What's at stake for women's rights in a second Trump term?
Donald Trump has just been sworn in for his second term as the 47th President of the United States. His return to power has already sparked widespread concerns about the future of women’s rights, freedoms, and representation—concerns grounded not in speculation but in past actions. His track record already signals threats to reproductive rights, gender equality, and women’s leadership.
His campaign remark targeting Vice President Kamala Harris - “Do you want to lose your life savings because we put a weak and foolish woman in the White House?” – went beyond mere political mudslinging. It reflects a mindset that undermines women’s leadership and questions their competence.
As Trump takes office, it’s crucial to assess how his leadership could jeopordise hard-won progress on gender equality in America. If his track record is any indication, the risks are serious.
Reproductive rights under threat
A major area of concern is the continued rollback of reproductive rights. Trump’s first term saw the appointment of conservative judges who played a decisive role in overturning Roe v. Wade in 2022, stripping federal protection for abortion access and enabling multiple states to implement near-total bans. While such legislation would require congressional approval, Trump’s influence over conservative lawmakers and judicial appointments makes it a real possibility. Although he previously stated on X that he would veto a federal abortion ban if re-elected, his history of shifting positions doesn’t inspire much confidence..
Additionally, there’s fear that a Trump-appointed FDA leadership could introduce new hurdles for accessing not only abortion medications but also contraception. Limiting these critical healthcare options would disproportionately affect marginalised communities, including Black, Indigenous, and low-income women, who already face significant barriers in accessing care.
Undermining women’s leadership and representation
Trump’s dismissive rhetoric towards women in leadership, like his attack on Vice President Harris, signals a troubling return to outdated stereotypes that question women’s competence based on gender rather than ability.
During his first term, the representation of women in key government leadership roles significantly declined, with critical decision-making spaces often dominated by men. The United States’ rank has sunk from 41 in the world in 1997 to 101 in 2017, according to a study by Inter-Parliamentary Union.
A second term could further erode support for policies aimed at closing the gender leadership gap. Trump has openly criticised diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and his administration previously worked to restrict federal funding for programmes promoting gender equality. Even before his November victory, major companies like Walmart, McDonald’s, and Meta had begun rolling back DEI commitments, disbanding teams, and dropping equity-focused hiring practices. If this trend continues, it could make it even harder for women to gain leadership positions in both the public and private sectors.
Global consequences for women’s rights
Trump’s influence extends beyond U.S. borders. His previous reinstatement and expansion of the Mexico City Policy, also known as “Global Gag Rule”, cut off funding to international health organisations that offered abortion services or even counselling, regardless of whether U.S. funds directly supported those services.
This policy deeply impacted maternal health services in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, limiting access to contraception, prenatal care, and safe abortion services. A second Trump term could see a return to such harmful policies, disrupting critical health programmes and weakening global efforts to advance gender equality.
Some serious challenges lie ahead for gender equality. While his recent statements suggest he won’t directly target women’s rights, his first term proved devastating for gender equality, and the world is right to be wary.
This is a moment to strengthen advocacy, support grassroots organisations, and amplify women’s voices in policymaking spaces. Feminist movements have overcome immense challenges before, and this fight will be no different. The task ahead is clear: defend hard-won progress, hold leaders accountable, and ensure that future generations inherit a world where gender equality is a given.