The shocking resignation of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s on Thursday, who changed the course of world politics when she became the youngest woman to hold the position of head of state, sheds light on the oppressive demands made of women in positions of authority.
The 42-year-old politician declared she had little left “in the tank” and that it was time to leave the government after a difficult 5-1/2 years in office while fighting back tears.
Politicians, she observed, “are people too.” “For as long as we can, we give everything we have, but eventually it must end. And it’s time for me.”
The comments that followed, however, were more illuminating, claimed Anne-Marie Brady, a professor of politics at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.
In a speech directed specifically at her family, Ardern expressed excitement about finally getting married to her boyfriend Clarke and being present when her little daughter Neve started school.
Brady continued, “She was just extremely straightforward and relatable. Any young woman who has grown up in this day when we can have it all, according to me, “sure, but in reality, we still have our heart connections to our loved ones.”
She claimed that despite women’s liberation, “patriarchal institutions” have not changed sufficiently to enable family life.
“Politicians like Jacinda Ardern are necessary. Her predicament should make us think about what we can do to support men and their families as well as women in politics “Brady continued.
In an interview with TradingTwist, Maia Sandu, the president of Moldova, stated: “Jacinda has my utmost regard and admiration. I’m sorry she made that choice, but it might only be a short-term one. It’s not simple.”
Ardern’s has demonstrated her willingness to break convention throughout her tenure in office by being the first prime minister since Benazir Bhutto of Pakistan to have a child while in government and subsequently take maternity leave.
Ardern’s, a politician who ran on issues like decriminalizing abortion, making higher education partially free, and combating child poverty, has also denounced overt misogyny in politics.
She rejected a claim made by reporters that the meeting with Sanna Marin, the prime minister of Finland, was the result of their comparable ages and genders.
According to Marian Baird, a professor of gender and employment relations at the University of Sydney, “She changed the face of politics globally just by being herself.”
She stated, “I believe she has served as a bit of a role model for younger female politicians as well as possibly younger male politicians who wish to appear in a different way. Without a doubt, she seriously undermines the macho stereotype of a prime minister.
Always acting from the heart
Despite having a strong reputation internationally, Ardern’s popularity has declined at home as a result of increased living expenses, an increase in crime, and social concern. View More
Following her resignation, she has received praise for being a boss who brought poise and generosity of spirit to the position, especially during turbulent political times.
Ardern did an “amazing job,” according to former prime minister Helen Clark, of guiding New Zealand through significant difficulties.
She succeeded in advancing important social and economic goals while establishing the country as one that “stood for cooperation and decent ideals.”
The expectations on prime ministers are always great, but in the age of social media, sensationalism, and nonstop news cycles, Clark said, “Jacinda has endured a level of hostility and vitriol that, in my experience, is unprecedented in our country.”
Our society should now consider whether it wants to continue tolerating the extreme polarisation that is turning politics into a less appealing career.
Mu Sochua, a member of the opposition in Cambodia, claimed that the world has lost a leader who “always led with her heart” and who commanded respect and trust.
Ardern’s choice sent a vital message to the next generation of leaders, according to Yenny Wahid, the Wahid Institute’s director and a well-known advocate for women’s rights in Indonesia.
“She made the decision to leave when she did because she now has other priorities in her life. The younger generation can see that it’s acceptable.”
