To my six-year-old daughter, I'm "Dada." Every night, even if I've already put her to bed, I quietly sneak back into her room to kiss her on the forehead. In these moments, I think about her future—a thought that once brought a smile now fills me with fear.
As parents, we shape the world our children will inherit. Our votes aren't just for us; they're for our daughters and sons. When we vote, we're guardians of their tomorrow.
I cherish seeing the world through my daughter's eyes—everything is possible and joyful. It would crush me to see her spirit shattered by a world that doesn't respect her rights or allow her to lead freely.
To my fellow fathers, let's focus on something crucial: voting to protect not just our daughters' futures, but the kind of men our sons will become. I'm not just a "Girl Dad." I'm also "Dada" to four boys under nine.
Think about your daughter’s dreams and potential. Now imagine a world where her opportunities are limited, her rights restricted. Is that the future you want for her? Of course not. But think about your sons too. Do you want them to perpetuate inequality, or be part of a generation that achieves true gender parity?
Leadership matters. Dare we elect someone who demeans women? According to Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security survey, 46% of women feel unsafe due to their gender; this rises to 53% for Black women and 59% for Hispanic women. These statistics highlight the gender inequality affecting our daughters' futures.
Globally, gender equality remains a pressing issue. According to the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2022, at the current rate of progress, it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap.
We've made strides in women's rights, but we're at a crossroads. If we don't push forward, we risk losing hard-won gains. Gender equality benefits everyone. Nations with higher equality experience stronger growth. When women thrive, families and communities flourish.
I feel responsible for cultivating my sons' understanding of masculinity and respect in a world of conflicting messages. Author Ruth Whippman explains while the right pushes a dangerous vision of fantasy manhood, some voices on the other side dismiss boys as little more than entitled predators-in-waiting.
She notes we often "masculinize" boys from infancy, viewing them as tougher and disciplining them more harshly. I nurture my boys' emotional intelligence as much as their physical strength. It’s not a zero-sum game. We fathers can and must do both.
As they grow, I teach them true masculinity means supporting and uplifting women. Real strength lies in championing equality and fighting injustice. When I vote, I think about the men I want my sons to become: men who stand beside strong women and challenge sexism.
This election isn't just about parties or candidates; it's about building a future where my sons can say they championed equal opportunities for all, including their sister.
When I check on my children at night, I'm recommitting to a promise—to ensure they grow up in a world that values them and gives them every opportunity to thrive. This promise extends into the voting booth.
It’s why, although I grew up as a Republican and was one for most of my adult life, I will not pull the lever for the Republican in this presidential race.
And it’s why I'm pleading with you—think of your children when you vote. Let's vote for leaders who open doors for our daughters and celebrate boys who see girls as peers.
To my daughter and four sons: I hear you. I see you. I will fight for you. And I will vote for you.
Winston Bao Lord is the Founder of LORD Advisory and a Senior Advisor at APCO’s International Advisory Council. Previously, he was the Chief Evangelist at OpenTable, leading the conversation in the tech and restaurant spaces with products that anticipate the ever-evolving needs of both restaurants and diners.
