As the world grapples with the implications of Trump’s return to power, one thing is clear: the road ahead will be fraught with challenges.
The curse of the “right woman” continues to haunt American politics. In 2016, Hillary Clinton, a seasoned politician with a distinguished resume, lost to Donald Trump, a real-estate tycoon with no political experience. The consensus was that Americans were ready for a female president, just not Clinton. Fast-forward to 2024, and history repeated itself. Kamala Harris, a former senator, attorney general, and vice president, lost to Trump once again, despite his dubious record.
What is striking is that both Clinton and Harris were exceptionally qualified candidates, yet they failed to win over the hearts and minds of American voters. The question on everyone’s mind is: what is holding women back from reaching the highest office in the land? Is it sexism, bias, or something more complex?
Experts point to a range of factors, including economic insecurity, populist sentiment, and the erosion of trust in institutions. It is time to confront the deeper biases and structural barriers that prevent women from ascending to the presidency. Only then can we truly say that America is ready for a female leader!
Bias against Female Presidential Candidates is a Stark Reality in American politics.
This bias translates into real numbers. For instance, a hypothetical female candidate might receive 47% of the vote, whereas a male candidate with the same qualifications would garner 49.4%. The disparity is alarming. It is even more pronounced among men and independent voters, who tend to rely on personal characteristics rather than party affiliations when making their decisions.
These findings are particularly relevant in the context of Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. As a woman, she faced unique challenges in convincing voters of her qualifications and leadership abilities. The bias against female candidates is a hurdle that Harris must overcome, and it is a testament to the enduring presence of sexism in American politics.
Shattering the Ceiling: The Long Road to a Female President in America”
This milestone marks Mexico as one of nine countries where the current female head of government is the country’s first. Despite this progress, the overall number of countries with female heads of government remains low, with only 60 UN member states (31%) having had a woman in this position at some point.
The first country to break this barrier was Sri Lanka, where Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first elected female head of government in 1960. India and Israel soon followed suit, with Indira Gandhi and Golda Meir becoming their countries’ first female leaders in 1966 and 1969, respectively. These trailblazers paved the way for future generations of women in politics, but there is still a long way to go in achieving parity in government representation.
Discrimination based on the Constitution
The United States Constitution, drafted in 1787, has a complex history when it comes to gender equality. While the document created a foundation for the country’s laws, it also perpetuated gender discrimination. The fact that all 55 delegates who drafted the Constitution were men, including influential figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, is a stark reminder of the era’s patriarchal society .
This omission is a testament to the systemic barriers that prevented women from participating in politics .
Interestingly, some states and territories had more progressive laws. This brief experiment with women’s suffrage highlights the contradictions and challenges that women faced in their fight for equality. The repeated use of masculine pronouns reinforces the notion that politics is a male-dominated domain.
Despite the passage of time, the Constitution’s language remains unchanged.
The consequences of this delay are evident. Women continue to face discrimination in the workplace, particularly regarding pregnancy. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) of 1978 was a step forward, but its limitations have allowed pregnancy discrimination to persist.
Recent data from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reveals that pregnancy discrimination affects women across industries, with female workers reporting discrimination in every sector. The healthcare and social assistance industry, where women make up 78.5% of the workforce, accounted for 24% of pregnancy discrimination charges.
The persistence of pregnancy discrimination highlights the need for continued efforts to address gender inequality. As the United States moves forward, it is essential to recognize the importance of inclusive language and policies that promote equal opportunities for all.
Lack of women involvement of women in politics, racism, gender gap.
According to Pew Research Center Survey report, “
By Gender
Greater shares of men (30%) than women (21%) say it is extremely or very likely that there will be a woman president in their lifetime. Among women, more say this is not too or not at all likely (28%) than say it’s extremely or very likely (21%). On the other hand, a larger share of men say it is extremely or very likely (30%) than say it is not too or not at all likely (23%).
By Partisanship
As we look to the future, the possibility of a female president is more than just a question of if, but when. And when that day finally comes, it will mark a major milestone in the long and difficult journey toward true equality for women in America.
Talented and creative, with experience in writing, Hina covers a wide range of topics, including social issues, politics, and lifestyle. Her insightful articles and engaging storytelling have captivated readers. She is proficient in English, Hindi, Spanish, Gujarati, and Urdu. A winner of the Best Content Writer award in 2020, Hina is multifaceted, with a keen interest in research and investigation journalism.
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