The day after the election, a young black man in my network, about half my age, greeted me with this statement: “Well, I guess the nation is not ready for a female president.” He’s someone I admire—educated, hardworking, and insightful. As I listened, I had a startling realization: why hadn’t I thought of that first? I’m an advocate for women, not to diminish men, but to advance a vision of equity where a rising tide lifts all boats.
I could rationalize my oversight:
I was distracted. That day, I had been coaching people with reactions ranging from joy to confusion, sadness, or frustration.
The stakes are high. Political transitions bring both real and perceived changes regardless of allegiances.
I needed to recalibrate. Unlike corporate hiring, where competencies and qualifications often prevail, electoral decisions are shaped by many factors beyond just experience.
This blog isn’t about rehashing the 2024 election results; rather, it’s about exploring how voting demographics reflect broader issues of representation. According to the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), “Women have registered and voted at higher rates than men in every presidential election since 1980, with the turnout gap between women and men growing slightly larger with each successive presidential election.”
My grandmother was born in 1918, and two years later, the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote. Reflecting on the CAWP article “Gender Differences in Voter Turnout,” I see the slow momentum that underscores just how long change can take. After over a century, women’s voting participation has grown, but the road to true equity—both in voting and the workplace—is still unfolding.
Gender Equity and Civic Participation
In recent years, we’ve seen intersections between gender equity and civic participation that challenge traditional notions of the “silent majority.” In my book, Men-In-The-Middle: Conversations to Gain Momentum with Gender Equity's Silent Majority, I delve into the role men play in promoting gender equity in the workplace. Despite men holding more than 75% of C-Suite roles in corporate America, they often remain silent on gender equity issues, leaving the advocacy to others.
Voter turnout data from the CAWP this year provides an interesting parallel. Women vote at higher rates than men, but men dominate government positions. It’s clear that simply voting doesn’t translate to full representation. This parallels the workplace, where women frequently drive advocacy for inclusion and equity, while many men—despite holding the majority of leadership roles—remain less vocal. When encouraged to step forward, however, men can become crucial allies in fostering change, both in the workplace and in civic spaces.
Voter Turnout: What Gender Differences Reveal
CAWP data underscores that women are generally more likely to vote than men, a trend sustained over recent election cycles. This “engagement gap” may stem from the fact that women are often more focused on issues like healthcare, family policies, and education—key topics in election discourse. But what about men? Why do fewer men vote even as they hold the majority of elected positions?
This discrepancy reflects a broader dynamic seen in workplaces: women often bear the responsibility for advocacy, initiating dialogues around inclusion. As we see in voting patterns, when men engage proactively in these areas, the potential for systemic, positive change grows. The “silent majority” can indeed find a voice and contribute to more equitable outcomes.
Breaking the Silence: Why Representation Matters
In Men-In-The-Middle, I argue that achieving gender equity requires the support of the majority—including men. Just as with civic participation, equitable representation in workplaces demands that all voices are heard. Voting, much like workplace initiatives on inclusion, relies on diverse perspectives to yield balanced, representative outcomes. When men step forward in support of inclusive policies—whether in voting or corporate contexts—they help foster environments that respect and uplift everyone.
Encouraging Active Participation Across the Board
Both in the workplace and in civic life, understanding what motivates men and women to engage is critical. Many men express a need for “permission” to participate in gender equity conversations, often feeling unsure if they’re overstepping. This hesitation mirrors the barriers some men face in civic engagement, including voting. Establishing spaces where everyone feels invited and valued—regardless of gender—is key to fostering broad participation in equity efforts. Whether we’re talking about voting or workplace inclusion, the principles of open dialogue and shared goals remain the same.
The Role of Allies in Driving Change
The influence of allies is profound. Women leaders have boosted voter turnout, and men who champion gender equity initiatives can create lasting change. When individuals act beyond their traditional roles—whether by voting or advocating for equity—they contribute to a more inclusive future. Allies in both realms highlight that gender equity isn’t solely a “women’s issue”—it’s a societal one.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my friend’s statement, “I guess the nation is not ready for a female president,” I realize there are many reasons why people vote the way they do—financial implications, social perspectives, party affiliations, and more. But perhaps this sentiment reveals deeper issues that still influence both our elections and workplaces. What does this mean for those in the middle? For the silent majority?
As thinkers like Henrik Ibsen and Margaret Thatcher have suggested, the majority isn’t always right; true progress often requires the courage of individual voices and allies. Engaging in equity—whether through voting or workplace initiatives—means taking responsibility and advocating for a more inclusive society.
In both civic and corporate spaces, embracing the “men in the middle” concept can encourage active, meaningful participation from all. By shifting from silent bystanders to vocal allies, we can build a more representative, inclusive future—one where the silent majority finds its voice and engages with purpose.