This one is for the history books people. Sexism and age discrimination towards prime minister Sanna Marin and Jacinda Ardern.
“A lot of people will be wondering: are you two meeting just because you’re similar in age and have got a lot of common stuff there – when you got into politics and stuff – or can Kiwis actually expect to see more deals between our two countries down the line,” this journalist asked.
“My first question is I wonder whether or not anyone every asked Barack Obama and John Key if they met because they were of a similar age,” Ardern replied. Yes, there are more men in politics, but because two women meet, it is not because of their gender. “The focus of our conversation is what more we could do together in support of other women, in other countries who are facing dire circumstances,” Ardern said in relation to places like Iran that breach human rights. “So, I think that shows a sense of responsibility that we feel given there are so few female leaders to make sure that we use our voice on behalf of those that are experiencing such dire circumstances.”
“We are meeting because we are prime ministers,” Marin added. “We have a lot of things in common, but also a lot of things where we can do much more together,” she said. The strongest part of their response has to do with not relying on big tech, future of digital technologies and trading, providing the example of how Europe relied on Russia for energy, leading to current utilities crisis in Europe.
My women, though former prime minister Julia Gillard remains my absolute favorite female politician in the history of humankind. If you missed the most unforgettable speech in the history of politics, make sure to watch:
A reflection ten years after the misogony speech:
Hillary Clinton and Julia Gillard on undermining women in leadership: