Renowned actress Halle Berry sparked debate over gender equality and women’s political representation during her speech at the New York Times DealBook Summit. Berry denounced that in her home state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom has blocked the menopause bill not once, but twice—a move she called a slight against half the population. According to the actress, this attitude reflects how some leaders ignore women’s needs, particularly in middle age, and she emphasized that such behavior should not be overlooked when considering future political roles, including the presidency.
Berry issued a strong call for collective action: “I need every woman in this country to fight with me, but the truth is the fight isn’t just for us, the women; we need men too, we need all leaders, every one of you in this room. This fight needs you, it needs all of us.” With these words, the actress highlighted the urgency of uniting men and women to ensure that the rights of half the population are respected and promoted at all levels of government.
Berry’s message goes beyond criticizing Newsom’s veto; it addresses a broader issue of representation and political responsibility. She stressed that government negligence on issues directly affecting women can perpetuate inequality and exclusion from key decisions regarding health, the economy, and leadership. For Republican and conservative audiences, her criticism aligns with the idea that voters should assess leaders based on their real commitment to the population they serve, especially regarding fundamental rights.
Additionally, Berry emphasized that the fight for women’s rights requires a collective effort: individual protests or isolated complaints are not enough. Active engagement from leaders, citizens, and society as a whole is necessary to ensure that important laws, such as those addressing menopause, are implemented and respected. Her appearance at the DealBook Summit serves as a reminder that even in states considered progressive, women’s rights still face significant obstacles that demand constant vigilance and action.
Berry concluded by stressing that change will not happen on its own: “He won’t be governor forever, and with the way he has ignored women—half the population, devaluing us in middle age—he probably shouldn’t be our next president either,” underscoring the need for political accountability and leadership committed to all citizens.
