JD Vance, Donald Trump's Vice President nominee claims that America is being run by "a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too."
So, does this chatter that Kamala Harris can't possibly be a good leader because she’s never had children make any sense? Ah yes, because clearly, the only way to develop leadership skills is through changing nappies and organising playdates. And does this extend to adoptive mothers? Do they have the skills to lead? And what about men? Surely it makes sense that single men or bachelors can never be leaders. Or does this extend to all biological males? As far as I'm aware, no people assigned male at birth have given birth. So by extension, none of them should be leaders (quite a statement). God forbid that there should be a double standard in our society!
If this kind of logic had any historical basis, we'd be in quite a pickle. Let’s have a look at some formidable women who were childless and utterly unstoppable.
Queen Elizabeth I - The Virgin Queen
Queen Elizabeth I, often referred to as the "Virgin Queen", ruled England with an iron will and a sharp mind for 45 years. Under her reign, England saw the defeat of the Spanish Armada, flourishing arts during the Renaissance, and the establishment of Protestantism. Despite immense pressure to marry and bear an heir, Elizabeth chose her country over personal life, famously declaring she was "married to England". Clearly, her lack of children really held her back from being an exceptional leader, didn’t it?
Florence Nightingale - The Lady with the Lamp
Known as the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale dedicated her life to the care of others without ever having children of her own. During the Crimean War, she revolutionised battlefield medicine and established sanitary practices that drastically reduced mortality rates. Nightingale’s dedication to her work and unwavering compassion transformed healthcare. Surely, her contributions would have been more significant if only she’d had time to juggle them with the school run. I mean, she could have least have invented Calpol!
Jane Austen - The Literary Legend
One of the greatest novelists in English literature, Jane Austen, never married nor had children. Her keen observations of society and biting wit produced classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Austen’s works continue to captivate readers and influence writers around the globe. Imagine the masterpieces she could have written if she’d been inspired by midnight feeds and nappy changes.
Emily Dickinson - The Reclusive Poet
Emily Dickinson, one of America's most important poets, lived much of her life in seclusion and never married or had children. Her poetry, characterised by its innovative use of form and language, delves into themes of identity, death, and immortality. Dickinson’s profound impact on literature and her ability to evoke deep emotions with her words highlight that great art and insight can flourish in the absence of a traditional family life. But if she had joined in with a school's PTA, then can you imagine the depth of her poetry?
Simone de Beauvoir - The Intellectual Trailblazer
French writer and existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir never had children, yet her work continues to shape feminist theory and existentialist thought. Her book The Second Sex remains a seminal text in feminist literature, challenging the roles of women in society and advocating for their liberation. De Beauvoir’s intellectual prowess and her ability to inspire and provoke thought demonstrate that profound contributions to society transcend personal life choices. If only she’d had some toddlers to tend to, imagine the revolutionary ideas she might have come up with.
Oprah Winfrey - The Media Mogul
Oprah Winfrey, a modern icon and one of the most influential women in the world, has chosen not to have children. As a media mogul, talk show host, actress, and philanthropist, Winfrey has touched the lives of millions through her work and advocacy. Her ability to connect with people, champion important causes, and build a media empire from the ground up illustrates that leadership and compassion are not confined to the roles of motherhood. Oprah's journey from humble beginnings to global prominence is surely less impressive because she never had to juggle it with breast feeding and parents' evenings.
The narrative that a woman’s ability to lead is somehow diminished by her lack of children is not only outdated but also disrespectful to the incredible achievements of women throughout history.
So JD Vance, perhaps you'd like to take a step back from politics until you've given birth. Then maybe we can see what a leader you could actually be.
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