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Women in leadership breaking barriers over time

By Manasiya Ammar
  • Early Life and Education:

    Early Life and Education:

    Born in Hamilton, New Zealand.
  • Began attending Morrinsville College, where she served as the student representative on the school's board of trustees.

    Began attending Morrinsville College, where she served as the student representative on the school's board of trustees.

  • Graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations.

    Graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Communication Studies in politics and public relations.

  • Period: to

    Early Political Career:

    Worked as a researcher in the office of then-Prime Minister Helen Clark.
  • Moved to London, serving as a senior policy adviser in the UK Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

    Moved to London, serving as a senior policy adviser in the UK Cabinet Office under Prime Minister Tony Blair.

  • Elected as President of the International Union of Socialist Youth.

    Elected as President of the International Union of Socialist Youth.

  • Parliamentary Roles:

    Parliamentary Roles:

    Elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) in New Zealand's general election.
  • Won the Mount Albert by-election, becoming the MP for the electorate.

    Won the Mount Albert by-election, becoming the MP for the electorate.

  • Rise to Leadership:

    Rise to Leadership:

    Appointed Deputy Leader of the Labour Party.
  • Unanimously elected as Leader of the Labour Party following Andrew Little's resignation.

    Unanimously elected as Leader of the Labour Party following Andrew Little's resignation.

  • Prime ministership

    Prime ministership

    Sworn in as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand at age 37, making her the youngest female head of government at that time.
  • Gave birth to her daughter, becoming the second elected head of government to give birth while in office.

    Gave birth to her daughter, becoming the second elected head of government to give birth while in office.

  • Guided New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing measures that resulted in one of the lowest death rates globally.

    Guided New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing measures that resulted in one of the lowest death rates globally.

  • Led the Labour Party to a landslide victory, securing an outright majority in Parliament.

    Led the Labour Party to a landslide victory, securing an outright majority in Parliament.

  • Post-Prime Ministership:

    Post-Prime Ministership:

    Announced her resignation, citing the need for personal time and reflection
  • Honored with a damehood by Prince William at Windsor Castle for her services to the state.

    Honored with a damehood by Prince William at Windsor Castle for her services to the state.