[4]: 54 Eagle was integrally involved in the women's art movement that emerged in New Zealand in the 1970s, initially most strongly expressed in Christchurch.
[5]: 189 In June 1975 Eagle organised Six Women Artists at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, the first public exhibition in New Zealand focused solely "on the premise of declaring female identity".
Designed to be more than a gallery displaying art, the intent was to create a space where women could meet and share their experiences.
[2]: 107 Art historian Anne Kirker wrote in 1986 that Eagle's "commitment as a facilitator in these early years was matched by an uncompromising approach as an artist".
[4]: 53 The exhibition was made up of many diverse parts, but a small number relating to the issue of abortion rights became influential in New Zealand feminist art history.
In 1978 Eagle moved to Te Henga, near Auckland, renting a house from another feminist artist, Juliet Batten.