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The Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, recently made headlines as she dismissed the remarks made by her predecessor, Donald J. Trump. Trump, in a statement, claimed to be a ‘protector of women.’ Harris, with her staunch dedication to women’s rights and equity, chose not to ignore, rebutting the former President’s claims with public awareness and her administration’s proactive measures.
Throughout his presidency and even before, Trump has made polarizing comments that have, at times, sparked significant controversy. His assertion to being an alleged ‘guardian’ of women’s interests is one such instance. Harris noted that the reality does not appear to corroborate his claim, considering the various instances where Trump’s actions or comments were perceived as disrespectful or harmful towards women. She cited this discrepancy as a reason to question the veracity of his assertion.
Harris’ refutation of Trump’s claim was not simply dismissive; rather, it was accompanied by active efforts on her part and that of the current Biden administration in terms of securing women’s rights and gender equality. They see the role of ‘protector of women’ as extending well beyond making statements. It involves implementing policies, laws, and initiatives and reforming society’s mindset toward recognizing gender equality as a fundamental right.
As a groundbreaking vice-president who has shattered various glass ceilings, Harris’ words carry weight in discussions about women’s rights. She acknowledged that the task of building a truly equitable society is a collective responsibility. The contributions of every individual, every political figure, and every institution, down to the grassroots, are crucial to make significant advancements.
In this context, the Biden-Harris administration’s focus has been to support and enhance women’s roles at all levels, ranging from politics to the economy, healthcare to the military, and beyond. Notably, there are efforts to address equal pay issues, discrimination in workplaces, support maternity leave, and improve women’s health services. These measures show an administration working relentlessly toward gender parity, making a strong counterpoint to Trump’s words.
Further, Harris pointed out that the assertion of being a ‘protector’ of women inadvertently creates an image of women as being dependent or needing protection. Instead, she promotes the belief that women, like all individuals, have the ability and the right to claim their own spaces, opportunities, and respect in society.
To call oneself the ‘protector of women’ whilst demonstrating a diverging reality can inadvertently discredit the dedicated efforts being made by numerous individuals and institutions. It shifts the focus from the hard but necessary work needed to bring about real change. Ultimately, it’s not about being a ‘protector’ but about acting as a catalyst to eliminate gender disparities and enabling every woman to be her own protector.
In discarding Trump’s comments, Harris reinforces the idea that actions indeed speak louder than words. It reminds us of the ongoing journey towards gender equality, a journey that requires collective and consistent action. It’s high time that these actions become our predominant language for change, drowning out empty statements and making room for a world where every woman’s voice is heard, respected, and celebrated.