During part of Helen Clark's term as prime minister, women also occupied the top public posts of leader of the opposition (Jenny Shipley) and chief justice (Sian Elias). As a result, some commentators believed that the 'glass ceiling' that had traditionally blocked women from reaching the highest positions in public life and business had finally been shattered. This cartoon from 2000 illustrates the determination that helped Clark achieve her goals. After her departure from Parliament in 2009, she became the first woman to head the UN Development Programme, the third-highest position at the United Nations.
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by Sharon Murdoch
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