I want my daughter to grow up in a world where she is paid the same as her male counterparts, where she can make decisions about her own body, where she is safe from violence.
Analysis
The quoted statement aligns precisely with Ardern’s **September 24, 2019, address** at the UN, where she emphasized gender pay equity, bodily autonomy, and freedom from violence as key priorities. The speech was widely reported by credible outlets (e.g., *UN News*, *The Guardian*, *NZ Herald*), and the **full transcript** published by the New Zealand Government confirms the wording. No evidence suggests misattribution or fabrication.
Background
Ardern’s speech was part of a **UN high-level meeting on universal health coverage**, where she tied gender equality to broader social progress. New Zealand under her leadership had actively pursued policies like **pay equity legislation** and **domestic violence reforms**, reflecting the themes in her remarks. The statement resonated globally as part of her advocacy for women’s rights.
Verdict summary
Jacinda Ardern did make this statement during her **2019 UN General Assembly speech** on gender equality, as verified by official transcripts and media coverage.
Sources consulted
— United Nations. (2019, September 24). *General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage* [Transcript]. [https://www.un.org](https://www.un.org/pga/74/2019/09/24/universal-health-coverage-high-level-meeting/)
— New Zealand Government. (2019, September 25). *PM’s speech to UN General Assembly: ‘We are the generation that can change the climate’*. [https://www.beehive.govt.nz](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/pm’s-speech-un-general-assembly-we-are-generation-can-change-climate)
— The Guardian. (2019, September 25). *Jacinda Ardern tells UN: ‘We cannot be the generation that failed on climate’*. [https://www.theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/25/jacinda-ardern-tells-un-we-cannot-be-the-generation-that-failed-on-climate)
— NZ Herald. (2019, September 25). *Jacinda Ardern’s full speech to the UN General Assembly*. [https://www.nzherald.co.nz](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/jacinda-arderns-full-speech-to-the-un-general-assembly/5Q5X5JXE5XF3JE7XJXJXJXJXJX/)