The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, received this Wednesday (30) the Prime Minister of Finland, Sanna Marin, in a bilateral meeting to strengthen strategic ties between their governments and discuss topics such as their countries’ response to the Ukraine War.
A local reporter, however, hinted that what Ardern described as a “historic occasion” — as it was the first visit by a Finnish official to the country — had happened because they were the same age, which sparked criticism of sexism and a backlash. of the two prime ministers in their responses.
“A lot of people will wonder, ‘Are you two dating just because you’re similar in age and have a lot in common – you know, when you got into politics and stuff – or can Kiwis really expect to see more deals between our two countries in the future? ?” Asked a journalist from Newstalk ZB radio, during a press conference in Auckland City —Kiwis is a nickname by which New Zealanders are known.
Ardern, 42, stopped the questioning quickly. “I wonder if anyone ever asked Barack Obama and John Key if they met because they were the same age,” she said, referring to the former prime ministers of the United States and New Zealand.
“We, of course, have a higher proportion of men in politics, that’s the reality. But two women finding each other is not simply because of their gender.”
She then described the trade relations and economic opportunities between the two countries, adding: “It’s our job to promote them, regardless of our gender.”
Marin, 37, responded with a laugh: “We are meeting because we are prime ministers.”
dance at party
Some New Zealand media criticized the colleague’s question, saying it was about “not-so-subtle sexism” or “casual sexism”. The British newspaper Guardian, in turn, put together a video entitled: “The many times Jacinda Ardern faced sexist questions from reporters”.
Sanna Marin, who became the youngest government leader in the world in December 2019, has also faced questions for situations that are not usually discussed in the case of male politicians. In August this year, for example, she was criticized for dancing at a party on Saturday night, after videos of the celebration were leaked on social networks.
Marin had to come forward to say that her ability to perform official duties remained intact and that she would have left the party if she needed to work. She also ended up taking a drug test, which came back negative, following accusations that there was use of banned substances at the party and requests from members of her governing coalition and the opposition.
At the time, women from various countries demonstrated on social media in solidarity with the Prime Minister and released videos in which they appear dancing.
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