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| Donald Trump, President Elect, United States of America |
Ukorebi Esien | 10th November 2024
CALABAR - The emergence of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States of America may have brought joy and elation to many, but his returns to the center of America’s political stage also mean so much to no just Americans but the world at large. His messages, campaign promises, and the legacy of his previous administration gives a picture of what his victory could mean for gender equality. Across the world, we all witnessed and watched with amazement his rise, often baffled by his bold statements and blunt style. Truth be told for a majority of us as Africans, his rhetoric resonates as both a symbol of power and as a catalyst for reflection on gender issues back home. In this feature, we look at Trump’s campaign messaging, past actions, and his promises to the America People and the rest of the world to understand their potential effects on gender equality.
Campaign Rhetoric and Controversial Remarks
Throughout his career, Trump has faced significant scrutiny over his language toward women. His 2016 campaign was marked by controversial comments that many felt demeaned women and reinforced negative stereotypes. Statements that became infamous, like the leaked 2005 audio recording of Trump discussing women in vulgar terms, brought gender issues into the limelight. His frequent social media spats with female political figures, such as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and prominent journalists, have also added fuel to the perception that he often engages in gender-insensitive rhetoric.
These behaviors aren’t merely controversies; they carry
implications. The words of a leader, especially one as visible as Trump, shape
public discourse and can influence the way society views gender. When leaders
make statements that seemingly devalue or mock women, these attitudes may
trickle down, affecting workplace dynamics, public behavior, and even policy
priorities. Critics fear that such rhetoric could embolden attitudes that
tolerate gender-based disrespect or dismiss gender equality as an important
social goal.
Legacy of the First Term: Policies and Gender Equality
During his first term, Trump’s administration adopted
several policies that many felt rolled back gains in gender equality. Key
issues, such as reproductive rights, workplace equality, and gender-based
violence, were subject to shifts in policy that revealed the administration’s
conservative leanings. His administration:
Reproductive Rights: The Trump administration placed
restrictions on federal funding for organizations that provide or discuss
abortion, both domestically and internationally. Known as the "Global Gag
Rule," this policy restricted aid to organizations that supported family
planning, particularly in Africa, where U.S.-funded programs play a significant
role in women’s health. Such moves raised concerns that women’s reproductive
rights were being undermined, potentially limiting access to critical
healthcare services.
Title IX Reforms: Under Trump, the Department of
Education, led by Betsy DeVos, revised Title IX policies, the U.S. federal law
that addresses sexual harassment and discrimination in educational
institutions. The revisions were seen as making it harder for survivors of gender-based
violence to seek justice, which sparked backlash from advocacy groups who
argued that the changes favored accused individuals over victims.
Equal Pay and Workplace Equality: Trump’s
administration also faced criticism for a lack of significant progress on
closing the gender pay gap. Although he signed an executive order to promote
women in STEM careers, many felt that broader economic policies under his
administration, like tax reforms favoring corporations, did little to tackle
gender inequality in the workplace or improve low wages, which
disproportionately impact women.
Campaign
Promises for the Future
Now, in his
return bid, Trump has continued to target traditional themes of nationalism and
economic revival, focusing on "Making America Great Again" and
putting American interests first. However, gender equality has not featured
prominently in his campaign promises, and there is a notable absence of
specific pledges directed at improving women’s rights or addressing issues like
workplace discrimination and gender-based violence.
Instead, Trump has centered his campaign on issues like
border control, law and order, and economic growth. His emphasis on a strong
military and national security may appeal to a section of voters, but without
targeted commitments to gender equality, concerns persist over whether these
broader policies will address or overlook gender-specific issues.
While Trump has made gestures towards empowering women,
particularly in business and technology, his approach generally favors
market-driven solutions over government intervention. This may limit the scope
of progress on gender equity, as issues such as pay inequality and support for
working mothers often require legislative and social policy changes, not just
private sector involvement.
Implications
for Gender Equality in the U.S. and Beyond
Trump’s
rhetoric and policy direction create a complex picture for gender equality. On
the one hand, his vocal conservative base may feel emboldened by his stance,
potentially challenging gender equality initiatives that they view as
undermining traditional values. On the other hand, his presidency could also
inspire renewed activism from groups advocating for women’s rights, both in the
U.S. and abroad, who see his rhetoric as a rallying call to protect hard-won
gender equality gains.
In African countries, where leaders and citizens closely
observe global politics, Trump's approach to gender issues raises questions.
Could his administration’s stance impact funding for health and education
programs that support African women? How might his influence shape cultural
attitudes toward women’s roles in leadership and society? For those who rely on
U.S.-backed initiatives promoting gender equality, a shift in policy priorities
could mean fewer resources, which could negatively impact efforts to support
women and girls.
Conclusion: A Time for Reflection and Action
Donald Trump’s rhetoric and policies present challenges and
lessons for those working toward gender equality worldwide. His language and
conservative policy focus reveal a leadership style that resonates with some
while distancing others, stressing the ongoing global debate over gender and
power. As Africans and Development Workers, lets observe, learn, and decide
which aspects of this global discourse to adopt or resist. The Trump phenomenon
emphasizes that the journey toward gender equality requires resilience and
commitment, even in the face of resistance from the highest levels.
As we watch Trump’s new campaign/policies unfold, it serves
as a reminder that gender equality is not just a women’s issue; it is a
societal goal that benefits all. In Africa, as we strive for more inclusive and
fair societies, we are reminded that leadership should inspire unity, progress,
and respect for all genders. It’s a time for Development workers, especially
those working on gender related and reproductive health right issues to re-strategies,
think out of the box and come up with new templates, strategies and approaches.
It is true that Trump's approach may not
resonate with everyone of us, but no doubt, it offers us a valuable opportunity
to reflect on what leadership should look like in a world committed to
equality.
Ukorebi Esien is an experienced peacebuilding advocate and
seasoned journalist with a strong track record in community-focused conflict
mitigation and inclusive development strategies in the Niger Delta,
particularly Cross River State. With extensive experience in early warning and
response systems, Mr. Esien has led impactful initiatives that utilize local
capacity for sustainable peace. He writes from Calabar, Cross River State.
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