Prime Minister Meloni's Beijing Trip With Daughter Sparks Debate on Working Mothers

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's decision to bring her daughter on an official visit to China has sparked a debate about the rights of working mothers. Critics opposed her choice, but Meloni defends it as setting a positive example. She aims to challenge cultural norms around motherhood and professional roles.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that taking her seven-year-old daughter on an official visit to China was a good example to help advance the rights of working mothers. In an interview with lifestyle magazine Chi, Meloni addressed the debate sparked in Italy after she was seen disembarking in Beijing with her daughter, Ginevra.

Critics on social media questioned the decision to expose her daughter to the public spotlight on such a high-profile trip. Meloni argued that leaving her daughter in Italy for nearly a week was not an option. Having separated from Ginevra's father last year, Meloni emphasized that every mother must choose what is right for their child.

She further elaborated that the situation encompassed a broader cultural challenge impacting all women. Meloni believes her ability to balance her role as prime minister and motherhood could dismantle excuses used to hinder women's progress in the workforce. While her rise to prime minister shattered a glass ceiling, she is not known as a feminist and has opposed female quotas in boardrooms and parliament, emphasizing merit-based advancement.

(With inputs from agencies.)