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Hillary Clinton’s historic 2016 campaign highlighted the persistent barriers women face in politics. Despite winning the popular vote, she lost the presidency to Donald Trump.
This moment built on the efforts of trailblazers like Victoria Woodhull and Shirley Chisholm, showing the evolving path for women in leadership roles.
Hillary Clinton became the first female presidential candidate of a major political party in 2016, making her campaign a historic event in American history? Despite having almost three million more votes than Donald Trump, the electoral college system prevented Clinton from winning the presidency. This occasion provided a platform for contemplation on those who paved the way while highlighting the ongoing obstacles that women in politics face.
Victoria Woodhull stated her intention to run for president in 1872, a remarkable 50 years before women could vote. As a stockbroker and newspaper owner, Woodhull boldly pushed for women’s rights. She wrote the following in a letter to the New York Herald in 1870:
“I now announce myself as a candidate for the Presidency. I am quite well aware that in assuming this position I shall evoke more ridicule than enthusiasm.”
Despite her determination, Woodhull faced major challenges, including being four years too young to run for president. Famous activists like Susan B. Anthony distanced themselves from her due to her controversial views on “free love.”
In her campaign for the Equal Rights Party, Woodhull promoted civil rights for African Americans, improved working conditions, and the rights of women. Despite not being listed on any ballots, she signaled the start of a new era for women in American politics.
There were more women who broke down boundaries after Woodhull. In 1884 and 1888, Belva Ann Lockwood entered presidential contests. In 1964, Margaret Chase Smith submitted her nomination at the Republican convention.
In 1972, Shirley Chisholm became the first African American woman to seek the candidacy of a major party, and Pat Schroeder made headlines in 1988 when she declared, “I have a brain and a uterus and I use both,” demonstrating her ability to juggle parenting and political responsibilities.
In 2016, Hillary Clinton’s candidacy represented the culmination of efforts made by those who came before her. She won 65,853,514 votes (48.2% of the popular vote), while Trump’s 62,984,828 votes (46.1%) reflect the deep division in the electorate. Her campaign’s fundraising success—raising over $1.2 billion—underscored the significant support for her candidacy.
Even though the glass ceiling did not break, Woodhull, Lockwood, Chisholm, and Clinton’s efforts have made it weaker now. Future generations of female leaders have been inspired by their adventures, which have transformed American politics. The future clearly shows that there are still an endless number of opportunities and that the route for women in leadership roles is still evolving.
