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 an unwavering resolve to forge ahead through adversity. Taking action is vital. Although the journey can be arduous, the effort is invariably worthwhile, even when results are hard to perceive.
The Landscape of Progress
This election cycle highlighted the power and vulnerability of progress with a woman of color at the helm of a major party ticket, two Black women holding Senate seats, the first transgender woman in Congress, and a record number of women governors.
The Risk of Setbacks
Yet, the political power of women currently stands at a significant risk of stagnation—or worse, regression. A report we published in July 2024 indicated that while 66.3% of women expressed feeling less inclined to run for office due to the toxic nature of politics, nearly as many—63.43%—identified their desire to bring community change or address issues they care about as their primary motivator to consider candidacy.
The Reality of Representation
Despite recent headlines celebrating gains in representation, the belief that the struggle for equal representation has been entirely conquered—except in the presidential sphere—couldn’t be further from the truth. As the final results are still unfolding, the likelihood of a setback in women’s representation post-2024 election is increasing. Currently, women constitute just below 30% of representation across all governmental levels, and research indicates that women typically take about four years to decide to run for office.
Engagement and Challenges
While women report feeling less inclined to pursue political office amid a climate of dysfunction, they actively engage in their communities around critical issues, highlighting a disconnection between their civic participation and potential impact as elected officials. We are confronted with an uphill struggle that requires time, especially during an era when the toxic political environment deters women from considering candidacy. The vital message here? We will not surrender.
Fostering Future Leaders
True change is characterized by its challenges and slow progression. To encourage more women to step into leadership roles, we must help them envision their possibilities now, even when it seems daunting. This moment encompasses more than a single election result; it’s about igniting a passion within—one that may initially appear small but has the capacity to evolve into something immensely powerful.
Our Mission at She Should Run
At She Should Run, our mission transcends mere outcomes of victories or defeats—it centers on empowering women to recognize their inherent capabilities, qualifications, and motivations to run for office. This empowering task is significant in a landscape that often discourages women, leaving them feeling disheartened, marginalized, and overlooked.
Recently, our team launched a campaign titled VOTE, AND, aimed at illustrating the connection between women’s daily actions and their political influence. From guided meditations leading up to the election to resources designed for discussions around civic engagement with children, we curated a diverse array of tools to help women see that their everyday actions are inherently political, inspiring them to explore their paths to political leadership.
A Surge in Interest
What we witnessed was truly incredible. Within just 24 hours of the election call, She Should Run experienced an astonishing nearly 750% increase in women taking initial steps toward exploring their potential for leadership in elected office. Amid uncertainty, one truth remains unwavering: when faced with challenges, women take decisive action.
In recent years, She Should Run has engaged over 130,000 women from varied backgrounds—many of whom had never considered running for office. Following their involvement with our resources, nearly half reported an increased likelihood of running. We are expanding opportunities for countless women, yet we need more allies in this fight. Everyone must step up to elevate women for the collective good.
The Ongoing Journey
My commitment to gender equity stems from my belief in a future brimming with limitless possibilities, compassion, and joy. I remain dedicated because the world has yet to catch up in affirming to my daughters—and all young women—that they can aspire to be anything they envision. I refuse to relent, for our work is incomplete and every single moment in this struggle is worthwhile.
We do not claim to have all the answers, but we embrace the responsibility to stand together for ourselves and each other, particularly during uncertain times. The weeks and months ahead will focus on listening to our community’s needs, serving women of all backgrounds whose voices are urgently needed at every level of elected office. We must prepare for substantial shifts in our approach. How could we not?
Sustaining Hope and Commitment
In challenging times, unwavering dedication is more crucial than ever. We cannot afford to lose hope with so much work still to be done. Embrace this moment as an opportunity to reflect on your future and the role you will assume. Empower a woman to recognize her potential, take the time needed to rejuvenate, and commit to leadership—even if it’s in future elections. Our communities depend on you.
