Jacinda Ardern: Reflecting on the 'Unacceptable' Question About Motherhood

Jacinda Ardern Reflects on 2017 Interview: 'Totally Unacceptable' Question About Baby Plans Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently revisited a 2017 interview where she was unexpectedly questioned about her plans to have children just 24 hours after assuming the role of Labour leader. The interview, which resurfaced in a recent video, sparked a renewed conversation about the challenges women in leadership face. "For other women, it is totally unacceptable in 2017 to say that women should have to answer that question in the workplace," Ardern stated in the original interview, highlighting her immediate discomfort with the line of questioning. In a recent interview, Ardern reflected on the incident, stating, "I didn't resent being asked the question for me personally...but what about everyone else?" She emphasized the importance of recognizing that such questions are not simply about personal choices, but can significantly impact employment decisions. Ardern's experience serves as a powerful reminder of the persistent gender bias in politics and professional settings. Her reflections underscore the need for more respectful and inclusive environments where women are not subjected to inappropriate or discriminatory questions.