CLEVELAND — Ivanka Trump reached out to female voters, one of Donald Trump’s lowest polling demographics, in her speech at the Republican National Convention.
“At our family’s company, there are more female than male executives. Women are paid equally for the work that we do and, when a woman becomes a mother, she is supported not shut out,” Trump’s eldest daughter explained as she introduced her father on Thursday night.
Ivanka said that 46 percent of the total U.S. labor force is female and 40 percent of American households have female primary breadwinners, so it is important to help working women. She also told the delegates that in 2014, studies showed that the gender wage-gap was alive and well, but “gender is no longer the factor creating the greatest wage discrepancy motherhood is.”
This deals with an issue presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is certain to raise on the campaign trail, but shifts the emphasis to motherhood.
“As president, my father will change the labor laws that were put in place during a time in which women were not a significant part of the workforce and will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all,” Ivanka said, as she previewed a new policy platform previously unheard on the campaign trail.
At least 65 percent of women have had an unfavorable view of Trump throughout 2016. In contrast, Clinton often talks about gender equality on the campaign trail and polls extremely well among female voters. When not on the campaign trail or working in a senior position at the Trump Corporation, Ivanka Trump runs a website for “Women Who Work,” meant to empower working women and mothers.
“American families need relief. Policies that allow women with children to thrive should not be novelties they should be the norm. Politicians talk about wage equality, but my father has made it a practice at his company throughout his entire career,” Ivanka Trump said to applause. “He will fight for equal pay for equal work and I will fight for this too, right alongside of him.”
