If you’ve been in reach of a WIFI connection for the past few months, you’ll be aware that New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has been going from strength to strength as a leader.
Not only has she been able to rise to every challenge she’s confronted with grace and a considered approach, but she’s succeeded in almost completely ridding her country of COVID-19.
Jacinda Ardern, one of the world’s youngest heads of government, is also seemingly finding the time to kick goals in the mum department. The NZ leader celebrated the birthday of her two-year-old daughter, Neve, by busting out the Australian Women’s Weekly Birthday Cake Book (remember that beauty?) and making a cake in the shape of a piano.
In an Instagram post commemorating the achievement, Ardern wrote:
“Cake making lesson number two- don’t focus on making the cake look in proportion with little to no attention on structural integrity….there is a jar of lentils propping this thing up. Happy Birthday Neve! Thanks for ignoring all of the imperfections in life and just being a joy”
Meanwhile, Australia’s Prime Minister is over here, getting his country’s history wrong. In case you’re wondering, we’re referring to ScoMo’s recent statement suggesting Australia has no history of slavery.
Morrison has since acknowledged the offensive error he made and apologised for his words. But it is worth considering the kind of response someone like Ardern would have received if she had taken a misstep like that.
Credit: Warner Bros. Television
Historically, we expect our female leaders to be brilliant, effective, and compassionate – all while being able to deliver as the “perfect” mother. And in cases like Arden, they somehow deliver (even if the cake lacks structural integrity). Do we ask the same of the men? Something to think about, perhaps.
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