Well, folks, here we are again - another election cycle with the same old story. Men are battling it out to lead our country while women candidates continue to face an uphill climb in the testosterone-fueled arena of politics. As a woman blogging about these issues for years, I have some thoughts to share from the female perspective.

Right off the bat, let me start by saying politics is an emotional rollercoaster ride for us ladies. The high highs of victory and the low lows of defeat hit differently when you've already faced immense scrutiny from the media and public about likeability, qualifications, hair, makeup, and wardrobe choices. We carry the unique burden of representing womanhood in all its multidimensional glory while simultaneously having to prove repeatedly that we can hang with the boys. Exhausting doesn't even begin to describe it!

Over the years, I've watched many brilliant and passionate female candidates crash against the walls of the boys' club only to pick themselves back up, put an ice pack on those bruises, and keep fighting. That kind of resilience deserves mad respect. I should know - years ago, I ran for student council head against a classic popular jock type. The undisguised giggles that broke out when I gave my earnest campaign speech showed me precisely what an uphill battle it would be. Girl power poster or not, the school was not ready for Estrogen in the Oval Office (well, gymnasium office, but you get the idea).

The plain truth is politics remains dominated by men, especially at the highest echelons of power. This leads to an environment saturated with masculine communication norms - aggression, puffed-up bravado, sweaty temper tantrums (looking at you, Rudy), and dismissiveness towards any sign of vulnerability or emotion. All of which are anathema to how most women communicate and lead. Is it any wonder the tense atmosphere leaves some female newcomers feeling like imposters struggling to measure up?

Navigating this disconnect between feminine and masculine modalities creates a stealthy but straining psychological load for women in politics. We either contort ourselves to fit prevailing norms or get accused of being shrill, unprepared, or weak (feel free to add your favorite misogynistic adjective here). It's death by a thousand cuts trying to thread this needle day after grueling day.

The most inspiring moments happen when women stop trying to beat the boys at their own game and instead embrace the unique strengths of the feminine perspective: the collaborative approach, conflict resolution skills, compassion, and ability to build consensus. These qualities are sorely needed in the divisive, real-life Hunger Games atmosphere of DC.

Imagine how different policy debates could be if more women were shaping them. Paid family leave, affordable childcare, equitable healthcare, criminal justice reform, and access to reproductive services have all benefited from the passionate engagement of female lawmakers and leaders. Their voices and choices matter tremendously, especially for marginalized communities.

This truth was reinforced for me recently while chatting with a 19-year-old college student active in politics. She casually referenced several prominent female senators and representatives working on issues directly affecting young women - student debt, racial justice, and climate change. I was struck by how she equally cited women like AOC and Kamala Harris alongside their male counterparts, recognizing all as authentic political thought leaders of our times.

Contrast this to my early years slogging through pol science classes, where we only studied female politicians, activists, or philosophers if they were tokenized exceptions to the rule. It dawned on me - the next generation of women are growing up with far more visible role models to inspire their beginnings in politics.

This slow shift hints at a sea change underway. While parity is still a long way off, we are gradually moving towards politics that includes women as a matter of course rather than as a pesky exception or temporary trend.

2024 promises to build on these seeds of progress. Democratic presidential hopeful Stacey Abrams' campaign is already modeling an inclusive approach shaped by her identity as an African American woman. On the GOP side, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley reminds us Republican women also have a vision to share.

Regardless of the outcome, this election cycle joins a more significant historical arc moving toward gender equity in politics. And not a moment too soon, given the significant complex challenges ahead that will require contributions from all humans - female, male, or otherwise.

Many dents have already been made in that highest, most intricate glass ceiling. It's time and grit before we smash through for good. Here's to the pioneer generation of women who continue to take blows on the frontline as they fight to shape policy and cultural norms needed for an equitable and just society, where our daughters and sons can share political power without limitations or backlash just for being born female or male.

Sisters, the fight is long, but we are moving forward together. So, head up, shoulders back, rallying cry at the ready. We've got this! Let's return to the good fight and make some profound changes!