Girls just wanna have funds – protest targets changes to pay-equity process

A group of protesters rallied against National’s Pay Equity Amendment Bill at the University of Auckland’s library recently.

The Girls Just Wanna Have Funds’protest featured signs, chants and several guest speakers who expressed discontent with the bill, which they say aims to get rid pf equal pay for Kiwi women.

The guest speakers included Labour Party, Green Party representatives, as well as young Māori and the women’s officer from the Auckland University Students Association.

The Government bill raises the bar for pay equity claims, meaning dozens of ongoing claims have to be scrapped.

LISTEN HERE: Green Party member Lawrence Xu-Nan speaks on the coalition Government

Green Party member Lawrence Xu-Nan says the coalition Government has got become.more undemocratic.

"They've got more blunt at screwing over New Zealanders.”

Xu-Nan says the Green Party and Labour Party generally have a consistent approach against the new bill and in improving conditions for women, especially marginalised people.

”Broadly speaking, there is no difference, but I think from a Greens perspective, we often hold the view that things could happen faster, and we plan for what’s in the future, so we need to be able to lay the foundation now.”

Xu-Nan says if young people want to help out, they should talk to their family, their friends and register to vote.

Protesters gather at the University of Auckland city campus to oppose the Pay Equity Amendments Bill. Photo: Caitlin Gill

Xu-Nan says that the “biggest fear” for the global right wing  is “ being actively challenged” in a democratic society.

“They want people to be disillusioned about politics, so they don’t participate.”

Māori Youth Representative Renee Parangi says youth MPs in the Youth Parliament have similar views on the bill.

“Having discussions with all of the Youth MPs about these bills recently … such as the Equity Amendment Bill, that we don’t agree with, there are similarities there, and we want to do our best as Youth MPs.

“We’re all passionate about speaking on behalf of our young people in our electorates and obviously we’re passionate about politics and what goes on.”

Parangi says the Youth Parliament would love for young people to reach out with their opinions and issues, which the group can take to parliament and report to MPs.

She also says it would be good for young people to “be here”.

“Protests and rallies … be here for events like this to show your support.”