New Zealand’s Defence Minister Condemns Gender-Based Trolls Targeting Female Captain Of Sunken Navy Ship

Judith Collins, New Zealand’s Defence Minister, has publicly criticized online abuse targeting the female captain of the Navy’s specialist dive vessel, the Manawanui, which sank over the weekend.

The incident occurred as the ship was surveying a reef off the coast of Samoa, forcing all 75 crew members and passengers to abandon the ship and seek safety on life rafts.

While the cause of the incident is still being investigated, Collins made it clear that it had nothing to do with the captain’s gender. She said a court of inquiry had been established to determine the reasons behind the sinking.

Collins expressed her disappointment at the negative comments circulating online, describing them as “armchair admirals” who are unaware of the issues encountered by military personnel.

She criticized the lack of decency shown by people making hateful comments about someone they do not know, saying, What the hell is going on here in 2024? She further stated that women in uniform had faced street abuse because of this incident.

Collins reiterated New Zealand’s progressive attitude on gender equality, stating that such behaviour is unacceptable and contrary to the values of the nation.

She said approximately 20% of New Zealand’s military force personnel are women, highlighting that the country is known for its commitment to gender equality.

Historically, women in positions of leadership in New Zealand have received harsher criticism than their male colleagues, a fact often discussed in Parliament and local media.

After the sinking of the Manawanui, the Navy’s fleet has been reduced to five vessels. An initial assessment of the sinking is expected by mid-November, with a final report to be released later.

References: Reuters

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