We do know that we want to do something to help some of these women. We don't have a plan just yet, but we are going to put a lot of thought into this.

When we asked, "Have you ever visited the Centre?" forty-four women responded yes. They had participated in a wide range of activities, including Alcoholics Anonymous, card parties, support groups, and community day.

Some women have been to the centre for one reason or another but have not become involved in any of the programs because they think it costs money. Lack of transportation prevents others from participating.

Reflections --- End of June 1992

It's been six months since our last grant. Monies are completely depleted. We have to borrow money to pay our bills. I wish I could feel as sunny as the day is outside. This money business, or lack of it, is really depressing. And my hormones are out of whack, which doesn't help. Anyway, we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Asking "Do you think women today are starting to be more independent and want to be in control of their lives?" prompted many comments from women. These were perhaps the most inspiring and optimistic comments we got to the whole questionnaire. Women spoke very clearly about being tired of being controlled by others. They said women are more independent and want better lives for themselves. Whereas "men used to rule the roost," women are no longer content to depend on men: "We've been long enough letting men take over, we need to stand on our two feet."

As one woman said, "It's about time, women no longer want to be pushed around." Women described themselves and their friends as being fed up. They stated that it is no longer women's place simply to be in the home and bear children. "Slowly but surely, they need to know their life belongs to them." Several women emphasized that women really have to fight for their rights.

A few women were clearly bitter and angry about their experiences with men. One woman expressed her anger particularly forcefully:

I love the single life, men are piss-poor shit. If they were any good they wouldn't have been born. I shouldn't put men down in general. Seventy- five percent are all out for one thing. Women are trying to do something with their lives. Men call women sluts and whores if they try to improve their lives.

Most, though, simply talked quite hopefully and determinedly about the things women are already doing - and the things women will continue to do to improve the quality of their lives. " A woman feels the need to be financially independent; having this kind of independence puts a woman in control of her life." "Women are realizing there is more out there for women. They want to accomplish something - self-improvement."

This last set of comments was perhaps the most exciting for reflection and interpretation. For us they were indications of optimism and hope. They meant that "times have changed" and "women see things in a different light," as one woman said. We are optimistic enough to believe this could become a self-fulfilling philosophy. Simply naming concepts of equality, independence, and freedom is in and of itself a change for women in Rabbittown. We are sure that five or ten years ago these words would not have even been uttered by so many women. Perhaps this means little, but we hope and believe it means a lot.

We also think that perhaps the emphasis women placed on these concepts along with their earlier statements about the importance of programs for women is an indication of their personal interest in change. Our questions were deliberately worded to ask opinions about women's lives in general. But we had the clear sense that when women responded, most of them were talking about their own lives, about their own personal experiences. If our senses are correct, then there are a number of women out there who are personally ready to make a change. We will test this out with follow-up visits to the women who participated in the activity.

Today we have a clearer picture of the reality of women's lives in our community. The barriers for some seem insurmountable, but if we can help even one woman this activity has been worth the effort.