If I was misogynist, would I hire a woman as my CEO? Probably not. I grew up in Denmark, for crying out loud. Denmark is probably one of the places where equality is actually fully achieved. Our political system is practically a matriarchy.

The quote, "If I was misogynist, would I hire a woman as my CEO? Probably not. I grew up in Denmark, for crying out loud. Denmark is probably one of the places where equality is actually fully achieved. Our political system is practically a matriarchy," comes from Bjarke Ingels, a renowned Danish architect and the founder of the architectural firm BIG. Ingels uses this statement to address accusations of misogyny, while highlighting his belief in gender equality and his experiences growing up in Denmark, which is known for its progressive stance on gender equality and social justice.

Ingels’ comment about hiring a woman as his CEO is a direct rebuttal to any suggestion that he holds misogynistic views. His rhetorical question—"If I was misogynist, would I hire a woman as my CEO?"—points to his personal actions as evidence of his belief in equal opportunities for women in leadership roles. This suggests that, for Ingels, hiring a female CEO is not an act of tokenism, but a reflection of his commitment to gender equality in his own professional sphere.

He then goes on to reference his upbringing in Denmark, a country widely recognized for its high standards of equality, particularly in the realms of gender, politics, and workplace inclusion. Denmark has long been a leader in policies promoting gender balance in both the public and private sectors. By stating that Denmark is one of the places where equality is fully achieved, Ingels underscores how the cultural and political environment of his home country has influenced his worldview on gender roles and equality.

Finally, Ingels’ statement about Denmark’s political system being "practically a matriarchy" is a playful exaggeration that highlights the dominance and leadership of women in Danish politics, where women hold significant positions in government. By saying this, he emphasizes the country’s progressive nature in terms of gender equality, where women’s representation is equal to that of men in many spheres of public life. Ingels uses humor to show how deeply ingrained equality is in the Danish mindset, implying that in his view, a misogynistic attitude would be out of place in such a society.