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Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Women in Politics and the 2024 Elections

The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter.

The upcoming 2024 elections present both an opportunity and a challenge for women who want to be more involved in politics. On one hand, it’s a chance for women to make their voices heard and to push for policies that support gender equity. On the other hand, the political climate can be daunting and overwhelming, and the barriers that women face when running for office are still very real. We may have come a long way, but why are there still so few women in politics? It’s time we break the glass ceiling once and for all! Let’s discuss some reasons why women continue to be underrepresented in politics.

First, running for office can be a daunting task, and women often face significant challenges such as gender biases, stereotypes, and harassment on the campaign trail. But fear not! We can overcome these obstacles by staying confident, creating a strong support system, and holding our heads high. Second, the political system itself is often structured in a way that makes it challenging for women to succeed. From closed-list systems to electoral systems that favor incumbents, we have to work harder to make our voices heard. But let’s not be discouraged! We can work together to demand more equitable and inclusive policies.

The lack of women in politics has significant consequences for society. Women’s voices are often excluded from decision-making processes that affect their lives, such as reproductive rights, childcare, and workplace discrimination. By having more women in politics, we can ensure that our perspectives and experiences are represented. But don’t fret, ladies! We can make a change. By promoting policies that support work-life balance and providing more support for caregivers, we can empower women to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their political ambitions. Additionally, providing training and support for women who are interested in running for office, including mentoring, networking, and funding opportunities, can help break down barriers and promote gender equity.

Let’s not wait for change to happen. We can make a difference by promoting policies that support gender equity and by supporting each other as we break down barriers in the political sphere. Remember, we are powerful, capable, and deserving of representation. It’s time to break that glass ceiling and take our rightful place at the table! While the 2024 elections may present challenges for women who want to be more involved in politics, we must remember that by supporting each other, promoting policies that support gender equity, and pushing back against gender biases and stereotypes, women can continue to make progress towards a more equitable and inclusive political system. Let’s keep fighting for our voices to be heard!

In case you wanted to learn more, here you can read about some of the policies that promote work-life balance that you should support: 

Yabriami L. González serves as the Secretary for the Association of HER Campus at UPRM. In this role, she meticulously organizes documents, manages attendance records, and oversees all administrative paperwork for the organization. As a senior, Yabriami brings her dedication and attention to detail to her responsibilities within the association. Beyond her involvement in the Association of Political Science, Yabriami initially joined Her Campus as a writer, contributing articles on lifestyle, food, and politics. Currently engaged in two investigative projects aligned with her field of study in political science, she demonstrates a passion for research and analysis. Yabriami is a senior at UPRM, majoring in Political Science. Her academic pursuits are complemented by her active engagement in extracurricular activities and professional development. In her leisure time, Yabriami indulges in her favorite pastimes of reading, dancing, swimming, and enjoying the beach. Her diverse interests and commitment to her studies and organizations make her a dynamic and valued member of the university community.