Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris Is Inspiring Young Women, Future Leaders
By: Meera Dahiya
Image by artist Willo Sheldon: Exclusive collaboration for The Fem Word. Find her @willosheldon
This year marked the first year I could vote.
This was the year I could influence policy, shape my future, exercise the most fundamental right in a democracy.
It also marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. 2020, despite its obvious challenges, would be the first year I could bring my feminist beliefs to the polls; I would be able to vote for a female to lead our country on the 100th anniversary of gaining the right to vote. Being able to elect a female vice president seemed ideal, voting for a female of color seemed even more ideal, and seeing a female vice president finally elected was incredible.
Throughout my life, I have always found it difficult to see the names and pictures of men dominating the history books — generally to the exclusion of women. When I was younger, I thought I could be a leader one day. As I failed to see female representation in our government, however, I struggled to uphold those aspirations. The 2016 election was crushing. My heart sank every time I heard a voice saying “a woman just can’t win.” Now, Kamala Harris’ election has helped restore my confidence in America — maybe we can overcome the sexism that prevents women from holding positions of power.
Electing female leaders is absolutely essential as we work toward equality. Only women can truly understand the policies that are needed to help level the playing field in terms of gender. Experience shapes our perspectives, perspectives shape policies — “the personal is political.” As a woman, I want women to be equally represented in the governing body which designs policies which shape my future. Harris is making strides to increase representation, both by becoming vice president and by working hard to inspire future generations of female leaders.
The Fem Word talked to young women and girls about Kamala Harris’ election and what having the first female vice president means to them. Here’s what they said:
“When I was little, I had dreamed of being the first female president. Seeing a woman of color just like me win the election gives me hope that the world is changing and evolving into a world that the people of the past worked so hard to build.” - Alisha Durbhakula, age 12
“Having a female Vice President right now is extremely important to girls everywhere, it allows girls to truly understand how limitless our opportunities are despite living in a world that can feel dominated by men.” - Holly Souter, age 17
“I think it is amazing that we finally have a female Vice President! It is so inspiring to me and to girls across the country to have a female in power to look up to. I hope it will empower other young women to reach for their goals and fight for their beliefs as well.” - Amelia Levin, age 16
“It’s the perfect trifecta because she’s Indian, I’m Indian, she’s Black, I’m Black, she’s a woman, I’m woman, and I think it’s really awesome that she’s second most powerful person in the country, if not the world.” - Coen Dahiya, Age 9
“I am so excited that Kamala Harris is the Vice President-elect! I loved seeing the smile on my mom’s face when she gave her victory speech. My mom has grown up in the US and never seen an Indian woman, or any woman, in the office. I hope young girls are inspired by her success, and that one day seeing women in the office is commonplace.” - Ranya Fischer, age 17
“As she made her first official speech as vice president-elect I couldn’t help but cry, I felt so empowered to see a kick-ass woman up on the stage where only men had stood before her. I feel like a female finally being elected as a vice president not only showed men in politics that women are here to fight for the good of the people, but it showed young girls that success isn’t defined by your gender.” - Eva Sola-Sole, age 16
“As an Indian girl, it’s inspiring to see someone with the same background and gender as me achieving amazing things. This election has taught me that if you have a passion to do something, there is nothing stopping you from getting there.” - Neha Parameswaran, age 13
“To me, having a female Vice President is proof that women can do anything. I find it shocking that the first female Vice President is the 46th Vice President and that it wasn’t earlier. Nevertheless, to me Kamala Harris has become an inspiring symbol of what I can accomplish if I am determined, and [of] my potential as a woman in the United States.” - Maddie Reeve, age 17
“Kamala Harris is the first female, first Black, and first Asian American vice president. She has shown us girls that we can do anything we set our mind to. But most importantly, she has taught us to “dream with ambition and to know that there are no limits to what you can be”. She is a role model, superhero, and warrior who paved the way for so many women in the United States.” - Alyssa Sofat, age 16
“Kamala Harris has prove[n] to girls like us that no dream is too big. She is a constant reminder of the bright future available to girls all over America. Now I know anything is possible.” - Lizzy Cohn, age 16
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Fem Word organization. Any content provided by our authors are based on their opinions and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.