What Trump's election means for women worldwide 🌎 🌍 🌏
When I started this newsletter, I had promised myself to stay away from politics. Politics and religion, the two subjects that always set people on edge and divide the most. And yet here I am.
As the news of Trump’s election win spreads, many women worldwide are feeling a mixture of disbelief, concern, and determination. For many, the election outcome sends a message that progress in gender equality is not as secure as we’d like to think. It’s a reminder that deep-seated biases still linger, and the fight for women’s rights is far from over.
💬 Worldwide social reactions
Across social media, the reaction has been swift and powerful. Women are voicing their frustration, sharing stories of resilience, and rallying together to reinforce that the progress we’ve made cannot be undone. The backlash is not just a reaction; it’s a call to action, a collective statement that women will continue to advocate for equality, fair representation, and the respect they deserve—regardless of political shifts.
🥊 Battling rising conservative ideologies
So, what does this mean for women across the globe? In many ways, it’s a wake-up call. Women in leadership, from politics to the boardroom, may face even more resistance, as conservative ideologies gain ground. And for women’s rights advocates, Trump’s election serves as a reminder that continued vigilance is necessary, even in the face of setbacks.
This is important because it highlights the work that still needs to be done—not just in the U.S., but worldwide. For years, women have fought tirelessly to break barriers, and while this may feel like a step back, it’s also an opportunity. Now, more than ever, we must support each other, encourage each other, and ensure our voices are heard. This is a crucial moment to reinforce our commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable world, and to show future generations that, no matter the obstacles, we won’t back down.
✏️ Shaping narratives through design
Now, more than ever, brands and campaigns that champion women’s rights, inclusivity, and equality need strong visual voices. Designers have the power to shape narratives, amplify messages, and create visual identities that resonate with women worldwide. By designing with empathy and purpose, we can help brands and organisations inspire and empower, fostering spaces that prioritize equity. Whether through bold campaign visuals, inclusive branding, or storytelling that challenges outdated stereotypes, designers have a unique role in shaping the conversation and creating change from the ground up.
🌊 Our roles as (creative) individuals
As we’ve witnessed in the last few years, we are facing a fragile shift worldwide. There is a current of change on the way and it’s stirring things–for better or worse–economically, politically and socially. This is a time for us to make sure this current generates positive change rather than letting the wave wash over us. It’s our chance to try and turn things around. Not for ourselves, but for all the humans coming after us, so they can live in a better, more inclusive world, than the one we’ve found.
Further reading
📈 Women report rise in online misogyny following Donald Trump’s victory.
💔 After Trump's victory, the 4B movement is spreading across TikTok.
🇬🇧 And finally, how have Britons reacted to Donald Trump’s 2024 victory?
A note from the author
Thank you for taking the time to read these newsletters. A lot of times, as creatives, we think about these things but don’t always voice our opinions. I’d like us to have more of these open, honest conversations with each other–in real life, or digitally. There aren’t always ways to act directly in a way that matters against these outcomes (but there will be a right time for action through our work). Discussion is the first step to understanding what’s happening and why. I encourage all of us to talk more with each other, in real life or digitally. So if you made it this far, maybe humour me, and start a conversation with a college about worldwide political issues and their effects on all of us.
