Kamala Harris’ rise has been exponential, fuelled by her exceptional marketing techniques and strong endorsements from prominent figures like Barack Obama, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), and other Democratic politicians, as well as celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, George Clooney, and Olivia Rodrigo.

As the first female Vice President of the United States, she embodies a significant step toward global female empowerment. Her position has inspired American youth to become more involved in politics. CEO Andrea Hailey posted on X, “We registered nearly 40,000 voters — an almost 700% daily increase in new registrations.” According to the nonprofit organisation, these recent registrations were predominantly from individuals aged 18-34. Harris not only represents a stark contrast to Donald Trump, but she also resonates deeply with the concerns of the younger generation in the United States.

Harris has been a vocal advocate for linking women’s economic empowerment with environmental sustainability, recognising that the fight against climate change cannot succeed without addressing the gender disparities that hinder progress. Under the Biden-Harris administration, significant initiatives have been launched to advance women’s roles in crucial sectors. These efforts have already secured over $1.4 billion in funding from governments, private sector companies, and other stakeholders, underscoring the global commitment to integrating gender equality into climate action.

The international community has also rallied behind these initiatives, with countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan making substantial financial commitments to promote gender equality and climate resilience. These collaborative efforts highlight the growing recognition that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy to advance climate change initiatives. Harris’ leadership in this area symbolizes a shift toward more inclusive and effective global governance, where addressing the intersection of gender and environmental issues is seen as essential for achieving long-term peace and sustainability.

However, this rise hasn’t been unaccompanied by hardships and media scrutiny towards her gender, highlighting deep-seated issues within the American and international political landscape. While Harris is a much-needed symbol of progress, her ascent was, in many ways, a response to the Democratic Party’s need to salvage Biden’s struggling campaign. By July, Biden was facing mounting criticism due to multiple missteps both nationally and internationally. It became glaringly clear that the party needed a dynamic and compelling figure like Harris. With her historic candidacy and strong endorsements, she appeared to be the perfect choice.

However, one could argue that Harris’ rise is less a reflection of America’s readiness to embrace female leadership and more a reaction to the failures of her male predecessor. If Biden had not been such a problematic candidate, would Americans have been as quick to rally behind a female leader? This question raises uncomfortable truths about the state of gender equality in U.S. politics. Was Harris chosen because of her qualifications, or did she represent a lifeline for a party desperate to recover from a leadership crisis?

The success of her nomination also underscores a broader tension: the idea that women often step into leadership roles during times of crisis or when male leaders have failed. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “glass cliff,” suggests that women are more likely to be given leadership opportunities when the risk of failure is high. This raises concerns about whether America’s embrace of female leadership is genuinely progressive or simply opportunistic.

Furthermore, female politicians have long been subjected to objectification and gendered comparisons that their male counterparts rarely face, both in America and internationally. From Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin, and even international figures like Sanna Mirella Marin and Halla Tómasdóttir, women in politics have often been criticised not just for their policies but for their appearance, tone, and even likability. They are treated very differently from their male counterparts, facing inappropriate questions in conferences and studies showing that women in politics are often referenced by their full names, not just their last names. This practice reinforces the idea that women in power are exceptions, which is highly problematic.

While Harris is celebrated for breaking barriers, her success is sometimes framed as a response to the failures of men, rather than as a natural progression toward gender equality. This narrative risks reinforcing the idea that women are only given opportunities when there is little left to lose. In reality, Harris as a politician represents a pivotal change. She aligns with Biden’s and Obama’s beliefs on gun control but takes a much more direct stance on her goals from the outset. Harris isn’t an exception due to male failure; women should be the standard in politics, advancing gender equality until they are seen as equals, not anomalies.

The issues highlighted by the media’s coverage of Harris point to a larger problem: the need to change the narratives and biases that shape public opinion about female leaders. No longer should questions be posed to female leaders like Sanna Marin, asking if their meetings with other heads of state are influenced by their age or gender. Such inquiries belittle their capabilities because of their gender. Female heads of state hold the same roles as their male counterparts on the national and international stage for their respective countries. In my opinion, the media should face stricter penalties for spreading harmful narratives that negatively impact women.

Furthermore, change is necessary in how scandals involving female leaders are perceived and reported. Female politicians are often held to higher standards than their male counterparts and are scrutinized more harshly. This double standard not only damages the individual in question but also discourages other women from pursuing leadership roles, fearing they too will be subjected to unfair treatment.

Moreover, it’s essential to recognize that female leaders, like their male counterparts, are human. They should not be expected to sacrifice their personal lives or social activities simply because they hold positions of power. The idea that a woman in office must forgo all aspects of her personal life to be taken seriously is both outdated and harmful. Leaders, regardless of gender, should be judged by their policies, their actions in office, and their ability to govern.

To truly shift this narrative, we must start early by teaching girls and boys that women in power are not anomalies but are, in fact, integral to governance and decision-making at the highest levels. This education should not be limited to the realm of politics but should extend across all fields, from science and technology to business and the arts. When young girls see women celebrated not just as political leaders but also as innovators, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers in every field, they will grow up with the understanding that women are capable of—and belong in—positions of power.

However, this de-stigmatization process needs to be woven into the fabric of our education systems, media representation, and societal values. Schools should highlight the achievements of women throughout history and in contemporary society, ensuring that female role models are as visible and celebrated as their male counterparts. The media must also play its part by portraying women in power not as exceptions but as the norm, focusing on their accomplishments rather than their gender.

In order to ensure these actions are taken, legislation should be enacted to instill these values in our education systems and to penalize harmful narratives that detrimentally impact the perception of women in the media. To support this cultural shift, we also need policies that encourage and support women in leadership roles. This includes mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and leadership training that are specifically designed to help women succeed. Governments and organisations should actively work to remove barriers that prevent women from rising to the top, such as discriminatory practices, lack of access to resources, and the absence of work-life balance policies.

In addition, glorifying and protecting the achievements and perceptions of women in diverse fields will not only increase female empowerment but also normalise the presence of women in roles traditionally dominated by men. This approach will create a culture where young girls aspire to leadership, perceiving it as an arena where they belong just as much as anyone else.

In conclusion, the rise of women in power, from Kamala Harris in the United States to female leaders in Mexico, Norway, and across the European Union, reflects a global shift toward more inclusive leadership. However, for this progress to be sustained and expanded, we must continue to de-stigmatize female leadership and ensure that women in positions of power are treated as equals, not anomalies. The United States’ recent steps in advancing women in leadership, exemplified by Harris’ vice presidency, set a powerful example for the rest of the world. Embracing and normalizing female leadership can foster a future where women are not just included in governance but are seen as essential to it.