Post Newspapers On Line 3/11/07

What do women want?

To be heard, respected and included, according to a new political party that has emerged just in time for the federal election.

Shenton Park mother Meryki Basden is running for the Senate as a member of the What Women Want Party, dedicated to advancing issues affecting Australian women and promoting participation for women of all ages.

The 27-year-old said that when she first heard about the party, which was registered with the Australian Electoral Commission in August, she felt inspired to join.

"They really understand what people in everyday life are going through, as opposed to being separated in an office in Canberra," she said.

"I was really inspired and things just stemmed from there. I've always been interested in politics and active on issues that have come up.

"It wasn't just one issue the party had, they really seemed to have a broad agenda and are open to things that haven't been explored.

"Most of the policies are based on science and research, and coming up with solutions."

Mrs Basden said the party, formed by NSW mother of six Justine Caines, was not against men.

"We have a lot of male members, and my husband encouraged me to do this," she said.

"It's just trying to highlight that roughly 50% of the population are women and less than a quarter of politicians are female.

"And the female politicians usually have a less important role. You don't see any major parties putting women up as leaders. Women want a voice and to be involved.

"Sometimes we have a different perspective on things that might be overlooked. I don't think I was aware of a lot of issues until I had a child.

"And male politicians might overlook things, such as breast-feeding issues."

What Women Want is looking towards fair workplaces, paid maternity leave, access to quality, affordable child-care, choices in childbirth, affordable housing, better post-natal care and access to universities based on merit rather than money.

The party is also interested in helping to reverse climate change and address the water crisis.

Mrs Basden said the party was passionate about the personal housing situation.

"Whether you are renting or looking to buy a place, it's becoming unaffordable," she said.

"A lot of people my age want to be buying their first homes, and now it's not an option.

"We want to address that from a lot of different angles, and to tackle it in a more sustainable, long-term way and come up with solutions that work for people of all age groups."

She said the increasing number of homeless people was also a concern.

"We want to look at people who are overlooked in the statistics," she said.

"A lot of people stay in abusive relationships with dependent children because they can't afford to leave. I have known people who have been in that situation.

"A lot of refuges are overloaded and can't help out."

Mrs Basden has travelled the world, living in Zimbabwe and Canada, as well as Sydney and Melbourne, and worked in IT for most of her career.

She is currently a director of a start-up technology company in addition to caring for her one-year-old daughter Quinn.

Subiaco resident, and What Women Want member, Saywood Lane, is also running for the Senate.

http://www.postnewspapers.com.au/20071103/news/008.shtml