Opinion: Clinton loses election; still gives hope

By Juan Villanueva | Big Stick Editor

Over a century ago, women had little to no voice in politics. Even before that, women were regarded as less of equal to men and were rarely educated, nor were they expected to be more than simple housewives.

With faith for change, the first Women’s Suffrage Movement began in the 1840s, when women began to realize that they too had a voice. The movement was made obvious when Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for presidency in 1872, without even having the right to vote.

From then on, more and more women began gathering power in movements, in which the term “feminism” began to develop. Through this time, activists such as Susan B. Anthony, Lillian D. Wald, and Edith New began influencing women to have their voice heard and gain equality. Ultimately, women gained their right to vote on Aug. 18, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was ratified onto the Constitution, prohibiting discrimination against voting based on gender.

With two other movements and one continuing in present day, today, more and more women are gaining equality in workplace, a big achievement of the movement for women currently. For instance, women are becoming part of history as politicians.

Although over two centuries ago, no one could have imagined that the role of women would grow outside of households, many individuals have challenged this old age belief.

Women such as Hillary Clinton have shown the idea that with time comes change and change for the better. Through her life, Mrs. Clinton has dedicated her life to helping children, women and gaining equality for all individuals no matter the color of their skin, race, sexual preference, religion or background. Mrs. Clinton has served as First Lady, in the U.S. Senate and as Secretary of State throughout which she spent her time implementing this change, showing women can do it too.

img_1414

Formal Pix, Peggy, Ed, Olivia & the Clintons during the Clinton presidency.

Most big for Mrs. Clinton was her announcement to run as the democratic candidate for president this past July.

Although, Mrs. Clinton may have not been the first woman to run for president and lost the electoral vote to Donald Trump, she did win the popular vote and is the woman closest to presidency to date.

Mrs. Clinton will not only be remembered for her time in politics and as an advocate for women and children, but for her courage to face a controversial man like president-elect Mr. Trump and as a woman that has given hope to Americans that just like a man, a woman too could one day run the United States of America as its leader.

Photo credit: mdfriendofhillary via Foter.com / CC BY-SA