What was it like to be involved in the heady days of 'second wave' feminism in Australia, when the role of women at home and at work changed decisively? Iola Mathews was one of the founders of the Women's Electoral Lobby, a journalist at The Age, and later a leading ACTU advocate for women workers during the 'Accord' with the Hawke-Keating Government. She was one of the first generation of women trying to 'have it all' with a career and children. In this honest and revealing memoir, she takes us inside the day-to-day groundwork required to bring about reforms in areas like affirmative action, equal pay, superannuation, childcare, parental leave and work-family issues. This is an important record of a pivotal time for women in Australia's history. Iola brings wisdom and experience to it, reflecting on where we are today, with suggestions for further reform. It's a vital source for policy makers and all those interested in women, work and families.

Contents: pt. One The New Frontier -- ch. 1 Childhood to early work life -- ch. 2 Marriage -- ch. 3 Motherhood -- ch. 4 Back to work -- ch. 5 Looking for work -- pt. Two Winning for Women -- ch. 6 Early days at the ACTU -- ch. 7 Implementing the program -- ch. 8 Equal pay for nurses and outworkers -- ch. 9 Equal pay and superannuation -- ch. 10 Parental leave -- ch. 11 Test cases and enterprise bargaining -- ch. 12 Women and work today -- ch. 13 Gender equality at work and in the home.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 279-287) and index.