reformreporter
As Vice President Kamala Harris celebrates her 60th birthday, it’s clear that this milestone is more than just a personal victory—it’s a symbolic moment for many women who are redefining what it means to grow older in America. Harris, who is poised to potentially become the first female president of the United States, is shattering outdated notions of what turning 60 looks and feels like.
For Harris, 60 seems to be the prime of her life. Her energy, intelligence, and resilience are on full display as she campaigns for the 2024 election. In a political arena dominated by older men—President Joe Biden is 81, and her Republican challenger, Donald Trump, is 78—Harris stands out not just for her relative youth but for the confidence and experience she exudes at this stage in her career.
Breaking Stereotypes in the Public Eye
At a recent debate, Harris demonstrated why she’s a force to be reckoned with. In an intense political climate, there were questions about how she would hold up under the pressure of scrutiny, but any concerns were quickly dispelled as she took control of the stage. Her composure, eloquence, and joy were apparent to anyone watching. Harris showed the world that turning 60 doesn’t mean stepping back—it can mean stepping into your power.
“I’ve scrutinized Harris’ campaign rallies and her September debate with Trump,” said Mika Brzezinski, co-host of MSNBC’s Morning Joe. “It is very clear to me why he has refused to step back onstage with her.”
In a world where ageism disproportionately affects women, especially women of color, Harris is a refreshing exception. According to a 2022 AARP survey, ageism is the most common type of discrimination reported by women over 50, and the numbers are even more stark for Black women. Seventy percent of Black women over 50 report experiencing regular discrimination. Yet, Harris is defying these statistics by remaining front and center on the national stage.
Joe Biden has endorsed Kamala Harris for President. She was the first choice for the @Forbes and @KnowYourValue 50 over 50 list, showcasing the global impact of women over 50.
The fourth annual #Forbesover50 list will be announced on August 1. Stay tuned! @HumaAbedin @mcgrathmag pic.twitter.com/4GOCp7CZjI
— Know Your Value (@KnowYourValue) July 21, 2024
The Reality of Ageism for Women Over 50
While Harris is enjoying a career high, many women over 50 face an uphill battle in the workforce. A report from the Center for American Progress highlighted the reality of age-related pay disparities. Women’s earnings peak in their early 40s and then drop significantly as they age, while men’s earnings plateau much later and decline more slowly. In their 50s and 60s, women face a roughly 8% reduction in earnings compared to their peak, while men see less of a drop.
Despite these challenges, Harris is proving that success can come later in life. “But when I see Harris onstage, I don’t see someone ‘old,'” said Brzezinski. “I see someone fabulous. I see someone accomplished. I see someone capable of becoming America’s first woman president.”
Harris’ rise offers a beacon of hope to women who feel their career paths narrow as they age. Her candidacy is a bold statement that the best is yet to come, not just for her but for any woman who is determined to keep pushing forward.
Inspiration for Women of All Ages
For Brzezinski, who co-founded the “Know Your Value” platform to empower women in their careers, Harris’ achievements represent a significant cultural shift. Brzezinski, who is approaching 60 herself, sees Harris as an inspiration for women everywhere.
“I thought my career was going to be over at 40,” Brzezinski admitted. “And here comes the Democratic nominee, showing all of us why the best really can be ahead of us.”
Brzezinski’s platform highlights women over 50 who are breaking barriers, and Harris has long been a part of this conversation. In 2021, when Brzezinski’s “Know Your Value” initiative partnered with Forbes to create the “50 Over 50” list, Harris was featured alongside other trailblazers like Shonda Rhimes and Cathie Wood. These women prove that age is no barrier to impact and success.
A New Age of Leadership
Harris’ candidacy and her vibrant presence on the campaign trail challenge deeply ingrained societal norms. She isn’t just redefining what it means to be a 60-year-old woman—she’s setting the stage for a new generation of leadership that values experience and wisdom over youth for youth’s sake.
As the 2024 election unfolds, Harris will continue to stand as a symbol of hope for women navigating the complexities of aging in America. With her birthday celebration marking another year of breaking barriers, it’s clear that age will never define her potential—or the potential of millions of women just like her.
In a political landscape where older men continue to dominate, Harris represents a new, more inclusive vision of what leadership can look like at any age. “Women in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond deserve to be valued,” Brzezinski emphasized. “They deserve to be recognized.”
As Harris turns 60, she’s reminding us all that the future isn’t behind us—it’s right in front of us, no matter how many candles are on the birthday cake.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings