Updated: Sep. 26, 2016
You don’t need to be a radical feminist, a liberal, or even a conservative to feel a pit of dread in your stomach about what a Trump presidency could mean for women. Whether you’re a young woman, a grandmother, or a daughter, the unsettling reality is that the misogyny that could permeate four years of his leadership threatens to unravel decades of progress toward gender equality. The impact of a Trump administration would seep from the highest levels of government down to everyday lives, shaking the core of what we strive for as a nation: prosperity, freedom, and equality for all.
The Stark Choices Ahead
As we head into the upcoming presidential election, the choices we face are strikingly stark. One candidate has shattered the glass ceiling as the first female nominee of a major party—an advocate for social justice and equality. The other has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for individuals of varying genders, nationalities, and sexual orientations.
Imagine the societal message sent to women after four years of Trump’s unapologetic misogyny. His derogatory remarks, calling women “fat,” “dogs,” and “pigs,” paint a picture of how he views the female gender. When Hillary Clinton announced her candidacy, Trump tweeted, “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband, what makes her think she can satisfy America?” His comments about Megyn Kelly’s appearance were equally shocking. After four years of such rhetoric, what will our young boys grow up believing about women? Will they see them merely as objects valued only for physical appearance? And what about our girls? They might learn that their worth is tied to their ability to please men rather than their intellect or character.
Clinton’s Empowerment Message
In stark contrast, Clinton’s campaign is built on empowerment. She emphasized in a speech, “My campaign is about building again those ladders of opportunity and empowerment.” Her message to young girls is clear: “I may become the world’s first woman president, but one of you is next.”
Practical Issues: Health Care and Child Care
What about practical issues like health care and child care under a Trump presidency? His recent “child care affordability plan” seems more like a half-hearted effort to woo women voters than a genuine commitment. His proposal offers a mere six weeks of paid maternity leave and some tax breaks for qualifying families, which pales in comparison to Clinton’s vision of 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and child care expenses capped at 10% of family income. That’s a real investment in families.
Frankly, who believes that a man who has called pregnant women “an inconvenience” and stated that “paid family leave will make America less competitive” would genuinely support working women? Right now, women under Trump are reportedly earning 35% less than their male counterparts. With no clear plans on his website for addressing the gender wage gap, it’s hard to imagine that this issue would improve under his leadership.
Minimizing Women’s Roles
Moreover, Trump has a history of minimizing the importance of women in the workplace, suggesting that their proper role is at home. In a 1994 interview, he stated, “I think putting a wife to work is a very dangerous thing.” If he takes office, we might only see women in the White House who fit a narrow stereotype—models or former beauty queens, perhaps—while he focuses on “punishing” women who seek abortions.
Threats to Women’s Rights
Trump has committed to appointing justices to the Supreme Court who would likely roll back essential rights like Roe v. Wade, the Affordable Care Act, and protections for same-sex marriage. He has even gone as far as stating that women who have abortions should be punished, demonstrating a clear disregard for women’s autonomy over their own bodies.
If his “Donaldcare” plan succeeds, women will once again face barriers to reproductive health services. Planned Parenthood, which provides essential care to millions, would be at risk of closure. We could find ourselves back in a time when unsafe procedures become the norm for women seeking abortions.
Conclusion: The Power of the Women’s Vote
It’s clear: Trump views women as mere eye candy, existing to serve men at home. When you go to the polls this November, envision a reality where Donald Trump is at the helm, surrounded by those who reflect his outdated views. Imagine the implications for women’s rights, health care, and opportunities.
The most compelling force to prevent Trump from taking office is the women’s vote. Let’s rally together and make our voices heard.
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Summary
In light of a potential Trump presidency, women face significant threats to their rights, healthcare, and societal status. His history of misogynistic remarks and policies raises alarms about the future of gender equality and empowerment. In contrast, Hillary Clinton’s campaign promotes opportunity and support for women. The upcoming election will be pivotal for women’s rights and welfare.