History-maker Kamala Harris will wield real power as vice-president

The first woman and first south Asian to hold the office will be key to securing Biden's legislative agenda in a Senate split 50-50

• Kamala Harris: how will America's next vice-president wield her power? Join the Guardian and cultural critic Margo Jefferson for a live conversation on 18 January at 4pm ET. Register here

When Kamala Harris raises her right hand and takes the oath of office on Wednesday she will realize a multitude of historic firsts - becoming America's first female, first Black and first south Asian American vice-president.

Exactly two weeks after a deadly attack on the Capitol by Donald Trump supporters, and a week after the president's second impeachment, it will be a barrier-breaking moment for millions of women across the US and the world that it is hoped will signal a distinct shift away from the chaos and racist rhetoric of the previous administration.