"THIS movement that was born in 1984 has begun to inspire the world. I honestly believe that even in Britain there is not yet an appreciation or lne pnenomena that the establishment or lue women s support groups has meant, not only to the National Union of Mineworkers but also to the national and international movement.' That was how Arthur Scargill described the movement of women from the mining communities, when he addressed the first national conterence of women AgaInst Pit Closures in Sheffield the weekend betore last. hyperbole. The first thing This was mere be grasped about the decision establish VY diet Against Closures as a permanent denisabel that it represents a confundamental - aspect of More powerful movements of working women can be seen places such as Nicaragua. But up till now they have remained confined those countries whose struggle for socialism is at • a lar migner pica nan l the developed capitalist Inspiration The Women Against Pit Closures movement in Britain is indeed an all those across the world fighting for their liberation allu NeIT national independence. And it is no eltner that delegates visitors in Sheffield on that historic Saturday gave such Wat 1l welcome to Tanya Abramsce of the South African Congress of Trade Unions, when she called for support for the struggle of black people against apartheid Torine South African Na- regime, tional LIOn of Mineworkers. The women felt themselves nart of a com mon international struggle.
The 700-plus women who assembled in the heartland of the NUM were in fighting mood. The dav began with. and dominated by, a de- Photo: G'M COOKSON mand for 'the right to vote?
'The women want
Kay Succiate from organisation, said Kay Kent, endorsing the call for decision-making ference. 'But they can see that they will only have that if they feel part of this organisation. And the only way they'll feel part of it is if they can vote themselves.
For the last 18 months, the of women the support closures. without the the the support important though that was. they role ing against the attacks couldn't have did organising the for within that faced particular Turiest, their By organising they to conthe understood even the Coal understood that.
The magnificent the Women Pit The only vote of the day: delegates overturn the chair's agenda Tribute That's what happened in the miners' - to the benefit of the working whole. that's what Arthur Scargill understood when he paid tribute to this movement that 'has begun to inspire the world' Totar thei reason that women at the first national of WAPC fought as they did for their right to vote.
What was at stake was no mere one-off right to put UD their hands at a said, I'm saying years. What we are new in doing ourselves into an organisation...
and sing it - and then make it mean something!
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Betty Heathfield: 'A unique organisation'