What Female Presidential Candidates Mean For The Future Of Women
The world needs more powerful women.
Photo by Nicole Adams on Unsplash 131 years. It took this country 131 years of voting to allow women a seat at the table. Though women were instrumental in the inception of the new nation in the 1700s, they could not vote until 131 years after the first election was held. Women stood and watched a country misrepresent their values, their importance, and their voice for 131 years.
In 1920, the ratification of the 19th amendment changed the game forever.
We have been a part of a country that has elected 45 people to be our highest commander — the most qualified representations of our country. We have instilled our trust and our freedom in 45 candidates, but it's 2019 and not a single one of those elected to be president has been a woman.
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Hillary Clinton broke the glass ceiling in the 2016 Presidential race by being the first woman from a major political party to win the primary election and campaign for president.
Politics aside, what Hillary Clinton did for the future of female representation on the scale of politics is impossible to ignore. And honestly, impossible not to support.
Because of her race, six more women have felt the confidence, urgency, and necessity to enter their names in the hat.
An overwhelming 24 candidates have entered the race to be the Democratic party’s chosen presidential candidate in the 2020 general election. The six women who have graced the polls are Tulsi Gabbard (HI congresswoman), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY senator), Kamala Harris (CA senator), Amy Klobuchar (MN senator), Elizabeth Warren (MA senator), and Marianne Williamson (self-help author).
In the 2-night Democratic Debate, held by NBC News, these six women took the stage, flanked by men. They debated their policies, calls-to-action, and intentions as a presidential hopeful. They offered their views on healthcare, immigration, climate change, student debt, human rights, and racism in America.
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For many young, female voters, this is the first time they have seen a representation of themselves on a national stage. They feel heard and cared for. They see a future in which they will remain active. They are thankful that the 131-year decision came when it did.
A huge part of involvement in the 2020 election will come from social media interaction. News has completely integrated with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to yield a storm of incidental consumption; we have no choice but to read the news. It is conveniently placed right below food videos and memes in our timelines. In an act of integration, or possibly surrender, we have embraced the presence of news on our social media platforms and used it to spread the messages we agree with.
So what do these women have to do with us? Sure, it is easy to consider that their campaigns have a direct impact on our individual lives. But that is a lot harder to accomplish than it sounds, even though our online presences are so involved, it may seem like we know each other personally. These women have given a voice to the previously voiceless. They have shown the youth that their capabilities are endless.
They have stood up to a system designed for men, stared it straight in the face, and denied the limitations.
Mostly, they have inspired us. Here are some of the latest tweets of women expressing their views and admiration for the ladies in pantsuits on a mission to remain engaged in the political sector!
1. In case you missed the debates... here's a basic recap.
2. They can relate to the women's struggle.
3. They can call out when things still aren't 100% right.
4. They can celebrate kick-ass victories.
5. They can say the hard facts.
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6. They saw a difference in the delivery of policies.
7. They can say it simply.
8. They can see and appreciate a recurring theme of effective communication.
9. Finally, they see a FUTURE where this can continue to see this as normal.
Madison Kerth is a writer who covers astrology, pop culture and relationship topics.