( dpa ) - In their drive for equality with men, New Zealand women have forgotten how to be ladies, it was claimed on Saturday.
In a statement marking International Women's Day, the National Council of Women said they act more like men behaving badly and are particularly drinking too much alcohol.
"Politically and economically, New Zealand women are blazing across the barriers," said council president Christine Low, in a reference to the fact that the prime minister, chief justice, and Speaker of parliament are female.
But she added, "Women need to realise that empowerment does not disenfranchise them from being a woman.
"Women need to know that it is perfectly acceptable to act and behave like a woman and not a 'blokette' with something to prove to their male counterparts," she said.
A recent survey found that New Zealand women were the most promiscuous in the world with an average of 20.4 sexual partners, well above the global average of 7.3.
Low said one in four women had revealed they cannot remember what they did when they were drinking alcohol.
"What women actually want is equality with men, not to be the same as men," she said.
Friday marked International Women's Day.