Kamala Harris’ rise has been exponential, fueled by her exceptional marketing techniques and strong support from prominent figures such as Barack Obama, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and other Democratic politicians, as well as celebrities such as Megan Thee Stallion, George Clooney and Olivia Rodrigo.

As the first female Vice President of the United States, she represents a significant step toward global women’s empowerment. Her position has inspired America’s youth to become more politically engaged. CEO Andrea Hailey wrote on X: “We have registered nearly 40,000 voters – a nearly 700% increase in new registrations every day.” According to the nonprofit, these recent registrations were predominantly people ages 18 to 34. Harris not only represents a stark contrast to Donald Trump, but she also has a deep connection to the concerns of the younger generation in the United States.

Harris is a vocal advocate for linking women’s economic empowerment with environmental sustainability and recognizes that the fight against climate change cannot succeed without addressing the gender gaps that hinder progress. Significant initiatives have been launched under the Biden-Harris administration to increase the role of women in critical sectors. These efforts have already generated over $1.4 billion in funding from governments, private companies and other stakeholders and underscored the global commitment to integrating gender equality into climate action.

The international community is also supporting these initiatives. Countries such as Australia, Canada and Japan have committed significant financial resources to promote gender equality and climate resilience. These joint efforts underscore the growing recognition that women’s empowerment is not only a moral imperative, but also a practical strategy for advancing climate change initiatives. Harris’ leadership in this area symbolizes a shift towards more inclusive and effective global governance, where addressing the intersection of gender and environmental issues is seen as essential to achieving long-term peace and sustainability.

But that rise has not come without difficulties and media criticism of her gender, which has exposed deep-rooted problems in the American and international political landscape. While Harris is a much-needed symbol of progress, her rise was in many ways a response to the Democratic Party’s need to rescue Biden’s faltering campaign. By July, Biden was facing mounting criticism for numerous missteps at home and abroad. It became abundantly clear that the party needed a dynamic and compelling figure like Harris. With her historic candidacy and strong endorsement record, she seemed the perfect choice.

However, one could argue that Harris’s rise is less an expression of America’s willingness to embrace female leadership than a response to the failings of her male predecessor. Had Biden not been such a problematic candidate, would Americans have been as quick to rally behind a female leader? This question raises uncomfortable truths about the state of gender equality in U.S. politics. Was Harris chosen because of her qualifications, or was she a lifeline for a party desperately trying to recover from a leadership crisis?

The success of her nomination also underscores a broader tension: the idea that women often step into leadership roles in times of crisis or when male leaders have failed. This phenomenon, often referred to as the “glass cliff,” suggests that women are more likely to be given leadership roles when the risk of failure is high. This raises questions about whether America’s turn to female leaders is truly progressive or simply opportunistic.

In addition, female politicians have long been subjected to objectification and gender comparisons that their male counterparts rarely experience in America and internationally. From Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin and even international figures like Sanna Mirella Marin and Halla Tómasdóttir, women in politics have often been criticized not only for their policies but also for their appearance, tone, and even their likeability. They are treated very differently than their male counterparts, face inappropriate questions at conferences, and studies show that women in politics are often addressed by their full name rather than just their last name. This practice reinforces the idea that women in power are exceptions, which is highly problematic.

While Harris is celebrated for breaking barriers, her success is sometimes portrayed as a reaction to men’s failures, rather than a natural progression toward gender equality. This portrayal risks reinforcing the idea that women are only given opportunities when they have little left to lose. In reality, Harris represents a game changer as a politician. She aligns with Biden and Obama’s views on gun control, but has taken a much more direct stance on her goals from the start. Harris is not an exception due to male failure; women should be the benchmark in politics, driving gender equality until they are seen as equals, not anomalies.

The issues highlighted by media coverage of Harris point to a larger problem: the need to change the narratives and biases that shape public opinion about female leaders. Female leaders like Sanna Marin should no longer be asked whether their meetings with other heads of state are influenced by their age or gender. Such questions belittle their abilities based on their gender. Female heads of state have the same roles as their male counterparts on the national and international stage for their respective countries. In my opinion, the media should be punished more severely when they spread harmful narratives that negatively impact women.

In addition, the way scandals involving female leaders are perceived and reported must change. Female politicians are often held to higher standards than their male counterparts and are subject to more scrutiny. This double standard not only harms the women involved, but also discourages other women from pursuing leadership positions for fear of being treated unfairly as well.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that female leaders, just like their male counterparts, are human too. They should not be expected to sacrifice their personal lives or social activities just because they hold positions of power. The idea that a woman in office must give up all aspects of her personal life to be taken seriously is both outdated and harmful. Leaders, regardless of their gender, should be judged on their policies, their actions in office and their ability to govern.

To truly change this narrative, we must start teaching girls and boys early on that women in power are not exceptions, but are in fact an integral part of governance and decision-making at the highest levels. This education should not be limited to the realm of politics, but should extend to all fields, from science and technology to business and the arts. When young girls see women celebrated not only as political leaders, but also as innovators, entrepreneurs and trailblazers in all fields, they will grow up understanding that women are capable of—and belong in—positions of power.

However, this process of destigmatisation needs to be embedded in the fabric of our educational systems, our media portrayal and our societal values. Schools should highlight the achievements of women throughout history and in today’s society, ensuring that female role models are as visible and celebrated as their male counterparts. The media must also do its part by portraying women in positions of power as the norm rather than the exception, and by focusing on their achievements rather than their gender.

To ensure these actions are taken, laws should be enacted to embed these values ​​in our educational systems and punish harmful narratives that adversely affect the perception of women in the media. To support this cultural shift, we also need policies that encourage and support women in leadership positions. This includes mentoring programs, networking opportunities and leadership training specifically designed to help women succeed. Governments and organizations should actively work to remove barriers that prevent women from reaching the top, such as discriminatory practices, lack of access to resources and the absence of work-life balance policies.

Furthermore, glorifying and protecting women’s achievements and perceptions in various fields will not only strengthen female empowerment but will also normalize the presence of women in traditionally male-dominated roles. This approach will create a culture where young girls aspire to leadership positions and perceive it as a field where they belong just as much as anyone else.

In conclusion, the rise of women in leadership, from Kamala Harris in the US to female leaders in Mexico, Norway and across the European Union, reflects a global shift towards more inclusive leadership. But for this progress to be sustained and expanded, we must continue to push back on the stigma surrounding female leaders and ensure that women in positions of power are treated as equals, not as exceptions. The US’s recent steps to advance women in leadership, exemplified by Harris’s vice presidency, set a powerful example for the rest of the world. Accepting and normalising female leadership can foster a future where women are not just included in governance, but seen as essential to it.