Nov. 5 indeed held great significance for the country. This 2024 U.S. presidential election was widely regarded as one of the most crucial national elections in our lifetimes. For millions, it was more than just a political contest; it symbolized a turning point for civil liberties, personal autonomy, and the well-being of marginalized communities.

Across the Nation on Election Night

Hundreds of millions gathered around their TVs that election night, eagerly awaiting the news. After President-elect Trump's victory, Americans responded in diverse ways. The Harvard Independent focused on two voices committed to safeguarding women's rights in the coming months and believing that reproductive rights were at risk following Nov. 5.

The Election Watch Party at Harvard

On campus, Harvard's Institute of Politics (IOP) organized an election watch party in Sanders Theater for the first time in the College's history. The IOP's Communications Director, Hana O'Looney '26, described the event and its remarkable impact in an interview with the Independent. "We had over 2,000 RSVPs, and more than 1,500 people showed up throughout the night. It was incredible. We received a lot of positive feedback that it got people really excited about the election and democracy in general. That was the goal of the event," O'Looney said. The number of RSVPs, representing 27.8% of the undergraduate population, showed the significant turnout. As the night progressed and the results became clearer, the crowd's energy started to wane. "I would definitely say, in full transparency, that the energy was very high at the beginning when we started at 8 p.m. but dwindled as the night went on. The IOP is a nonpartisan organization, but I think most people in that room were rooting for Kamala Harris to win. As the night went on, it became clearer that that wasn't going to happen," she added.

Concerns about Trump's Return and Abortion

In the past few months and into the middle of election day night, O'Looney drew attention to how many Americans are now worried about how Donald Trump's return to office would look. "I think what's scary about this election is that it's not just the presidency. It's also the Senate, and most likely the House and the judiciary. With all that in line, it gives him full control to implement whatever he wants," O'Looney explained. She also expressed concern about abortion's unprotected status at the national level. "I think it's scary to leave this decision up to states in terms of women's reproductive rights because we know there are many states constantly trying to take those rights away from women," she said.

Encouraging Student Involvement

Although O'Looney understands that many on campus and at the IOP may be discouraged by the election results, she explained that there are still ways for students to get involved and fight for the issues they care about. Speaking from her own experience, O'Looney has been involved in politics at the local level and was elected the Student Member of the Board of Education in Montgomery County, MD, in 2021. She emphasized that local elections can have a greater impact on our daily lives. "One thing we should focus on and gain more energy for with the IOP in the spring and moving forward is to get students more engaged in Massachusetts politics and politics back home. If big decisions like reproductive rights are going to be left to states, we have to work hard at the state level," she said. On campus, Harvard offers various opportunities for students to get involved in political organizing, such as joining advocacy groups, participating in campaign efforts, attending political forums and debates, or volunteering with student-run organizations focused on policy change and social justice.

Responses Around the Nation

David Smith, a writer for The Guardian, explained how the election's outcome has sparked a surge of fear and uncertainty for many. He wrote, "the result is a catastrophe for the world." Some women around the country have also started taking action. Jada Mevs, a 25-year-old in Washington, D.C., is encouraging women across the U.S. to follow the 4B movement started in South Korea. The 4 B’s are bisekseu, bichulsan, biyeonae, and bihon, which translate to "no sex with men," "no giving birth," "no dating men," and "no marriage with men." In an interview with The New York Times, Mevs explained, "If we can't control what they do in terms of legislation and abortion rights, we have to do something for ourselves. Starting with cutting out the male influence in our life and making sure we take the safety precautions, visiting OB-GYNs, and being well-prepared for the future." The rising popularity of the 4B Movement shows the range of responses to the upcoming shift in presidential administration. At a time when reproductive freedoms are vulnerable, this movement offers women a way to take control of their lives and choose to prioritize their own well-being.

The Road to Safeguarding Freedoms

As these movements and conversations gain momentum, they highlight the need for unity, resilience, and creative resistance in the face of political challenges. Whether through local political action, national advocacy, or personal choices to live life on their own terms, O'Looney noted that safeguarding personal freedoms requires both legislative efforts and state-level engagement. "We should continue fighting both in Congress and within individual states to protect women's right to choose," she explained.Pippa Lee '28 (pippalee@college.harvard.edu) is interested in how the political landscape will evolve after the recent election.