International Women's Year badge

item details

NameInternational Women's Year badge

ProductionValerie Pettis; graphic designer; 1975; United States

Classificationbadges

Materialsmetal, paint

DimensionsOverall: 30mm (width), 24mm (height), 7mm (depth), 44mm (diameter)

Registration NumberGH025397

Credit lineGift of Kirsty Paton, 2019

Overview

This badge was made for the United Nations' International Women's Year in 1975. The symbol for the year was designed by American graphic designer Valerie Pettis. A dove of peace incorporates the feminist / female biological symbol and an equal sign. These are picked out in red, white and blue.

The design was emblazoned on a wide variety of items for fundraising. Tiffany produced a stirling silver version of the badge. Some found this commercialisation of International Women's Year as gimmicky and anti-feminist. Others saw these objects as helping to raise consciousness about the year.

Events in New Zealand included a national United Women’s Convention with speakers from around the country and overseas addressing over 2,000 women who had gathered to share experiences and discuss aspects of their lives. The dove emblem was seen and worn here.