2024 will be remembered as a historic year for Black women in political leadership. Over half a century ago, revolutionary civil rights campaigner Malcolm X articulated a profound truth with one of his most quoted statements: “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black Female.” Now, America stands on the brink of electing Kamala Harris (pronounced like Pamela with a K) as its first Black woman president.
The Unexpected Surge of Kamala Harris
Just over three weeks ago, the outlook for the US general election appeared bleak for Democrats. Joe Biden’s candidacy was seen as increasingly untenable, and a respectable defeat seemed the best possible outcome. The internal turmoil within the Democratic party was palpable, with many concluding that Trump’s victory was all but assured. This dire assessment was compounded by Trump’s disastrous performance at a recent National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference, where his failure to connect with crucial voters further undermined his campaign.
In a dramatic turn, the Democrats recognised the untenability of Biden’s campaign and urged him to step down. Kamala Harris, his running mate and underestimated vice president, emerged as the only feasible alternative to prevent electoral disaster. In her first campaign speech as the prospective president, Harris redefined the race. Leveraging her background as a former prosecutor, she framed the contest as one between law and lawlessness, directly challenging Trump’s criminal past. Her powerful rhetoric reinvigorated the Democratic base attracting Gen Z voters and female voters.
Trump’s campaign, already reeling from his poor performance and growing unpopularity, struggled to counter Harris’s potent positive message of hope for the future. The selection of JD Vance as Trump’s running mate—an extreme right-wing figure closely associated with the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025—seemed a misstep against Harris’s fierce, law-and-order stance. Vance’s affiliation with Project 2025, a think tank known for its extreme conservative policies, only further exposed Trump’s campaign to criticism and weakened his position.
When Harris win, her presidency would not only signify a historic shift—being the first woman of two ethnic minorities to hold the office—but also symbolize a break from Trump’s divisive rhetoric and demogodic like policies.
Across the Atlantic, the UK’s oldest and most successful political party, the Conservative Party, is poised to be led by a British Nigerian woman, Kemi Badenoch. The UK is witnessing a similar narrative unfold in Badenoch’s rising front-runner status in the leadership contest and is a prominence figure within the Conservative party. Badenoch, like Harris, represents a departure from traditional political norms. Her directness and willingness to challenge established party lines have been seen as both strengths and liabilities.
Badenoch’s tenure at the Department for Business and Trade has been marred by allegations of mistreatment of civil servants. Despite her strong denial of these claims, the negative press could impact her leadership bid. Yet, these allegations might also highlight her as a formidable opponent to Keir Starmer’s Labour, similar to how Harris has emerged as a significant threat to Trump’s MAGA base.
The comparison between Harris and Badenoch extends beyond their ethnicity. Both women embody resilience and a transformative approach to leadership. Their backgrounds reflect their unique challenges and strengths, shaping their perspectives on navigating complex political landscapes.
Badenoch’s candidacy has stirred controversy, with critics accusing her of fostering a toxic work environment. However, supporters argue that her confrontational style is a reflection of her commitment to conservative principles and her refusal to be swayed by bureaucratic norms. Her battle against issues like the trans social contagion, which has polarized elite metropolitan discourse, underscores her role as a disruptive force within her party.
The Significance of Diverse Leadership
The potential for Kamala Harris and Kemi Badenoch to lead their respective countries marks a pivotal moment in G7 politics. Their rise challenges traditional political structures and offers a new perspective on leadership. Their shared experiences as women of color in high-stakes political environments highlight their distinct approaches to governance, marked by resilience and a break from convention.
Harris’s ascent in the US represents a move away from the chaos and divisiveness of the Trump era, while Badenoch’s candidacy in the UK challenges both party norms and bureaucratic complacency. Both women’s leadership could redefine political discourse in their countries, emphasizing the need for diversity and a willingness to confront entrenched systems.
In this era of political turbulence, the emergence of these leaders provides a glimmer of hope and a potential shift towards more inclusive and dynamic governance. Their journeys underscore the evolving landscape of global politics, where diverse voices and unconventional paths to leadership are becoming increasingly prominent.