Power Dynamics between Women in the USA - it's Complex
USA Elections 2024: A Female Perspective
Women's rights and gender equality took center stage during the high-stakes US elections of 2024. Kamala Harris, a staunch supporter of abortion rights, ran against Donald Trump, who is anti-abortion and enjoyed significant support from male voters. Let's take a closer look at key women involved in this epic battle:
Kamala Harris: The Broken Glass Ceiling
While female leadership has been scarce in America's highest echelons, no woman has ever held the position of President. Had she won, Kamala Harris would have made history as the country's first female President. Following in the footsteps of Hillary Clinton, who lost to Donald Trump in 2016, Harris ran against Trump in 2024. Unfortunately, she did not secure the presidency.
Women's Right to Vote - A Long Time Coming
The right to vote for women has a long and convoluted history in the United States. Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for President, campaigned in 1872, but women could not even vote at that time. Theoretically, women could vote since 1869, but only white women in Wyoming held that privilege. It wasn't until 1965 that African American women could exercise their right to vote. Although women have been barred neither from competing for the Presidency nor from assuming other exalted government positions, very few have managed to do so, aside from Charlene Mitchell in 1968. Clinton's 2016 campaign was the first from a major party with a realistic chance of victory, followed by Harris as the second female candidate for the Democrats in 2024.
Women's Representation in US Politics
Numerous First Ladies have graced the halls of the White House throughout American history. A female President, however, has yet to be elected. In 2016, Clinton won more votes from women but lost to Trump in the Electoral College. According to the Gender Parity Index of 2024, women remain underrepresented in US politics, holding only a third of elected positions despite comprising half the population. The gender divide is apparent not just on local levels but also at the national level, where most positions are held by men. Many states still have low gender parity scores, with few women in positions of power.
Despite being Vice President and the presidential candidate for the Democrats, Harris faced opposition from the Republican party. Trump's Vice Presidential candidate, JD Vance, labeled childless women like Harris as "a bunch of childless cat ladies." Harris, who has no children of her own, affectionately refers to them as "Momala."
Taylor Swift, an influential American musician, is a prominent supporter of Harris' presidential campaign. In an Instagram post, Swift publicly endorsed Harris, stating, "I believe Harris will be a level-headed, capable leader. We can achieve so much more if we are guided by reason instead of chaos."
Another high-profile woman supporting Harris is former First Lady Michelle Obama. Speaking at a campaign event, Obama declared, "How can this race be so close? I am furious that Trump's erratic behavior, his clear mental deterioration, his criminal record, and proof of sexual misconduct do not matter to people. If we squander this election, we will suffer collateral damage as women."
The Battle for Abortion Rights
The right to choose remains a pivotal issue in the US. In 1872, even though Woodhull ran for President, women in the United States could not legally vote. Theoretically, women in the US could vote since 1869, but only white women in Wyoming had that privilege. It wasn't until 1965 that African American women could vote. Although women have been legally able to run for President since women's suffrage, few have managed to do so, with Charlene Mitchell in 1968 being the second woman to do so.
The right to choose became a significant issue during the election campaign, with Hillary Clinton supporting and Kamala Harris advocating for the repeal of restrictive abortion laws. In contrast, Trump's stance on abortion is ambivalent. In June 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, allowing states to set their own abortion laws. As a result, many states have introduced stricter abortion laws, and at least 14 currently have virtual bans on abortion.
According to polls, opinions on abortion rights could determine the outcome of the election in the Swing States. Harris' campaign platform emphasizes women's rights, with a focus on the right to bodily autonomy. In contrast, Trump's inconsistent stance on abortion and his remarks have been criticized as misogynistic and racist. Some analysts argue that Trump's sexual misconduct allegations and derogatory comments towards women have negatively impacted his support among women voters.
Kamala Harris, despite being Vice President and the Democratic presidential candidate, faced opposition from the Republican party, with Trump's Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance labeling childless women like Harris as "a bunch of childless cat ladies."
In the polarizing battle for abortion rights, Kamala Harris, a staunch supporter, ran against Donald Trump, known for his ambivalent stance on the issue. The right to choose became a significant issue during the election campaign, with the outcome in Swing States potentially dependent on opinions on abortion rights.
