Wonder Woman of the Week: Jacinda Ardern

The superheroine for this week is one of the few world leaders famous for taking their children to work. Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern became the second elected head of government to give birth while in office- but the New Zealand PM is not a hero for this impressive record- instead, through a series of intelligent politics, PM Ardern is one of the top world leaders of her time.

Jacinda Ardern earned a spot in New Zealand federal politics in 2008 as a Member of Parliament. The achievement came after Ardern spent years in the colleges in New Zealand followed by years in the United States and the United Kingdom gaining experience with politics and social policy. During her time as MP in New Zealand, Ardern's platform largely revolved around improving the standard of living for children and families. Ardern rapidly rose through the rankas to be one of the top figures of the Labour Party, but not without staunch opposition. Sexism within New Zealand politics manifested in the form of fellow MP's (usually among other parties) labelled Ardern as a "pretty Communist" among other intended insults. But Ardern persisted and through holding true to her principles rose to be the leader of the Labour Party- and, after the 2018 election- the nation's Prime Minister.

Jacinda Ardern made multiple national records for her post as Prime Minister. She is the youngest woman world leader, she is the youngest PM of New Zealand's history as well as the third woman PM of the country. Ardern became the first New Zealand PM to march in a gay pride parade, and is well respected among the country's native Maori- having spent the longest period of time in Waitangi in celebration of Waitangi Day (celebrating Maori history within the context of the New Zealand lense) among all New Zealand PM's.