Updated: November 10, 2023
In a poignant letter that resonates deeply with many women, Dr. Sarah Bennett articulates the emotions so many of us are grappling with this week. “This week has forced us to confront harsh realities about how women are valued in this country, and it’s a hard truth to swallow,” she writes, capturing the collective sentiment of dismay and disbelief that has emerged following the recent political events.
Dr. Bennett describes waking up to a wave of messages from friends, sharing their own feelings of despair and confusion. “We exchanged photos of our swollen, tear-streaked faces,” she recalls, reflecting on the collective anguish felt by so many. Conversations turned to children who expressed fears about a future that feels unstable and uncertain. “How do you explain to your daughter that a man with a history of disrespecting women is now in the highest office in the land?” The weight of this burden is felt especially by pregnant women, who worry about what lies ahead for their families.
The solidarity among women has been palpable. Many recognize their own struggles reflected in the experience of a woman who has tirelessly navigated the political landscape for decades. “Hillary’s journey was a mirror reflecting both the love and contempt our society harbors towards women,” Dr. Bennett notes. “She embodied the fight for recognition that so many of us crave—only to see it slip away to an individual with no political experience.”
This week, many women bore the unmistakable look of defeat. It was a look that said so much—disbelief, sadness, anger. “We were worthy. We had this,” they seemed to say. If those expressions could speak, they would ask, “What went wrong?”
Dr. Bennett encourages us to recognize the work that has been done and the work that still lies ahead. “Your candidacy opened our eyes to the stark reality of how women are valued—or undervalued—in this nation,” she writes. The pain of knowing that some women supported the opposing side feels like a betrayal, as our rights and liberties are at stake.
However, she emphasizes that the fight does not end here. “The revolution is not found in recognition but rather in the fierce determination that resides within us,” she asserts. It’s a fire that cannot be extinguished by one election, no matter how daunting the outcome may feel. “We rise up. That’s what women do.”
Dr. Bennett concludes with a powerful reminder of the collective strength we share. “You are part of a movement that has simmered for generations. You’ve illustrated how our power manifests, is mythologized, and sometimes taken from us. Yet, through you, we find our power reborn and strengthened.”
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In summary, Dr. Sarah Bennett’s heartfelt letter encapsulates the emotional landscape many women are navigating this week. It’s a time for reflection, solidarity, and a renewed commitment to the fight for equality and recognition.