By Elsa Hermanns
A hundred years ago, no one would have thought it possible for a woman — especially a woman of color — to become Vice President of the United States. Yet Kamala Harris has done it. Now, as she runs for the highest office, the question looms: can she make history once again? Will 2024 be the year America sees its first democratic woman of colour as president ?
Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women in Politics
If Kamala Harris becomes president, she will achieve what no other American woman has ever done: break through the highest glass ceiling - limit - in U.S. politics. While around 200 women have run for high office over the years, the presidency has always been dominated by men. Currently, only 28 percent of Congress members are women (Center for American Women and Politics, 2024). And this reflects the ongoing challenges women face in politics. As a matter of fact, the US is running behind in appointing women in politics. This contrast can be seen in countries like France, where women hold 38 percent of seats in the National Assembly (Haut Conseil à l'Égalité entre les femmes et les hommes, n.d.).
But for Kamala Harris, the ceiling has a twofold thickness. Not only does she contend with gender bias, but her status as the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as Vice President adds another layer of racial bias. Harris’s journey follows in the footsteps of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who also sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 (National Women's History Museum, n.d.) Like Chisholm, Harris represents the intersection of race, gender, and class, highlighting the struggles of marginalised communities in politics.
But even if she wins, will her presidency truly shatter the glass ceiling? The answer depends on more than her achievement; it hinges on dismantling cultural barriers around leadership, femininity, and race that persist in the American mindset.
Democratic Party Leadership: Is Harris a Game-Changer?
Kamala Harris brings new energy to the Democratic Party. She has a strong rapport with younger voters and, culturally, offers a fresh face compared to Joe Biden. But in terms of policy, does she offer a significant shift?
Abortion Rights: Both Harris and Biden have condemned the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion. Harris has pledged to fight for federal legislation to restore Roe v. Wade (The Advocate, 2023), making her far more vocal on this issue than many of her predecessors. Yet, her role as president would not grant her the power to overturn Dobbs directly; she could only advocate for and attempt to codify these rights. The fight to advance reproductive rights would demand more than words — it would require her to strategically challenge and dismantle long-standing biases that restrict women’s rights in America.
Middle East Policy: Harris also faces challenges in differentiating herself from Biden on foreign policy, especially regarding the current Israel-Palestine conflict. Although she has called the situation a "humanitarian catastrophe" and urged a cease-fire (The Guardian, 2024). She has not outlined a new approach. It is likely she will follow Biden’s support for Israel and might continue many of his policies. Her stance here indicates that while she may bring compassion and nuance to these issues, she may not deviate significantly from her party’s current trajectory.
Climate Change: Harris is strongest on climate action, the one area where she promises to outpace Biden’s efforts. She has advocated for a ten trillion dollar climate (Lah, 2019) plan that includes pollution fees and ending fossil fuel subsidies. Her work with the Green New Deal sets her apart as a serious environmental advocate. For voters concerned about the planet, Harris’s climate initiatives are a sign that she is willing to take on substantial change. But, achieving these goals will require a committed strategy, as the process will likely be challenged by both economic interests and political opposition.
Can Kamala Harris Truly Shatter the Glass Ceiling?
Kamala Harris becoming president would certainly be a historic milestone. She would pave the way for more diverse representation, inspiring women and marginalised communities across the nation. However, breaking the glass ceiling is not solely about reaching the top; it is about addressing deep-rooted structural and cultural barriers. Her policies, although promising, do not break entirely new ground, particularly on issues that Democrats have long championed; like abortion, where she cannot go further. Similarly to Israël, which she will still support as president. If elected, Harris would continue to face the classic Democratic challenge: balancing domestic priorities with international obligations. Her presidency could make the first visible crack in the glass ceiling, but for it to shatter completely, America will need more than just symbolic progress. As Harris steps forward, the fight for equality and representation must continue—not only for her, but for every minority group striving for a more inclusive future.
Sources: BBC, Center for American Women and Politics, CNN, India Today, Politico, the Advocate, The Guardian, University of New Hampshire, USA Today
Written by Elsa Hermanns, November 2024.
Edited by Nina Gush
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