Kōrero: Families: a history

The women's liberation movement highlighted the need for men as well as women to be involved in the care of children. As a result, male volunteers were invited to care for children while their mothers attended the National Women's Liberation Conference at Victoria University in April 1972. Bill Robinson from Eastbourne was one of the volunteers, supervised by a member of the female crèche staff. The Evening Post published a photograph of him having a good time with the children, but commented that he was making sure that 'the youngsters don't get into too much mischief while mum's away', highlighting how unusual it was to have men caring for children.