Brave New World
Marie Claire - US|August 2018

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN—THE YOUNGEST FEMALE HEAD OF STATE IN THE WORLD—IS UNMARRIED AND HAVING A BABY, AND SHE DOESN’T CARE WHAT ANYONE HAS TO SAY ABOUT IT.

Kayla Webley Adler
Brave New World

At age 38, Jacinda Ardern is the youngest female head of state and one of few women leaders worldwide. Since taking office last year, Ardern has drawn support for her outspokenly liberal stance on social issues: She advocates decriminalizing abortion and legalizing marijuana, and she was the first prime minister of New Zealand to march in a gay-pride parade. Now she’s attracting a different type of attention—for becoming the second leader in modern history to give birth while in office. (The first was Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto in 1990.) And for being unmarried (she and the baby’s father, Clarke Gayford, have been dating for four years) and the first elected leader in world history to take maternity leave. This month, as she returns to work following six weeks’ leave, we chat with her about stay-at-home dads, #MeToo, and working with President Donald Trump.

MARIE CLAIRE: HOW DO YOU FIGURE OUT HOW TO BE A FEMALE LEADER ON THE WORLD STAGE? WHEN HILLARY CLINTON WAS RUNNING FOR U.S. PRESIDENT, FOR EXAMPLE, SO MUCH WAS MADE OF HER BEHAVIOR. SOME CRITICS CALLED HER COLD AND CALCULATING, WHILE OTHERS SAID SHE WAS TRYING TOO HARD.

JA: You do have those extra layers of judgment that aren’t usually applied to men. When I came into politics, I remember reading these scorecards of my performance, and I would routinely have these comments about not being assertive enough. At that point, I had a choice to make: Either I could fill the expectations people had for how a politician was supposed to behave, or I could just be myself and bring a different form of political leadership. To me, it was obvious: I could only ever sustain being myself. 

MC: ONE MALE COLUMNIST SAID YOU’RE “TOO NICE” TO BE P.M.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2018 من Marie Claire - US.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 2018 من Marie Claire - US.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من MARIE CLAIRE - US مشاهدة الكل
“THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF BECOMING A MEDIOCRE CRAFTER"
Marie Claire - US

“THE LIFE-CHANGING MAGIC OF BECOMING A MEDIOCRE CRAFTER"

In her new book, The Age of Magical Overthinking, author Amanda Montell explores the state of the modern mind. This exclusive excerpt examines why we're obsessed with things that are handmade.

time-read
10+ mins  |
The Makers Issue
Field of Dreams
Marie Claire - US

Field of Dreams

While agriculture has historically been a male-dominated industry, a new crop of farmers is working to make the community more diverse, inclusive, and cool.

time-read
6 mins  |
The Makers Issue
On Pointe
Marie Claire - US

On Pointe

As a dancer with the New York City Ballet, India Bradley knows a good performance-and that the outfit plays a role.

time-read
4 mins  |
The Makers Issue
MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT
Marie Claire - US

MASTERS OF THEIR CRAFT

In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your skill. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their artistry above all else.

time-read
10+ mins  |
The Makers Issue
CAMERA, KIRSTEN
Marie Claire - US

CAMERA, KIRSTEN

After a two-year hiatus, the actress is back where she wants to be: the big screen.

time-read
10+ mins  |
The Makers Issue
Whiskey Business
Marie Claire - US

Whiskey Business

Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest spirits, is doing more than just raising a glass—she’s raising awareness.

time-read
6 mins  |
The Makers Issue
The 700-Mile Journey to Get an Abortion
Marie Claire - US

The 700-Mile Journey to Get an Abortion

As states continue to enact harmful legislation that restricts access to reproductive healthcare, a network of pilots is flying people across the country to get services they need. Marie Claire reports from the air.

time-read
10+ mins  |
The Makers Issue
INSIDE THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE WIZ
Marie Claire - US

INSIDE THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF THE WIZ

The famed show is back on Broadway, and with it, a dazzling new group of creatives. Before the curtains go up, writer Amber Ruffin gathers the cast to discuss the magic of making the musical.

time-read
10 mins  |
The Makers Issue
RAISING THE BAR
Marie Claire - US

RAISING THE BAR

Despite endless body wash options, the art of luxury soap making hasn't slipped away. Many beauty brands are leaning into the centuries-old product, while elevating it with unique scents and ingredients.

time-read
2 mins  |
The Makers Issue
What Really Happened to Jessica Savitch?
Marie Claire - US

What Really Happened to Jessica Savitch?

In the 40 years since her death, the pioneering newscaster has become an Icarus-like parable, a woman who was punished for her outsize ambition. She was one of the most powerful names in news, until one disastrous broadcast tarnished her golden image. In an exclusive report, her friends and family speak out about what everyone got wrong about her life.

time-read
10+ mins  |
The Power Issue 2023