A Strong Woman Stands Up For Herself. A Stronger Woman Stands Up For Everyone Else.

Jacinda Ardern was already a woman to watch.  She became the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand in October of 2017.  She is one of only a small group of women who have ascended to the top governmental position, she is the youngest head of state, having assumed office when she was 37 and she is only the second woman to have given birth while in that position. 

Then the Christchurch Mosque massacre happened. 

On March 15, 2019, a gunman killed 50 people and injured 50 others at 2 mosques.  He was known to have alt-right and white supremacist views.  He live streamed his attack on the first mosque.  Apparently, someone can be heard welcoming him into the sacred space before he started shooting.  He killed the young, the old, men, women and children.  It is and will always be horrifying. 

Since that day, Prime Minister Ardern has been thrust even more into the spotlight and she has shown how a true leader and fellow human being should act when faced with such a terrible situation.  She has brought people together by mourning the tragedy publicly, she has taken on the issue of gun control and she has put the focus where it needs to be, stating that people with extremist views have no place in New Zealand or anywhere else.  Her country has followed her lead, holding vigils, donating money  and supporting the people who were affected.  She has shown strength, courage, compassion and humanity. 

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, we thank you for being the woman of influence and impact that you are and we hope that other world leaders can learn from your example.  Thank you. 

Shades readers, have a wonderful week and do something kind for someone.  Kindness and compassion go a long way. 

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