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    A Woman at the Top? What Trump’s Win Says About Gender and Leadership in America

    This article explores what the 2024 election reveals about societal comfort levels with women in top roles, the double standards they face, and the implications for women’s rights and leadership moving forward.

    By Harriet Ishbel Sweeney / Nov 7 2024

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    With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, conversations around women’s rights, leadership, and equality feel more urgent than ever. While the U.S. has taken major steps forward in gender equality, Trump’s win raises the question: is America ready to fully trust women in power? Even as feminist movements continue to push for change, this election suggests that barriers for women, particularly in leadership, may be more persistent than we’d like to believe.

    what does this election say about america’s trust in women leaders?

    Trump’s win brings up a hard truth: despite the growing presence of women in politics and business, there still seems to be a societal comfort with traditional male leadership—even when that leadership comes with controversies. Many have noted the paradox of voters placing their faith in a man who has faced multiple legal battles, rather than considering new leadership possibilities with female candidates.

     

    It raises deeper questions about trust in women’s leadership. Are we as a society more at ease with a man at the helm, even when his past is complex, than we are with electing a woman who could bring fresh perspectives? For advocates of gender equality, this election serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, perceptions around gender and leadership are slower to shift. There’s an unspoken standard at play—where women in politics must meet every criterion without flaw, while men are often given more leeway for their missteps.

    reproductive rights, economic equality, and safety

    Trump’s return to office also signals potential shifts in policies impacting reproductive rights, economic equality, and protections for survivors of gender-based violence. In his first term, Trump appointed conservative Supreme Court justices who set the stage for the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, leading to extensive restrictions on abortion access across many states. With Trump back in the White House, we may see further policies that restrict reproductive healthcare and impact women’s ability to make choices about their own bodies.

     

    The broader implications for economic equality are significant, too. In both the 2016 and 2024 elections, female candidates emphasized policies like paid family leave, affordable childcare, and wage equality—areas essential to women’s economic independence. Yet, these issues often remain on the sidelines in favor of tax policies that benefit corporations and high earners, leaving working women without the support they need to thrive.

     

    Beyond these issues, Trump’s return also raises questions about protections for survivors of gender-based violence. His administration previously rolled back Title IX protections, making it harder for survivors to report cases of assault in educational settings. If these patterns continue, it could make it more difficult for women to find support and justice, reinforcing a cultural narrative that women’s safety isn’t a top priority.

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    the persistence of gender bias: a barrier to women in leadership

    Despite gains made by women across fields, this election underscores the presence of a double standard that limits female leadership. Women in politics and business often face heightened scrutiny—expected to be “likeable” but not too soft, authoritative but not too assertive, ambitious but not overly so. In 2016, Hillary Clinton encountered constant critiques for her ambition and style, qualities that might have been seen as strengths in a male candidate. In 2024, female candidates still contend with similar judgments, facing scrutiny that questions whether they “belong” in top leadership.

     

    Research continues to confirm this bias, revealing that women are often perceived as “less likeable” or “less trustworthy” if they exhibit assertive traits. Male leaders, however, are frequently described as “strong” or “decisive” for similar behaviors. This double standard means that women, no matter how qualified, must work harder to be seen as equally credible and effective.

    the comfort factor with male authority

    At its core, the persistent rejection of female candidates for the highest office may stem from an ingrained comfort with male authority. Throughout history, men have traditionally occupied the majority of leadership roles, creating a societal expectation that leaders “look” a certain way. Even when male leaders bring controversy to the table, their gender often provides a familiar sense of stability. In contrast, a female candidate may still feel unfamiliar or “risky” to voters who haven’t yet seen women consistently occupy the highest roles.

     

    This “comfort factor” explains why Trump’s controversial remarks and legal issues did not deter many voters. For women, the stakes are often higher, with far less tolerance for perceived imperfections. The result is a cycle that perpetuates male-dominated leadership, hindering women’s progress toward breaking the ultimate glass ceiling.

    moving forward: resilience in uncertain times

    Although this election outcome may be disheartening, it also reaffirms the strength and determination within the women’s rights movement. The fight for gender equality is far from over, and women across the globe are standing together, committed to a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to lead and thrive. Advocacy for women’s leadership, healthcare, and safety will continue, proving that progress might slow, but it won’t stop.

     

    The journey toward gender equality may still be long, but with each step forward, we come closer to a world where leadership is defined by vision and ability—not by gender. Until then, advocates and allies will continue pressing forward, building a future where a woman in the Oval Office is not groundbreaking, but simply expected.

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    Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health or wellbeing.

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