioner, Paul Hunt, will not be reappointed, which some see as a step towards improvement.
  2. There is criticism about the Commission being too focused on activism, which some feel should not be funded by taxpayers. People are hoping for a more balanced approach in the future.
  3. Recent appointments within the Commission raise questions about their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some believe these changes might lead to confusion rather than clarity in human rights issues.

It was a good day in New Zealand yesterday, Friday 24th November.

519 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education & Policy Gender Issues Free speech
  1. New Zealand's new government is starting to change school curriculums to focus more on academics and less on gender ideology. This means less emphasis on topics around gender and sexuality for students.
  2. Sporting policies are changing to ensure fair competition, which means only biological women will compete in women's sports. This is a response to concerns about men participating in women's categories.
  3. The new government is also taking steps to protect free speech by rejecting hate speech laws and ensuring universities maintain free speech policies. This shows a commitment to open discussions and diverse viewpoints.

Open letter to the Christchurch City Council NZ – available for anyone to sign who is a current, or potential, resident or visitor to Christchurch.

359 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Rights Activism Local government Gender Issues
  1. The Christchurch City Council is being criticized for not including the word 'sex' in their new policy, which only mentions 'gender'.
  2. There are concerns about allowing men who identify as women to access women-only spaces like the pool's women's sessions.
  3. An open letter is available for current or prospective residents and visitors to Christchurch to support keeping female-only services and facilities.

The Mayor, the Ministers, the Media and Māori.

339 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Media
  1. Younger women can learn a lot from older women, even if they don't always agree with them. The connection and tension between generations can lead to valuable lessons.
  2. Di Landy, a kuia, criticizes the divisive 'wokery' in New Zealand that affects both Māori and non-Māori communities negatively.
  3. A recent incident highlighted how a woman faced consequences for her gender critical views, which raises concerns about freedom of speech and access to resources.

We want 'sex' in our policies, to protect women's and girls' rights - not 'gender', which includes men.

479 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Public Policy Women's Rights Equity Social Issues
  1. Policies should use 'sex' instead of 'gender' to protect women's and girls' rights clearly. Using 'gender' can allow men who identify as women into women's spaces, which is concerning.
  2. The current Equity and Inclusion policy is seen as too broad and may not effectively address women's needs. It's important for policies to clearly define and protect the rights of specific groups.
  3. There are cultural concerns about including gender identity in policies. Some believe it undermines traditional values and the understanding of sex roles in their communities.

How it went down on the day - the 'Voices for Children' rally in Welly.

559 implied HN points • 01 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Protests Social movements Policy Debate Activism
  1. The 'Voices for Children' rally focused on concerns about gender ideology affecting kids. Many speakers argued that promoting certain ideas about gender to children is harmful.
  2. Despite some protesters, the rally was well-organized and brought together a variety of people concerned about children's welfare. There was a strong sense of unity among attendees.
  3. The event received positive feedback for the management by police and security. It gave a feeling of safety compared to previous events where tensions escalated.

"Dear Lee, thank you for standing up for women, when none of the women did."

599 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Trans rights Feminism Social justice Political Debate
  1. Men who identify as women can pose a risk to women in single-sex spaces, and it's important to keep those spaces safe.
  2. Some arguments about determining who is a woman, like inspecting genitals, are not practical and ignore our ability to recognize gender clues.
  3. It's concerning when women's rights are compromised for the sake of accommodating men who identify as women, and there's a need for balance.

New Zealand’s shamefully high use of puberty blockers for kids gets exposed.

499 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Health Mental health Child Health Policy Debate
  1. New Zealand has a very high rate of puberty blocker use in kids, much higher than in England, and this raises concerns.
  2. Many young people who use puberty blockers end up regretting it, but there isn't enough proper mental health support to help them before transitioning.
  3. Parents feel worried and confused because they want to support their kids but often get mixed messages about the safety of puberty blockers.

The neo-rainbow racket in New Zealand explained in the language of easy money.

339 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social justice Activism
  1. Some charities in New Zealand are accused of making money from their supposed support for vulnerable groups. They often focus on the need for funding rather than addressing real issues.
  2. Organizations like InsideOUT, Rainbow Youth, and Rainbow Tick are frequently mentioned in discussions about LGBTQ+ support, raising questions about their motivations.
  3. There is a concern that these charities prioritize their financial gains over the actual welfare of the individuals they claim to help. This raises important questions about accountability in the charity sector.

Stop asking women to provide ‘evidence’ for why we don’t want men in our spaces.

579 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legal issues Public Policy LGBTQ Rights Women's Rights
  1. Women shouldn't have to prove why they want single-sex spaces. Their feelings and experiences matter and should be respected.
  2. There are laws passed based on feelings and stories from one group, but women's concerns are often ignored. Everyone's feelings deserve to be heard.
  3. When it comes to policies about women's spaces, it's unfair that the stories of women are dismissed while others' stories are accepted. Everyone's experiences should be considered equally.

A straight-talking chinwag with Di from Mana Wāhine Kōrero is always a pleasure :-)

319 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Language Gender Indigenous Media Social Issues
  1. Di from Mana Wāhine Kōrero speaks openly about the impact of gender ideology on children. It's important to address how this can affect young people's understanding of themselves.
  2. The conversation touches on the importance of language, especially te reo Māori and women's language. Losing these languages can feel painful and impacts cultural identity.
  3. There was a discussion about an older Māori woman facing backlash for her t-shirt that stated 'Men are not women, even if you squint.' This highlights ongoing tensions around gender identity and expression.

Health New Zealand seems allergic to using the word 'woman' - but not the word 'man'.

439 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Women's Health Gender Issues Public Policy Health Communication Societal norms
  1. Health New Zealand often avoids using the term 'woman' in its communications, especially in discussions about maternity. This is surprising since it uses 'man' frequently, leading to feelings of discrimination.
  2. When discussing men's health, the language is very inclusive with terms like 'fathers' and 'brothers'. In contrast, women's health language seems limited, making it hard to identify who is being referred to in maternity contexts.
  3. Many people are concerned that avoiding 'woman' and 'mothers' while promoting language for men is problematic. This raises questions about how women's identities are represented in healthcare communications.

How did I get here? A bit about me in brief(ish).

659 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Feminism Gender Rights Activism Personal Story Social Issues
  1. Women's rights can be taken away, and we should never take our rights for granted. It’s important to stay aware of changes that might seem small but can lead to bigger problems.
  2. Paying attention to what some people call 'trivial matters' is crucial. Issues affecting women can often be dismissed, but they deserve attention to prevent further erosion of rights.
  3. Getting involved in activism can be eye-opening and transformative. Through experiences in advocacy, we can learn about the values and decency in people while also facing challenges.

Did New Zealand's mainstream newspapers collude to collectively cancel an unobjectionable advert?

619 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Censorship Free speech Public Policy Controversy
  1. New Zealand's mainstream media seems to avoid controversy and only promotes certain values. This has led to a boring and uniform direction in their content.
  2. A conservative group had ads approved in major newspapers, but then all the newspapers canceled them without clear reasons, suggesting a possible collusion.
  3. The idea of 'cancellation' can affect anyone, and it's important to stand up for different viewpoints to protect everyone's rights and speech.

The Cost of Kindness – a White Camellia podcast

519 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Empathy Activism Gender Issues
  1. Women often show more empathy and kindness, which can sometimes be taken advantage of. It's important to recognize when kindness is being exploited.
  2. As women gain life experience, they become wiser about balancing empathy with pragmatism. Understanding that the situation is bigger than just one person's story helps them make better decisions.
  3. The podcast discusses the impact of uncritical kindness towards men identifying as women on women and girls' rights. It's crucial to think about the broader consequences of our actions.

Bloody awesome day at New Zealand’s ‘Let Women Speak’ rally.

519 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Women's Rights Activism Protests Trans issues Public Safety
  1. The Let Women Speak rally in Auckland was a big event that gathered a supportive crowd of around 400 people. It aimed to give women a platform to share their views.
  2. There was a noticeable police presence at the rally to ensure everyone's safety, which helped attendees feel more at ease despite previous concerns about protests.
  3. The atmosphere was more relaxed compared to a previous rally, with fewer protestors trying to disrupt the event. This allowed for a successful and positive gathering celebrating women's rights.

New! The 'Women's Rights Party' is now up and running in New Zealand.

799 implied HN points • 16 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political parties Women's Rights Membership Policy Issues
  1. A new political group called the 'Women's Rights Party' has been formed in New Zealand. This party aims to focus solely on women's issues after feeling let down by existing political parties.
  2. The founders, including Jill Ovens and Dawn Trenberth, have experience in politics but are now dedicated to advocating for women's rights directly. They hope to gather enough members to register the party before the upcoming election.
  3. The party plans to promote clear policies that address a wide range of women's needs. They believe that by becoming a political party, they can have a stronger voice and presence in political discussions.

Four ol' terfs walk into a bar .....

939 implied HN points • 01 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Feminism LGBTQ+ Comedy Personal narrative
  1. A group of friends aimed to find comfort after a canceled women's rally. They ended up at a vegan restaurant, which led to an unexpected confrontation.
  2. One friend accidentally wore a sticker with a controversial statement, causing the restaurant staff to ask them to leave. This led to a humorous but tense exchange.
  3. Ultimately, they chose to leave on their own due to hunger, reflecting on the absurdity of the situation and the reactions of the restaurant staff.

NZ’s biggest telecommunications company publicly disrespects women.

619 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Corporate ethics Activism Public Sentiment Social justice
  1. A major telecommunications company in New Zealand has been criticized for not supporting women's rights. Many feel the company favors a specific group over women.
  2. The company publicly backed an activist known for stirring up anti-women sentiments, causing unrest during a women's rally. This situation sparked discussions on social media.
  3. Some customers are considering switching to other services due to the company's stance on women's issues. There are opportunities for businesses that want to attract customers unhappy with current corporate attitudes.

Kiwis increasingly don't buy into gender ideology, say five poll results in the last year.

419 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Opinion Political parties Legislation Social Issues
  1. Many New Zealanders are expressing concerns about gender ideology, especially regarding its impact on women's sports and spaces.
  2. Five polls over the past year show a clear trend that people do not support the forced inclusion of gender ideology in schools and public policies.
  3. Politicians may not be hearing about these concerns because people feel uncomfortable speaking up, but it doesn't mean those issues aren't important.

An interesting thing happened at the 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Welly .....

739 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Activism Rights Social movements
  1. The 'Turn Up for Women' rally in Wellington was created for those who want to support women’s issues but may not feel comfortable speaking out. It aimed to provide a space for solidarity.
  2. Despite weather challenges, about 150 people showed up for the rally, which was a positive turnout compared to past events that faced violence.
  3. There was a notable incident where a man claimed to be a woman during the rally. This highlighted ongoing tensions between gender critical women and trans rights groups.

Sex self-ID in New Zealand has a 'get out of jail' card for service providers.

619 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights Legislation Public Policy Social justice Community Engagement
  1. In New Zealand, the new sex self-ID law allows people to change their recorded sex easily online. However, service providers can still choose to restrict access to single-sex spaces.
  2. Service providers are not legally required to let men who identify as women into women's areas. Their decision to do so is voluntary and could come with potential risks.
  3. Allowing men into women's spaces can make some women feel unsafe or uncomfortable, even if no incidents happen. Women's rights to single-sex spaces should be respected.

Dear Christchurch City Council, please re-open your consultation on the women's swim session.

519 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Rights
  1. The Christchurch City Council should re-open the discussion about women's swim sessions. People want to share their opinions on who should be allowed to participate.
  2. New laws clarify that service providers aren't forced to include men who identify as women in women's spaces. It’s up to them to decide if they want to allow that.
  3. The original community feedback didn't cover this issue properly. Residents deserve to know all the facts before they give their opinions on these important matters.