The results of the 2024 presidential election have left millions across the nation reeling. Donald Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris is more than a political outcome—it’s a stark reflection of America’s troubling relationship with gender and power. This election has revealed a painful truth: America would rather accept a leader with a long record of moral and ethical failures than elevate a strong, competent woman.
For countless women and advocates of gender equality, this outcome feels like a profound betrayal—a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, a woman’s leadership is perceived as a greater threat than a man’s well-documented misdeeds. Trump, a man with a history of sexual assault and felony charges, faced far less scrutiny than Harris, demonstrating the enduring double standards ingrained in American society.
The Factors Behind Trump’s Victory
Kamala Harris’s defeat was not just about policy. From the outset, she inherited a campaign from Joe Biden, whose unpopularity had left the Democratic Party adrift and resulted in internal struggles. While Harris energized her base, pulling in impressive fundraising numbers and inspiring a wave of online support, she struggled to escape the shadow of Biden’s low public opinion.
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign leveraged a narrative that stoked fears about Harris’s progressive policies, branding her as “radical” and “out of touch” with traditional American values. Key proposals—such as her support for healthcare reform and climate action—were twisted into scare tactics, framing her as a danger to jobs and family stability.
Perhaps the most damaging blow was the “Kamala is for they/them, Trump is for you” ad, which exploited cultural divisions to alienate middle America. The ad attacked a longstanding policy on gender-affirming surgery for transgender inmates, an issue Harris had supported but was also present during Trump’s first term. Her refusal to engage directly with this hateful narrative was seen as dignified by some, but it left room for Trump’s fearmongering to resonate.
Throughout the campaign, Harris faced relentless attacks rooted in gender bias. Words like “untrustworthy” and “unfit” were lobbed at her with abandon, while her ambition—a trait celebrated in male politicians—was painted as overreaching and selfish. Her every move, from her tone to her laughter, was dissected, reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women in leadership.
By contrast, Trump presented himself as a champion of economic stability, promising a return to “normalcy” and focusing on issues that resonated with voters tired of culture wars. Harris’s emphasis on abortion rights and protections for marginalized groups, while critical, failed to sway voters who prioritized financial security over social progress.
The Threat to Women’s Rights
Trump’s return to power spells renewed threats to women’s rights on multiple fronts. His administration is likely to intensify efforts to restrict reproductive rights, weaken workplace protections, and stall progress on gender equality legislation.
One area of profound concern is the continued push to limit reproductive autonomy. Trump’s administration has historically supported state-level restrictions on abortion, emboldening conservative lawmakers to introduce laws that could make it far more challenging—if not impossible—for millions of women to access necessary healthcare. With the federal government signaling support for restrictive reproductive legislation, women across the country face the grim prospect of their choices being dictated more by political agendas than by personal needs or medical advice.
In addition, Trump’s deregulation emphasis poses significant threats to gender equality in the workplace. Federal protections that guard against discriminatory hiring, pay inequities, and unsafe environments for women are likely to be weakened. The administration’s pro-business stance traditionally favors corporate interests over individual rights, which means fewer resources for enforcing protections against sexual harassment, unequal pay, and other gender-based workplace discrimination. Women in all sectors, especially those in low-paying or male-dominated fields, stand to lose crucial safeguards for their safety and advancement in their careers.
Welfare programs and educational initiatives that disproportionately benefit women—particularly low-income women and single mothers—also face an uncertain future. Welfare reform under a Trump administration is likely to result in reduced funding for programs that help these women support their families. This is especially concerning for women of color, who are often disproportionately impacted by cuts to public assistance. Programs that address gender disparities in STEM fields and promote women’s participation in male-dominated professions may also lose crucial funding, shrinking pathways for women in higher-paying, growth-oriented fields.
The threat to the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is another significant consequence of Trump’s presidency. Long seen as a cornerstone in the fight for gender equality, the ERA’s progress remains stalled, with opponents citing constitutional and political barriers. Trump’s administration is unlikely to advance or support the ratification of the ERA, leaving millions of women without explicit constitutional protections against gender-based discrimination. Without the ERA, future administrations and Congresses could continue to overlook or dismantle gender equality protections, affecting every aspect of women’s lives from pay equity to healthcare access.
Looking Forward
This loss demands introspection and transformation within progressive movements. The Democratic Party and human rights advocates must adopt new strategies that resonate with a broader audience, including rural and suburban voters. Policies must feel tangible, addressing issues like jobs and healthcare while connecting them to the broader fight for equality.
Grassroots organizing is essential to rebuilding trust in key swing states and underserved communities. Advocacy groups must expand their outreach, moving beyond urban strongholds to create coalitions that bridge divides.
Young people and marginalized communities, energized by the stakes of this election, must be at the forefront of this effort. By framing issues like climate change and reproductive rights as opportunities for bold, inclusive solutions, leaders can empower the next generation to push for systemic change.
We Are Not Going Back
Trump’s victory is a stark reminder of the sexism that continues to plague American politics. His ability to reclaim the presidency, despite felony charges and a history of sexual misconduct, underscores a troubling double standard. For many, it feels like a slap in the face—a reminder that a man with a history of harm can still lead, while a qualified woman’s ambition is weaponized against her.
Yet, this setback must become a rallying cry. Feminism’s future lies in its resilience, inclusivity, and adaptability. This is not the end but the beginning of a new wave of activism.
This battle is far from over. We owe it to ourselves—and to future generations—to keep pushing, to keep fighting, and to keep believing in a world where women can lead without fear of discrimination, where leadership is determined by capability rather than gender, and where every young girl can dream of becoming president with the assurance that society supports her ambition. This election may be a setback, but it is also a catalyst, igniting a renewed commitment to build a future where equality and respect are not just ideals but realities. Together, we will continue this fight, knowing that the progress we achieve will be for all who come after us.