It's important to underscore this overriding fact: women are not just victims of conflict-they are agents of peace and agents of change.
From her concession speech: Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it...You can be so proud that, from now on, it will be unremarkable for a woman to win primary state victories, unremarkable to have a woman in a close race to be our nominee, unremarkable to think that a woman can be the President of the United States. And that is truly remarkable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the progress made in breaking gender barriers in politics, emphasizing that it's now more commonplace to see women in prominent roles.
Hillary Clinton's quote reflects on the significant strides made toward gender equality in politics. While she acknowledges that she did not break the ultimate barrier of becoming president, she celebrates the many advances that have been made, represented by '18 million cracks' in the metaphorical glass ceiling. The idea is that these achievements will lead to a future where seeing women in leadership roles, such as becoming a nominee or president, becomes a normal expectation, rather than a groundbreaking event, indicating a shift in societal perceptions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for women's rights and representation.
More from Hillary Clinton
All quotes →The worst thing that can happen in a democracy - as well as in an individual's life - is to become cynical about the future and lose hope.
First, we parents have to back up school authority and quit making excuses for our kids when they misbehave.
The first lesson I've learned is that no matter what you do in your life, you have to figure out your own internal rhythms - I mean, what works for you doesn't necessarily work for your friend.
I feel like every day, every minute I have to make the most of.
It does not matter what country we live in, who our leaders are, or even who we are. Because we are human, we therefore have rights. And because we have rights, governments are bound to protect them.
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Whoever we are here, we might be princesses somewhere else. Or writers. Or scientists. Or presidents. Or whatever the hell we want to be that everyone else says we can't.