It couldn't have been more striking as a visual representation of female empowerment: Two women towered behind US President Joe Biden as he delivered his speech to a joint session of Congress that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House, has previously held the role during presidential speeches.
With the inclusion of Kamala Harris, the nation's first female vice president, the two people sitting behind and on either side of Biden as Americans tuned in to watch the primetime speech on TV were women this time.
"Madam Speaker. Madam Vice President," Biden said proudly, turning to the women and clapping as he began his address.
"No president has ever said those words from this podium," he added, "And it's about time."
The chamber erupted in cheers, with First Lady Jill Biden and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff joining in the ovation, despite the fact that there were only a few lawmakers present due to coronavirus guidelines.
The occasion marked a watershed moment in the country's nearly 245-year history, and female legislators reflected on the significance of the event in terms of women's progress into positions of influence in the United States.
"Like so many women, I feel pride in this moment and seeing this representation," House Democrat Barbara Lee posted on Twitter. "It's long overdue."
It was also a first of another kind: both the speaker and the vice president wore masks, which was another central plank of policies introduced in Congress starting last year to combat the spread of Covid-19.
Harris and Pelosi are the first and second in line for the presidency, respectively.
President also recognized America’s first “Second Gentleman” – V.P Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff.
It was an unprecedented moment in US history.” After Hillary Clinton’s bruising loss to Donald Trump in 2016, and Trump’s widly misogynistic term as president, to see women in power feels like a balm”, the Washington Post said in an editorial, while also nothing “What the joint address underscored is that women are inching closer to the seat of ultimate power – but they still don’t get to sit in it.
But short of sitting behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, women are all over the Biden White House. According to official accounts, of the 1,500 administration appointees by America’s 46th President 58 percent are women.
Minorities are also having a seat at the table, with 18 percent Black appointees, 15% Hispanic, 15% Asian American or Pacific Islander (including hundreds of Indian-Americans), 3% Middle Eastern or North African, 2% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 14 percent LGBTQ+ and 3% disabled.
The White House is no longer so white or male-dominated.
