Fourth Quarter 2001 Newsletter (Last Updated On: ) Books Partnership or Pretence Janet Meagher At the start of 2002 a new edition of “Partnership or Pretence” has appeared in Australia, with several new chapters reflecting developments in the consumer scene there. This book by WFMH Board member Janet Meagher, AM, a leading consumers’ representative in Australia, was first published in 1995. She says it “is not a heavy intellectual tome but is a useful brief handbook for those who need to regain their place in the world.” To judge by the reception of earlier editions, it provides a viewpoint that is widely appreciated. The first edition sold out, and a second edition was produced in 1996. [That year, Ms. Meagher was awarded an Australian honor, the AM, for service as an advocate for people with mental illness and psychiatric disability.] The book was later translated into Japanese, sold out in that language within a year, and may be reprinted in Japan the near future. A translation into Spanish is almost complete, and one into Chinese is now under consideration. The book’s thoughtful observations were the result of research undertaken by Ms. Meagher when she held a Churchill Fellowship in 1994 to investigate consumer empowerment and self-advocacy programs in Great Britain, the USA and Canada. At that time there was a need in Australia for an informative handbook which could assist consumers setting out on a path to empowerment, and would also be helpful to policy makers and health workers interested in providing assistance. The book did not underestimate the pitfalls and difficulties likely to be encountered along the way. To obtain a copy of “Partnership or Pretence” send a check or bank draft in Australian currency, for $25 (Australian) to: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association 153-167 George Street Redfern NSW 2016 Australia Postage is included in the cost. The book is printed, bound and published by consumers at Buckprint Graphics. Women’s Mental Health in Pakistan Unaiza Niaz Unaiza Niaz, M.D. has produced a monograph , “Women’s Mental Health,” for the Pakistan Psychiatric Society which integrates a standard clinical overview of women’s mental health with insights about the situation of women in Pakistan. The monograph is intended for psychiatrists, obstetricians, other physicians, medical students and other mental health professionals. The medical survey is supplemented with sections by guest writers on additional topics. A chapter on “Threats and Challenges to Pakistani Women” finds that observance of purdah is less of a threat to women’s advancement than lack of education. The author argues that placing blame on religious practices has distracted attention from the government’s failure to include women in education planning and to consider the needs of women’s health care in both urban and rural areas. For information about this book, contact: Dr. Unaiza Niaz 5A/11 West Avenue Phase-1 Defence Housing Authority Karachi 75500 Pakistan Email: [email protected] Fourth Quarter 2001 Newsletter