New Zealand prime minister silences journalist after sexist question

Check mate. On Wednesday 30 November, the New Zealand premier Jacinda Arden met Sanna Marin, the Finnish premier. The meeting between the two heads of government was held in Auckland to discuss the issues of defense and climate policy. During a press conference held on this occasion, a journalist asked a question whose sexism was immediately noticed by the main stakeholders.

Jacinda and Sanna play hopscotch

It is the first time that the Finnish head of government has paid an official visit to New Zealand. A fact that Joey Dwyer, journalist of the New Zealand radio station Newstalk ZB, has not failed to underline. “Many people will wonder if you only met because you are the same age and have a lot in common, such as the year you entered politics, or if we can expect to see more agreements between our two countries in the future “he asked his 2 counterparts, respectively 37 years old for the Finnish and 42 for the New Zealander.

“If two women meet, it’s not just because of their gender”

Her question just asked, the reporter didn’t have time to close her mouth when Jacinda Arden had already closed her mouth. “I wonder if anyone ever asked Barack Obama and John Key (Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to 2016 ed) if they met because they were the same age, the New Zealand prime minister replied wryly. There is, of course, a greater proportion of men in politics – this is the reality – but if two women meet, it’s not just because of their gender”.she added. A pertinent, if obvious, answer to a very silly question, so it’s possible. On Friday 2 December, Sanna Marin is due to meet her counterpart Anthony Albanese in Australia. It will also be a first, but as Australia’s prime minister is a 59-year-old man, sexist minds should be in no doubt about the political motivations behind this visit.

Cover photo: Jacinda Ardern following Adrian Rurawhe’s confirmation as Speaker of the House of Representatives at Government House, Wellington on 24 August 2022. © New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General.