Wesley Reynolds on LinkedIn: The Kamala Harris Conundrum: A DEI Figurehead Under Siege | 20 comments (2024)

This is where I take off my pretty little gloves and respond to disturbing comments in another post suggesting that - DEI is dying and on life support. As a woman, member of the Black community and an attorney with significant knowledge about our nation’s EEO laws - I strongly disagree. DEI is not just about empowering Black people, but about advocating for everyone to be treated equally and equitably under the law, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, nationality, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status…or political affiliation.I understand the pushback against DEI, particularly from white men who have historically had a helping hand and head start in obtaining higher education, and achieving their professional and business accomplishments. DEI threatens to end their white privilege and dismantle white supremacy by promoting a level playing field based on merit. This is something that most people actually support.The Black community is committed to continuing and leading the fight for DEI, as we have been the most marginalized, underserved, disadvantaged, and discriminated against. Black women, who have always been unapologetically proud of our culture and proactively supportive of women, Blacks and other communities of color - won't let DEI die. We deeply care about it, its mission and its proven results. Not only does every study nationwide show the significant benefits of diversity, it’s simply the right thing to do.Let's remain vigilant and work together to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society where everyone has an opportunity to succeed based on merit. Do you agree?#diversity #equity #inclusion

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Black women have always been the gatekeepers, the movers the shakers when it comes to change. Whether it’s in politics or corporations, we make things happen. So it’s not surprising that we’d come under attack on DEI. We must stay vigilant and support Black women and their wellbeing at all cost. #dei #racialequity #racialjustice #blackwomen #blackwomenlead https://lnkd.in/e6D6ht-6

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This article provides valuable insights into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) challenges faced by black women. It offers practical suggestions for maintaining personal wellness and protecting one's peace, which are relevant in various environments. I highly recommend giving it a read to gain a deeper understanding of these issues and to explore actionable strategies for self-care and resilience.Remember, it’s perfectly okay to establish boundaries and say no!

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There's a meme-worthy quote going around from the US Vice president, Kamala Harris where she says, "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you,”. Here's some context to an article in today's Sydney Morning Herald where I am quoted in response to a journalist's request for my opinions on the how Ms Harris, the American VP and likely US Democrat Presidential Candidate come November 2024, dressed. Remember - context is important. In this day and age I am frankly shocked that some people are still asking these questions about 'what she wore'. So, my immediate response to the journalist's question was along the lines of 'I don't care what she wears, I am keen to hear more about her policies and platforms'. I was frankly, flabbergasted! But the I steered the conversation to the many barriers women standing for office still face in terms of promoting their legitimacy as capable candidates. As an example of some of these barriers women face compared to their male counterparts, I talked about how our wardrobe choices mean we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. For example, some candidates may be criticised for what they wear as being 'dowdy' and out of touch, or alternatively she may be a 'fashionista' and frivolous. Men can just wear the same suit over and over and change the shirt and tie and get away with it (and keep the same shoes on forever). Women's voices are criticised if they are 'too high'. Ex British PM, Margaret Thatcher famously received training to lower her voice to a 'more authoritive' octave - she was expected to mimick the male voice to be acceptable to voters. The unconscious bias underpinning perceptions of a leader is the default of a lower tone male voice. Deeper voices are naturally associated with greater gravitas. Extensive research across different employment fields and sectors shows that women in leadership roles (not just politics) have to work so much harder to be 'likeable' which delivers promotion, greater pay, and political office. It's a challenge to voters, to consider the unconscious bias at play when we compare women candidates to their male competitors. Women candidates do have more barriers to getting elected, that's true. But more and more women are filling the seats in our Senates, parliamentary chambers and local councils. Hurray! It's time to stop worrying about what women wear and start focusing on their promises and capacity to deliver better government for us all. #WomenInPolitics #SheStands #supportHer #voteforher Women's Agenda Women for Election ALGWA VIC Pathways to Politics for Womenhttps://lnkd.in/gXqHPGkB

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The older I get, the more I think Bon Jovi might have been wiser than they were given credit for..." the more things change, the more they stay the same." In 2023,...why is there still a question about women in leadership?#politicsandlaw As women's representation in U.S. politics has grown, 53% of Americans say there are still too few women in high political office in the United States, and many see significant obstacles for women candidates.Our2023 reporton women leaders in politicsexplores Americans' views about gender and political leadership and the barriers women face.https://lnkd.in/esWSWxxJ #WeLead #Society #societyandculture #womenleaders

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Exciting news! Today's AP article highlights the progress being made by women stepping up to lead in South Carolina. Women bring a unique perspective to leadership, and it's vital that their voices are heard and incorporated into policy. As Sen. Katrina Shealy notes, women can disagree on political beliefs but still come together when their common experiences match. Let's continue to build momentum for #EngenderingDemocracy and #SCWomenLead. Check out the article here: https://bit.ly/4d0gTEt

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Are we truly grasping the monumental struggle behind Roe v. Wade? With Mexico’s historic election of its first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, it’s time to reflect on our own journey toward electing a woman president in the U.S. Hillary Clinton’s insights highlight the critical importance of agency and decision-making in leadership.Let's look into Clinton’s reflections on the immense effort behind Roe v. Wade and its implications following the Dobbs decision. Her perspectives underscore the need to understand the historical context of women’s rights and leadership.Reflecting on her 2016 presidential campaign and Mexico’s strides in establishing gender parity, Clinton challenges us to confront societal norms and entrenched beliefs about gender and leadership. This awareness is crucial as we strive for true gender equality in political representation.Read here: https://lnkd.in/eAn8Q3Mb#ElizabethDias #LisaLerer #HillaryClinton #RoeVWade #ParityInEverything #ClaudiaSheinbaum #Precedented #TheAlternativeRoad #Truth #History #GenderEquality #Agency #WomenInPolitics

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Women Governors’ Journey from 1975 to 2023The role of a state governor is undeniably crucial, and it is heartening to observe the progression of women breaking barriers and assuming gubernatorial responsibilities. From the pioneering days in 1924, when Nellie Tayloe Ross took office in Wyoming, to the recent developments in 2023, where a total of 49 women have served as governors in 32 states, the journey has been both inspiring and groundbreaking.Nellie Tayloe Ross, a Democrat from Wyoming, holds the distinction of being the first woman to serve as a governor in the United States. Her entry into office in 1924, through a special election to succeed her deceased husband, marked a historic moment. However, it wasn't until 1975 that Ella Grasso, a Connecticut Democrat, shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first woman elected as governor without any spousal connections.Ella Grasso's election in 1975 represented a significant turning point, signifying that women could ascend to gubernatorial roles based on their individual merit and leadership qualities. This milestone paved the way for subsequent generations of women to enter the political arena and contribute to the governance of their respective states.As of 2023, the count stands at 49 women who have served as governors, representing a diverse array of states across the nation. Notably, in 2023, there are 8 Democratic and 4 Republican women serving as governors, showcasing a bipartisan commitment to gender diversity in leadership.Join the movement to empower the next generation of female leaders. Grab a copy of When I'm the President picture book, a catalyst for change, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a future where every girl believes in her ability to lead and shape the world. https://lnkd.in/gVKMBpUmRead more: Pew Research Center https://ow.ly/9Qx350QGZ56#WomenInPolitics #StateLegislatures #GenderEquality #PoliticalLeadership #RepresentationMatters #LegislativeEmpowerment📷 Women's eNews

With Joe Biden withdrawing from the presidential race and Kamala Harris potentially stepping in, I can't help but wonder if America is truly ready for a woman president of color. This question digs deep into the historical, social and cultural factors shaping their society.Even with the progress made, racial prejudices and gender biases are still a big issue in the U.S. Kamala Harris, being a woman of Black and South Asian descent, faces the unique challenge of navigating both. The political scene has been dominated by white men for so long that, even though Harris has broken many barriers, the entrenched power structures still create massive obstacles.The media often reinforces stereotypes and biases against women and people of color. Harris will have to navigate these portrayals while getting her political message across. Plus, a significant portion of voters still hold conservative views on race and gender, which can influence voting behavior.Intersectionality makes these challenges even tougher. Harris deals with obstacles unique to women of color, making her path to the presidency more complex. Although she's already made history as the first woman Vice President of color, the lack of female representation in top political roles can impact both the self-confidence of a woman candidate and her public acceptance.Societal change is slow. Shifting cultural attitudes and acceptance, especially for top positions, takes time which they do not now have. Still, Kamala Harris's potential rise to President is a historic chance for the U.S. to show it's ready for leadership that truly reflects their nation's diversity and strength. Will America rise to this challenge?#Leadership #Diversity #Equality #KamalaHarris #WomenInPolitics #RacialEquality #GenderEquality #InclusiveLeadership

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As women’s representation in U.S. politics has grown, 53% of Americans say there are still too few women in high political office in the United States, and many see significant obstacles for women candidates. Our 2023 report on women leaders in politics explores Americans’ views about gender and political leadership, as well as views about the barriers women face.

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