An interview with New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has highlighted the sexist nature in which women in power are treated by the media. Australian journalist Charles Wooley has been accused of being ‘creepy’ and ‘repugnant’ after asking her questions about the conception of her unborn child and repeatedly referring to her level of attractiveness.
After introducing her with the statement ‘I’ve met a lot of prime ministers in my time, but none so young, not too many so smart, and never one so attractive’, Wooley continued his uncomfortably inappropriate tone by describing her as ‘young, honest and pregnant’ before describing himself as ‘smitten’ with her.
Many viewers picked up on the strange use of adjectives to describe a prime minister, with social media users highlighting the misogynistic and inappropriate tone of the interview. It became decidedly more uncomfortable when Wooley began referring to the conception of her child, asking her:
‘One really important political question that I want to ask you. And that is, what exactly is the date that the baby’s due?’
When she replied that her and partner Clarke Gayford were expecting on the 17th of June, he responded
‘It’s interesting how many people have been counting back to the conception ... as it were,’
‘Having produced six children it doesn’t amaze me that people can have children; why shouldn’t a child be conceived during an election campaign?’
Ardern, quite clearly uncomfortable, laughed off the strange question while rolling her eyes and stating, ‘the election was done. Not that we need to get into those details.’
The overly personal questions continued throughout the entire interview, with Wooley failing to ask her any questions about her policies, his most political question being:
‘How did a nice person like you get into the sordid world of politics?’
To which Ardern responded, ‘nice people go into politics’.
While she has since stated she didn’t find the interview offensive, although admits being taken aback by the conception question, viewers have taken on the offense for her.
Wooley has defended his interview in a typically ignorant fashion, stating he did not find his line of questioning off colour, and that the Australian audience wouldn’t be interested in questions about Ardern’s domestic policies. He said:
‘If you say somebody is attractive, my thesaurus defines it as 50 choices from good looking to gorgeous to likable, there is so many different meanings,
‘On 60 Minutes, they want to see this wonderful couple. I just loved being with them, I thought they were so much fun, such a breath of fresh air, you know it was just terrific to be with them.’
Regardless of the lack of interest in domestic policies, it is quite clear his treatment and use of language around the PM was gendered. The is little doubt that he wouldn’t use similar adjectives to describe a male prime minister or ask about the conception of their children.
It serves as further proof that education and change is still necessary in the way we talk about women in the media and in general life, especially those in power, as the implications of our language change the way the public perceive a person’s capability in their job. Treating someone differently on the basis of gender only perpetuates the archaic ideals that women and men can’t fulfil the same responsibilities to the same level of success. Clearly, 60 Minutes Australia is yet to learn this lesson.
Click through to see the women fighting gender norms on Instagram...
Inspirational Instagram Accounts You Should Follow
1 of 24Women In Comics
Illustrating inspirational images and depicting women in comic form, this account will brighten up your timeline with some home truths in the form of pretty pictures.
2 of 24Adwoa Aboah
This insanely beautiful model founded GURLS TALK, an online community where women from all backgrounds can share their personal experiences in a safe space.
3 of 24Alicia Garza
Alicia is an editor and activist who co-created #BlackLivesMatter. Her feed is a mixture of relatable memes, unfiltered selfies and educational posts to keep you woke.
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4 of 24Amandla Stenberg
You might recognise this actor from The Hunger Games, when she played the character only character we cried endless tears for, Rue. Now, while still acting, she's a full-fledged activist posting about everything gender, feminism and black culture.
5 of 24MuslimGirl/Amani
Amani created the fast-growing activism account @MuslimGirl, another one you should definitely follow. She has spoken across the world about Muslim women and posts everything from badass selfies to stats you need to know.
6 of 24Amber Amour
Amber created @CreatingConsentCulture which aims to educate people on rape culture and support rape and sexual assault survivors. She's also outspoken about racism and sex work, her feed will be endless many dinner party talking points.
7 of 24Amber Rose
You may only know Amber Rose as Kanye's ex, but think again. Amber is a sex positivity icon, with her own pocast 'Loveline with Amber Rose' up until 2018 that aimed to promote healthy sexual relationships and self-love. If you can get past the fact she advertised flat tummy tea once (fgs Amber), you'll love her feminism-filled feed.
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8 of 24Beverly Bond
Author of 'Black Girls Rock', Beverly's posts will have you both inspired and enraged, filled with commentary on everyday injustices.
9 of 24Bree Newsome
You may recognise Bree as the activist who took down the confederate flag from a flagpole outside the South Carolina Capitol building. She's continuing her activism with inspiring art you need to see.
10 of 24Cameron Russell
An american model who called out the fashion industry for sexual harassment and assault, she started the #MyJobShouldNotIncludeAbuse hashtag. Her instagram is full of inspiring stories and educational videos exposing different injustices within her industry and beyond.
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11 of 24Iskra Lawrence
If your not already following Iskra, your living under an Instagram rock. The body positive model started her own business, everyBODY with Iskra, to give health and fitness advice beyond just getting super skinny. You need her body posi vibes in your life.
12 of 24Jessamyn
Another super body positive account to follow, Jessamyn is a yoga teacher regularly posting about the emotional and physical benefits of body positivity and practicing yoga.
13 of 24Joanna Thangiah
Shun your timeline of filtered selfies and over exposed holiday destinations. It's time for some feminist, mental health aware art! This account is amazing for cute cartoons that say everything we're already feeling.
14 of 24Judy Reyes
You'll probably remember Judy as Carla from Scrubs, or one of the other thousand TV show she's been in throughout her insanely successful career. Unlike most Hollywood actors, her Insta is full of activism and news you need to know.
15 of 24Logan Browning
Activist and actor, Logan Browning is the lead of Netflix hit Dear White People. Posting powerful content and links to charities you can donate to so you can turn your online activism into action- she's a force to be reckoned with.
16 of 24Makers Women
MAKERS is a storytelling platform for women, posting quotes to keep you inspired throughout the day. Stay up to date with gender injustice, while also feeling hopeful with the powerful words these amazing women have to say.
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17 of 24Nimisha Bhanot
Another artist you need to follow, Nimisha creates amazing prints (which you can buy) critiquing societal perceptions of South Asian women. She's based in Canada, but these prints can brighten up your timeline anywhere.
18 of 24Muslim Girl
Muslim Girl, where 'muslim women talk back' is an account ran by Amani. Advocating for issues facing muslim women, both accounts are an inspiration and necessity on your feed.
19 of 24Project Consent
There's no time like the present to be educating people on consent. This account does exactly that, and gives you the perfect explanations, comebacks and reminders to throw out at a dinner party if the issue comes up.
20 of 24Rowan Blanchard
Gone are the days of Disney stars going off the rails, this actor and activist is a beacon of positivity- especially online. Fighting gender and race injustice and beyond, she's one to watch.
21 of 24Rupi Kaur
Rupi made headlines in 2015 when she posted pictures of her on Instagram with visible menstrual blood. Her posts were blocked by Instagram, causing backlash against the social media platform. She continues to break boundaries with her writing and poetry.
22 of 24Sophie King
This UK based embroidery artist is an up-and-coming star, embroidering feminist slogans onto everything from bras to roses. Bring her insta to life with her slogan t-shirts, or just stare at the pretty pictures, either way she's someone you should follow.
23 of 24The Vulva Gallery
Our favourite of all the accounts, the vulva gallery promotes self-love in an area SO often ignored. With two-thirds of women avoiding smear tests, life-saving procedures, because of the look of their vagina, it's time we stopped all of the self-loathing around genitals. Providing a regular reminder that all vaginas are beautiful, if you only follow one account of this list, it should be this one.
24 of 24Trash Is For Tossers
Lauren Singer lives an entirely waste-free life. Yes, you can actually do that. As #plasticfree takes over our news feed, it's time you had some daily advice on how exactly to reduce your waste. Save the planet!