Think back to when Barack Obama was elected as our first Black president. My 8-year-old daughter asked me then, "Why haven't we ever had a woman president? " Fast forward to today, and at 23, she's still asking the same question. With Vice President Kamala Harris losing the recent presidential election to a man with a history of misconduct, we need to think about the impact this has on young girls and boys.

Seeing a highly qualified woman lose to a man with such a controversial past can influence how girls see their own worth and possibilities. It might also teach boys the wrong lessons about how to treat women leaders. So, let's make sure this election doesn't discourage girls from becoming future leaders.

As a mother and an advocate for gender equality for over two decades, I know how crucial it is for girls to see women in top positions. Without enough female role models, girls can feel limited by what they don't see. A woman president would've shown all girls, especially those from diverse backgrounds, that they too could achieve greatness.

Despite the setback, we must stand firm in our support for gender equality and women's representation in politics. We can start by rewriting the narrative, making Harris' loss a stepping stone rather than a setback. Let's actively mentor young women, advocate for them at work, speak up against sexist media, and back female candidates. This will give girls more role models and make it normal for boys and men to see women as leaders.

A recent report from the 2025 Reykjavík Index for Leadership showed that only 47% of people in the U. S. are comfortable with a female political leader. This means our work is far from done. We must encourage girls to develop leadership skills and understand their political power. They should vote, be civically engaged, support causes they believe in, and even consider careers in public service.

Even though progress is slow, there are gains to build on. This election saw records set for female governors, Black female senators, and women in state legislatures. Let's use these victories and Harris' historic run to inspire more girls to lead.

It's time to turn this moment into an opportunity. Trump's 2016 win sparked women's activism, leading to a surge in women running for office. Although women still hold fewer top political positions, we're making progress. Let's keep pushing forward until every young girl sees herself as the next woman president.

Why Women's Leadership Matters: Supporting Our Next Generation

Actions