NZ PM Jacinda Ardern’s Cabinet Is How Workplace Diversity Should Look Like

While the world is rejoicing the Biden-Harris win in the USA, Jacinda Ardern is redefining governance at her own terms. The political icon has once again shown the world how women leaders are what we need to make this place how it is meant to be. The 40-year-old world leader is now credited for appointing the most diverse cabinet in the country’s history. The world has been all praises for the political icon for her historic cabinet, which is a significant win for workplace diversity.
Her policy-making abilities came through with flying colours during the COVID-19 threat when NZ, under her leadership, eliminated the virus and restricted its spread with low death toll. Early lockdowns and closed borders, followed with a focus on healthcare and healthcare workers, made this a big win for her. However, by including 40 per cent women, 25 per cent Maori, 15 per cent Pasifika, and 15 per cent LGBTIQA+ members, Jacinda took workplace diversity, a notch higher; where it is so NEEDS to be! She also appointed NZ’s first cabinet minister from Indian-origin, Priyanca Radhakrishnan, along with four others in her cabinet earlier this month.

“Parliament is a workplace like any other, and it’s gratifying to see our country’s leaders sending a signal to all organisations that there are immense benefits to having diverse teams,” she told HRD in an interview.

Apart from the 20 cabinet ministers, four are outside the cabinet, and two are under-secretaries. Of the six, two are women, two belong to the Maori community, one is Pasifika, and one is Indian.

All-inclusive is not a choice; it is a necessity for a better and equal world. That’s what the NZ leader has been at ever since she sworn-in as the country’s PM. As many as 40 people were inducted in her cabinet and among the new faces are the country’s first African, Latin American and Sri Lankan MPs.

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