The Face of Change, the World was in Desperate need of.

New Zealand's response to the devastating attacks at the Christchurch mosques.

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New Zealand has never been a country to stay under the global spotlight for too long. That is until, just a few weeks back, after the tragic shootings at Christchurch, took place. By taking a look at the way many other countries have handled such shootings, most of us did not expect the situation to have been dealt with any differently. Except maybe, the citizens of New Zealand. Jacinda Ardern, 38, prime minister of the country, has staged a revolution and set an example for all the leaders in the world, even of the most influential and powerful nations.

The attacks on the two mosques in Christchurch resulted in 50 gruesome deaths, and many more people injured. It has been labeled as the country’s own 9/11. Since then, in the matter of days, Jacinda Ardern worked with the rest of the government to enact immediate changes to the gun laws New Zealand originally had in place. All assault rifles, military style semi-automatics and any parts that may help in converting guns into weapons of that category, are soon to be banned by the beginning of April. Its interesting how one catastrophe arises, and permanent changes to the country’s legislation regarding its gun laws, have already been made. 323 mass shootings (only in the year 2018) later, the government of the United States of America has only offered their precious “Thoughts and prayers,” to the victims and their families.

If this wasn’t surprising enough for the rest of the world, Jacinda Ardern’s preeminent compassion and kindness towards the muslim community, not only displayed her strength and ability to lead, but influenced the people of her country to do the same. Tribes of the land, have been reported to have performed traditional dances in support for the victims, female news reporters were filmed wearing head scarves, a 95 year old man even caught 4 busses to join an anti racism rally. It may not have been the sole reason for the citizens to act like so, but her paragon and influence could definitely have been a driving factor. By naming islamophobia and racism as the root cause, she boldly addresses the terrorist, “You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you,” making it clear, that if notoriety is what the white supremacist seeks, she will snatch him of exactly that. By wearing a headscarf in respect, the benevolent prime minister met with muslim speakers and discussed what they think she should do. Now this is leadership done right. Honest and meaningful representation of the citizens of a country, rather than rule and power over them.

Maybe her parents being a police officer and a school cafeteria worker drove such a strong sense of altruism in her from the very beginning of her childhood, or maybe it is the fact that she herself is a mother, and just like any other, wouldn’t like her child growing up in a country she isn’t proud of. What ever the reason may be, Jacinda Ardern has definitely emphasized an outward looking vision for New Zealand, by aiming for the country to be a moral leader in confronting the most exasperating problems of this generation, for the rest of the world. The positive impact of a delicate scarf, on the head of a leader in support of a community that faces constant aggression, is what accentuates the idea that women like Jacinda Ardern, are truly the face of change for the human race.