Centuries of work set aflame: America is against its women

When Kamala Harris initially announced her presidential candidacy for the 2024 election on July 21, 2024, she became the voice of reason for feminist issues; she was the harbinger of hope for many young women across the country, promising to federally protect the right to abortion after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. However, even with her seemingly overwhelming support from first-time voters, it was not enough to overcome Donald Trump’s sweeping victory of both the popular vote and the Electoral College. The fight for democracy and for women’s rights was embarrassingly stampeded on by yet another privileged white man — one who openly combats progressive ideals with a fascist mindset. What has our nation come to? 

The millions of people who gave their lives to a world of suffering to stand for a cause and a promise of equality and acceptance practically wasted their efforts with Trump in office. It’s clear that the United States was not ready to put a woman of color in office while graciously accepting a felon and sexual abuser. It’s clear that racism and misogyny, amongst many others, is still so deeply embedded in the grains of this country despite the centuries of protesting and fighting for rights and freedom not previously granted. The result of the election is an ideal example of regression; it was an attack on women and people of color. 

At 5 and 18, I became a victim and survivor. But I, at least, had the ability to decide what to do with my body. Grateful for the centuries of suffering that women and people of color before me have endured to allow all those in the present to exercise their right to vote, I used it toward someone who would have stood beside five-year-old me and countless others: Kamala Harris. I, along with millions of others, fear what Trump’s presidency will do to act against our rights. Trump’s stance on abortion has been incredibly inconsistent, previously mentioning that he was against abortions, yet believed there should be a choice, then contradicted it with saying that women who receive illegal abortions — granted no other option — should receive some sort of punishment. Despite this belief, he refuses to federally protect abortion and would leave it up to the states, which would, in many areas, prevent a choice from even being made, forcing the carrier to give birth. 

I should not have to be grateful to live in Connecticut, a blue state — which is scarily half-and-half in votes (57% blue and 42% red) — where I would fortunately have access to healthcare that fully supports my needs. It should be a given; there should always be a choice. I do not believe in the widely accepted argument that although there are states that will vote off abortions, there are surrounding states that won’t, and that’s okay. I’m sure there are many people who will need abortions that can’t have access to one and won’t have any means of accessing transportation to travel to an area that has kept abortions legalized. Access to personal transportation is already based upon one’s racial identity and socioeconomic status. Putting the decision up to the states to illegalize abortions will further widen the disparity between those who can afford cars and those who cannot and push down people of color, making abortion more of a privilege than a right. Being against abortions is one thing, but preventing someone else from making the choice for their own body is another. 

I’ve seen online that many of Harris’ supporters feel betrayed by her concession speech in which she states, “I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I also told him that we will help him and his team with their transition and that we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power,” interpreting it as an admission to giving up instead of a recognition of a temporary defeat. However, the most crucial part in this transfer of power is that Harris does so willingly, whereas Trump, in his loss against Biden in the 2020 presidential election instigated an assault on the Capitol: A symbol of the confederacy. Harris states, “A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results. That principle, as much as any other, distinguishes democracy from monarchy or tyranny.” Any different reaction from Harris would have resulted in severe backlash not just against her, but also people of color and women. Reinforcing her stance, “while I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that field this campaign – the fight: The fight for freedom, for opportunity, for fairness and the dignity of all people […] That is a fight I will never give up,” she refuses to give up on the American people. 

Her response was, at the very least, inspiring. Most drastic changes in history were not accomplished in one try, but in repeated efforts. Take for example the fight to end segregation. Equality wasn’t achieved in a single statement of desire, but after countless attempts: The Civil War, Brown v. Board of Education, the Civil Rights Movement, Rosa Parks, the Montgomery Bus Boycott and many more. Compared to the fight for women’s rights, small steps must be taken for the greater goal. First it was the Seneca Falls Convention, the Declaration of Sentiments, then the establishment and institution of the 19^th Amendment, all of which led to the achieving women’s suffrage. Now that we’ve accomplished the previously thought-to-be unconceivable notion to allow women to vote, we are striving to actually put one in office; doing so would be, of course, a monumental, historic change, but a good one at that. In support of the continuing efforts for the freedoms and rights of all, she says, “on this campaign, I would often say, ‘when we fight, we win.’ But here’s the thing: […] Sometimes the fight takes a while. That doesn’t mean we won’t win […] don’t you ever listen when anyone tells you something is impossible because it has never been done before.” 

She ends her speech with an emotionally heavy reminder that “only when it is dark enough can you see the stars […] But here’s the thing, America, if it is [a dark time], let us fill the sky with the light of a brilliant, brilliant billion of stars. The light, the light of optimism, of faith, of truth and service. And may that work guide us even in the face of setbacks toward the extraordinary promise of the United States of American.” We may have lost this election, but we have not lost the fight for women’s — and many others’ — rights. Maybe not in her lifetime will there be a female president, but what Harris’ campaign and Hilary Clinton’s run for presidency did was lay down the bricks to success just as the millions of others who came before them did. What Harris has done for women will carry on with us for generations to come. She has instilled hope, determination and action for the future.