Beyond the Election: Women’s Rights and the Path to Empowerment

**Talk of sexual assault

Introduction

Hi friends. Today, I woke up with dread, afraid to even look at my phone. It’s election results day in the U.S., and one glance at the screen would tell me what the next four years might bring, not just for America but for women everywhere. As I fell asleep the night before, the race was close, and I held onto hope. Seeing the results this morning, though, I felt a wave of disheartenment wash over me, especially thinking of all the work women like Kamala Harris put into this campaign. Her strength and refusal to give up until the end inspired me to write this post because she fought so hard, and many of us, even here in Canada, believed in her. As a proud Canadian representing my country at Walt Disney World, I feel grateful to live in a place where equality and human rights are values we strive to uphold. But what troubles me most today is the thought that all the progress women have made over decades, the rights we fought so hard for, could be diminished. It breaks my heart to think of the fear many women across the U.S. might feel, wondering if they’re truly safe in their own country. North America has always felt like a place of freedom, but today, that promise seems more fragile than ever.

Fear of Losing Progress on Women’s Rights

For generations, women have fought relentless battles for rights that should be expected: the right to vote, to earn equal pay, to make decisions about our bodies, and to feel secure in our communities. These hard-earned freedoms are not taken for granted as they result from activism, sacrifice, and resilience from women who refused to be silenced. Yet, as I contemplate the election results today, I fear these rights are more uncertain than ever. Political shifts in the U.S. could reverse years of progress, bringing in policies that undermine our freedoms, remove our protections, and leave many of us hesitant about the future. As a Canadian woman, I am fortunate to live in a country that consistently upholds and protects these rights. However, witnessing these changes in the U.S., I empathize deeply with women who may soon face an uncertain reality. It’s a clear reminder of the critical need to defend our rights everywhere because we should never have to fear losing the equality we’ve fought so hard to achieve.

The Personal Fear and Trauma Women Face

One of the most powerful aspects of Kamala’s campaign was her ability to be vulnerable and genuinely connect with others. She didn’t just speak from a platform. She came down to people’s level, listened, and genuinely saw them. Vulnerability is something we often shy away from, but I’ve learned through facing my past traumas that acknowledging our pain is the only way forward. My experience with sexual assault left me struggling with feelings of powerlessness and shame, often feeling as if it were somehow my fault. Healing from that trauma would have been impossible without the people who stood by me, reminding me that the blame wasn’t mine. It’s strange how trauma works. It can shape your insecurities in ways you don’t fully understand until you confront them. After my assault, I became deeply insecure, questioning my worth and struggling to feel safe. However, as I built relationships with others who were willing to be vulnerable with me, I found the strength to address my trauma head-on. Living in a country where politics sometimes feels like a game, I worry that these essential issues will be brushed aside. We need leaders who will confront problems honestly rather than using them to divide or dismiss. I’ve worked hard to reclaim my confidence and be open about my experiences, and it took vulnerability, support, and a lot of inner work to get here. This country needs that same willingness to face hard truths without fear of what might come next.

Finding Strength and Reclaiming Power

One of the greatest strengths I gained after my assault was resilience, and Kamala’s campaign reminded me so much of that same inner power. Her example empowered me to keep fighting, reinforcing that our fight for rights doesn’t end after an election, it’s an ongoing journey. Setbacks can either break us or make us stronger. Those who face challenges head-on truly rise, while those who avoid them stay stuck. After my experience, I struggled for a long time, unsure how to move forward. But at some point, it clicked for me: the only way my life would change was if I took control and did something about it. Through this, I learned that “no” is never the end of the road. There’s always a way forward when you put your heart into it and surround yourself with people who believe in you. By acknowledging my weaknesses, I’ve learned to transform them into strengths. What I respected most about Kamala was her refusal to pity herself, instead, she held herself accountable, pushing forward regardless of the odds. She symbolizes the strength we all need to keep fighting adversity and working toward a world where every woman is empowered. Never forget that resilience is our strongest weapon when confronting challenges.

The Role of Community and Collective Action

Supportive individuals are crucial in the battle for women’s rights, as they help create a world where everyone feels secure and valued. Strong relationships, including with men who stand with women as advocates, can make a real difference by listening, speaking out against discrimination, and fostering a culture of respect. Communities built on empathy and support can drive lasting change, and having people in my corner who believed in my worth was invaluable in my journey to reclaim my power. I hope this post inspires you to consider how you can support women’s rights in your own way. Small actions, like voting, advocating for equality, or educating yourself and others, are powerful steps forward. None of us need to face these challenges alone. We’re stronger together. Even as a Canadian, I deeply connect with women in the U.S. and worldwide. Their struggles and successes impact us all. Women’s rights transcend borders, and it’s on all of us to protect progress and push for a future where everyone enjoys freedom and safety.

Conclusion

In moments like these, when the future feels uncertain, I find strength in our unity as women and supportive communities across borders. Each of us, whether Canadian, American, or elsewhere, has a role in standing up for and uplifting one another. Sharing my story and engaging in this conversation is my way of reclaiming power. I hope it serves as a reminder that no setback can diminish our progress if we work together. Looking ahead, I’m more determined than ever to continue advocating for women’s rights, holding onto the belief that resilience is our greatest strength. Let’s keep moving forward, knowing that every voice, every action, and every supportive connection strengthens our path toward equality. Together, we can overcome the challenges and create a world where every woman feels safe, empowered, and valued.