Women have attained a significant milestone in United States politics and political leadership. According to McBride and Parry, the first gathering dedicated to women’s civil liberties in America occurred in 1848 at Seneca Falls, New York (13). The meeting is commonly known as the Seneca Falls Convention and it emphasized the notion that women are equal to men. Essentially, the women’s rights movements have positively shaped females’ role in U.S. politics and leadership, including winning voting rights and qualifications for elective positions.
The Seneca Falls Convention led to the emergence of women’s suffrage associations, which fought and campaigned firmly for females’ rights. Although the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA) struggled to sustain its momentum, the breakthrough came in the late 1880s when America experienced an increase of volunteerism from middle-class female activists (Rhode 51). The continuous campaigns compelled political parties to engage women in their activities. For instance, the Farmer’s Alliance and the Populist Party created few roles for women and involved them in their politics (McBride and Parry 76). President Woodrow Wilson also supported the 19th Amendment that allowed women to vote. The legislation of women’s voting rights and the rise of feminist movements inspired the American society to embrace females in leadership positions. In the recent past, several women have served in different political positions, including the Congress. Indeed, the win of Hillary Clinton’s national popular vote in 2016 to become Democrats’ presidential candidate demonstrated that it is ridiculous to underestimate the females’ role in American politics.
The journey of incorporating women in U.S. politics has been challenging, but the benefits of women’s rights and feminist movements are evident. Today, Americans agree that a woman can become their president. Besides, several women are occupying different elective positions in both state and federal governments. Irrefutably, the progress of females in gaining their position in American politics and leadership has been fantastic. Fortunately, women leaders have demonstrated their expertise and leadership qualities, and America will have a female president in the future.
Works Cited
McBride, Dorothy E., and Janine A. Parry. Women’s Rights in the USA: Policy Debates and Gender Roles. 5th ed., Routledge, 2016.
Rhode, Deborah L. Women and Leadership. Oxford UP, 2017.