Author: Leslie Scotland-Stewart
Reflections on Election Day: Navigating Emotions and the Path Ahead Since the momentous day of the election, I’ve experienced a tumult of emotions as I’ve grappled with its significance. In an era marked by stark divisions, when hope appeared tangible—the possibility of electing the first woman president—history, once again, took a familiar route and fell short of breaking that ultimate glass ceiling. Learning from History However, history reminds us that meaningful change is rarely a straight path. It evolves slowly, unfolds unevenly, and is often complicated—especially when women do not unite under a single voice. Progress demands resilience, tenacity, and…
Marissa McNeelands serves as the CEO of Toast, a women’s collective dedicated to transforming the hiring landscape in the tech industry. – Photo by Paulina Ochoa for Digital Journal “What’s the price for a full-page ad in the New York Times?” Marissa McNeelands, the CEO of Toast, inquired of her marketing director during their drive home from a recent company retreat. When she learned that it would cost $250,000, she laughed, realizing it wasn’t a viable option, but the idea stayed with her. On the evening of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump had just returned to power, prompting…
Mace Proposes Resolution to Ban Transgender Women from Women’s Facilities Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, has introduced a resolution that aims to exclude biological men from accessing women’s restrooms within the U.S. House of Representatives. This proposal has sparked significant controversy, particularly from Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who identifies as the first transgender member of Congress. Mace’s firm stance on the issue was shared via social media, asserting, "Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story." She has been a representative for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District since 2020, and her…
The Ongoing Struggle for Women’s Representation in Politics Following the recent presidential election, in which Donald Trump secured a decisive victory over Kamala Harris—the second woman to lose a presidential bid in the past ten years—Stephanie Howse-Jones expressed little surprise at the outcome. As a Black woman representing Cleveland’s Ward 7, Howse-Jones conveyed her feelings, stating, “For someone like myself in this space, it’s a bitter pill to swallow that I am not wanted in this space.” Her experience highlights the unique challenges faced by women, particularly those of color, in politics. Howse-Jones described her tenure in public office as…
Need for Enhanced Funding for Women in Politics, Says ECJ Chairman The Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), Earl Jarrett, has underscored the pressing need for increased financial support for women political candidates to create a more equitable political landscape. During the opening ceremony of the Organization of American States (OAS) Electoral Observation Missions workshop on women’s political participation held at the S Hotel in Kingston, Jarrett highlighted the critical barriers that prevent greater female involvement in politics, particularly emphasizing the role of funding. Barriers to Female Participation Jarrett stated, “There are some limiting factors that cause women…
Delaware’s Historic Congressional Election Sparks Controversy Over Transgender Rights This month, Delaware has ignited a heated debate after electing its first transgender woman to Congress. The election of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride has prompted some Republican lawmakers to push for regulations that would prevent her from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol. McBride’s Election and Background Sarah McBride, a Democratic state senator representing Claymont, Delaware—President Biden’s hometown—won her election with a significant margin, defeating retired Delaware State Trooper John Whalen III by 58% to 42%. She takes over the seat previously held by Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, D-Del., who vacated her position…
South Korean Politician’s Embezzlement Case Stirs Controversy Over "Comfort Women" Issue The recent conviction of a South Korean politician for misappropriating funds designated for “comfort women” has reignited contentious discussions in Japan. Conservative voices argue that this case exemplifies the manipulation of a sensitive historical issue for personal gain by corrupt officials in Seoul. Calls for Caution from Tokyo and Businesses Conservative commentators suggest that this situation illustrates why both the Japanese government and private enterprises should resist escalating demands for greater reparations to the “comfort women.” These women were forced into military prostitution during Japan’s colonial rule over the…
Women’s Integral Role in the U.S. Pro-Democracy Movement The day after Donald Trump was inaugurated as the President of the United States on January 21, 2017, a historic wave of protests emerged. Hundreds of thousands of women took to the streets of Washington, D.C., and across the nation to express their discontent with his election. The defeat of Hillary Clinton, the first female candidate from a major political party, to a man notorious for his misogynistic behavior became a pivotal moment for many. What began as a single woman’s call to action on social media quickly transformed into a national…