HERstory Is Made! What The American Elections Mean For Women Globally
“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last – because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.” It was an emotional moment for me as I sat watching this amazing woman give her victory speech after the nerve-racking and just concluded American elections. A few tears must have dropped because this was an extraordinary moment for me as a woman watching the first American vice-president shattering the optics that has relegated women in politics. She is the first woman and woman of color to move into the white house as vice president.
Kamala’s win provides a platform for girls and women to believe that they can be what they want to be. It may not be easy as it looks but it is a sign that we are in the right direction in achieving gender equality and reducing inequalities concerning women’s participation in politics. “To the children of our country, regardless of your gender, our country has sent you a clear message. Dream with ambition, lead with conviction, and see yourselves in a way that others may not. We will applaud you every step of the way.”
In her speech, she paid tribute to millions of women before her who paved the way for women like her by fighting and sacrificing so much for equality, liberty, and justice for all. “Including the black women who are often overlooked but so often prove they are the backbone of our democracy. I stand on their shoulders,” she said amid screams of joy and honks from the audience. She credited President-elect Joe Biden for placing his trust in a woman as his deputy. “What a testament it is to Joe’s character that he had the audacity to break one of the most substantial barriers that exist in our country and select a woman as his vice president.”
Women leaders across the globe have hailed Kamala’s win as an advancement on women’s rights and termed her win a historic barrier-breaking win for women across the world.
Hillary Clinton, the 2016 Democratic nominee for President twitted “To all the little girls watching…never doubt that you are valuable and powerful & deserving of every chance & opportunity in the world.” A press release from Nancy Pelosi’s website read “Congratulations to Kamala Harris for making history. It’s a time to heal and a time to grow together. Working together, we have the opportunity to deliver extraordinary progress for the people.”
Amy Klobuchar, the U.S. Senator from Minnesota wrote “As my incredible friend Kamala takes the stage let’s also remember the women of courage who broke their glass ceilings. Hillary Clinton, Shirley Chisholm, and yes Geraldine Ferraro. As I told 92-year-old Walter Mondale today “see, you were just 36 years ahead of your time!” Ann Waiguru, one of the 2 female county governors in Kenya wrote “Kamala Harris lights up the tunnel for many women who continue to advocate for gender equality & inclusion in leadership! We especially celebrate her win.”
The USA elections have brought a new tide of female leadership. The reelection of the Progressive Squad calls for even more celebrations. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota regained her seat as well as Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also retained her congressional seat for the 14th district of New York. Black Lives Matter activist Cori Bush made history by becoming the first Black woman to represent the state of Missouri in Congress. The same for Sarah McBride who has become the first openly transgender state senator in American history. These wins means so much for women and we must not let the guard down.
However, their journey to the top has not been easy as is the same with women seeking political office anywhere. During the campaigns, outgoing President Donald Trump went on a verbal onslaught attacking black women with demeaning insults. He said of Ilhan, “She’s a horrible woman who hates our country.” Trump also insulted Kamala calling her a ‘monster’ and a nasty person. Such insults show how the political world treats women of color by looking down on their abilities and character.
Kamala and the newly elected and re-elected women leaders know that the road ahead will not be easy. They will have to combat the Covid -19 pandemic, rebuild the economy, root out systematic racism in the justice system and society, combat the climate crisis, unite the country and heal the soul of the nation.
Their win must inspire more women, particularly in Africa to wade into politics, demand that they sit at the table in major decision-making processes, and challenge the bigotry behind women’s leadership and empowerment.
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