Growing up in a less-than-diverse community, I cannot argue that I have ever known the fears of being a woman facing much oppression or limitation. For the most part, the things I can and will accomplish align with the men I attend school with, and I will not have to fight for the same basic rights they possess.
This certainly does not represent every woman in this country. In places of poverty, where it is difficult for anyone to be educated and to receive healthcare, being a woman brings about more worry when considering the future, in being able to receive proper education, an equivalent salary to men, and the resources necessary when raising or having children. In the midst of such a divisive election, I wish to inform anyone who will listen as to why that must change, and why that aligns so closely with Donald Trump's vision for this country.
In recent weeks, there have been many examples as to why Donald Trump has no respect for women. From explicit comments to disturbing and illegal actions, both confirmed by audio and women who have dealt with him, one cannot convincingly refute the truth of these incidents. The problem with dwelling on these subjects is the argument that his prior actions concerning women do not involve politics, and therefore cannot be used as grounds to not vote for him. The lack of integrity in his treatment of women, however, does not stop at his personal affairs. It is deeply rooted in many of his political stances, particularly concerning equal pay and healthcare.
In Donald Trump's own campaign, women are typically paid one third less than men. He claims women "make the same if you do as good a job." The question is what makes a woman's job as good as a man's, and whether that lies within Trump's jurisdiction. Why a woman, doing the same job as a man would make less money, especially if a minority, makes no sense. Women make up less than one third of his campaign staff, and it shows in his words and actions. For women having children, he believes it is an inconvenience for them to take paid leave after pregnancy, despite the relief it can bring the mother and father.
Concerning health care for women, and their rights to abortion, Donald Trump has fluctuated over the years. Since 1989, he has gone from a strong pro-choice advocate to claiming women only have the right to abortion in cases of health, rape and incest. As of last year Trump's stance included the defunding of Planned Parenthood and having women receive "punishment" for making the choice to terminate their pregnancy. The problem is, he ignored the fact that Planned Parenthood provides more than abortions. They have free breast cancer screenings, birth control, STD treatment, and education for women. These are necessary amenities for those who never received proper sex education, and those without health care.
Women, in particular, need the support of the future president in order to achieve equal pay for equal work and the chance for free medical services to suit their needs. Donald Trump, I can assure you, would provide none of these things. These are our rights as women, and in order to progress in this country, he must not become our next president. I say this not because of his personal morals and beliefs, but the extreme stances he has taken on political issues. Whether or not those things go hand and hand is not for me to say. Either way, a man who does not support women, is not a man who should run this country.
