This is not a political statement—it’s a personal reflection from a dad raising two bright and incredible daughters who will someday step into a world that is hopefully a bit more equitable. I have three children: Lily is 6, Zoe is 11, and my son, Ethan, is 13. While we still haven’t had a female president in the U.S., having Kamala Harris as the first female vice president is a significant milestone for me as a father, and here’s why.
Inspiring My Daughters
As a dad, my ultimate goal is to inspire my daughters to believe that they can achieve anything. I want them to see that they can wield as much influence as any man. Yet, it’s challenging to instill that belief when the leadership landscape is littered with male figures. I want them to feel empowered to chase their dreams, knowing they can break through barriers and shatter glass ceilings.
Limitless Potential
In a world where women often face unequal pay and limited representation in leadership roles, I want my daughters to grow up believing that their potential is limitless. They should know that a woman can engineer a rocket, lead a company, or hold a high office in our government. Kamala Harris has provided a powerful example, allowing me to tell my girls, “Look, she did it, so can you.” That is incredibly uplifting.
Teaching My Son
For my son, Ethan, I want him to understand that women are equally deserving of positions of power. He needs to grow up with the belief that he has a responsibility to support his partner’s career, just as she should support his. I want him to recognize that whether a woman chooses to be a stay-at-home mom or the next president, her ambitions are equally valid. In his future career, I want him to advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all his colleagues, regardless of gender.
A Missed Opportunity
In 2020, it saddens me that I couldn’t point to a female president or vice president and say to my daughters, “You can be this too.” Women are driven, educated, and fully capable of contributing to society just as men do. Electing a woman to the vice presidency has provided a tangible example for my daughters to see themselves in.
Understanding Privilege
As a white male, I cannot fully comprehend what it feels like to look at leadership and not see someone who resembles me. I deeply regret that my daughters don’t share that privilege. But when I look at them, I see hope, intelligence, and ambition. Given a fair chance, they will accomplish incredible things, but they’ll face challenges as long as systemic barriers exist.
A Symbol of Hope
The day after Joe Biden was declared the presumptive president, my social media was flooded with images symbolizing broken glass. This was not just about Biden; it was about Kamala Harris, and it filled me with hope. It signaled a small shift toward true equality, and I couldn’t help but feel excited for my daughters’ futures.
Empowerment Through Representation
Regardless of political views, one undeniable truth is Kamala Harris’s election as Vice President has empowered me to teach my son the importance of respecting women’s leadership and to encourage my daughters by saying, “She did it. You can too.”
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Conclusion
In summary, having a woman as Vice President is a significant step toward equality, inspiring both my daughters and my son. It provides a real-life example that women can hold positions of power and encourages my children to dream big and work towards their aspirations.
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