One of New Zealand’s most powerful politicians will soon add a new title to her resume: mom.
Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, recently made headlines after announcing that she’s expecting her first child. She’ll be the second world leader ever to give birth while in office, and the first in New Zealand’s history. We can’t wait to watch her master the ins and outs of motherhood while also governing the Pacific Ocean country!
We thought 2017 was a big year! This year we’ll join the many parents who wear two hats. I’ll be PM & a mum while Clarke will be “first man of fishing” & stay at home dad. There will be lots of questions (I can assure you we have a plan all ready to go!) but for now bring on 2018 pic.twitter.com/nowAYOhAbF
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) January 18, 2018
Ardern, the youngest prime minister in the country’s history at age 37, found out about her bun in the oven just six days before taking office last October. What a secret to keep!
The mom-to-be is due in June and will take six weeks of maternity leave before heading back to work. For comparison’s sake, that’s 12 weeks short of the country’s 18 weeks paid parental leave policy (which jumps to 22 weeks starting this July). Before Ardern took office, employees were given 18 weeks, but as part of the New Zealand Labour Party’s platform, she vowed to steadily increase that number to 26 weeks by 2020. (FWIW, the U.S. ranks dead last in maternity leave benefits for new mothers.)
“I am not the first woman to multitask. I am not the first woman to work and have a baby,” Ardern said in a news conference, as reported by The Washington Post. “We are going to make this work, and New Zealand is going to help us raise our first child.”
Her partner, Clarke Gayford, will be a stay-at-home dad while Ardern gets back to overseeing the more than 4.7 million people who call New Zealand home. (If you’re ever looking for a babysitter to help out during date night, we can help!)
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark took to Twitter to congratulate Ardern, applauding the mom-to-be for her healthy work-life balance, noting that every woman should be afforded the opportunity to achieve a healthy and fulfilling work-life balance.
Wishing @jacindaardern & @NZClarke all the best as they expect their 1st child in June: a super busy year coming up & much to look forward to. Every #woman should have the choice of combining family & career. https://t.co/Ma6B6OGXJe
— Helen Clark (@HelenClarkNZ) January 18, 2018
James Shaw, leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, also sent his well-wishes to Ardern.
“That a woman can be the Prime Minister of New Zealand and choose to have a family while in office says a lot about the kind of country we are and that we can be — modern, progressive, inclusive, and equal,” Shaw said in a statement. “For that reason, I know this announcement will be significant for many women, in particular, and that all New Zealanders will share in the Prime Minister’s joy today.”
Supporters echoed the politicians’ comments and voiced their happiness over on Ardern’s Facebook announcement.
“I can’t wait for you to prove them wrong and show that a woman with one of the most demanding jobs in NZ can be a mother and have a career at the same time,” wrote Cathryn Lucy. Her comment has garnered over 6,400 likes (and counting).
“This is why we need more women in positions of power. To bring the everyday experiences of women front and centre until they no longer seem unusual or remarkable,” wrote Rachel Davey. “Can’t wait to see you rock both being a mum and a prime minister.”
You might remember our story about Australian senator Larissa Waters, who famously breastfed her newborn daughter on her first day back to work — on the Senate floor! Add Ardern to the list of empowering women, like Waters, who are leading the charge when it comes to showing the world that moms rule.
Congratulations!
