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Women’s Rights According to America’s Parties By Hannah Kalin Edited by Manisha Kumar In the history of the country of the United States, only four women have appeared on the presidential ballot for a major party. One, Hillary Clinton, in 2016, as president. The remaining three as vice president. Clinton as well as Geraldine Ferraro (1984) and Kamala Harris (2020) were all chosen by the Democratic party. Sarah Palin (2008) is the only female Republican to have achieved the feat 100. To date, no woman has ever been the president or the vice president of the United States. Given this information, where do both parties stand on women’s rights and issues? The Democratic Party Platform has a page dedicated to “women”. That page contains the following quote, “[Democrats] are committed to ensuring full equality for women. Democrats will fight to end gender discrimination in the areas of education, employment, health care, or any other sphere. We will combat biases across economic, political, and social life that hold women back and limit their opportunities” 101. This quote, on the official party platform, shows the Democratic Party’s verbal and written commitment to helping promote equality between genders. Former Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee, Joe Biden, has a section of his election website dedicated to “the Biden agenda for women”. Biden’s agenda includes but not limited to: improved economic security (including equal pay and expanding access to education), ending violence against women, and helping women navigate work and families 102. Contrarily, the Republican platform does not have a women’s section, nor does President Trump’s election website. As president, the Trump administration stopped an Obama-era rule from taking effect that was meant to help close the wage gap. As of now, he has not replaced it with anything more viable. In terms of ending violence against women, Trump has rolled back several programs and protections designed to help women and vulnerable people 103. During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump promised policies supporting and empowering women — however, it has yet to be seen 104. On the topic of reproductive rights, Democrats lean pro-choice, whereas, Republicans lean on the side of pro-life 105. Interestingly, President Trump was pro-choice “Women Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates: A Selected List.” Center for American Women and Politics, September 28, 2020. 101 “Women.” Democrats. 102 “The Biden Agenda for Women.” Biden Harris. 100
Khimm, Suzy. “Trump Halted Obama's Equal Pay Rule. What it Means for Working Women.” August 31, 2017. 104 Frothingham, Sunny and Shilpa Phadke. “100 Days, 100 Ways the Trump Administration Is Harming Women and Families.” April 25, 2017. 105 Keane, James T. “Explainer: If Joe Biden Wins, What Does That Mean for Abortion Policies?” October 6, 2020. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2020/08/18/biden-harris-abortion-2020-election. 103
