Navigating the Results of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Impacts on Women

If you’re reading this, you’re probably processing the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, in which Donald Trump secured a second term over Kamala Harris. Feeling a whirlwind of emotions right now is okay—fear, frustration, and perhaps a little hopelessness. Many women across the country are grappling with what this means for our rights, autonomy, and place in the business world. It’s a lot to take in, but we’re in this together and can navigate the challenging landscape that’s ahead.

The election results undeniably bring significant ramifications for women, particularly concerning rights like abortion and broader gender equality issues. It’s a tough pill to swallow when millions of voters have shown their continued support for someone with a controversial history regarding the treatment of women. This reverence for a figure accused of sexual misconduct adds insult to injury, striking a deeper chord in the ongoing fight for women’s rights and dignity. 

The outcome has underscored a growing gender and age divide in political beliefs, with young women being the most ardent advocates for gender equality. This divide isn’t just about differing opinions; it reflects where we are and where we need to go. For women in business, this means recalibrating strategies and forging ahead in a potentially more challenging environment that may not prioritize gender equality initiatives as strongly as before.

Exploring the Impact on Women: Key Questions Arising from the 2024 Election

1. Does half of America not care about women’s health? Considering the contentious debates over abortion rights and healthcare policies, many women are questioning the commitment to women’s health issues nationally, especially given the potential policy changes on reproductive rights ¹⁶.
2. Is America not ready for female leadership? With Kamala Harris’s rejection as a presidential candidate, some may question whether gender biases played a role and whether the country is truly prepared to embrace female leadership at the highest level ⁵³.
3. What will happen to reproductive rights? With differing stances on abortion between the candidates, many women are concerned about the future of reproductive rights and what federal and state policy changes might mean for their autonomy ⁶¹.
4. How will this election impact women in the workforce? Questions about the potential implications for workplace equality, gender discrimination protections, and family leave policies are at the top of women’s minds when navigating their career paths ⁶³.
5. What are the implications for women’s rights moving forward? The election results have left many considering what advocacy and legal strategies should be pursued to protect and advance women’s rights in the current political climate ²⁷.

2024 U.S. Presidential Election: Bracing for the Next Four Years

We must not allow this moment to define our limits. Pursuing equality and dignity is ongoing, a fight that must persist despite political setbacks. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to advocate for policies and practices that promote women’s rights and professional opportunities. Your voice matters—in your workplace, community, or even the voting booth.

Here are a few steps to help regain our center and maintain resilience:

1. Embrace Emotional Processing: Allow yourself to feel and process your emotions. It’s important to acknowledge how you feel and to find healthy expressions for those emotions, whether through journaling, talking with friends, or engaging in creative outlets.
2. Refocus on Personal and Professional Goals: Revisit your goals and aspirations. Realigning your professional focus can provide clarity and motivation. Think about where you want to be and the steps needed to get there, no matter the political climate.
3. Strengthen Your Networks: Building and nurturing a solid support network is crucial. Connect with like-minded individuals and groups who share your passion for change. You’ll find strength in numbers together, offering mutual support and collaborative opportunities in women’s rights and business initiatives.

Remember, resilience isn’t about never facing adversity—it’s about how we rise in response to it. Let’s commit to staying vigilant, supporting each other, and working tirelessly to create the change we want to see. Together, we can continue to push for a more equitable world for all women, both now and in the future.

Angela Acosta

Angela Acosta is the founder of The Gal Project and Angela Atelier, specializing in women’s empowerment, story-driven community, and transformational branding photography. Through advocacy, portraiture, and bold storytelling, she champions visibility and celebrates every woman’s journey.