Women Of The Week: Jacinda Ardern, Scotland’s Woman Majority Government And Justyna Wydrzynska
Here are some of the women who are making an impact and inspiring us this week.
From breaking barriers in politics to standing up for reproductive rights, here are some of the women who are making an impact and inspiring us this week.
1. Ex-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a moving farewell speech on her last day in parliament, cementing her legacy as one of the country’s most iconic leaders.
The 42-year-old made the surprise announcement that she was resigning in January after five and a half years in the role.
In a wide-ranging, emotional speech on Wednesday April 5, Ardern spoke about her time as prime minister, the challenges and the accomplishments she was proud of, encouraging others to pursue a career in politics and leadership.
2. Scotland’s New Woman-Majority Government
For the first time ever, Scotland now has a woman-majority cabinet, with six out of nine members being women.
Women now lead the ministries of finance, education, net zero and just transition, social justice and more.
“I have made clear my belief Scotland’s government should look as much as possible like the people we represent,” Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s new, first Muslim and person of color leader said after unveiling his cabinet on Wednesday March 29, according to Sky News.
“As well as being the first ever first minister from a minority ethnic background, I am pleased that a record number of women have agreed to serve, as well as a significant blend of younger and more experienced members,” he said.
3. Polish Abortion Rights Activist Justyna Wydrzynska
Justyna Wydrzynska, has been fighting for people’s right to abortion in Poland, where it is illegal in almost all cases.
She was sentenced to eight months of community service for helping another woman who is a domestic violence victim get abortion pills.
Abortions are only allowed in Poland instances of rape, incest or if there is a threat to the woman’s health or life, which account for only about 2% of all legal abortions in the country in recent years.
Wydrzynska, part of a group helping people in Poland to access abortion abroad, said she had sent the pills to a woman, known as Ania, who had called the Abortion Dream Team hotline.
Ania was a victim of domestic violence and her husband had stopped her from traveling to Germany to get an abortion, Wydrzynska said, adding she already had the pills at home for personal use.
“I do not feel guilty. Hearing the details of Ania’s situation in this courtroom has only strengthened my conviction that I made the right choice,” Wydrzynska said.
Wydrzynska intends to appeal.
