Dealing with Political Anxiety as a Woman
Dealing with Political Anxiety as a Woman
By Kim Dickson
As a British-American dual citizen, the recent American election has left me grappling with a wave of anxiety that I’m still working to understand and navigate.
No matter where you stand politically, there is one truth we all must acknowledge: women are often at the centre of political battles. And while we may disagree on many things, we all deserve safety, equality, and respect.
I am fortunate enough to live in a society that still values my voice, yet that doesn’t mean I don’t feel the weight of political anxiety - both for me and the women who live in places where their rights are non-existent or under siege.
There are countless reasons you might be feeling a little like me right now a complex mix of fear, hope, confusion, and even hopelessness. It can be overwhelming and angering to feel lost in a sea of political confusion. It can be reassuring to simply have those feelings acknowledged, knowing that you are not alone in your anxiety and worry, a reminder that these feelings are a shared experience for many of us.
This article is here to do just that - to make you feel seen and acknowledged. It’s my attempt to put pen to paper and capture, for posterity, the political landscape unfolding right before our eyes. Trump’s victory in the American election sent a loud and unsettling message: there are no real repercussions for men who violate or demean women systematically. This was a man accused of sexual misconduct by various women, who’s infamous ‘grab them by the p***y’ comment illustrated his blatant disregard for women’s dignity. While this might seem distant for us in the UK, the effects of such attitudes cross borders, reflecting larger, global patterns of misogyny and power imbalances.
Closer to home, we see the tensions playing out a little differently. For example, the prevalent backlash against the #MeToo movement, where women brave enough to call out abuse were met with scepticism and hostility. Or consider the rise in violence against women, blatantly highlighted by the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa – cases that terribly exposed systematic failures in protecting women from harm.
Meanwhile, the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the U.S. sent waves across the world, with many women in the UK reflecting on how fragile reproductive rights can be, even in seemingly progressive nations. Despite abortion being legal in Britain, North Ireland only gained access to abortion services in 2020, and even now, women still face significant barriers and stigma. The rollback of rights in the U.S. is a glaring reminder of how quickly hard-fought freedoms can be taken away, leaving many women wondering what could happen if similar tides turned here.
This global context leaves British women facing a number of uncomfortable questions: Are our rights truly secure? What happens when powerful men, in politics, decode our autonomy is up for negotiation? These fears aren’t just political – they are deeply personal and underscoring how vulnerable process can be when misogyny is normalised and excused. These dynamics aren’t restricted to just politics. In corporate spaces, individuals like Mark Zuckerberg have fuelled similar narratives, recently claiming that corporate culture was becoming ‘too feminine’. Comments like this move to devalue femininity but also project women’s influence as a threat, aligning disturbingly well with the anti-women rhetoric we see in political arenas.
Political climates often amplify societal issues, including the alarming rise in violence against women. In the UK, cases like Sarah Everard’s murder revealed systemic failures in addressing women’s safety, while globally, the rescinding of Roe v. Wade signalled a chilling rollback of women’s rights. Such decisions embolden those who devalue women’s autonomy, fueling a culture of control and violence. Social media exacerbates the issue, with online harassment spilling into real life. It can be anxiety-inducing and overwhelming when every time you check your phone, you're reminded of these harsh realities.
It should also be considered that sometimes it is women who perpetuate harmful rhetoric or policies. As women, we are not only passive recipients of political strife. Women who stand outside abortion clinics or spread anti-women ideologies can contribute to division and anxiety. Societal conditioning can lead some women to support harmful policies that harm other women, without even fully realising the implications.
I know that for the majority of this article, I’ve discussed the scary political landscape when it comes to women. However, I would be doing a disservice if I failed to acknowledge the groundbreaking work of fearless women who fight for the world to be a kinder place for women. Women like Caroline Criado Perez fight tirelessly to ensure that women's contributions and capabilities are recognised as equal to those of men, challenging outdated norms and pushing for meaningful change in society. Movements like Reclaim These Streets which was born from the aftermath of the death of Sarah Everard brought thousands of women together to advocate for safer streets and systemic changes to how violence against women is handled. As well as the Fawcett Society which has been instrumental in pushing for greater gender parity in political representation. Female leaders within the organisation work tirelessly to increase the number of women MPs and councillors while advocating for equal pay and rights.
For every setback, women are rising to meet the challenge - whether it’s electing women leaders or rallying behind reproductive rights.
One of our greatest strengths as women in times of uncertainty and anxiety is being there for one another. There are so many things I could suggest for you reading this to do when it comes to political anxiety, but I’ll share just a couple of things that have helped me feel more confident and less overwhelmed.
Firstly, learning will become your best friend, educate yourself about the systemic issues not just affecting women in the West but also those in other parts of the world. Empathy is one of the most valuable tools we have. Whether it’s picking up a new book, watching a thought-provoking documentary, or listening to a podcast on your way to work or uni, knowledge helps to ease the confusion by turning it into understanding. Education empowers informed advocacy.
Secondly, support women-led campaigns. That might mean joining protests, signing petitions, volunteering your time, or donating if you’re able. Financial support is crucial to keep these organizations running, but so is showing up in any way you can.
It’s easy to feel anxious and exhausted by the constant stream of political noise, but I want you to remember you are not alone. Learning and supporting others can be a way to feel more sure. The political landscape might feel uncertain, but change has always been confusing, by being willing to show up, even in the smallest ways we’ll be alright.
Books Recs:
On Intersectionality: The Essential Writings of Kimberlé Crenshaw by Kimberlé Crenshaw
Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Carlonie Criado Pérez
Breaking Free: The Lie of Equality and the Feminist Fight for Freedom by Marcie Bianco
Podcast Recs:
The Guilty Rec
Intersectionality Matters
The History Chicks
© We Do Not Own Cover Photos