“The Year of the Woman.” The last time this phrase held significance was in 1992. At the time, only two women were serving in the Senate. Political pundits believed that women were driven to run for government positions as a result of testimony provided by Anita Hill. In 1991 Hill, testified in front of an all male Senate Judiciary Committee accusing Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. The committee, as evidenced by its treatment of Hill, did not believe her claims. She was berated and her experience was dismissed without any real investigation, a fact that provoked outrage across the country. The Hill hearing gave women an understanding that their interests could not be represented by a largely male Congress.
In 1992, white men occupied most government positions. But the hearing inspired a surge of women to run for office. Their shared outrage mobilized them to vote and resulted in a record number of 24 women elected to the House and four women into the Senate. The 1992 elections represented the start of something new. It foreshadowed a more equal representation of men and women in Congress. However, in the years that followed, that hope has not been realized. Today, women make up only 19% of Congress. The 2018 midterms, however, may prove to be a turning point in congressional representation. This year, 468 women are running for the House and 51 women are running for the Senate. Women, enraged by their underrepresentation, understand that Congress needs to look different if things are going to change. In 1992, white women were the primary winners. Today, there is so much more diversity among the candidates, which can potentially create a Congress that actually reflects the demographics of our country.
In 2018, Members of the LGBTQIA community witnessed the electoral win of a fellow member Christine Hallquist. Hallquist, a Democrat from Vermont, made history as the first transgender candidate nominated for governorship by a major party. Her nomination is an impressive feat and an important step for LGBTQIA equality.
There are many women to watch as this years elections take place. Rashida Tlaib could become the first Muslim woman elected to Congress. She is the daughter of Palestinian parents and understands first-hand the discrimination Arab-Americans face in American society. In local, state, and public offices, more than 90 Muslims individuals have won. Gina Ortiz Jones, a resident of Texas, is also running for a spot in Congress. Jones would not only bring female representation if elected, but would also represent other minority communities as well. She would be the first Filipina-American woman to win, a first generation American, a member of the LGBTQ community, and a Iraq war veteran. Also running for governor is Paulette Jordan of Idaho. If elected, she would become the first female Native American governor. She has spoken about the challenges of running, saying at times that people doubt her abilities and question her decision to run in the first place. These criticisms have not deterred her. Many of the communities with which these women identify have been struggling in the current political climate. Perhaps by winning, they can be voices for their communities and advocate for policies informed by their diverse personal experiences.
The fight for female representation within the government has not been easy. Women face many challenges that men do not. They are constantly under intense scrutiny and work harder to prove themselves. In order to be taken seriously, women cannot let their emotions drive actions. They cannot act aggressively or they may be labeled difficult. They cannot be too soft or they will be perceived as weak. People expect women candidates to be likable to prove that they are qualified, another thing that men do not have to worry about. These stark limitations continue to represent the fine line women navigate through.
The voices of women are invaluable. They are essential in the process for attaining equal rights and for enacting laws that deal with issues women face today. Women not running for office have been on the frontlines in their communities through protests and advocacy for the passage of certain laws. Throughout 2018, women of all backgrounds have banded together to become one unifying force fighting for the rights they believe in. History is in the making, and women are at the forefront. 2018 is shaping up to be another “Year of the Woman.” •
