5 Reasons We <3 Jacinda Ardern
Between promoting ethical fashion, celebrating diversity in the industry and championing feminism, we've developed a new crush.
It's hard not to be inspired by what's going on across the Tasmanian Sea - we've been following Jacinda Ardern for a while - she is currently the world's youngest female Prime Minister, here are 5 reason's why she's rocking our feminist world right now!
1. Salute to working mums the world over
When Ardern announced she was pregnant via a Facebook post last month she proudly stated "I’ll be Prime Minister AND a mum".
She's humble in her acknowledgement; “I’m not a trailblazer. I am not the first woman to multitask. I am not the first woman to work and have a baby. I know these are special circumstances but there will be many women who will have done this well before I have."
2. Inspiring the next generation of women and girls
Like our other feminist celeb crush, Emma Watson,Jacinda talks about feminism in an accessible way, bringing people with her.
"In my simple worldview, if you believe in equality, you should be a feminist," she said back in 2015
And more recently, “If I can give a sense of hope that there is a path, that you can find yourself in these wonderful situations … it’s a simple message, but I hope it’s one that just my presence conveys,” she says.
3. She's keeping it real
“I do still go to our local department store to buy things like maternity jeans that no one else can really do for me.
“Getting stopped in the middle of the lingerie section when you’re trying to stock up on a few things by an older man who wants a selfie is a little bit awkward … but I don’t let that get in the way of me trying to do normal things, because that is when I get to interact with people as well. Preferably not amongst the underwear though."
We wonder if she's considered HARA bamboo underwear as a maternity option?!
4. Respecting and celebrating Māori tradition
Ardern recently wore a "Kahu huruhuru; a Māori cloak adorned with feathers and bestowed on chiefs and dignitaries to convey prestige, respect and power" at a Commonwealth heads of government meeting at Buckingham Palace in the UK last month.
“Cloaks are worn for warmth, protection and to symbolise your status and mana [power],” said David Sykes, a guardian of Māori special collections at Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. “I think it shows how she is portraying herself as a leader of Māori, of all of New Zealand, of everyone. It made me feel proud. She wore it well. She wore it so well.”
The Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club described it as "an honour for us to loan one of our Korowai to the New Zealand Prime Minister" on their Facebook page.
5. Her sense of humour
We can't help but find ourselves chuckling at the latest PR campaign to come from our Kiwi friends. The #getnzonthemap campaign included Rhys Darby from Flight of the Concords.
You're firmly on our map New Zealand! And Jacinda, keep up the good work sister!